Refinement in the European Union: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Refining experiments and housing conditions so as to cause the minimum possible pain and distress is one of the three principles (3Rs) on which Directive 2010/63/EU is based. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify and summarize published advances in the refinement protocols made by European Union-based research groups from 2011 to 2021, and to determine whether or not said research was supported by European or national grants. We included 48 articles, the majority of which were related to improvements in experimental procedures (37/77.1%) for mice (26/54.2%) and were written by research groups belonging to universities (36/57.1%) and from the United Kingdom (21/33.9%). More than two thirds (35/72.9%) of the studies received financial support, 26 (mostly British) at a national level and 8 at a European level. Our results indicated a clear willingness among the scientific community to improve the welfare of laboratory animals, as although funding was not always available or was not specifically granted for this purpose, studies were published nonetheless. However, in addition to institutional support based on legislation, more financial support is needed. We believe that more progress would have been made in refinement during these years if there had been more specific financial support available at both the national and European Union levels since our data suggest that countries investing in refinement have the greatest productivity in successfully publishing refinements.

New insights on neurodegeneration triggered by iron accumulation: Intersections with neutral lipid metabolism, ferroptosis, and motor impairment

“…To determine the behavioral phenotype of Fe-treated mice, we evaluated different activities associated with motor skills. Throughout the in vivo experiments, animal health was monitored daily by a veterinarian and animal welfare was assessed in accordance with current refinement standards [ 42 ]. As shown in Fig.…”

Perceptions of 3R implementation in European animal research: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis of barriers and facilitators

“…This impacts the prioritization of replacement by putting more emphasis on reduction and especially refinement methodologies, reversing the original order in Russell and Burch ([ 12 ] coined the term “upturned hierarchy” of the 3Rs). Thus, for many scientists, implementing the 3Rs actually implies the recognition of full refinement as a higher priority and a more readily achievable goal than replacement [ 11 , 12 , 33 ]. This matter was especially visible in our qualitative results, where only the practical issues in relation to refinement were reported in the included publications, with no mention of reduction or replacement.…”

“…Our meta-analysis was not able to show whether or not a dedicated budget is perceived as beneficial for 3R implementation (Q6), but few scientists (9%) seem to believe that 3R implementation will increase their research costs (Q21). This matter was also not evident from our meta-synthesis, but it can still be argued that adequate financial support is likely to act as a crucial factor stimulating the development and implementation of new alternatives to animal experiments and 3R methods [ 33 , 34 ]. The prevailing grant strategy tends to view these alternatives as merely complementary rather than central to research programs.…”

Individualized Housing Modifies the Immune–Endocrine System in CD1 Adult Male Mice

“…Indeed, perceived animal stress/pain has been found to negatively affect their professional quality of life [ 2 ]. In the last few years, different research groups have made considerable efforts to improve the care and use of animals in research, regardless of receiving specific funding for that purpose [ 3 ]. In the near future, this new scientific knowledge will provide new evidence to improve the welfare and housing conditions of animals used in scientific procedures.…”