Zebrafish (Danio rerio) meets bioethics: the 10Rs ethical principles in research

Abstract

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a tropical fish species widely used in research, worldwide. The development of genetically modified animals and the increasing number of zebrafish breeding facilities due to their emerging use in several research fields, opened room for new ethical challenges for research carried out with this species. It is necessary to raise the scientific community’s awareness of the ethical standards and laws in force, on animal research. Thus, the aim of the current study is to describe 10 Rs ethical principles by using zebrafish as model system in research. The classical 3 Rs concerning animal welfare, namely replacement, reduction and refinement; and the added 7 Rs related to scientific (registration, reporting, robustness, reproducibility and relevance) and conduct principles (responsibility, and respect) in zebrafish research are herein presented and critically discussed. The use of these 10 Rs by researchers, institutions and the Animal Ethics Committee is recommended to support regulations, decision-making about and the promotion of zebrafish health and welfare in research.

Good practices in the rearing and maintenance of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Brazilian laboratories

“…In this context, the requirements for developing studies with zebrafish are the same for experiments with mammals, for example, rodents. That is, they must follow the prerogative that all personnel involved in the care and use of animals must have qualifications and training based on the principles of laboratory animal care to subsidize animal welfare and, consequently, the quality of research (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23) .…”

“…In addition, several reviews and books have addressed methods for rearing zebrafish in the laboratory (14)(15)(16) . Recently Canedo et al (17) presented a paper describing the principle of the 10 Rs and the importance of its implementation in zebrafish research. However, the single health approach (animal, human, and environmental), together with a standardization of creation, management, and experimental procedures in zebrafish in Brazil, considering ethical and legal principles, is still limited.…”

Boas práticas na criação e manutenção de zebrafish (Danio rerio) em laboratório no Brasil

“…Neste contexto, as exigências para o desenvolvimento de estudos com zebrafish são as mesmas empregadas para experimentos com mamíferos, por exemplo, roedores. Ou seja, devem seguir a prerrogativa de que todo o pessoal envolvido no cuidado e uso de animais deve possuir qualificação e treinamento baseados nos princípios do cuidado de animais de laboratório de forma a subsidiar o bem-estar animal e, consequentemente, a qualidade da pesquisa (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23) .…”

“…Diversas revisões e livros têm abordado os métodos para a criação de zebrafish em laboratório (14)(15)(16) . Recentemente Canedo et al (17) apresentaram um trabalho descrevendo o princípio dos 10 Rs e a importância da sua implementação na pesquisa com zebrafish. No entanto, a abordagem de saúde única (animal, humana e ambiental), junto de uma padronização de criação, manejo e procedimentos experimentais em zebrafish no Brasil considerando os princípios éticos e legais ainda é limitada.…”

Evaluation of toxicity and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson-like induced by rotenone in zebrafish animal model

“…Additionally, with the aim of helping scientists to improve the well-being and health of zebra sh used in research, as well as the integrity and relevance of experiments, more 7 Rs were added to the classic bioethical principles, ve of which are scienti c-registration, reporting, robustness, reproducibility and, relevance -and two principles of conduct -responsibility and respect (Canedo et al 2022).…”