Abstract of talk

The intestinal microbiome is a key contributor in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Xenobiotics used on a day-to-day basis include drugs, food additives, pesticides, herbicides, and several other environmental and food contaminants. The commensal microbiome, as well as intestinal mucosa itself could be impacted by these xenobiotics. An in-depth understanding of the experimental model, dose, route, frequency of exposure is required when evaluating the safety of xenobiotics that humans are exposed to on a daily basis. Interactions of these products with the gastrointestinal tract might have an adverse effect on the commensal microbiota, impact antimicrobial resistance and alter the host xenobiotics metabolism, immune responses and intestinal permeability. The aim of my research group is to determine risk assessment criteria for gastrointestinal toxicity. 
My presentation will discuss current approaches, challenges, and opportunities to establish science-based minimum standards for conducting hazard analyses of such products using animal models, as well as in vitro and ex vivo models. Furthermore, developmental effects (from gestational stages to adult stage) during exposure to xenobiotics will also be discussed. This presentation will provide an example of interaction one such xenobiotic with a host using innovative methods of risk assessment that could lead to discovery of biomarkers, improved food safety and personalised treatment. Moreover, this comprehensive research provides understanding into the mechanistic interaction of xenobiotics-host-microbiome to determine end points to be included in the decision tree for the risk assessment of such products. The outcome of this research will lead to a knowledge-based evaluation of potential toxic or beneficial effects to help regulatory agencies form recommendations and regulatory policy.