Calcium(2+) 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Dose responsive localized dermal effects at the test site (dorsal surface), consisting of scabbed post dose findings and elevated dermal scores. These findings were most pronounced at 1000 mg/kg bw/day and were seen most frequently at this dose level. The findings at 300 mg/kg bw/day were at a lower incidence and with lower dermal scores. Dermal scores and findings at 100 mg/kg bw/day were comparable to the controls.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Repeated dose toxicity: via oral route - systemic effects

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

chronic toxicity: oral

Type of information:

migrated information: read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: GLP-status not known, guideline not known, published in a regulatory document. Only a summary of the study is available, limitations in design and/or reporting but otherwise adequate for assessment.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

- Method: Magnesium stearate was added to rat semi-synthetic diets in replacement of carbohydrates for 12 weeks and weight gain and necroscopic observations were recorded.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Wistar

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

- Age at test initiation: 6 weeks

Route of administration:

oral: feed

Vehicle:

not specified

Details on oral exposure:

- Administration: For three months, magnesium stearate was administered via the diet at 0, 5, 10 and 20 % in substitution of the carbohydrates.

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

not specified

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

No data reported

Duration of treatment / exposure:

- Exposure period: 3 months (12 weeks)

Frequency of treatment:

No data reported

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
~2500 mg/kg-bw/day
Basis:
nominal in diet

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
~5000 mg/kg-bw/day
Basis:
nominal in diet

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
~10000 mg/kg-bw/day
Basis:
nominal in diet

No. of animals per sex per dose:

- Number of animals: 20 /sex/dose

Control animals:

yes

Details on study design:

- Diet: Rats were fed a semi-synthetic diet in which casein was replaced with sodium caseinate. The 0, 5, 10 and 20 % magnesium stearate diets contained 67.3, 62.3, 57.3 and 47.8% carbohydrates respectively. Acidified water (pH 3.5) were available ad libitum.

Positive control:

No data reported

Observations and examinations performed and frequency:

- Observations: Body weights were measured weekly. Blood samples of 8 male and 8 females were taken at test initiation, 8 weeks and test termination and clinical and hematological chemistry was recorded.
- Hematological observations: Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red cell count, total white cell count, reticulocyte count, differential white cell count
- Clinical chemistry observations: Glucose, urea, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase

Sacrifice and pathology:

- Observations: At test termination, organ weights were recorded and microscopic examination was undertaken of the organs and tissues of the highest treatment and control.
- Organ weight measurements: Thymus, liver, kidneys, adrenals, testes/ovaries, heart, lungs, brain and pituitary
- Tissue samples for light microscopy: urinary bladder, stomach, duodenum, pancrease, jejunum, cecum, colon, thyroid, parathyroid, triceps, brachial muscle, ischiadic nerve, axillar lymph node, uterus, sternum, eye, Harderian gland, skin and submandibular gland

Other examinations:

No data reported

Statistics:

No data reported

Clinical signs:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Mortality was observed in 4 high-dose males due to stone formation in the lower urinary pathways.

Mortality:

mortality observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence):

Mortality was observed in 4 high-dose males due to stone formation in the lower urinary pathways.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

All high-dose males showed decreases in body weight gain.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

not specified

Food efficiency:

not specified

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not specified

Ophthalmological findings:

not specified

Haematological findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

High-dose males showed statistically significant reductions in packed cell volume.

Clinical biochemistry findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

High dose males showed a decrease in liver glycogen and high-dose males and females showed increases in iron in the liver.

Urinalysis findings:

not specified

Behaviour (functional findings):

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

All high-dose males showed increases in quietness, incontinence and unsteady movements.

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Statistically significant differences were observed at all dose levels in male relative liver weights and female relative kidney weights.

Gross pathological findings:

not specified

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

no effects observed

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

no effects observed

Details on results:

- Necroscopy: Changes were observed in the renal pelvis and lower urinary pathways during the autopsy at test termination of 5 surviving animals (4 males and 1 female) from the 20% treatment due to stone formation. Nephrocalcinosis was observed in 12/20 control males and all control females (with it considered to be severe in 18 females). In the 20% treatment group, 19/20 females showed slight to moderate nephrocalcinosis and 7/20 males were affected only slightly.
- Hematology: 20% treatment males showed statistically significant reductions were observed in packed cell volumes
- Organs: When compared to the controls, significant changes (p<0.05) in liver weight were observed in males at 5, 10 and 20% treatments and 20% treatment females. Significant changes in kidney weight were observed in males at the 10% treatment and in females at the 5, 10 and 20% treatment groups. Various amounts of iron deposition was observed in the kidneys and livers, though the males and females in the 20% group both showed increased iron deposition. The 20% treatment males showed a marked decrease in liver glyocgen but no differences were observed in the females. No effects were reported for reproductive organ weights or histology for treated males or females.
- Clinical signs: After 8 weeks, body weight gains were significantly lower in the 20% treatment males than in the controls. The highest treatment males also showed slow and unsteady movement with quiet behaviour and one male was incontinent. The surviving males showed receding symptoms in the last 4 weeks. No clinical effects were observed in any females in any groups.
- Mortality: Within the first 2 months, 4 males in the 20% treatment group died, with their deaths considered to be related to the stone formation observed in the lower urinary pathways of all 4 animals
- Comparison with controls: Nephrocalcinosis has been observed to be common in animals fed semi-synthetic diets and the reduction in nephrocalcinosis of high-dose animals compared to the control may be a result of increased magnesium in the diet. Diets with increased magnesium content have also previously been shown to be associated with greater incidence of stone formation in the lower part of the urinary track.

Dose descriptor:

LOAEL

Effect level:

ca. 10 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: According to US EPA (2011). Based on mortality and haematological effects in males and possible signs of liver toxicity in males and females. Corresponding to 20% magnesium stearate in the diet.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

ca. 5 000 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: According to US EPA (2011). Corresponding to 10% magnesium stearate in the diet.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Effect level:

2 500 mg/kg diet

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: According to API (2008). Based on liver weight. Corresponding to 5% magnesium stearate in the diet.

Critical effects observed:

not specified

Conclusions:

A 3 month study of approximately 2500, 5000 and 10000 mg/kg-bw/day magnesium stearate administered via the diet to Wistar rats (20/sex/dose) led to a LOAEL of ~10,000 mg/kg-bw/day based on mortality and hematological effects in males and possible signs of liver toxicity in males and females and a NOAEL of ~5000 mg/kg-bw/day.

Executive summary:

A 3 month study repeated dose oral toxicity used approximately 2500, 5000 and 10000 mg/kg-bw/day magnesium stearate administered via the diet to Wistar rats (20/sex/dose). According to the US EPA (2011), this led to a LOAEL of ~10,000 mg/kg-bw/day, corresponding to 20% magnesium stearate in the diet, based on mortality and hematological effects in males and possible signs of liver toxicity in males and females and a NOAEL of ~5000 mg/kg-bw/day, corresponding to 10% magnesium stearate in the diet. According to the API (2008), the NOEAL was 2500 mg/kg body weight, corresponding to 5% magnsium stearate in the diet based on liver weight. Only a summary of the study is available, with no information on the test methods used. However, this information is taken from regulatory documents (US EPA 2011, API 2008) and can be considered adequate for use for this endpoint.

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

2 500 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subchronic

Species:

rat

Quality of whole database:

GLP-status not known, guideline not known, published in a regulatory document. Only a summary of the study is available, limitations in design and/or reporting but otherwise adequate for assessment.

Repeated dose toxicity: inhalation - systemic effects

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Repeated dose toxicity: inhalation - local effects

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Repeated dose toxicity: dermal - systemic effects

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

short-term repeated dose toxicity: dermal

Type of information:

migrated information: read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

2010-2011

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: According to or similar to guideline study OECD 422; GLP

Reason / purpose for cross-reference:

reference to same study

Qualifier:

equivalent or similar to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)

GLP compliance:

yes

Limit test:

no

Species:

rat

Strain:

Sprague-Dawley

Sex:

male/female

Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:

TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Laboratories
- Age at study initiation: approx. 8 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: Males - 266-311g; Females (nulliparous and nonpregnant) - 191-222g
- Housing: Individually housed in suspended, stainless steel, wire-mesh type cages, except during pairing, near parturition and during lactation. P females moved to plastic caging with wood chip bedding from GD20 - LD 4. Animal enrichment per SOP-ACU-89
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): Lab Diet Certified Rodent Diet #5002, PMI Nutrition International, Inc., ad libitum.
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 1 week

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°F): 64-79
- Humidity (%): 30-70
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 h /12 h

IN-LIFE DATES: From: 30 November 2010 To: 1 Febraury 2011

Type of coverage:

semiocclusive

Vehicle:

water

Details on exposure:

TEST SITE
- Area of exposure: dorsal surface; equivalent to approx. 10% of the total body surface area
- Type of wrap if used: gauze dressing and non-absorbent cotton covered with self-adhesive take and athletic tape.
- Time intervals for shavings or clipplings: As required

REMOVAL OF TEST SUBSTANCE
- Washing (if done): Wypall wet with distilled water.
- Time after start of exposure: 6 h

TEST MATERIAL
- Amount(s) applied (volume or weight with unit): 2.5 mL/kg
- Concentration (if solution): equivalent to 0; 100; 300; 1000 mg/kg/day (nominal)
- Constant volume or concentration used: yes


VEHICLE
- Distilled deionised tap water
- Concentration (if solution): N/A
- Lot/batch no. (if required): not available
- Purity: not available

USE OF RESTRAINERS FOR PREVENTING INGESTION: no

Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

yes

Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:

The concentrations of Fatty acids C18-(unsaturated) lithium salts in 52 dosing formulation samples was established by determining lithium content by Inductively Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Samples were processed by microwave aided acid digestion (DIN 51460-2) before submitting to ICP-OES (EN ISO 11885).

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Males dosed for at least 43 days, beginning 14 days prior to mating (Groups 1-4).
Dosing of the females will begin 14 days prior to mating and continue through mating, up to and including GD 19 (Groups 1-4). Another set of animals (Groups 5 and 6) will be dosed for a total of 43 days and will then begin a 14-day (non-treated) recovery period.

Frequency of treatment:

Daily, once per day for 6 hours.

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
0; 100; 300; 1000 mg/kg bw
Basis:
nominal per unit body weight

Remarks:

Doses / Concentrations:
0; 111.25; 345; 1089.75 mg/kg bw
Basis:
analytical per unit body weight

No. of animals per sex per dose:

Terminal Groups (Groups 1 to 4): 10 animals per sex per dose
Recovery Groups (Groups 5 and 6): 5 animals per sex per dose

Control animals:

yes, concurrent vehicle

Details on study design:

- Dose selection rationale: The dose levels were selected by the Sponsor on the basis of available data from a previous dose ranging study (MPI Study No. 1883-001). Animals were dosed dermally once a day at 0, 525, 1050 and 2100 mg/kg/day (water based Fatty acids C18-(unsaturated) lithium salts) and for two weeks at 2106 mg/kg/day with oil-based Fatty acids C18-(unsaturated) lithium salts. The results of this study identified significant dose responsive dermal effects, based on maximized erythema and eschar scores at dose levels =1050 mg/kg/day Fatty acids C18-(unsaturated) lithium salts. A slight decrease in mean body weight was noted in males during the last week of dosing, however, not other adverse body weight or food consumption effects were observed at the dose levels tested. A nominal high-dose level of 1000 mg/kg/day (at a slightly lower concentration based on dose volume) was selected for the defintive study to insure some morbidity. The nominal low dose level (100 mg/kg/day) was selected with 10-fold decrease to insure a no effect level, and a nominal mid-dose level of 300 mg/kg/day was selected to be about 3 times higher than the low-dose level and about 3 times lower than the high-dose level.
- Rationale for animal assignment (if not random): All animals placed on study will have body weights that fall within 20% of the mean bodyweight for each sex. Animals considered suitable for study will be weighed prior to treatment. After the appropriate number of animals with the highest and lowest body weights has been excluded, the remaining required number of animals on study will be randomized, by sex, into treatment groups using a standard, by weight, measured value randomization procedure.

- Rationale for selecting satellite groups: As above.

- Post-exposure recovery period in satellite groups: 14-day non treatment period.

- Section schedule rationale (if not random): Randomized.

Positive control:

Not included

Observations and examinations performed and frequency:

CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: At least twice a day, 7 days a week, for morbidity, mortality, injury, and availability of food and water.
- Cage side observations recorded are not reported but are maintained in the study file.

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Daily during the study (after wrap removal on dosing days).

DERMAL IRRITATION (if dermal study): Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Prior to first dose and daily during the study (after wrap removal on dosing days).

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Weekly during the study. Mated females weighed on GD 0, 7, 14 and 20 and on LD 0 and 4 and at termination.

FOOD CONSUMPTION:
- Food consumption for each animal determined and mean daily diet consumption calculated as g food/kg body weight/day: Yes

FOOD EFFICIENCY:
- Body weight gain in kg/food consumption in kg per unit time X 100 calculated as time-weighted averages from the consumption and body weight gain data: No

WATER CONSUMPTION: No

OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: No

HAEMATOLOGY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: at termination / at recovery
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: Yes (CO2)
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: 5 per sex per group (P animals) in Groups 1-4 at Termination (same animals designated for behavioral testing). 5 per sex per group in Groups 5 and 6 at Recovery
- Parameters checked:
¿ leukocyte count (total and absolute differential)
¿ erythrocyte count
¿ hemoglobin
¿ hematocrit
¿ mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (calculated)
¿ absolute reticulocytes
¿ platelet count
¿ blood cell morphology

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: at termination / at recovery
- Animals fasted: No
- How many animals: 5 per sex per group (P animals) in Groups 1-4 at Termination (same animals designated for behavioral testing). 5 per sex per group in Groups 5 and 6 at Recovery
- Parameters checked:
¿ alkaline phosphatase
¿ total bilirubin (with direct bilirubin if total bilirubin exceeds 1 mg/dL)
¿ aspartate aminotransferase
¿ alanine aminotransferase
¿ gamma glutamyl transferase
¿ sorbitol dehydrogenase
¿ urea nitrogen
¿ creatinine
¿ total protein
¿ albumin
¿ globulin and A/G (albumin/globulin) ratio (calculated)
¿ glucose
¿ total cholesterol
¿ triglycerides
¿ electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride)
¿ calcium
¿ phosphorus

URINALYSIS: No

NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Once pretest, weekly and on GD 0, 7 and 20 (after wrap removal on doing days).
- Dose groups that were examined: all animals in all dose groups
- Observations included, but were not limited to, changes in the skin, fur, eyes, and mucous membranes, occurrence of secretions and excretions, and autonomic activity (i.e., lacrimation, piloerection, pupil size, and unusual respiratory pattern). Changes in gait, posture and reactivity to handling, as well as the presence of clonic or tonic movements, sterotypics (i.e., excessive grooming, repetitive circling), difficult or prolonged parturition or bizarre behavior (i.e., self-mutilation, walking backwards) were also recorded.

FUNCTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL BATTERY OBSERVATIONS
- Time schedule for examinations: During last week of treatment for the males amd on LD3 in females (only lactating females evaluated).
- Dose groups that were examined: dose groups 1-4 only, 5 per dose group per sex.
- Battery of functions tested: (1) autonomic function (Ranking of the degree of lacrimation and salivation, with a range of severity scores from none to severe. Presence or absence of piloerection and exophthalmus. Measurement of urination and defecation including polyuria and diarrhea. Pupillary function as indicated by constriction of the pupil in response to light.); (2) Description, incidence and severity of convulsions, tremors, or degree of palpebral closure, e.g., ptosis, abnormal motor movements, both in the home cage and the open field; (3) Ranking of the subject's reactivity to general stimuli such as removal from the cage or handling, with a range of severity from no reaction to hyperactivity; (4) Ranking of the subject's arousal level during observations of the unperturbed subject in the open field, with a range of severity scores from coma to hyperalertness; (5) Descriptions and incidence of posture abnormalities observed in the home cage and incidence of gait abnormalities observed in the open field; (6) Ranking of any gait abnormalities, with a range of severity scores from none to severe; (7) Forelimb and hindlimb grip strength measured using the procedure described by Meyer; (8) Quantitative measure of landing foot (hindfoot) splay as described by Edwards and Parker; (9) Sensorimotor responses to stimuli of different modalities will be used to detect gross sensory deficits. Pain perception will be assessed by ranking the reaction to a tail pinch and measuring the latency to a nociceptive (thermal) response when the subject is placed on a heated (52+/- 1 degree C) surface, as described by Ankier. The response to a mechanically produced "click" will be ranked to assess audition and reactivity; (10) Body weight; (11) Description and incidence of any unusual or abnormal behaviors, excessive or repetitive actions (stereotypies), emaciation, dehydration, hypotonia or hypertonia, altered fur appearance, red or crusty deposits around the eyes, nose, or mouth, and any other observations that may facilitate interpretation of the data; (12) Other measures to be recorded are count of rearing activity in the open field, ranking of air righting, body temperature measured rectally, spontaneous or excessive vocalizations, alterations in rate and ease of respiration (e.g. rales or dyspnea), and sensorimotor responses to visual (approaching blunt object) and proprioceptive (touch on rump with blunt object) stimuli.

MEASUREMENT OF ACTIVITY AND EMOTIONALITY
Time schedule for examinations: During last week of treatment for the males amd on LD3 in females (only lactating females evaluated).
- Dose groups that were examined: all dose groups, 5 per dose group per sex.
- The following activity was recorded:
¿ Horizontal and vertical activity counts
¿ Total horizontal distance traveled
¿ Number of runs in a clockwise pattern
¿ Number of runs in a counterclockwise pattern
¿ Rest time
¿ Time spent in nonambulatory movements such as grooming
¿ Time spent in whole-body ambulatory movements
¿ Number of separate nonambulatory movements conducted
¿ Number of separate horizontal movements conducted
¿ Time spent in all parts of the cage (divided into 9 equal squares)
Measures of emotionality recorded for the first 5 minutes only. The following indices of emotionality, as described by Hall and Spyker, were recorded:
¿ Defecation
¿ Urination
¿ Rearing
¿ Grooming
¿ Backing

Sacrifice and pathology:

GROSS PATHOLOGY: Yes (see Table 1)
HISTOPATHOLOGY: Yes (see Table 1)

Statistics:

The raw data were tabulated within each time interval, and the mean and standard deviation were calculated for each endpoint by sex and group. For each endpoint, treatment groups were compared to the control group using: Group pair-wise comparisons; Cochran Manzel Haenszel test; log transformation / group pair-wise comparisons; Fisher's exact test; Arcsin-square root transformation, and; Covariate analysis, as presented in Table 2.

Clinical signs:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day: localized scabbed area on dorsal surface and scabbed area in the thoracic region (related to test site) during dosing period. Recovery animals indicated trend towards recovery after cessation of dosing.

Dermal irritation:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

minimal to moderate erosion / ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia and exudate; minimal to mild acute to subacute / chronic inflammation, and; minimal edema in 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day dose groups.

Mortality:

mortality observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence):

300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day: localized scabbed area on dorsal surface and scabbed area in the thoracic region (related to test site) during dosing period. Recovery animals indicated trend towards recovery after cessation of dosing.

Body weight and weight changes:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Trend to decreasing mean bw in males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day - not statistically significant, secondary to dermal effects. Mean bw change was statistically decreased in treated males at 1000 mg/kg bw/day during the premating interval from Weeks 1 to 3.

Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

mean food consumption did not show any statistically significant changes for the treated (including recovery group) male and female animals during the dosing period, compared to controls.

Food efficiency:

not examined

Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):

not specified

Ophthalmological findings:

not specified

Haematological findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No adverse test article-related effects on haematology parameters.

Clinical biochemistry findings:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No adverse test article-related effects on clinical chemistry analytes.

Urinalysis findings:

not examined

Behaviour (functional findings):

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No definitive test article-related patterns observed in the weekly neurobehavioural examinations between the treated (and recovery group) male and female animals, as compared to controls.

Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

relative mean spleen weight increased in 1000mg/kg/d males. Considered to be secondary adaptive response to localised dermal effects

Gross pathological findings:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Test article-related macroscopic findings at terminal necropsy: minimal to moderate abrasion/scab formation in control males and treated animals of both sexes. Dose-related increase in incidence/severity in females (all doses) and males (300-1000 mg/kg/d)

Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:

effects observed, treatment-related

Description (incidence and severity):

Test article-related microscopic findings in skin: minimal/moderate erosion/ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia and exudate, minimal/mild acute/subacute/chronic inflammation, minimal edema. 1000 mg/kg/day: secondary adaptive findings in thymus and spleen.

Histopathological findings: neoplastic:

no effects observed

Description (incidence and severity):

No adverse test article-related effects on histopathological: neoplastic parameters.

Details on results:

CLINICAL SIGNS AND MORTALITY
300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day animals: localized scabbed area on dorsal surface and scabbed area in the thoracic region (related to test site) during dosing period. These were dose-responsive, being most pronounced at the high dose level of 1000 mg/kg bw/day in both males and females. Recovery animals indicated trend towards recovery after cessation of dosing, although these dermal fndings remained evident. [See attached Parental Summary Tables 1-4; and Recovery Summary Table 32]

DERMAL IRRITATION SCORES
Daily dermal scoring (edema, as well as erythema and eschar) during the course of the dosing period in treated male and female animals, revealed dose responsive effects, particularly at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day, with controls being devoid of any significant adverse dermal effects. [See attached Parental Summary Tables 8-11]
The results of the dermal scoring in the animals at 100 mg/kg/day were generally comparable to the controls. Edema in the males at 300 mg/kg/day was limited to very slight effects during the start of dosing, which progressed to slight edema, with a few instances of moderate edema at a little over 5 weeks into dosing. Edema in the males at 1000 mg/kg/day started at very slight effects right after dosing, which became slight edema after about a week of dosing and progressed to moderate edema by 3 weeks of dosing. Edema in the females at 300 mg/kg/day was similar to the males up to the time of mating. At 1000 mg/kg/day, edema also progressed to slight edema by Day 2 of dosing, prior to mating. During gestation, edema was very slight in the 100 mg/kg/day group; it was slight in appearance at 300 mg/kg/day and moderate at 1000 mg/kg/day. During lactation edema was limited to very slight effects at 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day.
The evaluation of erythema and eschar (to be referred to as erythema) showed more significant dermal scoring in the treated animals. Erythema in the males at 300 mg/kg/day was generally very slight starting about a week of dosing and continued during the dosing period (Days 1 to 44). Erythema in the males at 1000 mg/kg/day started with very slight to well-defined effects, and by the first week of dosing progressed from well defined to moderate erythema, with a few instances of severe edema. By three weeks of dosing, most of the males at 1000 mg/kg/day had moderate to severe findings. Erythema in the females at 300 mg/kg/day during the premating period started with very slight findings and some well defined effects about 5 days into dosing and this progressed to well-defined findings by two weeks of treatment until mating. Erythema at 1000 mg/kg/day for females during the premating period started with very slight to well defined findings, which progressed to well defined, moderate, and in a few instances severe erythema by two weeks of dosing, prior to mating.
These localized dermal effects at 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day were considered to be test article related. In the designated recovery animals the dermal scores were similar to the terminal animals, but there was a decreasing trend in severity and incidence after cessation of dosing. [See attached Recovery Summary Table 34]

BODY WEIGHT AND WEIGHT GAIN
There was a trend of decreasing mean body weight in the males at 1000 mg/kg/day, though, the values were not statistically identified. Mean body weight change was statistically decreased in the treated males at 1000 mg/kg/day during the premating interval from Weeks 1 to 3. Mean body weight and body weight gain in the treated females were generally similar to the controls and did not show any definitive treatment related effects over the
dosing period. [See attached Parental Summary Tables 16-27]
In the designated recovery animals, mean body weight at 1000 mg/kg/day was statistically decreased in the males during Weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, which correlated to the decreases in body weight gain in these animals during weekly study intervals 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, and 1-7. Mean body weight at 1000 mg/kg/day continued to be significantly lower than controls during the recovery period; however, the mean body weight gain was comparable to the controls, indicating a reversal of the body weight effects after cessation of dosing. The designated recovery females did not show any statistically significant body weight changes, as compared to the controls. [See attached Recovery Summary Table 35-36]
Effects on body weight and weight gain may have also reflected an adaptive response secondary to test article-related inflammation in treated skin.

HAEMATOLOGY
There were no adverse test article-related effects on haematology parameters. At termination, mean neutrophils tended to higher than expected ranges in all groups, including controls. However, in both males and females, the neutrophils tended to be highest at 1000 mg/kg/day. At recovery, neutrophils remained increased in one of the two females (animal number 400) at 1000 mg/kg/day. A few other statistical differences were observed and considered not meaningful due to the magnitude of change. [See attached Clinical Pathology Summary Table 1]

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
There were no adverse test article-related effects on clinical chemistry analytes. Mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was above typically expected ranges in all groups, including controls at termination, but to noticeably greater magnitude in the females at 1000 mg/kg/day. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) also tended to increase to a greater magnitude in the females at 1000 mg/kg/day. Globulins tended to increase and were accompanied by decreased albumin to globulin ratios in all treated groups relative to controls, but remained within expected ranges at 100 and 300 mg/kg/day. At recovery, AST, ALT, and the globulins remained mildly to moderately increased in both sexes, but particularly in animal number 348 in the males. This animal also exhibited increased sorbitol dehydrogenase and glucose. A few other statistical differences were observed and considered not meaningful due to the magnitude of change. [See attached Clinical Pathology Summary Table 2]

NEUROBEHAVIOUR
No definitive test article-related patterns observed in the weekly neurobehavioural examinations between the treated male and female animals (100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day), as compared to controls. Similarly, the designated recovery animals at 1000 mg/kg bw/day did not reveal any definitive changes in the weekly neurobehavioural evaluations that could be attributed to treatment. [See attached Parental Summary Tables 5-7; and Recovery Summary Table 33]

ORGAN WEIGHTS
Possible test article-related organ weight differences at the terminal necropsy were present in the spleen. [See attached Pathology Summary Table 2; Recovery Pathology Summary Table 6]
At the terminal necropsy, the mean spleen weight (relative to body weight) was statistically significantly increased in males at 1000 mg/kg/day versus controls. The increased spleen/body weight ratio may have been associated with the lower mean body weight of males at this dose level compared to controls and/or the increased mean absolute spleen weight that may have reflected increases in extramedullary hematopoiesis noted microscopically.
Additional statistically significant organ weight differences at the terminal necropsy were limited to the increased mean adrenal gland weight (relative to body weight) of females at 1000 mg/kg/day compared to controls. There was no microscopic correlate for this effect, and the relationship to test article administration was unclear.

GROSS PATHOLOGY
Test article-related macroscopic findings were limited to the dose site in the skin. At the terminal necropsy, minimal to moderate abrasion/scab formation was identified in the dose site in the skin in control males and treated animals of both sexes with a dose-related increase in the incidence and/or severity in males at 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day and in females at all dose levels compared to controls. This reflected the test article-related erosion/ulceration noted microscopically in treated skin (see Microscopic section). At the recovery necropsy, the incidence and overall severity of abrasion/scab formation was reduced in animals at 1000 mg/kg/day, indicating partial resolution of this finding over the recovery period.
Other macroscopic findings were infrequent and typical of those commonly identified in rats of this strain and age. [See attached Pathology Summary Table 1; Recovery Pathology Summary Table 5]

HISTOPATHOLOGY: NON-NEOPLASTIC
Test article-related microscopic findings were present in treated skin, and possible test article effects were also noted in the thymus and spleen. Test article-related increases in the incidence and/or severity of microscopic findings in treated skin were present in males at 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day and in females at all dose levels versus controls at the terminal necropsy. These findings were generally present with a dose-related increase in incidence and severity, however, treated skin was not examined in all mid-dose animals (microscopic examination limited to animals with gross lesions). Test article-related microscopic findings in treated skin included minimal to moderate erosion/ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia and exudate, minimal to mild acute to subacute/chronic inflammation, and minimal edema. At the recovery necropsy, test article-related microscopic findings in treated skin in animals at 1000 mg/kg/day were similar, although they occurred at a lower incidence and severity indicating partial resolution of these findings over the recovery period. Minimal to mild cortical lymphoid depletion was noted in the thymus in animals of both sexes at 1000 mg/kg/day at the terminal necropsy while this finding was not identified in control animals. However, notably, there were no statistically significant differences in the mean thymus weight and the thymus was not examined microscopically for all control and treated animals. Thymic lymphoid depletion in animals at 1000 mg/kg/day may have been a secondary finding due to stress associated with the test article-related lesions in treated skin as evidenced by self-mutilation and hypersensitivity to touch noted clinically in males at this dose level. The thymus was not examined microscopically at the recovery necropsy. At the terminal necropsy, there was a slight increase in the incidence and severity of extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen in animals at 1000 mg/kg/day versus controls. The severity of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis was generally increased in both control and treated females, likely due to recent parturition, but the slight increase in the incidence of this finding in animals at 1000 mg/kg bw/day may have also reflected an adaptive response secondary to test article-related inflammation in treated skin. The spleen was not examined microscopically at the recovery necropsy. [See attached Pathology Summary Table 3; Recovery Pathology Summary 7].

CONCENTRATIONS REFERRED TO ABOVE ARE NOMINAL CONCENTRATIONS.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

- systemic effects

Effect level:

1 089.75 mg/kg bw/day

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: NOAEL established for systemic effects on basis that no statistically significant adverse (treatment related) effects were observed at all test doses.

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

Remarks:

- local effects

Effect level:

111.25 mg/kg bw/day

Based on:

test mat.

Sex:

male/female

Basis for effect level:

other: see 'Remark'

Critical effects observed:

not specified

See attached documents

Conclusions:

Based on these data, the systemic no-observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) for repeated dose toxicity is 1089.75 mg/kg bw/day, and the local NOAEL for repeated dose toxicity is 111.25 mg/kg bw/day based on dermal irritation.

Executive summary:

This study was conducted for to evaluate the possible adverse effects of the test article, Fatty acids C18-(unsaturated) lithium salts

, following repeated exposure and to evaluate reversibility, progression, or delayed appearance of any observed changes following a 2-week postdose observation period. The evaluation included systemic toxicity, male and female reproductive performance (gonadal function, estrous cycle, mating behavior, conception, development of the conceptus, and parturition) and neurologic potential in rats. Three treatment groups of ten P (parental) CD®[Crl:CD®(SD)] rats/sex/group were administered the test article at nominal dose levels of 100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg/day at a dose volume of 2.5 mL/kg. Actual dose levels were 111.25; 345.00, and; 1089.75 mg/kg bw/day. One additional group of ten P animals/sex served as the control and received the vehicle, distilled water. The vehicle or test article was administered to all groups via dermal application once daily for approximately 6 hours. The males were dosed for 43 days, beginning 14 days prior to pairing. Dosing of the females began 14 days prior to pairing, through the mating period, up to and including Gestation Day (GD) 19.

Additionally, two groups of five animals/sex/group at 0 (vehicle) or 1000 mg/kg/day were dosed for a total of 43 days and then began a 14-day recovery period. Observations of these animals included clinical signs, neurobehavioral observations, dermal irritation scores, body weights, food consumption, and clinical pathology parameters. At the end of the recovery period, necropsy examinations were performed, organ weights were recorded, and selected tissues were collected and preserved.

Observations of the P animals included clinical signs, neurobehavioral observations, behavioral indices, dermal irritation scores, body weights, and food consumption during the premating/mating, gestation, and lactation periods, clinical pathology parameters, and parturition and litter data. Observations of the offspring (F1) included survival at birth and during lactation, individual pup body weights, and gross abnormalities. At study termination, necropsy examinations were performed on all P animals, organ weights were recorded, and selected tissues were collected and microscopically examined. On LD 4, surviving F1pups were examined externally, euthanized, and discarded.

All animals on study survived to scheduled terminal and recovery necropsies. The most significant clinical observations consisted of dose responsive localized dermal effects at the test site (dorsal surface), consisting of scabbed postdose findings and elevated dermal scores. These findings were most pronounced at 1000 mg/kg/day and were seen most frequently at this dose level. The findings at 300 mg/kg/day were at a lower incidence and with lower dermal scores. Dermal scores and findings at 100 mg/kg/day were comparable to the controls. Mean body weight showed decreasing trends during the course of the study in males at 1000 mg/kg/day. For the remaining animals there were no consistent patterns of adverse effects on body weight or food consumption at the dose levels tested. The results of the neurobehavioral and behavioral evaluations did not reveal any definitive patterns consistent with treatment-related effects.

At termination, there were no adverse test article-related effects on hematology or clinical chemistry parameters evaluated.

The results at scheduled necropsy showed test article-related macroscopic findings that were limited to the dose site in the skin, consisting of minimal to moderate abrasion/scab formation at the dose site in both sexes. At the recovery necropsy, the incidence and overall severity of abrasion/scab formation was reduced at 1000 mg/kg/day, indicating partial resolution of this finding over the recovery period.

Possible test article-related organ weight differences at terminal necropsy included the increased spleen and adrenal gland weights (relative to body weight) of animals at 1000 mg/kg/day. The increased spleen/body weight ratio of males may have been associated with the lower mean body weight at this dose level and, possibly, increases in extramedullary hematopoiesis noted microscopically. There was no microscopic correlate for the increased adrenal gland/body weight ratio of females at this dose level.

Test article-related microscopic findings were present in treated skin at 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day, and possible test article effects were also noted in the thymus and spleen at 1000 mg/kg/day.

Test article-related findings in treated skin included an increase in the incidence and/or severity of erosion/ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia and exudate, acute to subacute/chronic inflammation, and edema. At recovery necropsy, test article-related microscopic findings in treated skin in animals at 1000 mg/kg/day were morphologically similar, although they occurred at a lower incidence and severity indicating partial resolution of these findings over the recovery period.

Minimal to mild cortical lymphoid depletion was noted in the thymus in animals of both sexes at 1000 mg/kg/day at the terminal necropsy. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the mean thymus weight. Thymic lymphoid depletion in animals at 1000 mg/kg/day may have been a secondary finding due to stress associated with the test article-related lesions in treated skin. Splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis was slightly increased in both sexes at 1000 mg/kg/day. The increased severity of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in control and treated females may have been due to recent parturition, but the slight increase in the incidence of this finding in animals at 1000 mg/kg/day may have also reflected an adaptive response secondary to test article-related inflammation in treated skin.

In conclusion, dermal application of Fatty acids C18-(unsaturated) lithium salts

to the dorsal surface of Parental male and female rats at dose levels of 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day did not result in any adverse reproductive effects or any definitive test article-related changes in the development or survival of the offspring. In addition, results from the clinical pathology evaluations and neurobehavioral testing did not reveal any definitive effects that could be attributed to treatment at the dose levels tested.

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

1 089.75 mg/kg bw/day

Study duration:

subacute

Species:

rat

Quality of whole database:

High

Repeated dose toxicity: dermal - local effects

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

NOAEL

0.86 mg/cm²

Study duration:

subacute

Species:

rat

Quality of whole database:

High

Additional information

The substances in the category are considered to be similar on the basis that they have common structures of a calcium ion varying only by the length of the fatty acid chain and the presence of unsaturated and/or hydroxyl functional groups. As a result it is expected that the substances will have similar, predictable properties. REACH Annex V, Entry 9, groups fatty acids and their potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium salts, including C6 to C24, predominantly even-numbered, unbranched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids. Provided that they are obtained from natural sources and are not chemically modified, the substances included in REACH Annex V, Entry 9 are exempt from registration, unless they are classified as dangerous (except for flammability, skin irritation or eye irritation) or they meet the criteria for PBT/vPvB substances. The metal fatty acid substances in the category are therefore not expected to be hazardous. Due to the close structural similarity and the narrow range of carbon chain numbers covered in this category, the repeated dose toxicity properties are expected to be predictable across the category.

Since REACH Annex V groups together calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium salts of C6 to C24 fatty acids as being potentially exempt from registration, these metal cations are therefore not considered to contribute to any health hazard. On this basis, relevant published or proprietary data on any potassium, sodium or magnesium salt within the fatty acid category range of C14 to C22 can be used to read across to the calcium salts of C14-C22 fatty acid category.

Lithium salts of fatty acids are not included in REACH Annex V as being potentially exempt from registration. For these salts it is expected that the lithium cation would be the species with the potentially higher toxicity profile when compared to calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium cations. However, the substance fatty acids C18 (unsaturated) lithium salts contains a fatty acid anion that falls within the C14-C22 category. Experimental data for the mammalian toxicity Annex VIII endpoints have been generated on this substance and the results obtained are relevant for read across to the calcium salts of C14-C22 fatty acids either in a weight of evidence approach or as key studies due to the structural similarity and its position within the category fatty acid range. This is clearly relevant when the results from the lithium fatty acid salts are negative.

The fatty acid salts in the category will ionise into the metal cations and fatty acid anions. It is generally considered that simple metal salts of fatty acids have the same hazard profile as the parent acid, with the exception of any potential local effects such as irritation/corrosivity. Since the acids are either naturally derived or equivalent to natural substances, the hazard profile of such substances is well-documented.Fatty acids are an endogenous part of every living cell and are an essential dietary requirement. They are absorbed, digested and transported in animals and humans. When taken up by tissues they can either be stored as triglycerides or can be oxidised via the mitochondrial ß-oxidation and tricarboxylic acid pathways. The ß-oxidation uses an enzyme complex for a series of oxidation and hydration reactions, resulting in a cleavage of acetate groups as acetyl CoA. The metabolic products can then be incorporated for example into membrane phospholipids. Long chain saturated fatty acids are less readily absorbed than unsaturated or short chain acids. Several investigators have found that increasing fatty acid chain length decreased their digestibility (see also Toxicokinetic section).

The UK Department of Health has set dietary reference values for fatty acids and recommend that total fatty acid intake should average 30% of total dietary energy including alcohol (DoH 1991). This equates to about 100 g of fatty acids per day or 1.7 g/kg bw/day (HERA 2002). Several of the fatty acids or salts are Generally Recognised as Safe by the US FDA. These include stearic acid, oleic acid and sodium palmitate. In 1974, the WHO set an unlimited Acceptable Daily Intake for the salts of myristic (C14), palmitic (C16) and stearic (C18) acids. It was stated that myristic, palmitic and stearic acid and their salts are normal products of the metabolism of fats, and their metabolic fate is well established. Provided that the contribution of the cations does not add excessively to the normal body load, there is no need to consider the use of these substances in any different light to that of dietary fatty acids (WHO 1974, JECFA 1986).

Due to the widespread use of fatty acids and their simple metal salts in cosmetic/toiletry products and greases, many reviews on their safety have been published by e.g. API (2008), HERA (2002), CIR (1982, 1987). In addition a number of repeated dose toxicity studies have been conducted by the oral or dermal routes on substances relevant to the category, either as individual substances or as part of a grease formulation. The results of these studies by the dermal route show a variation in the NOAELs obtained which may have been related to the fact that the thickener was only a part of the total formulation applied, and the oil base and other additives may have influenced the tolerance of the animals to the test material, particularly on the skin. The key dermal study on fatty acids C18 (unsaturated) lithium salts – see below- were conducted on the isolated substance and provide the key NOAELs. It should be noted that skin irritation is minimal on short term exposure, but is more significant following repeated dose exposure.

Fatty acid containing oils are frequently used as vehicles in animal toxicity studies (e.g. corn oil) due to their innocuous nature and are routinely administered at volumes up to 10 mL/kg bw. These experimental data, together with the published information, are used to support the low hazard profile of the substances in the category.

Castor oil (C18 hydroxylated, unsaturated) can be considered representative of the fatty acid moieties within the C14-C22 category. Although it is a fatty acid triglyceride, it will first be hydrolysed into fatty acids and glycerol by pancreatic lipases secreted into the G.I. tract, then absorbed systemically and the fatty acids metabolised via mitochondrial ß-oxidation and tricarboxylic acid pathways. A 90-day feeding study in rats and mice on castor oil has been reported (NTP 1992). Diets containing up to 10% castor oil were provided to 5 groups of 10 males and 10 females, with a control group receiving untreated diet. The 10% concentration equated to ca. 5.8 g/kg bw/day for rats and ca. 15 g/kg bw/day for mice. Survival and bodyweight gains were not affected; neither were haematological parameters. Mild increases in total bile acids and serum alkaline phosphatase were noted in rats receiving the higher dietary concentrations. Liver weights were increased in male rats receiving 10%, and in male and female mice receiving 5 or 10%. The liver weight increases were considered as adaptive changes in response to the presence of xenobiotics as no histopathological changes were seen in association with these liver changes. There were no other compound-related morphological changes in any organ. No significant changes were noted in a screening for male reproductive endpoints, including sperm count and motility, and no changes were observed in the length of oestrous cycles of rats or mice given diets containing the castor oil. Thus, no significant adverse effects of castor oil administration were noted in these studies, with a NOAEL level of 10% in the diet (ca. 5.8 g/kg bw/day for rats and ca. 15 g/kg bw/day for mice).

Magnesium stearate (a C18 saturated fatty acid) was subjected to a 3-month dietary toxicity study in Wistar rats, with nominal concentrations of 5, 10 and 20% in the diet fed to groups of 20 males and 20 females. There was a reduction in weight gain during the first part of the study in males receiving 20% and slow and unsteady movements were seen concomitantly in these animals. Four males receiving 10% died within 2 months and stones were found in the lower urinary tract. No clinical effects were seen in females. At termination, changes were found in the renal pelvis and lower urinary tract in four males and one female receiving 20%. It was concluded by the authors that the high magnesium content of the diet has previously been associated with a greater incidence of lower urinary tract stone formation. When liver weight was used as a measure of adverse effect the NOAEL was estimated to be 5% magnesium stearate in the diet, corresponding to 2500 mg/kg bw/day.

A key 28-day toxicity and reproductive toxicity screen via dermal administration, using the OECD 422 study design, was conducted in rats on a fatty acid salt with a cation not within the category - fatty acids C18 (unsaturated) lithium salts. The test material was administered at dose levels of 0, 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day nominal, equating to 111.25, 345 and 1089.75 mg/kg bw/day by analysis, and doses were based on local dermal effects from a dose range finding study. There was a 2-week post-dose observation period for satellite high dose level and control groups. No systemic toxicity directly related to the administration of the substance was observed, although dose-related local effects were seen in the skin of treated animals in the 300 and 1000 mg/kg bw/day groups. Since the highest dose of 1089.75 mg/kg bw/day was essentially equivalent to a ‘limit dose’ and was considered to be the systemic NOAEL, this lithium fatty acid salt is not considered to be systemically hazardous. A local NOAEL of 111.25 mg/kg bw/day was determined due to dermal changes seen at higher concentrations. This study is considered relevant to read across to the calcium fatty acid salts in the category as it is a representative fatty acid and the results demonstrate a lack of systemic toxicity despite an alternative cation (which in itself could be considered to be potentially more hazardous than the calcium metal cation in the category).

The calcium cation in the category is biologically relevant and necessary for normal cellular function. There is a wide margin of safety for this cation, although when present in significant excess it will have a specific known hazard profile. Nevertheless, it must also be considered that Annex V of REACH exempts calcium fatty acid metal salts from registration under specific conditions and therefore, by extrapolation, they represent a known and controllable hazard. Since the hazards identified in the experimental and published data on relevant substances are low and below the threshold for classification, there is no requirement to conduct a human risk assessment. On this basis a systemic DNEL for the substances in this category is not relevant and has not been calculated.

On the basis of the category justification for the C14 to C22 fatty acid calcium salts, the supporting data on magnesium stearate, and the lack of systemic toxicity when C18 (unsaturated) lithium salts was administered to rats for 28 days, no classification for specific target organ toxicity is required.  

Taking all the above available information into account, including the Annex V exemption considerations and the opinions of various authorities (UK DoH, WHO, JECFA), there is no scientific justification for conducting any further repeated dose toxicity studies on a member of the category since this will not provide any further information that is not already available. Thus the Annex IX requirement for a subchronic study is waived in accordance with Annex XI.

References

CIR (Cosmetics Ingredients Review) (1987) Final report on the safety assessment of oleic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid and stearic acid. Journal of American Toxicologists, vol. 6, issue 3, pp. 321-401

DoH (Department of Health ) (1991) Dietary reference values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom: report of the panel on dietary reference values of the committee on medical aspects of food policy.Report on health and social subjects 41. London: HMSO. 1991

HERA (2002) Human and Environmental Risk Assessment on ingredients of European Household Cleaning Products. Fatty Acid Salts Human Risk Assessment, June 2002.

JECFA (1986) 29^threport of the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. WHO Technical Report Series No. 733

NTP (1992) NTP Technical Report on the Toxicity Studies of Castor Oil in F344/N rats and B6C3F₁Mice. NIH Publication No. 92-3131

WHO (1974) Toxicological evaluation of some food additives, including anticaking agents, antimicrobials, antioxidants, emulsifiers and thickening agents. WHO Food Additive Series, No. 5, World Health Organisation, Geneva

Justification for selection of repeated dose toxicity via oral route - systemic effects endpoint:
Relevant study on a substance representative of the calcium salts of C14-C22 fatty acid

Justification for selection of repeated dose toxicity dermal - systemic effects endpoint:
The data from this lithium fatty acid salt can be used to read across to members of the calcium C14-C22 fatty acid salts category

Justification for selection of repeated dose toxicity dermal - local effects endpoint:
The data from this lithium fatty acid salt can be used to read across to members of the calcium C14-C22 fatty acid salts category

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the available information, classification with respect to systemic repeated Specific Target Organ Toxicity is not justified. No toxicologically significant systemic adverse effects were observed in repeated dose toxicity study on a number of relevant fatty acids salts.