Hormesis animal models

The capacity of assessing hormesis within the context of these endpoints and their public health meaning requires the careful selection of animal model along with appropriate study design. In general, current models and experimental protocols are generally ill equipped to accomplish this essential task. 

Although most endpoints are amenable to a hormesis evaluation, some commonly assessed endpoints are inherently problematic. For example, serum enzyme activities such as those routinely taken to assess liver toxicity, such as ALT and AST, would not be a means to study hormesis because any changes from normal, whether high or low, may be indicative of some underlying pathology. In order to assess whether liver changes would be reflective of a hormetic response it may be necessary to utilize an animal model with a high predisposition to liver disease or to create experimental conditions that would promote the early onset of liver disease. 

Although it is claimed that hormesis is broadly generalizable and independent of animal model, endpoint measured, and chemical class, are there situations that exist in which hormesis cannot be effectively studied and assessed If there are such situations, identify several and explain the underlying reasons why they cannot be assessed properly within an experimental setting. 

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