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COVID-19 Resource Center by Elsevier

  • Establishment Date: January 2020

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Adverse Effects of Triclosan Exposure

Authors and Affiliations

  • Xuhui Chen, Li Mou, Jiayuan Qu, Liling Wu, Changjiang Liu

  • NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, PR China.

Highlights

  • Increase in the use of Triclosan (TCS) due to COVID-19.

  • Commonly detected in environmental and biological samples.

  • Recognized as a potential endocrine disruptor with diverse adverse health effects.

Article Keywords

  • Triclosan, Human health effects, Reproductive disorders, Hepatotoxicity, Intestinal homeostasis, Kidney function.

Introduction to Triclosan (TCS)

  • Chemical Composition: 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol.

  • Usage: Antibacterial agent in consumer products, disinfectants, and medical devices.

  • Health Risks: TCS is seen as a novel endocrine disruptor; studies on its toxic effects and mechanisms are sparse. Potential harmful interactions with human reproductive health, liver function, intestinal health, and kidney function are explored.

Toxic Effects of Triclosan

1. Reproductive Toxicity

1.1 Male Reproductive Health

  • Findings: Decline in sperm mobility and testicular weight observed in rats treated with TCS.

  • Epidemiological Evidence: Suggests TCS may negatively impact semen quality.

1.2 Female Reproductive Health

  • Effects: Evidence shows TCS can impair ovarian functions and hormone levels affecting offspring.

2. Gastrointestinal Toxicity

2.1 Hepatotoxicity

  • Critical Findings: TCS affects liver metabolism and can lead to NAFLD, hepatitis, and liver cancer.

2.2 Intestinal Toxicity

  • Studies: Indicate TCS can exacerbate colonic inflammation and alter gut microbiota composition in various models.

3. Nephrotoxicity

  • Evidence suggests TCS exposure is linked to kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.

Potential Mechanisms of Triclosan-Induced Toxic Effects

Reproductive Function Disruption

  • Mechanisms: Hormonal dysregulation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis pathways related to spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are noted.

Hepatotoxicity

  • Mechanisms: oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to contribute to liver damage.

Intestinal Injury

  • Findings: TCS interacts with gut microbiota negatively, causing inflammation and increasing susceptibility to colitis.

Conclusion

  • TCS is linked to adverse health effects, notably reproductive, hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity.

  • Despite extensive usage, comprehensive studies exploring specific mechanisms and effects in humans remain lacking. More research is essential to assess TCS's safety, especially against the backdrop of increased disinfectant use due to COVID-19.