Reproductive endocrine-disrupting effects of triclosan: Population exposure, present evidence and potential mechanisms

Triclosan has been used as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent for over 40 years worldwide. Increasing reports indicate frequent detection and broad exposure to triclosan in the natural environment and the human body. Current laboratory studies in various species provide strong evidence for its dis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental pollution (1987) 2015-11, Vol.206, p.195-201
Main Authors: Wang, Cai-Feng, Tian, Ying
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Endocrine Disruptors - toxicity
Endocrine System - drug effects
Environmental Exposure - adverse effects
Environmental Exposure - analysis
Exposure
Hormone receptor
Hormones - metabolism
Humans
Reproduction - drug effects
Reproduction - physiology
Reproductive endocrine-disruption
Steroidogenesis
Triclosan
Triclosan - toxicity
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Summary:Triclosan has been used as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent for over 40 years worldwide. Increasing reports indicate frequent detection and broad exposure to triclosan in the natural environment and the human body. Current laboratory studies in various species provide strong evidence for its disrupting effects on the endocrine system, especially reproductive hormones. Multiple modes of action have been suggested, including disrupting hormone metabolism, displacing hormones from hormone receptors and disrupting steroidogenic enzyme activity. Although epidemiological studies on its effects in humans are mostly negative but conflicting, which is typical of much of the early evidence on the toxicity of EDCs, overall, the evidence suggests that triclosan is an EDC. This article reviews human exposure to triclosan, describes the current evidence regarding its reproductive endocrine-disrupting effects, and discusses potential mechanisms to provide insights for further study on its endocrine-disrupting effects in humans. •Triclosan is widely detected in human urine, blood and breast milk.•Laboratory studies suggest reproductive endocrine-disrupting effects of triclosan.•Laboratory studies suggest estrogenic properties of triclosan.•There are three potential mechanisms regarding the estrogenic effect of triclosan.•Prospective epidemiological studies on vulnerable populations are needed. This review summarizes current evidence on human exposure to triclosan, and its reproductive endocrine-disrupting effects and potential mechanisms.
ISSN:0269-7491
1873-6424
DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2015.07.001