Trichloroethylene exposure, multi-organ injury, and potential mechanisms: A narrative review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2024-10, Vol.946, p.174029, Article 174029
• Main Authors: Zhu, Lifu, Jia, Xueqian, Xie, Haibo, Zhang, Jiaxiang, Zhu, Qixing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circulatory system; Kidney injury; Liver injury; OMDT; TCE
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174029

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common environmental pollutant and industrial chemical that has been associated with adverse health effects, especially on organ systems. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current findings on organ system damage caused by TCE exposure and the underlying mechanisms involved. Numerous studies have shown that TCE exposure may cause damage to multiple organ systems, mainly the skin, liver, kidney, and circulatory system. The mechanisms leading to TCE-induced organ system damage are complex and diverse. TCE is metabolized in vivo to reactive intermediates, through which TCE can induce oxidative stress, interfere with cell signaling pathways, and promote inflammatory responses. In addition, studies have shown that TCE interferes with DNA repair mechanisms, leading to genotoxicity and potentially carcinogenic effects. This review highlights the importance of understanding the deleterious effects of TCE exposure on organ systems and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms involved. Further research is needed to elucidate the full range of organ system damage caused by TCE and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. [Display omitted] •The industrial usage and environmental pollution associated with TCE are discussed.•Detailed descriptions of the multiple organ injuries caused by TCE are provided.•A summary of the potential mechanisms underlying each injury is presented.•The health risks posed by TCE remain serious.