Triclosan, an antimicrobial compound often found in toothpaste, some toys, and thousands of other products, can trigger intestinal inflammation. Now an international team of researchers led by the
University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, the
University of Massachusetts Amherst(EE.UU.) and the
Hong Kong Baptist University has identified the bacteria, and even specific enzymes, that trigger the harmful effects of triclosan.
The study, which is published today in
«Nature Communications»It also suggests that these bacterial enzymes can be blocked from causing intestinal damage.
‘By identifying the bacteria responsible for this process, we might develop new approaches to diagnosis, prevention and the treatment of
inflammatory bowel diseases, ”says study author Matthew Redinbo.
Previous research has already shown triclosan toxicity, but this new study, carried out in mice, provides more information on the changes caused in the gut.
Specifically, the study that has connected specific gut microbial enzymes– intestinal microbial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) proteins – with triclosan shows that these enzymes cause triclosan to cause ravages the gut.
With this valuable information, the researchers used an inhibitor targeted to the microbiome to block the activity of triclosan in the intestine. It prevented colon damage and symptoms of colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in the mice.
The research is relevant because it provides new clues on the management of IBD, diseases that are more and more frequent.
IBD can be latent for long periods of time and express itself suddenly with no apparent triggers.
The study authors conclude that there is a need to better understand the impact of environmental chemicals on gut health.
In 2016, the
Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) ordered it to be withdrawn from soaps used in homes and hospital settings for fear it will contribute to the growth of more resistant bacteria.
However, triclosan is still a ubiquitous ingredient that is added to cosmetics, toothpastes, deodorants, and sports apparel and equipment to reduce bacterial contamination.
It is also commonly used in many mouthwashes or mouthwashes at a maximum concentration of 0.2%, as it has been found to prevent gingivitis.
However the
Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety of the European Commission (SCCS), you are reviewing your employment and have determined that the maximum concentration of 0,3 % in all cosmetic products it is not safe for consumers, due to the magnitude of the accumulated exposure, (by using different products with triclosan at the same time), and therefore it has been limited to some categories of cosmetics, and has been prohibited in the rest.
For years triclosan has been questioned for its toxicity. For example, animal studies have shown its potential as endocrine disruptor or endocrine disruptor. This fact does not mean that it has the same effects in humans, but it is something that should be investigated further.
An endocrine disruptor It is defined as an exogenous chemical substance that has adverse effects on the health of an intact organism or its offspring, as a consequence of changes in endocrine function.
According to
Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), The harmful effects on the health of triclosan that epidemiological studies suggest are asthma, allergies and photosensitizations, altered thyroid function, decreased fertility, low birth weight newborns and decreased immune system function.
Now, the new study published in
«Nature Communications» put this compound in the spotlight once more.
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