How Triclosan, Found in Many Consumer Products, Triggers Gut Damage

A growing body of research links triclosan to the gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation
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A new study looks at the potential to fight intestinal damage

An international team of researchers led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Hong Kong Baptist University found the trigger.
Triclosan harmfully affects bacteria and even specific enzymes
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In addition, studies in mice have shown that these bacterial enzymes can be blocked from causing intestinal damage

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications
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"By identifying the culprit bacteria, new ways of diagnosing, preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease could be developed," said study author Matthew Redinbo, chemistry and chemist at UNC-Chapel Hill College of Arts and Sciences and UNC School of Medicine.
Professor of Microbiology
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Previous studies have shown the toxicity of triclosan, but the new study provides a closer look at changes in gut microbial populations
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The researchers linked specific gut microbial enzymes, specifically the gut microbial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) protein, to triclosan and showed that these enzymes drive triclosan to wreak havoc in the gut
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After knowing which bacterial proteins were to blame, the team used a microbiota-targeted inhibitor to block the effects of triclosan in the gut
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Blocking this process in mice prevented damage to the colon and symptoms of colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease

This study provides new clues for more and more IBD patients to treat IBD
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IBD can be managed for an extended period of time and just flare up seemingly out of nowhere

The study authors suggest that a better understanding of the impact of environmental chemicals on gut health is needed
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Triclosan was widely used in antibacterial soaps sold to consumers
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But in 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered it to be removed from handwashing products used in homes and hospitals over concerns it could lead to more drug-resistant bacteria

But triclosan remains ubiquitous as an ingredient added to makeup, yoga mats and other sportswear and gear to reduce bacterial contamination
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FDA-approved, it is also routinely used in many toothpastes as it has been found to prevent gingivitis

Triclosan appears to be readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and the study's lead author wrote: "Considering the potential damage to the gut from triclosan and related compounds, their safety profile should be reconsidered

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health through grants from several of the authors, the Hong Kong Research Grants Council and the National Science Foundation, "Microbial Enzymes Reactivation of triclosan in the mouse gastrointestinal tract induces colitis

Journal Reference :

1. Jianan Zhang, Morgan E.