Triclosan inhibition of acute and chronic inflammatory gene pathways

Silvana P Barros1, Sodsi Wirojchanasak, David A Barrow

  • 1School of Dentistry, Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases, North Carolina Oral Health Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27709, USA. silvana_barros@dentistry.unc.edu

Abstract

Insights

Triclosan, an anti-plaque agent, was found to suppress inflammatory gene pathways in human blood ex vivo. This study suggests triclosan has broader anti-inflammatory effects beyond its known antimicrobial properties.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Triclosan is widely used as an anti-plaque agent with known antimicrobial and some anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Previous research indicated triclosan inhibits prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-1 beta.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the broader anti-inflammatory effects of triclosan.
  • To determine if triclosan can suppress multiple inflammatory gene pathways involved in gingivitis and periodontitis.

Main Methods:

  • Ex vivo study using peripheral whole blood from healthy donors.
  • Blood samples were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without triclosan.
  • Gene expression profiling using microarrays and quantitative PCR arrays analyzed inflammatory molecules.

Main Results:

  • Triclosan significantly down-regulated LPS-stimulated Toll-like receptor signaling molecules.
  • Expression of inflammatory molecules like IL-1 and IL-6 was reduced by triclosan.
  • Triclosan suppressed pathways activating the T-helper type 1 immune response and up-regulated bone morphogenetic protein synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • Triclosan exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing microbial-pathogen recognition pathways.
  • The study identified suppression of acute and chronic inflammation mediators by triclosan.
  • These findings suggest a broader role for triclosan in modulating inflammatory responses.

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