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Published on: November 1, 2013
Association of triclosan and human infertility: A systematic review
Belén Daza-Rodríguez1, Dilia Aparicio-Marenco2, Johana Márquez-Lázaro2,3
1Medicine program, Corporación Universitaria Rafael Núñez, Cartagena, Colombia.
Abstract:
Triclosan (TCS) is a chemical compound, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. TCS is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which has been shown to interfere with developmental, behavioral, and reproductive outcomes in biological models and cell cultures. However, implications about exposure to TCS and human infertility are rare. Thus, the main of this review is summarize the available evidence of the association between triclosan exposure on human infertility. For this, systematic review was conducted following the recommendations established in Report of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide (PRISMA). Initially, an electronic search in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Science direct was performed. The methodological quality of the included studies was verified through the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. All selection and data extraction processes were carried out independently by two reviewers. The evidence was organized and presented using tables and narrative synthesis. There is lacking evidence about the association between triclosan and human infertility. Overall, no association between triclosan and infertility was found. However, semen quality and ovarian reserve are susceptible to triclosan exposure. Thus, future studies are still needed to better elucidate the associations between triclosan and infertility outcomes.
Insights
This review found limited evidence linking triclosan (TCS) exposure to human infertility. While no direct association was established, TCS may impact semen quality and ovarian reserve, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial agent with endocrine-disrupting properties.
- Previous studies suggest TCS interferes with reproductive and developmental outcomes in animal models.
- The impact of TCS on human infertility remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize existing evidence on the association between triclosan exposure and human infertility.
- To evaluate the current scientific understanding of TCS's effects on reproductive health in humans.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE (PubMed) and ScienceDirect.
- Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists, with independent data extraction and synthesis.
Main Results:
- A significant lack of evidence directly linking triclosan exposure to human infertility was identified.
- No overall association between triclosan exposure and infertility was found in the reviewed studies.
- Evidence suggests potential susceptibility of semen quality and ovarian reserve to triclosan exposure.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support a direct association between triclosan exposure and human infertility.
- Triclosan exposure may pose risks to specific reproductive parameters like semen quality and ovarian reserve.
- Further research is crucial to fully understand the complex relationship between triclosan and human infertility outcomes.
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