Abstract
Triclosan (TCS) is included in various healthcare products because of its antimicrobial activity; therefore, many humans are exposed to TCS daily. While detrimental effects of TCS exposure have been reported in various species and cell types, the effects of TCS exposure on early embryonic development are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if TCS exerts toxic effects during early embryonic development using porcine parthenogenetic embryos in vitro. Porcine parthenogenetic embryos were cultured in in vitro culture medium with 50 or 100 µM TCS for 6 days. Developmental parameters including cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, developmental kinetics, and the number of blastomeres were assessed. To determine the toxic effects of TCS, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction were assessed. TCS exposure resulted in a significant decrease in 2-cell rate and blastocyst formation rate, as well as number of blastomeres, but not in the cleavage rate. TCS also increased the number of apoptotic blastomeres and the production of reactive oxygen species. Finally, TCS treatment resulted in a diffuse distribution of mitochondria and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results showed that TCS exposure impaired porcine early embryonic development by inducing DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Highlights
Triclosan (TCS) is synthetic antimicrobial agent that is included in many healthcare products used on a daily basis, such as soap, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, toothpaste, and children’s toys [1]
Our results showed that the developmental rate of 2-cell- and 4-cell-stage embryos at 30 h and 48 h after activation was significantly decreased in the groups treated with TCS compared to the control (Figure 1C)
These results suggest that TCS negatively impacts early embryonic development in in vitro culture (IVC)
Summary
Triclosan (TCS) is synthetic antimicrobial agent that is included in many healthcare products used on a daily basis, such as soap, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, toothpaste, and children’s toys [1]. TCS is absorbed through the oral mucosa and skin. The concentration of TCS in household products can reach up to 0.3% [2], and up to 3% of the total concentration can be retained if administered directly into the mouth [3]. TCS exhibits hormone-like activity, which can disrupt thyroid function in humans, as well as the nervous and reproductive systems [4]. TCS has been characterized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), similar to bisphenol A (BPA). The use of TCS in soap has been banned, it is still used in other commercial products [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
