Environmental Exposure to Triclosan and Male Fecundity: A Prospective Study in China

Abstract

Triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenyl ether, TCS) is widely used in personal care and household products. It is ubiquitous across the ecosystem nowadays. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested the possible adverse effects of TCS on male reproductive health. However, little research has been done on human beings, especially in eastern countries. To assess the effects of TCS exposure on male fecundity, we recruited couples who planned to conceive and went to the preconception care clinics for physical examination in Shanghai, China. TCS was quantified in male urine samples collected at enrollment. For this study, 443 couples were included in the cohort, and 74.7% of couples (n = 331) were prospectively followed 12 months later. The outcomes of interest included the pregnancy status of their wives and time to pregnancy. Elevated male urinary TCS concentrations were found to be associated with diminished fecundability (fecundability odds ratio (FOR) 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62–0.97). The risk of infertility significantly increased (OR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1–2.6) as TCS levels elevated. Besides, we divided TCS concentration into tertiles a priori, and there tended to be a dose-response pattern in both analyses. Our findings suggest that environmental exposure to TCS may have an adverse impact on male fecundity.

Advances in understanding the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women

“…Exposure to TCS may have adverse effects in the early stages of human reproduction, and prolonged exposure may lead to decreased fertility ( Jurewicz et al, 2020 ). Research by Du et al found that TCS exposure disrupts the biosynthesis of steroid hormones and the dynamic balance of hormones, thereby affecting reproductive development ( Zhu et al, 2022 ). TCS has direct or indirect estrogenic effects, possibly by competing with estrogen receptors and disrupting steroidogenic enzymes, disrupting the synthesis of follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones, and testosterone, thereby affecting hormone secretion and function ( Yoon and Kwack, 2021 ).…”

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and male fertility: from physiological to molecular effects

“…A prospective study in China including 443 couples reported that increased levels of triclosan in male urine have been linked to reduced fecundity (OR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62–0.97). Furthermore, there was a notable rise in the risk of infertility, indicated by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.6 (95% CI, 1–2.6) ( 129 ).…”

“…DHEP and BPA are currently found in urine of men and they negatively impact sperm quality (sperm count, morphology and motility) (82). While genetic factors certainly play a crucial role in semen quality decline, environmental factors, including exposure to EDCs like triclosan (found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, and even some cosmetics), have been hypothesized to disrupt the endocrine system and potentially affect the development and function of the male reproductive system (129). A prospective study in China including 443 couples reported that increased levels of triclosan in male urine have been linked to reduced fecundity (OR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.97).…”