Common Antimicrobial Triclosan Can Cause Liver Cancer

Researchers at the University of California in San Diego have discovered that a antimicrobial chemical that's commonly found in soaps and toothpastes was found to cause liver cancer in mice.

"Triclosan's increasing detection in environmental samples and its increasingly broad use in consumer products may overcome its moderate benefit and present a very real risk of liver toxicity for people, as it does in mice, particularly when combined with other compounds with similar action," said Robert H Tukey professor in the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Pharmacology, in a news release.

During a six-month study, researchers found that the chemical caused liver cells in mice to turn fibrotic, leading to the formation of tumors, increase the risk of cancer.

Researchers noted that Triclosan caused damaged through the disruption of activity of androstante receptors with protein that detoxifies the body. To compensate for this disruption, liver cells multiplied and formed fibroids, magnifying the risk of tumor formation.

"Through a long-term feeding study, we found that TCS enhances hepatocyte proliferation, fibrogenesis, and oxidative stress, which, we believe, can be the driving force for developing advanced liver disease in mice," researchers added. "Indeed, TCS strongly enhances hepato-carcinogenesis after diethylnitrosamine initiation, accelerating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development."

Fortunately, there is hope. Researchers said they believe that by eliminating or lowering the use of triclosan in liquid hand soap, many can minimize the effect.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).