Common Antibacterial Linked To Breast Cancer

Scientists from South Korea have found that the common antimicrobial ingredient triclosan promotes breast cancer cell growth in mouse models.

AsianScientist (May 8, 2014) – A team of scientists based in South Korea has suggested that triclosan (TCS), a common antimicrobial ingredient in soaps and cosmetics, may promote breast cancer.

Led by Dr. Choi Kyung-Chul from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Chungbuk National University, the team investigated the ability of TCS and another commercial substance called octylphenol (OP) to alter the regulation of cell cycles, which are basic biological processes controlling cell growth. OP is present in some paints, pesticides and plastics.

TCS and OP belong to a class of compounds known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs behave like hormones, which are chemicals that regulate our body functions. At high levels, hormones encourage uncontrolled cell multiplication, which is the precursor to cancer.

In their research, which was recently published in the American Chemical Society’s Chemical Research in Toxicology, the researchers found that both TCS and OP interfered with genes involved in breast cancer cell growth, resulting in more cancer cells. The studies were conducted on human breast cancer cells in lab dishes as well as breast cancer tumors in mice.

“Exposure to EDCs may significantly increase the risk of breast cancer development and adversely affect human health,” the authors wrote.

The article can be found at: Choi et al. (2014) Progression of Breast Cancer Cells Was Enhanced by Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Triclosan and Octylphenol, via an Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Cellular and Mouse Xenograft Models.

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Source: American Chemical Society.
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Alan Aw is a maths enthusiast who likes sharing the fun and beauty of science with others. Besides reading, he enjoys running, badminton, and listening to (and occasionally playing) Bach or Zez Confrey.

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