Objective: Triclosan is an aromatic organic compound with antibacterial and fungicidal properties, most often used in soaps, toothpaste and other cosmetics. The study aimed to analyze the influence of triclosan on the female and male reproductive systems and the consequences on fertility. Materials and methods: A review of the latest literature derived from PubMed and Google Scholar platforms has been made. After following the search strategy, applying inclusion criteria and analysis of the obtained results assessed by two independent analysts, 45 studies were included in the review. Results: Due to the similar structure of triclosan (TCS) to anthropogenic estrogens, TCS can interact with hormone receptors, affect hormone balance, and influence reproductive health and carcinogenesis. It has been noted that TCS might affect luteal cell progesterone production and disrupt ovarian function. Prenatal exposure to the chemical can have an impact on the reproductive system of newborns. TCS might be a risk factor for endometrial physiology and impair reproduction. TCS negatively affects the male reproductive system via interrupting steroidogenesis mediated miRNA (micro-ribonucleic acid) pathways. Negative effects of TCS on early development and embryogenesis in animals were evidenced. Moreover, TCS has the potential to promote carcinogenesis in human breast, ovarian, and prostate cells. Conclusion: Potential impact of TCS on the reproductive system raises concern about its safety, due to its similar structure to anthropogenic estrogens and detection in the environment. TCS-induced disruption of hormone levels in the female and male reproductive systems may be the cause of impaired reproductive health, resulting in subfertility. Further investigations are required to evaluate the mechanisms and effect of TCS on human reproductive health.

Introduction and objective.Triclosan is a synthetic, aromatic organic chemical compound with antimicrobial properties. Due to its wide application as a preservative in cosmetics, antiperspirants, plastics, or surgical sutures, various mechanisms of TCS action on the human body are described. The study focus on the analysis of antimicrobial properties, effects on metabolism, immunity and the endocrine system, as well as carcinogenesis. Review methods. The latest literature available on 13 June 2021 was reviewed by using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. There were 34 papers selected for analysis after reading the abstracts, which met the assumed criteria. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Triclosan can be used as an antimicrobial against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, over-exposure to TCS can also contribute to the acquisition of resistance in bacteria. Interestingly, triclosan as an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) might disrupt thyroid, ovarian, or testis homeostasis, having a potential impact on reproductive health. TCS via an estrogen receptor signaling pathway can raise estrogen and progesterone secretion and promote development of hormone-dependent neoplasms, such as breast and ovarian cancer. The chemical has also potential to induce cell proliferation of prostate cancer cells. On the other hand, it contributes to apoptosis in Burkitt lymphoma-derived cells, which means that TCS can have antitumour properties. Conclusion.Triclosan is a commonly usean antimicrobial agent in medical and consumer care products. Due to its unclear impact on organisms, further studies are necessary regarding both the use of TCS as an antibacterial agent and possible harmful effects on the human body.