Triclocarban

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Triclocarban
IUPAC name	3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea
Identifiers
CAS number	[101-20-2]
PubChem	7547
SMILES	C1=CC(=CC=C1NC(=O)NC2=CC(=C(C=C2)Cl)Cl)Cl
Properties
Molecular formula	C13H9Cl3N2O
Molar mass	315.58236
Density	1.53
Melting point	254-256°C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Triclocarban, or 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(3,4-dichlorphenyl)urea, is a substance with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that is used in disinfectants, soaps and other household products.

The mechanism of action is unknown, but may involve inhibition of the enzyme enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (ENR).^{[citation needed]} This enzyme is absent in humans but is essential in building cell membranes of many bacteria and fungi.

09-Dec-2007 ... Researchers at UC Davis have reported results showing Triclocarban can act as an endocrine hormone disruptor. This raises some concerns due to the 45 years it has been used in consumer products and the current surge in popularity of anti-bacterial products. The authors commented in the UC Davis press release that the mechanism of the disruption is unusual.

"The researchers found two key effects: In human cells in the laboratory, triclocarban increased gene expression that is normally regulated by testosterone. And when male rats were fed triclocarban, testosterone-dependent organs such as the prostate gland grew abnormally large.

Also, the authors said their discovery that triclocarban increased hormone effects was new. All previous studies of endocrine disruptors had found that they generally act by blocking or decreasing hormone effects." (quote from UC Davis Press release [1]

Paper - Jiangang Chen, Ki Chang Ahn, Nancy A. Gee, Mohamed I. Mohamed, Antoni J. Duleba, Ling Zhao, Shirley J. Gee, Bruce D. Hammock, and Bill L. Lasley Triclocarban enhances testosterone action: A new type of endocrine disruptor? Endocrinology published November 29, 2007 as doi:10.1210/en.2007-1057

[edit] References

This article does not cite any references or sources. (November 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.