Expression of miR-221/222 is affected by Triclosan in MCF-7 cells

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol; TCS) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial commonly used in cosmetics, dentifrices, soap, and other consumer products. There is growing concern that estrogenic environmental compounds that act as endocrine disrupting chemicals might potentially have adverse effects on hormone-sensitive organs such as the breast. Overexpression of miR-221/222 has been observed in a number of advanced malignancies indicating that miR-221/222 could be potential therapeutic targets for epithelial cancer. In present study we investigated TCS effects on miR-221/222 expression level in breast cancer cell line MCF-7.In this experimental study, we detect the expression of miR-221 and miR-222 in MCF-7 through the quantificational real time polymerase chain reaction (QRT PCR) assay. Our results showed that the expression level of miR-221 was induced by TCS and expression level of miR-222 inhibited by TCS.Overall, phytoestrogens and TCS may act as an estrogen receptor agonist at lower concentrations via estrogen pathway (ER) while inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 cells at higher concentrations via non-ER pathways