{
  "abstract": "Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are rising in the United States, yet their shared mucosal environment remains underexplored. Rectal douching, a common practice among individuals engaging in receptive anal intercourse, has been epidemiologically linked to increased STI and HPV risk, but biological mechanisms are unclear. Methods: Using a human colorectal epithelial co-culture model (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12), we compared the effects of common douching products on cell viability, barrier integrity, and cytokine response. Results: Hyperosmolar or surfactant-containing solutions, including saline enemas, detergents, and soaps, caused rapid declines in metabolic activity and transepithelial electrical resistance, coupled with IL-6 and TNF- upregulation. In contrast, isotonic formulations maintained epithelial viability and barrier function comparable to buffered controls while reducing inflammatory signaling. Discussion: These findings provide mechanistic evidence that many consumer douching products compromise mucosal health and highlight the feasibility of harm-reduction designs for safer anal hygiene and sexual preparation.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "University of Minnesota"
  ],
  "article_type": "New results",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 6,
  "authors": [
    {
      "name": "E. Swanson"
    },
    {
      "name": "C. M. Basting"
    },
    {
      "name": "T. Schroeder"
    },
    {
      "name": "G. Lam"
    },
    {
      "name": "E. Goldstein"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "N. R. Klatt"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/5j7sne16ww0m7.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.64898/2026.10.30.763242",
  "fulltext_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.30.763242v1.full",
  "id": "5j7sne16ww0m7",
  "issns": [],
  "landing_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.30.763242v1",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY",
  "licence_label": "CC BY",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "biorxiv",
      "immunology"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": null,
  "pdf_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.30.763242v1.full.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-10-30",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/5j7sne16ww0m7.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-04T12:21:01Z",
      "native_id": "10.64898/2026.10.30.763242",
      "source": "biorxiv",
      "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.30.763242v1"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "biorxiv:immunology",
      "subfield": "immunology"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Anorectal care products cause variable inflammation and adverse barrier effects in a mucosal epithelial model",
  "title_text": "Anorectal care products cause variable inflammation and adverse barrier effects in a mucosal epithelial model",
  "type": "preprint",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-05T00:21:12Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/5j7sne16ww0m7",
  "venue": "bioRxiv",
  "versions": []
}