Anorectal care products cause variable inflammation and adverse barrier effects in a mucosal epithelial model
- 1University of Minnesota
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.
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BibTeX
@misc{swanson2026anorectal,
title = {{Anorectal care products cause variable inflammation and adverse barrier effects in a mucosal epithelial model}},
author = {E. Swanson and C. M. Basting and T. Schroeder and G. Lam and E. Goldstein and N. R. Klatt},
howpublished = {bioRxiv},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.64898/2026.10.30.763242},
url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.30.763242v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Anorectal care products cause variable inflammation and adverse barrier effects in a mucosal epithelial model
AU - E. Swanson
AU - C. M. Basting
AU - T. Schroeder
AU - G. Lam
AU - E. Goldstein
AU - N. R. Klatt
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
PB - bioRxiv
DO - 10.64898/2026.10.30.763242
UR - https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.30.763242v1
AB - 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.
ER -