Anorectal care products cause variable inflammation and adverse barrier effects in a mucosal epithelial model

Hyperosmolar or surfactant-containing douching solutions in a human colorectal epithelial co-culture (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12) rapidly reduce metabolic activity and transepithelial electrical resistance while increasing IL-6 and TNF- expression.

• Why it matters: Rectal douching is linked epidemiologically to higher STI and HPV risk, but the mucosal mechanisms driving inflammation and barrier disruption were unclear.
• What they did: The study tested common douching products in a Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12 co-culture, measuring viability, barrier integrity, and cytokine responses after exposure.
• The result: Isotonic formulations preserved epithelial viability and barrier function comparable to buffered controls and reduced inflammatory signaling, supporting harm-reduction approaches for safer anal hygiene.

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