Gut Epithelial Barrier Damage Caused by Dishwasher Detergents and Rinse Aids

To investigate the impact of dishwasher detergents and rinse agents on gut epithelial barrier function, providing insights into their potential role in diseases such as food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis.

This is an in vitro preclinical study utilizing cell cultures to understand the impact of professional dishwashing and rinse agents on gut epithelia.

Caco-2 cells, a well-established intestinal epithelial cell line, were incubated with dilutions of commercial detergents and rinse aids to study cellular and transcriptome effects. Additionally, chemicals remaining in the residue of washed dishware were used in cell culture to replicate real-world exposure levels.

Rinse aid toxicity was dose-dependent on its concentration and resulted in disrupted epithelial barriers evidenced by increased paracellular flux and irregular tight junction staining. Alcohol ethoxylates were identified as the primary component of the rinse aid responsible for the toxic and barrier-damaging effects, which were seen at daily exposed concentrations. Transcriptome and proteomics analysis showed changes in gene expression related to cell survival, epithelial barrier and tight junction function, cytokine signaling, and metabolism. Professional dishwashing residues on the surface of dishware retained substantial cytotoxic and barrier-damaging properties.

The study demonstrates that professional dishwasher rinse aids containing alcohol ethoxylates damage the intestinal epithelial barrier, leading to cellular toxicity, tight junction disruption, and immune activation. The findings raise concerns about the health effects of exposure to these substances and warrant in vivo investigation and development of alternate agents.

The “Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis” and associated dysbiosis is gaining traction as an explanation for the rise in allergic diseases such as food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis. This thought-provoking preclinical study highlights possible mechanisms of gut damage that may result from everyday exposures in the modern world.