Integrated multi-omics analysis identifies TLR4-mediated mechanisms in ATBC-induced ovarian dysfunction and female infertility: A network toxicology, transcriptomic, and Mendelian randomization study.

Abstract

Background: Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a widely used plasticizer, has raised concerns regarding its reproductive toxicity. However, its molecular mechanisms in female infertility and ovarian damage remain poorly characterized. This study employs an integrative computational framework to elucidate ATBC-associated targets and pathways, with validation through genetic epidemiology and molecular docking.

Results: We identified 137 ovarian damage-related and 143 infertility-related ATBC targets, refined to 19 and 30 hub genes respectively. Pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in apoptosis, oxidative stress response, and PI3 K-AKT signaling (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic validation showed differential expression of 7/10 infertility-related and 9/10 ovarian damage-related hub genes. Mendelian randomization implicated TLR4 as protective against infertility (OR = 0.76, 95% CI:0.62-0.99; P = 0.049). Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between ATBC and key targets (TLR4: Vina score = -4.8 kcal/mol; ESR1: -7.5 kcal/mol).

Conclusions: This first multi-omics investigation of ATBC reproductive toxicity uncovers TLR4 as a critical mediator of ovarian dysfunction and infertility through inflammation-related pathways. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights and suggest TLR4 modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy for chemical-induced reproductive disorders.