Cross-scale causal inference integrated with single-cell profiling and molecular simulations reveals a macrophage CSF1R–CD68–LYZ axis linking benzo[a]pyrene to erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder with established risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging. Increasing evidence indicates that environmental exposures also contribute to its pathogenesis. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in air pollution, tobacco smoke, and charred foods, has been linked to reproductive dysfunction, yet its molecular role in ED remains unclear.

Methods

A multi-faceted approach combining Mendelian randomization (MR), network toxicology, molecular simulations, single-cell RNA sequencing, and virtual gene knockout was used to explore the link between B[a]P exposure and ED. MR assessed causal associations, network toxicology identified molecular targets, and single-cell analysis revealed cellular responses, while virtual gene knockout validated key genes in ED.

Results

Our integrated analysis identified CSF1R, CD68, and LYZ as central genes in B[a]P-induced ED. These genes regulate macrophage-driven inflammation, which contributes to endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage—critical processes in ED pathophysiology. Direct interactions between B[a]P and these genes were confirmed, with macrophages playing a key role in the disease mechanism. Causal relationships between B[a]P exposure and ED were established, and therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage-specific genes were proposed to mitigate the impact of environmental toxins on erectile function.

Conclusions

This study offers novel insights into the role of B[a]P in ED and identifies key macrophage-specific genes as therapeutic targets. These findings suggest potential strategies for addressing B[a]P-induced ED, with future research needed to validate these targets and explore therapies targeting macrophage-driven inflammation.