Investigating the mechanistic link between pesticide DDT and breast cancer through network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) may contribute to breast cancer pathogenesis, focusing on its interactions with key cancer-related molecular pathways. Target genes of DDT and breast cancer were retrieved from online databases. Network toxicology and molecular docking were used to analyze DDT interactions with breast cancer-related key proteins. Twelve DDT-associated breast cancer targets were identified, with core targets (e.g., AR, ESR1, ESR2, ERBB2) primarily involved in hormone and growth factor signaling pathways, clarifying potential molecular mechanisms and providing a basis for mitigating DDT’s adverse effects on breast health. This study further clarifies DDT’s role in breast cancer via network toxicology, protein-protein interaction, and molecular docking analyses. These findings highlight the need for additional epidemiological and clinical studies to fully understand DDT’s impact on breast cancer risk, informing future prevention and treatment strategies.