Table 2_The impact of phthalates on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a comprehensive analysis based on network toxicology and molecular docking.docx

IntroductionPhthalates (PAEs) are widely used plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products since the 1930s, and recent research indicates a significant association between exposure to these substances and the development and progression of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial due to their public health implications.
MethodsIn this study, we utilized innovative network toxicology and molecular docking techniques to systematically examine the effects of seven typical phthalates on asthma and COPD. By integrating information from multiple databases, we identified key target genes linked to these compounds and conducted functional enrichment analyses to elucidate their roles in pathological processes.
ResultsOur results demonstrate that these phthalates affect the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD by modulating various target genes, including PTGS2, MMP9, and CASP3, which are involved in essential biological pathways such as apoptosis and immune response. Interestingly, certain inflammation-related genes and signaling pathways displayed novel regulatory patterns when exposed to phthalates, revealing new pathological mechanisms. Molecular docking analyses further confirmed stable interactions between phthalates and essential target genes, providing molecular-level insights into their pathogenic mechanisms.
DiscussionOverall, this study highlights the harmful impacts of these seven phthalates on asthma and COPD, establishing new connections between the compounds and disease-related genes, and emphasizing their relevance as emerging environmental toxins. These findings provide valuable perspectives for risk assessment and public health policy, underscoring the need for stricter regulations and interventions regarding phthalate exposure.

【引言】邻苯二甲酸酯（PAEs）自20世纪30年代起便作为增塑剂广泛应用于聚氯乙烯（PVC）制品中。近期研究表明，此类物质暴露与哮喘及慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）的发生、进展存在显著关联。鉴于其对公共健康的重要影响，阐明其潜在作用机制具有关键意义。

【方法】本研究采用创新性网络毒理学与分子对接技术，系统探究7种典型邻苯二甲酸酯对哮喘及COPD的影响。研究通过整合多数据库信息，筛选得到与此类化合物相关的关键靶基因，并开展功能富集分析，以阐明其在疾病病理过程中的作用。

【结果】本研究结果显示，此类邻苯二甲酸酯可通过调控包括PTGS2、MMP9及CASP3在内的多种靶基因，影响哮喘与COPD的发病进程，上述靶基因参与细胞凋亡、免疫应答等核心生物学通路。值得注意的是，部分炎症相关基因及信号通路在邻苯二甲酸酯暴露下呈现出全新的调控模式，揭示了此前未被发现的病理机制。分子对接分析进一步证实，邻苯二甲酸酯与关键靶基因之间存在稳定的相互作用，为阐明其致病机制提供了分子层面的理论依据。

【讨论】综上，本研究明确了7种邻苯二甲酸酯对哮喘及COPD的有害作用，建立了此类化合物与疾病相关基因之间的全新关联，并强调其作为新型环境毒素的重要性。本研究结果为风险评估与公共卫生政策制定提供了具有参考价值的视角，同时凸显了针对邻苯二甲酸酯暴露实施更严格监管与干预措施的必要性。