Neurotoxicity mechanisms of pyrethroids studied by network toxicology and molecular docking

Pyrethroids (PYs), a class of insecticides widely used in agricultural and household pest control, have been reported to trigger neurological damage. However, the underlying mechanisms of toxicity remain unclear. In this study, we applied a network toxicology approach to identify the core targets and signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of PYs-induced neurotoxicity syndrome. A molecular docking approach was also used to determine the interactions between PYs and key proteins. In this study, 145 potential targets and 10 core targets of PYs-induced neurotoxicity were identified. The core targets included SRC, EGFR, and KDR, and the signaling pathways involved Prolactin signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and Lipid and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking binding showed stable binding of PYs to core targets. This study preliminarily reveals the potential toxicity and possible neurotoxicity mechanism of pyrethroids, which provides new ideas for subsequent prevention and treatment of related diseases.