The Interaction Between DDT and Its Substitutes and Metabolites and Estrogen Receptors was Studied Based on Molecular Docking Technology
Research Article
Open Access
CC BY

The Interaction Between DDT and Its Substitutes and Metabolites and Estrogen Receptors was Studied Based on Molecular Docking Technology

Teng Huang 1*
1 Chengdu University of Technology
*Corresponding author: h2369845332@163.com
Published on 28 October 2025
Journal Cover
ACE Vol.200
ISSN (Print): 2755-273X
ISSN (Online): 2755-2721
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-491-5
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-492-2
Download Cover

Abstract

This paper explores the estrogenic interference effects of DDT and its substitutes and metabolites using molecular docking techniques and analyzes the related mechanisms of action. In addition, DDT and its alternative metoxyddt (MXC), as well as their respective metabolites, DDT (DDE) and 2, 2-bis (4-hydroxybenzene) -1,1, 1-trichloroethane (HPTE), were selected as ligand molecules for docking. AutoDock software was used for molecular docking with the estrogen receptor (ER)α. Both MXC and HPTE can form a hydrogen bond with the Arg394 residue of ERα, and the optimal binding energies of DDT, DDE, MXC and HPTE to ERα are -5.67, -6.21, -5.03 and -5.48 5.48kcal/mol, respectively. The binding forces of ERα to the above four molecules, from high to low, are DDE>DDT>HPTE>MXC. ERα has sufficient affinity for DDT, DDE, MXC, and HPTE. The binding affinity of DDT and DDE to ERα is mainly provided by hydrophobic interaction with the non-polar residue of the receptor. In contrast, the binding affinity of MXC and HPTE to ERα is primarily supplied by hydrophobic interaction with the non-polar residue of the receptor and hydrogen bond formation with the key residue. MXC shows a weaker affinity for the receptor than DDT, and HPTE shows a stronger affinity for the estrogen receptor than MXC.

Keywords:

Molecular docking, Environmental hormones, DDT

View PDF
Huang,T. (2025). The Interaction Between DDT and Its Substitutes and Metabolites and Estrogen Receptors was Studied Based on Molecular Docking Technology. Applied and Computational Engineering,200,69-75.

References

[1]. Cummings, A. M. (1997). Methoxychlor as a model for environmental estrogens. Critical reviews in toxicology, 27(4), 367-379.

[2]. Turusov, V., Rakitsky, V., & Tomatis, L. (2002). Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT): ubiquity, persistence, and risks. Environmental health perspectives, 110(2), 125-128.

[3]. Amir, S., Shah, S. T. A., Mamoulakis, C., Docea, A. O., Kalantzi, O. I., Zachariou, A., ... & Tsatsakis, A. (2021). Endocrine disruptors acting on estrogen and androgen pathways cause reproductive disorders through multiple mechanisms: a review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(4), 1464.

[4]. Luccio-Camelo, D. C., & Prins, G. S. (2011). Disruption of androgen receptor signaling in males by environmental chemicals. The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology, 127(1-2), 74-82.

[5]. Zhang, C., Schiliro, T., Gea, M., Bianchi, S. Spinello, A., Magistrato, A., ... & Di Nardo, G. (2020). Molecular basis for endocrine disruption by pesticides targeting aromatase and estrogen receptor.  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,   17(16), 5664.

[6]. Desaulniers, D., Leingartner, K., Russo, J., Perkins, G., Chittim, B. G., Archer, M. C., ... & Yang, J. (2001). Modulatory effects of neonatal exposure to TCDD, or a mixture of PCBs, p, p'-DDT, and pp'-DDE, on methylnitrosourea-induced mammary tumor development in the rat. Environmental Health Perspectives, 109(7), 739-747.

[7]. Ishfaq, M., & Shah, S. W. A. (2025). An overview of computational tools and approaches for green molecular design to minimize toxicological risk in chemical compounds. Computational Methods in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, 223-238.

[8]. Enni, M. A., & Maraj, M. A. A. (2022). IN SILICO DRUG REPURPOSING FOR INFLAMMATORY DISEASES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MOLECULAR DOCKING AND VIRTUAL SCREENING STUDIES. American Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Solutions, 2(04), 35-64.

[9]. Donohoe, R. M., & Curtis, L. R. (1996). Estrogenic activity of chlordecone, o, p′-DDT and o, p′-DDE in juvenile rainbow trout: induction of vitellogenesis and interaction with hepatic estrogen binding sites. Aquatic toxicology, 36(1-2), 31-52.

Cite this article

Huang,T. (2025). The Interaction Between DDT and Its Substitutes and Metabolites and Estrogen Receptors was Studied Based on Molecular Docking Technology. Applied and Computational Engineering,200,69-75.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of CONF-MCEE 2026 Symposium: Advances in Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Vehicle Automation

ISBN: 978-1-80590-491-5(Print) / 978-1-80590-492-2(Online)
Editor: Ömer Burak İSTANBULLU
Conference date: 14 November 2025
Series: Applied and Computational Engineering
Volume number: Vol.200
ISSN: 2755-2721(Print) / 2755-273X(Online)