Eriodictyol mitigates polystyrene nanoplastic-induced ovarian toxicity via targeted inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory axis.

The escalating accumulation of nanoplastics in reproductive tissues poses an emerging threat to female fertility. While oxidative stress is a known hallmark of this toxicity, the specific upstream molecular initiators remain elusive, and targeted interventions to mitigate damage after internalization are currently unavailable. To address this challenge, we integrated in vivo toxicity assessment, multi-omics profiling, and computational drug discovery. Female mice were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) to characterize the reproductive phenotype. By intersecting RNA-sequencing data with toxicology databases, we screened for core pathogenic targets. Subsequently, in silico screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations identified eriodictyol as a lead compound. It demonstrated superior binding affinity and stability compared to other candidates. In vivo, PS-NP-exposure precipitated a premature ovarian failure-like phenotype, characterized by follicular depletion, hormonal dysregulation (suppressed E2 and AMH, elevated FSH), and oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. Multi-omics integration identified Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) as the core upstream driver orchestrating this toxicity. Virtual screening distinguished Eriodictyol as the superior candidate, uniquely combining high oral bioavailability (>70%) with high-affinity binding to the TLR4. Experimental validation in human granulosa cells (KGN) confirmed that Eriodictyol significantly rescued cell viability and estradiol secretion against PS-NPs attack. Mechanistically, Eriodictyol functioned as a specific inhibitor, severing the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory axis and inhibiting the downstream oxidative-apoptotic cascade. PS-NPs induce ovarian failure via TLR4-dependent oxidative inflammation, and Eriodictyol serves as a precision intervention to block this pathway. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for utilizing dietary flavonoids as prophylactic agents to safeguard reproductive health against plastic pollution.