Is long-term PM1 exposure associated with blood lipids and dyslipidemias in a Chinese rural population?

Abstract Background Air pollution has been shown to be associated with blood lipid levels. However, studies on long-term ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤1 μm (PM1) exposure in high-exposure areas are still limited. This study aimed to explore the associations among long-term PM1 exposure, blood lipids and dyslipidemias. Methods Baseline data of The Henan Rural Cohort study was used in present study, including a total of 39,259 participants aged from 18 to 79 years. Daily levels of PM1 were estimated by a spatiotemporal model using ground-level measurements of PM1, satellite remote sensing data and other predictors, according to participants' home addresses. Individual exposure to PM1 was the 3-year average before baseline investigation. Linear regression and logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations among PM1, blood lipids ((total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)), and prevalence of dyslipidemias. Results The 3-year concentration of PM1 was 55.7 ± 2.1 μg/m3. Each 1 μg/m3 increment of PM1 was associated with an increase of 0.21% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11%–0.31%) in TC and 0.75% (95% CI: 0.61%–0.90%) in LDL-C, while decrease of 2.68% (95% CI: 2.43%–2.93%) in TG and 0.47% (95% CI: 0.35%–0.59%) in HDL-C. Each 1 μg/m3 increase in PM1 was associated with 6% (95% CI: 4%–8%), 3% (95% CI: 2%–5%) and 5% (95% CI: 3%–7%) higher risks of hypercholesterolemia, hyperbetalipoproteinemia and hypoalphalipoproteinemia. Sex, age and BMI statistically modified the associations between PM1 with blood lipid levels and dyslipidemias. Conclusions Higher PM1 exposure was associated with adverse changes of blood lipid levels and dyslipidemias. Males, older and overweight participants were susceptive to the adverse effects of PM1.