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Cigarette smoking and PM2.5 might jointly exacerbate the risk of metabolic syndrome
Hao-Hung Tsai1,2,3,4,5, Disline Manli Tantoh3,6, Wen Yu Lu6
1Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
Background:
Cigarette smoking and particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) are major preventable cardiovascular mortality and morbidity promoters. Their joint role in metabolic syndrome (MS) pathogenesis is unknown. We determined the risk of MS based on PM2.5 and cigarette smoking in Taiwanese adults.
Methods:
The study included 126,366 Taiwanese between 30 and 70 years old with no personal history of cancer. The Taiwan Biobank (TWB) contained information on MS, cigarette smoking, and covariates, while the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), Taiwan, contained the PM2.5 information. Individuals were categorized as current, former, and nonsmokers. PM2.5 levels were categorized into quartiles: PM2.5 ≤ Q1, Q1 < PM2.5 ≤ Q2, Q2 < PM2.5 ≤ Q3, and PM2.5 > Q3, corresponding to PM2.5 ≤ 27.137, 27.137 < PM2.5 ≤ 32.589, 32.589 < PM2.5 ≤ 38.205, and PM2.5 > 38.205 μg/m3.
Results:
The prevalence of MS was significantly different according to PM2.5 exposure (p-value = 0.0280) and cigarette smoking (p-value < 0.0001). Higher PM2.5 levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of MS: odds ratio (OR); 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.058; 1.014-1.104, 1.185; 1.134-1.238, and 1.149; 1.101-1.200 for 27.137 < PM2.5 ≤ 32.589, 32.589 < PM2.5 ≤ 38.205, and PM2.5 > 38.205 μg/m3, respectively. The risk of MS was significantly higher among former and current smokers with OR; 95% CI = 1.062; 1.008-1.118 and 1.531; 1.450-1.616, respectively, and a dose-dependent p-value < 0.0001. The interaction between both exposures regarding MS was significant (p-value = 0.0157). Stratification by cigarette smoking revealed a significant risk of MS due to PM2.5 exposure among nonsmokers: OR (95% CI) = 1.074 (1.022-1.128), 1.226 (1.166-1.290), and 1.187 (1.129-1.247) for 27.137 < PM2.5 ≤ 32.589, 32.589 < PM2.5 ≤ 38.205, and PM2.5 > 38.205 μg/m3, respectively. According to PM2.5 quartiles, current smokers had a higher risk of MS, regardless of PM2.5 levels (OR); 95% CI = 1.605; 1.444-1.785, 1.561; 1.409-1.728, 1.359; 1.211-1.524, and 1.585; 1.418-1.772 for PM2.5 ≤ 27.137, 27.137 < PM2.5 ≤ 32.589, 32.589 < PM2.5 ≤ 38.205, and PM2.5 > 38.205 μg/m3, respectively. After combining both exposures, the group, current smokers; PM2.5 > 38.205 μg/m3 had the highest odds (1.801; 95% CI =1.625-1.995).
Conclusion:
PM2.5 and cigarette smoking were independently and jointly associated with a higher risk of MS. Stratified analyses revealed that cigarette smoking might have a much higher effect on MS than PM2.5. Nonetheless, exposure to both PM2.5 and cigarette smoking could compound the risk of MS.
Insights
Cigarette smoking and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) independently increase metabolic syndrome (MS) risk. Combined exposure significantly elevates MS risk, with current smokers facing the highest odds, especially with high PM2.5 levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
Background:
- Cigarette smoking and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are significant contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- The combined impact of PM2.5 and cigarette smoking on metabolic syndrome (MS) development remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and joint associations of PM2.5 exposure and cigarette smoking with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MS) in Taiwanese adults.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale study of 126,366 Taiwanese adults aged 30-70 without a cancer history.
- Data on metabolic syndrome, smoking status, and covariates were sourced from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB).
- PM2.5 exposure levels were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), Taiwan, and categorized into quartiles.
Main Results:
- Both PM2.5 exposure and cigarette smoking were significantly associated with an increased risk of MS.
- Higher PM2.5 levels demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in MS risk.
- Current smokers exhibited a substantially higher risk of MS compared to nonsmokers, with a synergistic effect observed when combined with high PM2.5 exposure.
Conclusions:
- PM2.5 and cigarette smoking are independent risk factors for MS.
- Cigarette smoking appears to have a more pronounced effect on MS risk than PM2.5 exposure.
- Concurrent exposure to both PM2.5 and cigarette smoking significantly compounds the risk of developing MS.
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