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Particulate matter 2.5 causally increased genetic risk of autism spectrum disorder
Tianyu Jin1,2, Qiongyi Pang1,2, Wei Huang3,4
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Background:
Growing evidence suggested that particulate matter (PM) exhibit an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the causal association between PM and ASD risk remains unclear.
Methods:
We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, using instrumental variables (IVs) sourced from the largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) databases. We employed three MR methods: inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger, with IVW method serving as our primary MR method. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the stability of these findings.
Results:
The MR results suggested that PM2.5 increased the genetic risk of ASD (β = 2.41, OR = 11.13, 95% CI: 2.54-48.76, P < 0.01), and similar result was found for PM2.5 absorbance (β = 1.54, OR = 4.67, 95% CI: 1.21-18.01, P = 0.03). However, no such association was found in PM10 (β = 0.27, OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.72-2.36, P = 0.38). After adjusting for the false discovery rate (FDR) correction, our MR results remain consistent. Sensitivity analyses did not find significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.
Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that PM2.5 is a potential risk factor for ASD. Effective strategies to mitigate air pollutants might lead to a reduced incidence of ASD.
Insights
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may increase the genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Reducing air pollution could potentially lower ASD incidence.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Genetic Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence links particulate matter (PM) exposure to increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk.
- The causal relationship between PM and ASD remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal association between particulate matter exposure and autism spectrum disorder risk using Mendelian randomization.
- To differentiate the effects of various PM sizes (PM2.5 and PM10) on ASD risk.
Main Methods:
- Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted.
- Instrumental variables were derived from large genome-wide association studies.
- Inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger methods were employed, with sensitivity analyses performed.
Main Results:
- Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure showed a significant association with increased genetic risk for ASD (OR=11.13, P<0.01).
- PM2.5 absorbance also indicated a potential link to higher ASD risk (OR=4.67, P=0.03).
- No significant association was found between PM10 exposure and ASD risk (OR=1.30, P=0.38).
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest PM2.5 is a potential risk factor for ASD.
- Mitigation strategies for air pollutants like PM2.5 may help reduce ASD incidence.
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