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Air pollution is the risk factor for psychiatric disorders: a two-step Mendelian randomization study
Jingying Zhou1, Zhe Lu2, Ke Xu2
1Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
Air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), is genetically linked to psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Brain imaging phenotypes mediate or mask these complex relationships.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Ambient air pollution poses a significant environmental health risk.
- Epidemiological studies suggest a link between air pollution and psychiatric disorders.
- Causal relationships remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal impact of specific air pollutants on various psychiatric disorders.
- To explore the mediating or masking effects of brain imaging phenotypes in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis.
- Examined nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), and PM2.5 absorbance.
- Assessed effects on autism spectrum disorders (ASD), ADHD, anxiety disorders (ANX), schizophrenia (SCZ), and major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Investigated mediating effects of brain imaging phenotypes.
Main Results:
- PM2.5 showed a significant effect on MDD, mediated by left CA4-body volume.
- PM2.5 absorbance was linked to ADHD, masked by rfMRI connectivity.
- NO2 and PM2.5 absorbance increased ASD risk.
- NO2 associated with SCZ, and PM2.5 with ANX.
Conclusions:
- Established genetic causal links between air pollution and psychiatric disorders.
- Highlighted the role of brain imaging phenotypes as mediators or maskers.
- Provided insights for mechanistic and clinical research on air pollution's psychiatric effects.
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