Associations of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents with blood lipids and dyslipidemia in Chinese adults: The CHCN–BTH study

Abstract

Prior research indicates an association between fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and blood lipids, but fewer studies have explored the constituents of PM_2.5. This study investigated the long-term effects of PM_2.5 and its constituents on blood lipid levels and dyslipidemia. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the associations of 3-year mean concentrations of PM_2.5 and its constituents (BC, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, OM) with blood lipids and dyslipidemia, followed by stratified, interactive, and sensitive analysis. Out of 29,223 participants, there were positive associations between increased PM_2.5 and its constituents with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL–C), while a negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL–C). Notably, BC and OM exhibited the most significant association with HDL–C and LDL–C, each interquartile range (IQR) increment of BC and OM were positively associated with higher LDL–C (Percentage change: 21.17%, 95% CI:19.58%, 22.77%; 23.05%, 95% CI: 21.53%, 24.58%), and lower HDL–C (19.23%, 95% CI: 18.27%, 20.17%; 18.72%, 95% CI: 17.81%, 19.62%), respectively. PM_2.5 and its constituents were found to be associated with an elevated risk of dyslipidemia. BC, SO₄²⁻, and OM were particularly associated with hypoalphalipoproteinemia and hyperbetalipoproteinemia. Stratified analyses showed that females, individuals residing in rural areas, older adults, those who were overweight or obese, non-smokers, non-drinkers, and regular exercisers displayed higher susceptibility to PM_2.5 and its constituents. These findings have significant implications for reducing the harm of air pollution to dyslipidemia.