Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with elevated low- density lipoprotein cholesterol level

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important indicator to assess atherosclerosis risk, and air pollution might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by elevating the LDL-C level. To date, there is no consensus about the associations between exposures to different air pollutants and LDL-C status. In this study, we explored the associations between long-term air pollution exposure and LDL-C status based on a cohort in Northeast China. We found that long-term air pollutant exposure (measured in 10-mu g/m(3) increments) to PM2.5 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-3.04), PM10 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.72), SO2 (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.28-1.86), NO2 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.23-1.67), and CO (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 101-1.03) were positively associated with elevated LDL-C level. Of all pollutants, PM2.5 had the largest effect on LDL-C level. Increased O-3 exposure (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.57-0.76) had a beneficial effect on LDL-C level. Interac-tion effects of air pollution and physical activity, as well as white blood cell counts, on LDL-C level were found. Effects of air pollution on triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not significant, and effects of air pollution on total cholesterol were weaker than those on LDL-C. This study provides evidence for the effect of air pollution on LDL-C level, as well as the prevention of atherosclerosis risk.

Automated summary

The study found that long-term exposure to air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO is positively associated with elevated LDL-C levels, while increased exposure to O-3 has a beneficial effect. Interaction effects between air pollution and physical activity, as well as white blood cell counts, on LDL-C levels were also observed.