Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution attenuated the association of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in rural Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study

Jian Hou; Xiaotian Liu; Runqi Tu; Xiaokang Dong; Zhihan Zhai; Zhenxing Mao; Wenqian Huo; Gongbo Chen; Hao Xiang; Yuming Guo; Shanshan Li; Chongjian Wang

doi:10.1016/j.envint.2020.105459

Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution attenuated the association of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in rural Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study

Environ Int. 2020 Mar:136:105459. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105459. Epub 2020 Jan 10.

Authors

Jian Hou¹, Xiaotian Liu¹, Runqi Tu¹, Xiaokang Dong¹, Zhihan Zhai¹, Zhenxing Mao¹, Wenqian Huo¹, Gongbo Chen², Hao Xiang², Yuming Guo³, Shanshan Li⁴, Chongjian Wang⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
² Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.
³ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
⁴ Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: Shanshan.Li@monash.edu.
⁵ Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China. Electronic address: tjwcj2005@126.com.

PMID: 31931348
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105459

Abstract

Background: Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and physical activity are linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the joint effect of physical activity and ambient air pollution on MetS remains largely unknown in rural Chinese adult population.

Methods: In this study, 39 089 individuals were included from the Henan Rural Cohort study that recruited 39 259 individuals at the baseline. Participants' exposure to air pollutants (including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1.0 µm (PM₁), ≤2.5 µm (PM_2.5), or ≤ 10 µm (PM₁₀) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)) were evaluated by using a spatiotemporal model based on satellites data. Individuals were defined as MetS according to the recommendation of the Joint Interim Societies. Physical activity-metabolic equivalent (MET) was calculated based on the formula of MET coefficient of activity × duration (hour per time) × frequency (times per week). Generalized linear models were used to analyze the individual air pollutant or physical activity and their interaction on MetS. Interaction effects of individual air pollutant and physical activity on MetS were assessed by using Interaction plots which exhibited the estimated effect of physical activity on MetS as a function of individual air pollutant.

Results: The prevalence of MetS was 30.8%. The adjusted odd ratio of MetS with a per 5 µg/m³ increase in PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂ or a 10 MET (hour/day) of physical activity increment was 1.251(1.199, 1.306), 1.424(1.360, 1.491), 1.228(1.203, 1.254), 1.408(1.363, 1.455) or 0.814(0.796, 0.833). The protective effect of physical activity on MetS was decreased with accompanying air pollutant concentrations increased.

Conclusions: The results indicated that long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants related to increased risk of MetS and physical activity attenuated the effects of ambient air pollutants on increased risk for MetS.

Keywords: Gaseous pollutants; Metabolic syndrome; Particulate matter; Physical activity; Rural population.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Air Pollutants* / toxicity
Air Pollution*
Cohort Studies
Cross-Sectional Studies
Environmental Exposure
Exercise*
Humans
Metabolic Syndrome*
Nitrogen Dioxide
Particulate Matter

Substances

Air Pollutants
Particulate Matter
Nitrogen Dioxide