Background and objectives: Studies on the effects of airborne particulates of diameter ≤ 1 µm (PM1), airborne particulates of diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and airborne particulates of diameter ranges from 1 to 2.5 µm (PM1-2.5) on incidence of hyperuricemia are limited. We aimed to investigate the associations between PM1, PM2.5, and PM1-2.5 and hyperuricemia among male traffic officers.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1460 traffic officers without hyperuricemia in Guangzhou, China from 2009 to 2016. Exposures of PM1 and PM2.5 were estimated with a spatiotemporal model. PM1-2.5 concentrations were calculated by subtracting PM1 from PM2.5 concentrations. Cox's proportional hazards regressions models were used to examine the association between PM1, PM2.5, and PM1-2.5 and hyperuricemia, adjusted for potential confounders. Associations between PM1, PM2.5, and PM1-2.5 and serum uric acid (SUA) levels were evaluated with multiple linear regression models.
Results: Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hyperuricemia associated with 10 μg/m3 increment in PM1, PM2.5, and PM1-2.5 were 1.67 (95% CI:1.30-2.36), 1.49 (95% CI: 1.27-1.75), and 2.18 (95% CI: 1.58-3.02), respectively. The SUA concentrations increased by 12.23 μmol/L (95% CI: 5.91-18.56), 6.93 μmol/L (95% CI: 3.02-10.84), and 8.72 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.76-16.68) per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM1, PM2.5, and PM1-2.5, respectively. Stratified analyses indicated the positive associations of PM2.5 and PM1-2.5 with SUA levels were stronger in non-smokers, and PM1, PM2.5, and PM1-2.5 with SUA levels were stronger in non-drinkers.
Conclusion: Long-term PM1, PM2.5, and PM1-2.5 exposures may increase the risk of hyperuricemia and elevate SUA levels among male traffic officers, especially in non-smokers and non-drinkers.
Keywords: China; Hyperuricemia; Male traffic officers; Particulate matter.
Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.