| Title: | Dynamic associations between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and respiratory-cardiovascular diseases: A trajectory analysis of a prospective study |
| Journal: | Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety |
| Published: | 31 Oct 2025 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41175703/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119329 |
Publication 19088
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exposure to ambient air pollution constitutes a significant risk factor for both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, its impact on the progression of respiratory-cardiovascular disease trajectories, particularly among individuals with COPD, remains unclear. This study aims to assess the associations of long-term air pollution exposure with the progression from a healthy state to the development of COPD, subsequent CVD, and mortality, utilizing a multi-state modeling framework.</p>
METHODS: We included 318,282 participants from the UK Biobank who were free of COPD and CVD at baseline in this prospective cohort study. Annual average concentrations of particulate matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀) and nitrogen oxides (NO₂, NOₓ), derived from participant residential histories and data from the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), were used to estimate long-term exposure. Multi-state models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for each 1 µg/m³ increase in air pollutant concentration in relation to disease transitions along the respiratory-cardiovascular trajectory.</p>
RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 13.5 years, 6901 participants developed COPD; 2207 of whom subsequently developed CVD, and 15,921 participants died. All pollutants were significantly associated with adverse transitions in the respiratory-cardiovascular disease trajectory, Adjusted HRs (95 % CIs) per 1 µg/m³ increase in pollutant exposure for the transition from COPD to CVD were: NO2, 1.013(1.006,1.020); NOX, 1.005(1.001,1.009); PM2.5, 1.051(1.035, 1.068); and PM10, 1.068(1.045,1.093). Subgroup analyses revealed greater risks among specific populations, particularly among female COPD patients (HR for PM₂.₅=1.106) and individuals aged ≥ 55 years (HR for PM₂.₅=1.132).</p>
CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to ambient air pollution, particularly PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀, is linked to an elevated risk of progression from COPD to CVD, thereby augmenting the overall burden of respiratory-cardiovascular diseases. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective air quality interventions to reduce pollution-related health impacts.</p>
16 Keywords
- Adult
- Aged
- Air Pollutants
- Air Pollution
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Environmental Exposure
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nitrogen Oxides
- Particulate Matter
- Prospective Studies
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
- Risk Factors
- United Kingdom
11 Authors
- Zihang Zhong
- Hui Yu
- Yafei Wang
- Xinxin Kong
- Ruyu Huang
- Jiong Li
- Yang Zhao
- Dongfang You
- Jingwei Wu
- Hao Yu
- Jianling Bai
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 92675 | Study on the association between wide environmental exposure factors and common chronic diseases |
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