Long-term Exposure to Air Pollution and Lipometabolic Disturbance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectivesTo reveal the chronic effects of air pollutants on lipometabolic disturbance via detectable lipoprotein parameters. Study DesignThis is a systematic review and meta-analysis. MethodsSeven online databases were searched to conduct a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies examining the relationship between air pollution and lipid parameter levels. Subgroup analysis was additionally carried out for each air pollutant studied. ResultsA total of 2,274 records were retrieved, resulting in 10 studies included in the final quantitative meta-analysis, comprising seven studies in Europe and the United States and three studies in mainland China. Using a random-effect model, the results showed that for each 10 g/m3 increment in PM2.5, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) incidence increased by 3.31% (95% CI: 2.29%, 8.91%), 2.34% (95% CI: 1.30%, 3.39%),-1.57% (95% CI: -1.85%, -1.28%), and 4.33% (95% CI: 2.69%, 5.98%), respectively; for each 10 g/m3 increment in PM10, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C levels increased by 5.27% (95% CI: 2.03%, 8.50%), -0.24% (95% CI: -0.95%, -0.47%), and 0.45% (95% CI: -0.57%, 1.47%), respectively; for each 10 g/m3 increment in NO2, TG and HDL-C levels increased by 4.18% (95% CI: 1.12%, 7.23%) and -0.51% (95% CI: -2.61%, 1.58%), respectively. No significant associations were detected for combinations of air pollutants on lipometabolic disturbance. ConclusionIncreased air pollutant exposure is significantly associated with fluctuation in blood lipid parameter levels, which can be an indicator of the bodys lipometabolic disturbance.