Long-term exposure to PM1 and PM2.5 is associated with serum cortisone level and meat intake plays a moderation role.

Although short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) was associated with increased glucocorticoids (GCs) levels, available evidence on associations of long-term exposure to PM and GCs levels is still scant. Previous studies has showed that meat intake is associated with sex hormones levels, but it is unknown whether meat intake is associated with GCs levels. Furthermore, the role of meat intake in the associations between PM and GCs levels remains unclear. The aims of this study were to explore the associations of long-term exposure to PM and GCs levels among Chinese rural adults, and the role of meat intake in these associations. A total of 6223 subjects were recruited from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Serum GCs levels were measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The concentrations of PM (PM 1 and PM 2.5) for each subject were assessed with machine learning algorithms. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain each participant' information on meat intake. The effects of PM and meat intake on GCs levels were assessed using generalized linear models. In addition, modification analyses were performed to identify the role of meat intake played in the associations of PM with serum GCs levels. Per 1 μg/m³ increment in PM 1 or PM 2.5 concentration was associated with a 0.364 ng/ml (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.234, 0.494) or 0.227 ng/ml (95%CI: 0.110, 0.343) increase in serum cortisone, respectively. In addition, the moderation effects of total meat intake and red meat intake on the associations of long-term exposure to PM 1 or PM 2.5 with serum cortisone were observed (P < 0.05), indicating that individuals who had high levels of PM 1 or PM 2.5 and meat intake were more susceptible to have a higher state of serum cortisone. Our findings suggested that long-term exposure to PM 1 or PM 2.5 was associated with serum cortisone. Moreover, meat intake was found to be a significant moderator in the association of PM 1 or PM 2.5 with serum cortisone levels. [Display omitted] • Long-term exposure to PM 1 or PM 2.5 was associated with serum cortisone among Chinese rural adults. • Meat intake was found to be a significant moderator in the positive associations of PM 1 or PM 2.5 with serum cortisone. • Our study implied that meat should be consumed reasonably and measures should be taken to control air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]