Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Liver Enzymes in 351,852 Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

摘要

Background: Animal experiments suggest that particulate matter can induce hepatotoxicity, but epidemiological evidence is scarce. We therefore investigated the associations between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and liver enzymes in a Taiwanese population. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out among 351,852 adults who participated in a standard medical screening program in Taiwan from 2001 to 2014. A venous blood sample was taken for the measurement of liver enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and y-glutamyl transferase (GGT). A spatio-temporal model based on satellite-derived aerosol optical depth data was used to estimate ambient PM2.5 concentrations at each participants address. Linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between PM2.5 exposure and liver enzymes. Results: Positive associations were found between PM2.5 exposure and liver enzyme levels. After adjustment for a wide range of potential confounders, every 10 μg/m3 increment in 2-year average PM2.5 concentration was associated with 0.02% [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.04%, 0.08%], 0.61% (95% CI: 0.51%, 0.70%) and 1.60% (95% CI: 1.50%, 1.70%) increases in ALT and GGT levels, respectively. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased liver enzyme levels, suggesting adverse effects of PM2.5 exposure on liver function.