Association of Exposure to Fine-Particulate Air Pollution and Acidic Gases with Incidence of Nephrotic Syndrome.

Abstract

Background: Air pollution has been associated with autoimmune diseases. Nephrotic syndrome is a clinical manifestation of immune-mediated glomerulopathy. However, the association between nephrotic syndrome and air pollution constituents remains unknown. We conducted this nationwide retrospective study to investigate the association between PM2.5 and nephrotic syndrome. Methods: We used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) and the Taiwan Air Quality-Monitoring Database (TAQMD). We combined and stratified the LHID and the TAQMD data by residential areas of insurants linked to nearby air quality-monitoring stations. Air pollutant concentrations were grouped into four levels based on quartile. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied. Findings: Relative to Q1-level SO₂, subjects exposed to the Q4 level were associated with a 2.00-fold higher risk of nephrotic syndrome (adjusted HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.66⁻2.41). In NOx, relative to Q1 NOx concentrations, the adjusted HRs of nephrotic syndrome risk were 1.53 (95% CI = 1.23⁻1.91), 1.30 (95% CI = 1.03⁻1.65), and 2.08 (95% CI = 1.69⁻2.56) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 levels, respectively. The results revealed an increasing trend for nephrotic syndrome risk correlating with increasing levels of NO, NO₂, and PM2.5 concentrations. Interpretation: High concentrations of PM2.5, NO, NO₂, and SO₂ are associated with increased risk of nephrotic syndrome.

• Authors: Shih-Yi Lin, Wu-Huei Hsu, Cheng-Li Lin, Cheng-Chieh Lin, Chih-Hsueh Lin, I-Kuan Wang, Chung-Y Hsu, Chia-Hung Kao
• Journal: International journal of environmental research and public health (Int J Environ Res Public Health) Vol. 15 Issue 12 (12 14 2018) ISSN: 1660-4601 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 30558173 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Gases
• Particulate Matter

Topics

• Adult
• Databases, Factual
• Female
• Gases (analysis)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Inhalation Exposure (analysis)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nephrotic Syndrome (epidemiology, etiology)
• Particle Size
• Particulate Matter (adverse effects, analysis)
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk
• Taiwan (epidemiology)