Korean J Fam Pract.  2020 Dec;10(6):418-423. 10.21215/kjfp.2020.10.6.418.

Association between Environmental Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure and Insulin Resistance: Using The Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey

• Sa HJ
• Rim HR
• Choi JK
• Kim KJ
• Shin JY
• Oh EJ
• Kweon HJ

• KMID: 2509634
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2020.10.6.418

Abstract

Background
A positive association between air pollution and insulin resistance has been shown in previous studies as a precursor state of type 2 diabetes, especially in older adults. This study was conducted to investigate the association between insulin resistance and environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure as ubiquitous outdoor and indoor air pollution components.
Methods
From the second Korean National Environmental Health Survey, 5,717 adults aged ≥19 years were included in this study. To identify the association between environmental PAH exposure (urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, 1-OHP) and insulin resistance, defined by the ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, we performed multiple stepwise regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, education, physical activity, exposure to smoking and air pollution, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
Results
Urinary 1-OHP concentration was significantly associated with the ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Conclusion
Environmental exposure to PAHs is associated with increased insulin resistance in adults.

Keyword

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Air Pollution; Insulin Resistance; Metabolic Syndrome