Prolonged exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of developing new psoriasis, as highlighted in a study published on July 16 in JAMA Network Open.
The study, led by Junhui Wu, Ph.D., from the Peking University School of Nursing in Beijing, investigated the relationship between long-term air pollution exposure and the onset of psoriasis. It also examined the interplay between air pollution and genetic susceptibility to psoriasis. The research included 474,055 participants and spanned a median follow-up period of 11.91 years.
The findings revealed a significant correlation between air pollutant exposure and the risk of psoriasis. Specifically, exposure to fine particulate matter with diameters of less than 2.5 micrometers (μm) and 10 μm, as well as nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides, was associated with a higher risk of psoriasis. Each interquartile range increase in these pollutants corresponded to a greater risk of developing the condition. The risk was particularly elevated when comparing individuals in the highest exposure quartile to those in the lowest.
Moreover, the study identified significant interactions between air pollution and genetic predisposition to psoriasis. Individuals with high genetic risk who were exposed to the highest levels of air pollution faced a markedly higher risk of developing psoriasis compared to those with low genetic risk and low pollution exposure.
“There is a need to devise and implement effective interventions aimed at mitigating air pollution and safeguarding individuals from the effects associated with psoriasis,” the authors concluded.
This study underscores the importance of addressing air pollution as a public health measure to prevent the onset of psoriasis, particularly among genetically susceptible populations.
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