Benefits of improved air quality on aging lungs. Impacts of genetics and obesity
IntroductionThe beneficial effect of improving air quality on lung function in the elderly remains unclear. We examined associations between decline in air pollutants and lung function and effect modifications by genetics and BMI in elderly German women.\n\nMethodsData were analysed from the prospective SALIA cohort study (N=601). Spirometry was conducted at baseline (1985-1994; 55 years), in 2007-2010 and in 2012-2013. Air pollution concentrations at home addresses were determined for each time point using land-use regression models. GLI z-scores were calculated. Weighted genetic risk scores (GRS) were determined from lung function-related risk alleles and used to investigate interactions with improved air quality. Adjusted linear mixed models were fitted.\n\nResultsAir pollution levels decreased substantially during the study period. Reduction of air pollution was associated with an increase of z-scores for FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. For a decrease of 10 g/m3 in NO2, the z-score for FEV1 increased by 0.14 (95%CI: 0.01; 0.26). However, with an increasing number of lung function-related risk alleles, the benefit from improved air quality decreased (GRSxNO2-interaction:p=0.029). Interactions with BMI were not significant.\n\nConclusionsReduction of air pollution is associated with a relative improvement of lung function in elderly women, but also depends on their genetic make-up.