Genome-wide association and epidemiological evidence linking air pollution to aging mechanisms.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of air pollution on aging and aging-related diseases, focusing on potential causal relationships and molecular mechanisms. The first part involved a comprehensive analysis of global studies, examining the associations among PM 2.5 exposure, telomere length, and sarcopenia incidence.

The second part employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore potential causal association between PM 2.5 exposure and shorter telomere length. Additionally, network analysis was conducted to identify the molecular pathways potentially linking PM 2.5 to telomere length.

Furthermore, extensive phenotypic association studies on aging have been performed. The comprehensive analysis indicated that PM 2.5 exposure was associated with shorter telomere length and a greater incidence of sarcopenia.

MR analysis provided evidence for a potential causal relationship between PM 2.5 exposure and shorter telomere length. The network analysis results suggested several possible pathways for the association between PM 2.5 and telomere length.

Further phenotypic association studies on aging revealed a link between telomere length and the development of certain tumors. This integrative study provides novel evidence supporting a putative causal pathway from air pollution exposure to accelerated biological aging and aging-related diseases.

These findings underscore the need for policies that reduce air pollution exposure and for more effective public health interventions.