Inverse association between blood ethylene oxide levels and obesity in the general population: NHANES 2013–2016

Abstract

BackgroundEthylene oxide (EO) has been shown to associate with increased cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to explore the relationship and its meditating factors between EO exposure and the major cardiovascular risk factor of obesity among the general adult population.MethodsCross-sectional data of 3,220 participants from National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 were enrolled. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (WC) ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women. The association among hemoglobin adduct of EO (HbEO), inflammatory biomarkers, and obesity was evaluated using restricted cubic splines and the multivariable linear regression model. Mediation analysis was used to further assess their association.ResultsThe increased quartiles of HbEO were inversely associated with BMI and WC [Q1 vs. Q4, BMI: β = −2.98 (−3.74, −2.22), WC: β = −6.50 (−8.60, −4.39); all p for trend < 0.05], and were inversely associated with obesity after full adjustment [obesity: OR = 0.43 (0.31, 0.58), abdominal obesity: OR = 0.42 (0.27, 0.65); all p for trend < 0.05]. The levels of alkaline phosphatase, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were also positively associated with BMI and WC (all p < 0.05). Mediation analysis showed that exposure of EO not only had a negative direct effect on BMI and WC, but also generated an inverse indirect effect.ConclusionsCurrent findings showed an inverse association between HbEO and obesity, and suggested that systemic inflammation may not be their only mediator. Additional research is required to explore the underlying link of EO and system metabolism.

Association of ethylene oxide with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among US adults.

“…Recent studies reported there exist the link between EO exposure and some metabolic disorders, of which abdominal obesity was demonstrated to be signi cant determinants of hepatic lipid metabolism and independently predict the development of NAFLD [28][29][30]. In the present study, high EO levels were found to negatively associate with the risk of NAFLD, which was similar with one study result of evaluating the effect of EO on obesity [17]. Compared with the other studies with NAFLD as the outcome, we adopt two widely con rmed liver indices to assess NAFLD, thereby ensuring the stability of the results.…”

“…The underlying mechanisms were required to be identify in the future study.Hemoglobin adducts of EO (HbEO) produced by the reaction between EO and hemoglobin (Hb) is a sensitive and effective hematological marker to assess EO exposure [10,11].Current evidence which suggested, as a potential exogenous toxicant, EO can pose deteriorated effects in human health is not extensive. Although some epidemiological studies reported that exposure to EO was associated with increased risk of asthma, serum lipid, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [12][13][14][15][16], one recent cross-sectional study have found an inverse association of blood EO levels with obesity in adults [17]. Considering that obesity and hypertension, diabetes, and CVD are all important risk factors in contributing to the development of NAFLD, it is required to further evaluate the uncertain association between EO and NAFLD.…”

Positive association between blood ethylene oxide levels and metabolic syndrome: NHANES 2013-2020

“…Iokfai Cheang et al. ( 24 ) reported that elevated quartiles of HbEO were inversely associated with BMI, WC and obesity following full adjustment.…”

Association between ethylene oxide and the risk of depression symptoms in US adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES

“…Hence, reducing tobacco use can mitigate the risk of depression to some extent. Besides, several recent studies have found that high levels of HbEO are signi cantly associated with a high prevalence of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the general population 19,20,22,[35][36] . Therefore the potential adverse effects of HbEO exposure should be of concern not only to occupationally exposed persons but also to the general population.…”