Metabolic Diseases

Air pollution, meteorology, and type 1 diabetes in offspring

In a study led by Alaa Taha-Khalde (Taha-Khalde et al, 2021), we examined whether prenatal exposure to air pollution and meteorological factors is associated with type 1 diabetes in children in southern Israel, using 362 cases and 3,512 matched controls. Gestational ozone exposure was associated with increased T1D risk (ORs 1.61 and 1.45 across higher quartiles), while solar radiation showed stronger associations (ORs up to 2.54). Similar patterns were observed for solar radiation in the year before diagnosis.

The effects of ambient particulate matter on human adipose tissue

In a study led by Lior Hassan (Hassan et al, 2019), we examined associations between particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) exposure and 25 cellular markers in human omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Exposure was estimated using a high-resolution satellite-based model over short (1 week), intermediate (3–6 months), and long (1 year) periods. PM exposure was associated with higher inflammatory activity, including increased chemokine levels (up to ~30–40% increases in higher exposure periods) and elevated macrophage/leucocyte counts. It was also linked to reduced adipocyte size across exposure windows (p<0.05 for multiple comparisons), consistent with dose-related metabolic and inflammatory effects.

Air Pollution and Glucose and Lipid Levels

In a study led by Maayan Yitshak-Sade (Yitshak-Sade et al, 2016), we examined associations between particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) exposure and glucose and lipid biomarkers in a large population-based cohort in southern Israel. The analysis included over 73,000 individuals and more than 600,000 laboratory measurements, using a high-resolution satellite-based exposure model. Three-month PM exposure, but not short-term exposure, was associated with higher glucose, HbA1c, LDL, and triglycerides, and lower HDL levels. The strongest effects were observed in individuals with diabetes, including a 3.58% increase in HbA1c and a 2.37% increase in LDL per interquartile range increase in PM10.

Air Pollution and Serum Glucose

In a study led by Maayan Yitshak-Sade (Yitshak-Sade et al, 2015) , we examined whether short-term exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with serum glucose levels in a large population-based cohort. The analysis included 1,063,887 glucose measurements from 131,882 individuals between 2001–2012, using daily estimates of NO₂ and SO₂ exposure. Higher NO₂ exposure (per 6.36 ppb) was associated with increases in serum glucose of 0.40% (normal glucose), 0.56% (IFG), and 1.08% (diabetes), while SO₂ exposure showed smaller but consistent increases. Associations were strongest in individuals with diabetes, though attenuated among those treated with metformin.