Blood-Based SOX2-Promoter Methylation in Relation to Exercise and PM 2.5 Exposure among Taiwanese Adults

• Published in: Cancers 2020-02, Vol.12 (2)
• Main Authors: Su, Chun-Lang, Tantoh, Disline Manli, Chou, Ying-Hsiang, Wang, Lee, Ho, Chien-Chang, Chen, Pei-Hsin, Lee, Kuan-Jung, Nfor, Oswald Ndi, Hsu, Shu-Yi, Liang, Wen-Miin, Liaw, Yung-Po
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2072-6694; 2072-6694
• DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020504

Increased ventilation during exercise in polluted areas could trigger airway inflammation. We evaluated blood DNA methylation of the SOX2-promoter region in relation to exercise and PM in Taiwanese adults. Data of 948 participants aged 30-70 years were retrieved from the Taiwan Biobank Database (2008-2015) and the Air Quality Monitoring Database (2006-2011). PM was positively associated with SOX2-promoter methylation (β = 0.000216; p < 0.0001). The interaction between PM and exercise on SOX2-promoter methylation was significant (p = 0.0146). After stratification by exercise habits, PM was positively associated with SOX2 methylation in only individuals who did regular exercise (β = 0.0003490; < 0.0001). After stratification by exercise habits and residential areas, SOX2-promoter methylation levels in those who lived in the southern area were higher for both the regular exercise (β = 0.00272; = 0.0172) and no regular exercise groups (β = 0.002610 and = 0.0162). SOX2-promoter methylation levels in those who lived in the northern area and did regular exercise were lower; β = -0.00314 ( = 0.0036). In conclusion, PM was positively associated with SOX2-promoter methylation in participants who did regular exercise. Living in the southern area was positively associated with SOX2-promoter methylation regardless of exercise habits.