This study investigates how air pollution affects reproductive health by exploring its influence on DNA methylation (DNAm) and proteomic profiles. Air pollution has been linked to reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, and potential long-term effects. DNAm, which is governed by genetic and environmental factors, regulates gene expression and influences disease susceptibility. Alterations in DNAm can drive or respond to biological processes, affecting gene regulation and reflecting disease states. However, the role of DNAm and proteomic changes in response to air pollution remains largely unexplored.
Although the effects of air pollution on reproductive outcomes are documented, the literature is inconsistent, with varying impacts across pollutants. Traditional observational studies often face confounding variables, making it difficult to establish causality. To address this, we will use a prospective study design and Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses to explore the associations between multiple air pollutants and reproductive outcomes.
The research will unfold in three phases. First, a prospective cohort study will assess the relationships between air pollutants and reproductive traits. Second, DNA methylation (DNAm) sites associated with air pollution will be extracted from previous epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and analyzed using MR to infer causal relationships between DNAm changes and reproductive outcomes. Finally, proteomic data will be integrated to assess how circulating proteins mediate the effects of DNAm changes, providing insights into the molecular pathways through which air pollution influences reproductive health.
By combining epigenomic, proteomic, and environmental data, this research aims to uncover biomarkers for early intervention and improve understanding of air pollution’s effects on reproductive health.