PM2.5 Exposure and Cognitive Function with DNA Methylation Data from 1777 Adults

3554 observations from the Guangxi Eco-Environmental Health and Aging Study link short-term PM2.5 exposure to cognitive decline and DNA methylation changes. The dataset, published by Jiahui Rong in 2026, includes Mini-Mental State Examination scores and methylation data for 44 CpG sites from 552 participants. Findings suggest a 0.474-point reduction in MMSE scores per 5 μg/m³ PM2.5 increase, with stronger effects observed in women.

Use Cases

• Modeling the association between PM2.5 exposure and cognitive scores based on the reported beta coefficients and confidence intervals.
• Analyzing DNA methylation signatures of circadian rhythm genes based on the 44 identified CpG sites.
• Investigating subgroup differences in PM2.5 effects based on the reported associations for women, men, and middle-aged individuals.
• Exploring mediation effects of specific CpG sites like cg25579477 in PRKAG2 on cognitive function.

Strengths

• Includes 3554 observations from 1777 middle-aged and older adults, providing a substantial sample for analysis.
• Contains DNA methylation data for 552 participants, with 44 CpG sites specifically associated with PM2.5 exposure.
• Results are quantified with specific effect sizes (e.g., β = -0.474) and confidence intervals, enhancing reproducibility.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count for the primary dataset is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the Guangxi Eco-Environmental Health and Aging Study.

Provenance

Source

Guangxi Eco-Environmental Health and Aging Study (GEHAS)

Collection Method

Observational study data collection, likely including environmental monitoring, cognitive testing, and blood sample analysis for methylation.

Time Range

The study period is not specified in the provided metadata.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-14 11:04:09; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Guangxi, China (inferred from the study name GEHAS).