Deciphering the Genetic and Environmental Nexus of Air Pollution, Personality Traits, and Psychiatric Disorders: A Multi-Faceted Genomic Analysis

Abstract The intricate relationship between air pollution and psychiatric disorders is a subject of increasing concern, given the profound impact these elements have on individuals and society. Recent studies have implicated air pollution, a significant environmental issue, in affecting mental health both directly and indirectly. Through a comprehensive analysis involving genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that examine data on common air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NOx, NO2) and various psychiatric disorders along with personality traits, researchers have delved deep into the genetic interplay underlying these connections. Utilizing advanced statistical tools like linkage disequilibrium score regression, GenomicSEM, and Mendelian randomization, among others, this study has revealed a complex genetic correlation between air pollution levels and mental health disorders. Key findings include the identification of genetic factors through GenomicSEM that link air pollution with psychiatric disorders, and the discovery of 142 loci using a multi-trait analysis approach that connects air pollution directly to psychiatric conditions. The study also highlighted significant genetic loci, such as those in the 5q21.2 region, which show a strong correlation with both air pollution and psychiatric disorders, suggesting that certain areas of the genome may be particularly susceptible to environmental influences on mental health. Moreover, the research suggests that air pollution may affect mental health indirectly by influencing personality traits like mood swings, loneliness, and a general sense of dissatisfaction. This underlines the complex ways in which environmental factors can intertwine with genetic predispositions to impact mental well-being. The insights gained from this study are crucial for understanding the multifaceted interactions between environmental pollution and psychiatric health, pointing towards the urgent need to address air quality as part of broader mental health strategies.