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

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(2.5) 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(2.5) was positively associated with SOX2-promoter methylation (β = 0.000216; p < 0.0001). The interaction between PM(2.5) and exercise on SOX2-promoter methylation was significant (p = 0.0146). After stratification by exercise habits, PM(2.5) was positively associated with SOX2 methylation in only individuals who did regular exercise (β = 0.0003490; p < 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; p = 0.0172) and no regular exercise groups (β = 0.002610 and p = 0.0162). SOX2-promoter methylation levels in those who lived in the northern area and did regular exercise were lower; β = -0.00314 (p = 0.0036). In conclusion, PM(2.5) 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.