Associations Between Nutrient Intake and Vascular Inflammation Among Healthy Adults Living in Rural and Peri-Urban Particulate Matter 2.5-Affected Areas: An Exploratory Study.

Background/Objectives: Chronic particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure is associated with vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk. However, the role of diet in modulating inflammation under such conditions remains unclear. This study explored the associations between nutrient intake and circulating vascular inflammatory biomarkers among apparently healthy adults living in PM2.5-affected rural and peri-urban areas in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Methods: Fifty-three healthy adults (27 rural; 26 peri-urban) were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and dietary intake using three consecutive 24 h recalls. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze associations between nutrient intake and inflammatory markers, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Peri-urban participants exhibited significantly higher levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-6 compared to rural participants (p < 0.05). They also had higher intakes of sugars and saturated fatty acids, whereas rural participants consumed more cholesterol, antioxidant nutrients (vitamins C, A, and E), and minerals (e.g., potassium, selenium). Regression analyses revealed positive associations between sugar intake and all three inflammatory markers (ICAM-1: β = 0.467; VCAM-1: β = 0.481; IL-6: β = 0.557; all p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, intakes of selenium and vitamin A were inversely associated with VCAM-1 levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain dietary components may influence vascular inflammation among individuals exposed to PM2.5. Encouraging consumption of anti-inflammatory nutrients may help mitigate pollution-related cardiovascular risks.