Evolutionary sex bias in cognitive response to new environmental risk factor - PM2.5

Abstract The association between exposure to particulates in polluted air and cognitive impairment is an emerging and significant health concern, particularly among younger populations. Although exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) is linked with a lower estimated risk for dementia compared to traditional risk factors such as APOEɛ4 gene variants, the widespread and long-term population exposure to PM 2.5 pose substantial implications for public health. This review explores the sex differences in cognitive function induced by PM 2.5 , which are age-dependent and distinct from the sex bias observed in Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to biological sex and sex hormones, we also discuss the role of epigenetic regulation as a mechanism underlying sex-specific cognitive vulnerabilities to environmental toxins, particularly PM 2.5 . Understanding these differences is important for developing targeted interventions and public health strategies to mitigate the cognitive impacts of PM 2.5 exposure.