The association between ambient particulate matter exposure and the telomere–mitochondrial axis of aging in newborns

•PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy is associated with the telomere-mitochondrial axis of aging at birth.•Telomere length is a mediator in the association between PM2.5 and mitochondrial DNA content and p53 protein level.•This study provides insights in the air pollution induced core-axis of aging.•Follow-up studies are needed to investigate PM2.5-linked differences in the core-axis of aging in relation to health and disease later in life.