Multi-omics insights into dietary zinc–mediated reprogramming of the gut–nasal ecosystem in allergic rhinitis

Introduction Allergic rhinitis (AR) represents a prevalent kind of allergic disorders. Increasing evidence has revealed the critical role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in its onset and progression. The gut-nasal axis connecting the immune system and intestinal microecology offers a novel strategy for AR intervention. Methods This study employed a multi-omics approach to systematically investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of dietary Zinc (Zn) supplementation at a series of concentrations on AR. Results The results indicated that Zn may exert alleviated AR in rats, especially at a dose of 150 ppm. Mechanistically, we found the effectiveness of Zn may attributed to inhibiting inflammation, restoring gut microbiota balance, enhancing microbial metabolite-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, and regulating the nasal mucosa metabolism. Discussion Collectively, our study indicate that dietary Zn intervention ameliorates AR in rats via gut-nasal axis, which may potentially provide a novel therapeutic treatment for the control of the disease.