Analysis of the Relationship Between Serum Zinc Values and Allergic Rhinitis Parameters in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Background/Aim Zinc is an essential trace element that plays an active role in the immune system and is associated with allergic inflammatory diseases. In the literature, various results have been shown in studies on the coexistence of serum zinc level and allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum zinc levels and whole-blood parameters in allergic rhinitis (AR). Method In this study, patients were evaluated in accordance with the guideline for “Allergic Rhinitis and Its Effect on Asthma”. Serum total Ig E, C-reactive protein levels in the AR group and leukocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio and serum zinc values in whole-blood parameters of all cases were examined and compared between the AR and control groups. Findings Neutrophil and eosinophil counts and eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio were found to be significantly higher in the AR group than in the control group (p<0.05). Serum zinc values in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). In the univariate model, it was observed that the eosinophil and zinc values had a significant-independent differential effect in distinguishing the AR and control group patients (p< 0.05). Conclusion Serum zinc level, neutrophil and eosinophil count, eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio in the blood are practical biochemical indicators that can be used in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with allergic rhinitis. It is assumed that with the support of zinc deficiency, important clinical benefits can be achieved in anti-allergic treatment.