The ARFC group displayed significant with a Shannon index of 5.2 ± 0.3 compared to 4.5 ± 0.4 in healthy controls.
Elevated α-diversity was found in children with concurrent allergic rhinitis and functional constipation compared to healthy controls.
Distinct β-diversity patterns were observed in the ARFC group, indicating a unique microbial composition.
There was a significant increase in Proteobacteria and a decrease in Bacteroidetes in the ARFC group compared to healthy controls.
Pathogen genera were more abundant in ARFC, while butyrate-producing genera were less prevalent.
Increased levels of specific bacteria were correlated with the severity of constipation and rhinorrhea.
Functional predictions suggested disruptions in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the ARFC group.
Simplified
BACKGROUND: The comorbidity of allergic rhinitis (AR) and functional constipation (FC) in preschool children represents an emerging clinical entity; yet its underlying microbial mechanisms remain inadequately elucidated. This study sought to comprehensively characterize the gut microbiota (GM) profile and functional alterations in children with concurrent AR and FC (ARFC), with specific emphasis on the .
METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis, fecal samples from 32 ARFC, 22 AR, and 21 healthy control (HC) children underwentgene sequencing (V3-V4 regions). Microbial α-and β diversity, taxonomic composition, functional pathways, and correlations with clinical parameters were systematically analyzed. 16S rRNA
RESULTS: The ARFC group exhibited significant GM dysbiosis, including elevated α-diversity (Shannon index: 5.2 ± 0.3 vs HC 4.5 ± 0.4;= 0.014) and distinct β-diversity (PERMANOVA= 0.001). Taxonomic analysis revealed elevated enrichment of Proteobacteria (7.92% vs HC 1.94%;= 0.001) and depletion of Bacteroidetes (40.06% vs HC 50.72%;= 0.049). Pathogen genera, includingand/, were elevated, while butyrate-producing genera (and) were reduced. Paradoxically,abundance was higher in ARFC than AR (4.21% vs 1.80%;= 0.018), suggesting a potential compensatory immunomodulatory response. Functional prediction indicated impaired carbohydrate and lipid metabolism alongside enhanced xenobiotic degradation.abundance positively correlated with constipation severity (= 0.52 and= 0.008) and rhinorrhea severity (= 0.56 and= 0.003). P P P P Klebsiella Escherichia Shigella Faecalibacterium Ruminococcus Bifidobacterium P Haemophilus ρ P ρ P
CONCLUSION: ARFC comorbidity is characterized by a distinct GM signature featuring pathogenic expansion, metabolic dysfunction, and compensatoryenrichment, which may modulate immune responses. Loss of butyrate-producing bacteria may disrupt the gut-nasal axis, highlighting potential microbial and therapeutic targets for integrated therapeutic strategies in this dual symptom condition. These findings provide a foundation for microbiota-based interventions targeting both allergic and gastrointestinal manifestations. Bifidobacterium
Key numbers
5.2
Increase in α-diversity
Shannon index in ARFC group compared to 4.5 in healthy controls
7.92%
Proteobacteria abundance
Relative abundance in ARFC group vs. 1.94% in healthy controls
40.06%
Bacteroidetes depletion
Relative abundance in ARFC group vs. 50.72% in healthy controls
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The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as potential conflicts of interest.
