SLC39A9 and Zinc deficiency: Several metal-associated genes were found to be dysregulated in the study, including six zinc-related SLC39A8, SLC39A9, MIR132, MMP2, MMP3, and CBS. Zinc deficiency can lead to liver and pancreatic dysfunction, kidney impairment, chronic inflammation, delayed wound healing, and a weakened immune response, increasing vulnerability to various diseases.