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[Olfactory function and olfactory marker protein in patients with chronic sinusitis].
Hai-yan Gao1, Xiao-nong Zhu, Shi-dong Peng
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical Academy, Huhhot 010050, China. hygao@yahoo.com
Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi
|November 26, 2004
Summary
Chronic sinusitis significantly impairs smell perception due to olfactory cell damage. Olfactory marker protein levels in olfactory mucosa correlate with these changes, impacting olfaction.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Context:
- Chronic sinusitis is a prevalent condition affecting the nasal and sinus cavities.
- Dysosmia, or impaired sense of smell, is a common but often under-investigated symptom in chronic sinusitis patients.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of dysosmia in chronic sinusitis.
- To examine the expression and significance of olfactory marker protein (OMP) in olfactory mucosa.
Summary:
- A study compared 55 chronic sinusitis patients with 11 controls, assessing dysosmia via subjective tests and examining OMP expression in olfactory mucosa using immunohistochemistry.
- Results showed significantly higher dysosmia rates in chronic sinusitis patients (50.9% objective, 85.5% subjective) compared to controls (9.09% objective, 18.2% subjective).
- OMP was detected in olfactory and microvillar cells, suggesting its role in olfactory function.
Impact:
- The findings indicate that olfactory cell decrease, atrophy, and degeneration are primary causes of dysosmia in chronic sinusitis.
- Understanding the role of OMP could lead to novel diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for smell disorders associated with chronic sinusitis.