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Microglial involvement in the development of olfactory dysfunction
Yoojin Seo1, Hyung-Sik Kim1, Kyung-Sun Kang2,3
1Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan 49241, Korea.
Abstract:
Olfactory impairment is the most common clinical manifestation among the elderly, and its prevalence increases sharply with age. Notably, growing evidence has shown that olfactory dysfunction is the first sign of neurodegeneration, indicating the importance of olfactory assessment as an early marker in the diagnosis of neurological disorders. In this review, we describe the nature of olfactory dysfunction and the advantage of using animal models in olfaction study, and we include a brief introduction to olfactory behavior tests widely used in this field. The contribution of microglia in the neurodegenerative processes including olfactory impairment is then discussed to provide a comprehensive description of the physiopathological role of interactions between neurons and microglia within the olfactory system.
Insights
Olfactory impairment, a common sign in aging, may signal early neurodegeneration. This review covers olfactory dysfunction, animal models, and the role of microglia in neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Immunology
Background:
- Olfactory impairment is a prevalent clinical manifestation in the elderly, increasing with age.
- Olfactory dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Early olfactory assessment is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the nature of olfactory dysfunction.
- To highlight the utility of animal models in olfaction research.
- To discuss the role of microglia in neurodegeneration and olfactory impairment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of olfactory dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
- Introduction to common olfactory behavior tests in animal models.
- Discussion of microglia's role in the olfactory system's neurodegenerative processes.
Main Results:
- Olfactory dysfunction is a significant early marker for neurodegenerative conditions.
- Animal models provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of olfactory impairment.
- Microglia play a critical role in the interplay between neurons and neurodegeneration within the olfactory system.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory assessment is vital for early detection of neurological disorders.
- Understanding microglia-neuron interactions in the olfactory system is key to addressing neurodegeneration.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on olfactory dysfunction and its links to neurological health.