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Published on: December 27, 2014
Olfactory cleft mucus proteins associated with olfactory dysfunction in a cohort without chronic rhinosinusitis
Frederick Yoo1, Zachary M Soler1, Jennifer K Mulligan1
1Division of Rhinology and Sinus Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
This study identified specific proteins in olfactory cleft mucus that correlate with olfactory function in individuals without sinus disease. These findings may help understand olfactory dysfunction in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction (OD) affects up to 20% of the population.
- Previous research linked olfactory cleft mucus proteins to OD in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
- No prior studies identified these proteins in individuals without sinus disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify olfactory cleft mucus proteins associated with olfactory function in healthy individuals.
- Investigate the role of specific proteins in maintaining normal olfaction.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 56 subjects without sinus disease.
- Collected olfactory cleft mucus (OC) and inferior turbinate mucus (IT) using Leukosorb paper.
- Assayed 17 proteins in mucus samples and performed olfactory testing (Sniffin' Sticks).
Main Results:
- Odorant-binding protein (OBP) concentrations were higher in OC than IT mucus.
- Proteins including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A/p16INK4a), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and chemokines (CCL2, CCL20) inversely correlated with olfactory function (TDI scores).
- Stem cell factor (SCF) positively correlated with olfactory function.
Conclusions:
- Leukosorb paper enables site-specific collection of olfactory proteins.
- Identified olfactory proteins correlate with olfactory function in non-CRS subjects.
- Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of OD in individuals without sinus disease.
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