Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Isolation, Expansion, and Adipogenic Induction of CD34+CD31+ Endothelial Cells from Human Omental and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Published on: July 17, 2018
Sex difference in human olfactory sensitivity is associated with plasma adiponectin
Daniela M Pfabigan1, Cecilia Vezzani2, Per Medbøe Thorsby3
1Dept. of Behavioural Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Morbid Obesity Centre, Department of Medicine, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
Meal consumption did not alter olfactory sensitivity. However, women exhibited higher olfactory sensitivity than men, linked to adiponectin hormone levels, suggesting a potential explanation for sex differences in smell perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Hormones regulating appetite and energy balance can impact olfactory function.
- Previous research has yielded inconsistent findings regarding sex differences in olfactory sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of meal consumption on olfactory sensitivity.
- To examine the relationship between olfactory sensitivity and energy-regulating hormones (ghrelin and adiponectin).
- To explore sex differences in olfactory sensitivity and their hormonal correlates.
Main Methods:
- Assessed olfactory sensitivity to food (orange) and non-food (rose) odors before and after a meal.
- Measured circulating levels of ghrelin and adiponectin.
- Analyzed data from healthy, normal-weight volunteers (65 participants).
Main Results:
- Meal consumption did not significantly affect olfactory sensitivity.
- No association was found between olfactory sensitivity and ghrelin levels.
- Women demonstrated higher olfactory sensitivity than men, correlated with plasma adiponectin concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Adiponectin levels may explain sex differences in olfactory sensitivity.
- Findings contribute to understanding the influence of adipose and stomach hormones on olfaction.
- Further research is needed to confirm a causal link between adiponectin and sex-based olfactory differences.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

