Nasal Mucosal Heavy Metal Accumulation, Olfactory Dysfunction, and Histopathological Changes: A Prospective Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Heavy metals are recognized neurotoxic agents that can impair olfactory pathways.
• Nasal conditions such as septal deviation, polyposis, and chronic rhinosinusitis may alter nasal tissue and affect olfactory function.
• Understanding the role of heavy metals in nasal health and olfactory function is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine concentrations of 10 heavy metals (Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, Hg) in nasal mucosa and secretions.
• To investigate associations between heavy metal concentrations and olfactory function, nasal airflow, and histopathological changes.
• To identify specific heavy metals contributing to olfactory dysfunction and nasal pathology.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 97 adult patients undergoing nasal surgery.
• Olfactory function assessed using the Smell Diskettes Olfaction Test; nasal airflow evaluated via rhinomanometry.
• Heavy metal analysis in nasal tissues using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) concentrations were negatively associated with olfactory performance.
• Nasal airflow parameters positively correlated with olfactory function, independent of patient characteristics.
• Fe, Pb, and Cr were identified as key predictors of olfactory dysfunction, with amplified effects in older individuals.

Conclusions:

• Accumulation of Cr, Fe, and Pb in nasal mucosa is significantly linked to impaired olfactory function and pathological changes.
• Heavy metal exposure may contribute to olfactory dysfunction and nasal tissue abnormalities, particularly in the elderly.
• Environmental heavy metal monitoring in nasal tissues could be important for assessing olfactory health risks.