Proteomic Characterization of the Olfactory Molecular Imbalance in Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

Olfactory dysfunction is one of the prodromal symptoms in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, the molecular pathogenesis associated with decreased smell function remains largely undeciphered. We generated quantitative proteome maps to detect molecular alterations in olfactory bulbs (OB) derived from DLB subjects compared to neurologically intact controls. A total of 3214 olfactory proteins were quantified, and 99 proteins showed significant alterations in DLB cases. Protein interaction networks disrupted in DLB indicated an imbalance in translation and the synaptic vesicle cycle. These alterations were accompanied by alterations in AKT/MAPK/SEK1/p38 MAPK signaling pathways that showed a distinct expression profile across the OB-olfactory tract (OT) axis. Taken together, our data partially reflect the missing links in the biochemical understanding of olfactory dysfunction in DLB.

Analyses and treatments of postoperative nasal complications after endonasal transsphenoidal resection of pituitary neoplasms.

In this study, we analyze and discuss the treatments of postoperative nasal complications after endonasal transsphenoidal resection of pituitary neoplasms (PNs). We performed 129 endonasal transsphenoidal resections of PNs and analyzed and treated cases with nasal complications. After endonasal transsphenoidal resection of PNs, there were 26 cases of postoperative nasal complications (20.1%), including nasal hemorrhage (4.8%), cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (6.9%), sphenoid sinusitis (2.3%), atrophic rhinitis (1.6%), olfactory disorder (1.6%), perforation of nasal septum (0.8%), and nasal adhesion (2.3%). All patients clinically recovered after therapy, which included treatment of the cavity through nasal endoscopy, intranasal corticosteroids, and nasal irrigation. We propose that regular nasal endoscopic review, specific nasal medications, and regular nasal irrigation can effectively clear nasal mucosal hyperemia-induced edema and nasal/nasoantral secretions, as well as promote regeneration of nasal mucosa, prevent nasal adhesion, maintain the sinus cavity drainage, and accelerate the recovery of the physiological function of the paranasal sinus. Timely treatment of patients with nasal complications after endonasal transsphenoidal resections of PNs could greatly relieve the clinical symptoms. Nasal cleaning is very beneficial to patients after surgery recovery.

Solitary olfactory groove schwannoma.

Intracranial schwannomas that do not involve major cranial nerves in the posterior fossa are uncommon, especially if they are not associated with neurofibromatosis type II (NF-2). Subfrontal olfactory groove schwannomas are extremely rare. We report a cystic schwannoma arising from the olfactory groove in a 38-year-old Caucasian male who presented with headache, vomiting and visual impairment. We briefly review the pertinent literature, stress the distinctive clinical and neuroradiological findings and discuss the surgical planning and theories about the pathogenesis of schwannomas in this unusual location.

Pathology of the olfactory nerve.

The olfactory system and especially the olfactory bulb (OB) as the first relay in the olfactory system represent highly plastic structures. For example, OB volume partly reflects the degree of afferent neural activity. Research indicates that smell deficits leading to a reduced sensory input result in structural changes at the level of the OB. Reduced OB volumes also may be considered characteristic of parosmia. Apart from discussing the clinical implications of these findings, the radiologic basics for assessment of olfactory-eloquent structures are addressed in detail.

Olfactory neuropathy in severe acute respiratory syndrome: report of A case.

This case was a 27 years old female with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). She suffered from typical symptoms of SARS. Although she got almost complete recovery from most symptoms after treatment, she noted acute onset complete anosmia 3 weeks after the onset of her first symptom. Her brain MRI examination did not show definite lesion except an incidental finding of left temporal epidermoid cyst. Her anosmia persisted for more than 2 years during following up. Peripheral neuropathy and myopathy have been reported as a concomitant problem during the convalescent stage of SARS, while the sequel of permanent ansomia in SARS was not reported before. Olfactory neuropathy, which rarely occurred in typical peripheral neuropathy, could be a special type of neuropathy induced by corona virus infection in SARS. Olfactory function test should be taken into routine check-up for patients with SARS. The pathophysiology and therapeutic strategy of this special type of permanent olfactory dysfunction deserve further investigation.

[Analysis of olfactory disorders in aging]. / Analyse des troubles olfactifs liés au vieillissement.

AGING EFFECT: The effect of aging on the olfactory system is generally observed in subjects over the age of 65 and is the number one cause of olfactory disorders. Several studies taking into account the state of the naso-sinus system and possible early stage of developing dementia have examined the precise effects of aging on olfaction. AGE-RELATED CHANGES: Aging affects olfactory thresholds, estimation of the intensity of an olfactory stimulation, and identification and memorization of odors. The elderly subject identifies food and other odors less easily than the young subject although elderly subjects can learn to improve their performance. Changes in the nasal cavity, particularly an alteration of the processes involved in neuron distribution in the olfactory neuroepithelium, may be involved. IMPACT OF OLFACTORY DEFICIENCY: There is much morphological and experimental evidence showing the effect of aging on both peripheral and central olfactory pathways allowing a better understanding of the functional impact of the sensorial deficit. Olfactory deficiency can explain in part the eating problems encountered in elderly patients.