The balance between efficient anti-inflammatory treatment and neuronal regeneration in the olfactory epithelium

Author(s)

Chang, Seo Young ^[1] ; Glezer, Isaias ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Biochem, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH; v. 13, n. 10, p. 1711-1714, OCT 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The sense of smell is important for human quality of life. This sophisticated sensorial system relies on the detection of odorant molecules that engage receptors expressed in the cilia of dedicated neurons that constitute the olfactory epithelium (OE). Importantly, the OE is a highly active site of adult neurogenesis where short-lived neurons are efficiently replenished, even after massive neuronal cell loss. It is suggested that the degree of olfactory function recovery after OE injury may depend on the nature of the lesion (traumatic, chemical, infectious or inflammatory), as well on the velocity of cellular regeneration. Topical steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as glucocorticoids, are routinely prescribed for treating upper airway inflammatory conditions, such as chronic rhinosinusitis. While the therapeutic strategy aims to minimize the inflammatory damage and dysfunction to nasal air conduction, new evidences raise concerns if such drugs may impair neuronal regeneration in the OE. In consequence, new directions are necessary in terms of drug development or prescription, in order to preserve olfactory function through lifelong repeated episodes of chronic inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. Here we discuss mechanisms involved in glucocorticoid deleterious effects to OE regeneration and possible therapeutic alternatives considering relevant side effects. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07937-8 - Redoxome - Redox Processes in Biomedicine
• Grantee: Ohara Augusto
• Support type: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 07/53732-8 - Post-lesion cell regeneration in the nervous system and functional aspects of genes linked to innate immune response
• Grantee: Isaias Glezer
• Support type: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants