Restoration of olfactory dysfunctions by nanomaterials and stem cells-based therapies: Current status and future perspectives

Abstract

Dysfunction in the olfactory system of a person can have adverse effects on their health and quality of life. It can even increase mortality among individuals. Olfactory dysfunction is related to many factors, including post-viral upper respiratory infection, head trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although some clinical therapies such as steroids and olfactory training are already available, their effectiveness is limited and controversial. Recent research in the field of therapeutic nanoparticles and stem cells has shown the regeneration of dysfunctional olfactory systems. Thus, we are motivated to highlight these regenerative approaches. For this, we first introduce the anatomical characteristics of the olfactory pathway, then detail various pathological factors related to olfactory dysfunctions and current treatments, and then finally discuss the recent regenerative endeavors, with particular focus on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and stem cells. This review offers insights into the development of future therapeutic approaches to restore and regenerate dysfunctional olfactory systems.

The current status of nanotechnological approaches to therapy and drug delivery in otolaryngology: A contemporary review

“… 106 , 107 Additional NP structures have integrated ROS‐scavenging ligands to reduce oxidative damage, demonstrating the potential for COVID‐19 management. 108 , 109 Yoo et al 110 highlight the novel NP technologies currently under review to treat anosmia.…”

Characterization of Physical and Biological Properties of a Caries-Arresting Liquid Containing Copper Doped Bioglass Nanoparticles

“…Furthermore, BGs have been developed into bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGns), which have a high surface area, bioactivity, and antibacterial effect [16,17]. Many researchers have attempted to mix BGns with various materials and have reported improvements in mechanical properties, bioactivity, and mineralization capacities [18][19][20][21]. In addition, incorporating therapeutic metallic ions can enhance osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and antimicrobial effects [22][23][24][25][26][27].…”

A TGF‐α and TGF‐β1 Poloxamer‐based micelle/hydrogel composite: A promising novel candidate for the treatment of anosmia

“…12,13 Moreover, it has been shown that OE-MSCs can offer treatment for autoimmune diseases since they can control responses related to T-cells with their immunosuppressive potency 14 Some studies have shown that their survival status and mitosis can be regulated by several parameters, including their synaptic tissue (olfactory bulb) integrity as well as the activity of other growth factors such as TGF-β1, TGF-α, IGF-1, * NGF, † VEGF, ‡ EGF, § bFGF, ¶ and PDGF ** . [15][16][17][18][19] The neurotrophic TGF-α and TGF-β1 play a significant role in differentiation and proliferation of cells. 17,20,21 For instance, Mahanthappa and Schwarting 21 and Farbman 20 argued that olfactory neurons could be differentiated by stimulation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF), which transforms the growth factor TGF-α and TGF-β1.…”

“…Recently, olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE‐MSCs) in the olfactory mucosa lamina propria have received growing attention due to their high proliferation capacity and long telomerase bearing in comparison to other mesenchymal stem cells 12,13 . Moreover, it has been shown that OE‐MSCs can offer treatment for autoimmune diseases since they can control responses related to T‐cells with their immunosuppressive potency 14 Some studies have shown that their survival status and mitosis can be regulated by several parameters, including their synaptic tissue (olfactory bulb) integrity as well as the activity of other growth factors such as TGF‐β1, TGF‐α, IGF‐1, NGF, VEGF, EGF, bFGF, and PDGF 15–19 . The neurotrophic TGF‐α and TGF‐β1 play a significant role in differentiation and proliferation of cells 17,20,21 .…”