Sinonasal and Olfaction Program

National Institute On Deafness And Other Communication Disorders

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The goals of the Sinonasal and Olfaction program are to address unmet needs for improved patient care in smell, taste and inflammatory sinus disease. We lead mechanistic, translational and clinical studies that address one of two primary focus areas. 1) Sinonasal inflammation and its impact on olfaction and 2) central neurologic processing of olfactory signals in health and disease. These efforts are supported by active clinical protocols and the collection of observational clinical data along with matched tissue samples to support clinically relevant studies that have the potential to impact patient care. In the past year we have continued to establish clinical protocols and studies to address the above aims. Clinical Protocols: NIDCD Data and Specimens (IRB 001126) has been amended to allow for the collection of sinonasal tissues and olfactory epithelium from healthy volunteers and study participants. Both tissues, along with nasal lining fluid and brush collections of epithelial cells, are used to study sinonasal disease and causes of disrupted olfaction. Smell and Taste Center Survey (IRB002219) has been established to study the knowledge attitudes and practices of patients, clinicians and researchers with an interest in smell and taste. MADREP (IRB001928) is established to evaluate participants with combined sinus and airway disease. Examples include Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFRS), nasal polyposis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and many others. Participants will be seen in a combined clinic with otolaryngology (NIDCD) and immunology (NIAID) providers. Central Mechanisms in Dysosmia (IRB002331) is a deep phenotyping, longitudinal study that aims to evaluate central changes in brain connectivity in quantitative and qualitative disorders of olfaction. This work will also establish a smell and taste disorders biorepository to support future study. Research Studies: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression in AFRS. This study is the first to identify increased PGE2 expression in recalcitrant sinonasal disease. This work identifies a new therapeutic and disgnosit target with the potential to impact patient care. These findings have resulted in several honors, including recognition as a Fellow in the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otologic (Triologic) Society, and an Honor Award for Basic Research.