Are people who have a better smell sense, more affected from satiation?

INTRODUCTION: The olfactory system is affected by the nutritional balance and chemical state of the body, serving as an internal sensor. All bodily functions are affected by energy loss, including olfaction; hunger can alter odour perception. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the effect of fasting on olfactory perception in humans, and also assessed perceptual changes during satiation. METHODS: The "Sniffin' Sticks" olfactory test was applied after 16h of fasting, and again at least 1h after Ramadan supper during periods of satiation. All participants were informed about the study procedure and provided informed consent. The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee of Gaziosmanpasa Taksim Education and Research Hospital (09/07/2014 no: 60). The study was conducted in accordance with the basic principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: This prospective study included 48 subjects (20 males, 28 females) with a mean age of 33.6±9.7 (range 20-72) years; their mean height was 169.1±7.6 (range 150.0-185.0)cm, mean weight was 71.2±17.6 (range 50.0-85.0)kg, and average BMI was 24.8±5.3 (range 19.5-55.9). Scores were higher on all items pertaining to olfactory identification, thresholds and discrimination during fasting vs. satiation (p<0.05). Identification (I) results: Identification scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median=14.0) vs. satiation period (median=13.0). Threshold (T) results: Threshold scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median=7.3) vs. satiation period (median=6.2). Discrimination (D) results: Discrimination scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median=14.0) vs. satiation period (median=13.0). The total TDI scores were 35.2 (fasting) vs. 32.6 (satiation). When we compared fasting threshold value of >9 and ≤9, the gap between the fasting and satiety thresholds was significantly greater in >9 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Olfactory function improved during fasting and declined during satiation. The olfactory system is more sensitive, and more reactive to odours, under starvation conditions, and is characterised by reduced activity during satiation. This situation was more pronounced in patients with a better sense of smell. Olfaction-related neurotransmitters should be the target of further study.

The Effects of Nasal Packing and Transseptal Suturing After Septoplasty on Olfactory Function, Patient Comfort, and Mucociliary Clearance.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the effects of nasal packing and transseptal suturing after septoplasty by evaluating olfactory function, pain, and mucociliary clearance. METHODS: The study enrolled 39 patients diagnosed with isolated septal deviation. The patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In Group A (n = 21), transseptal sutures were placed for septal stabilization after the septoplasty. In Group B (n = 18), both nasal passages were packed with Merocel tampons after the septoplasty. It was made Sniffin Sticks test, sacchranirine test, and pain and discomfort scales preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively and 3 months postoperatively on all patients. RESULTS: There was no postoperative bleeding, submucoperichondrial haematoma, or abscess formation in either group. The postoperative discomfort and pain scores were increased in Group B (the packing group) in our study, the mucociliary clearance improved after septoplasty in both groups, and there was no significant difference in mucociliary clearance between the 2 groups. The odor threshold, odor identification, and odor discrimination were significantly increased 3 months postoperatively, but not 1 week postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal packing causes more discomfort and pain than transseptal suturing, while there was no significant difference in olfactory functions or the mucociliary clearance after septoplasty between nasal packing and transseptal suturing.

A new oxidative stress marker for thiol-disulphide homeostasis in seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Reactive oxygen species has been effectively documented in patients with asthma, but very little research has been reported in subjects with allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate thiol (SH)-disulfide (SS) homeostasis, a new oxidative stress marker present in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). METHODS: A total of 64 subjects, including 32 patients with SAR and 32 healthy controls, were included in the study. We measured the SH levels as a marker of antioxidant protection and SS as a marker related to oxidant stress. Sera specimens were taken from patients with SAR during exacerbation and during asymptomatic time periods. In addition, sera samples from the control group were also obtained during the pollen season to compare with those from patients with SAR. RESULTS: In patients with SAR, during exacerbation periods, SH, SS, % SS/SH, % SS to total SH (TT), and % SH/TT were significantly different (p < 0.05) than in patients with SAR during asymptomatic periods. Although SS was significantly higher in patents with SAR during exacerbation periods, SH was significantly higher in patients with SAR during asymptomatic periods. Patients with SAR during asymptomatic periods and the control group did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) regarding SH, SS, TT, % SS/SH, % SS/TT, and % SH/TT. CONCLUSION: SAR is a disorder that elevates systemic oxidative stress and reduces antioxidant enzyme activities. Our results shed light on the etiopathogenesis of the disease and can help develop new therapeutic approaches.