Research Progress of Olfactory Nerve Regeneration Mechanism and Olfactory Training

Bian Hu; Jingyu Zhang; Mengdan Gong; Yongqin Deng; Yujie Cao; Yizhen Xiang; Dong Ye

doi:10.2147/TCRM.S354695

Research Progress of Olfactory Nerve Regeneration Mechanism and Olfactory Training

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2022 Mar 5:18:185-195. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S354695. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Bian Hu^{1

2}, Jingyu Zhang³, Mengdan Gong¹, Yongqin Deng¹, Yujie Cao¹, Yizhen Xiang¹, Dong Ye¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
² Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ninghai First Hospital, Ningbo, 315699, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
³ Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

The olfactory nerve (ON) is the only cranial nerve exposed to the external environment. Hence, it is susceptible to damage from head trauma, viral infection, inflammatory stimulation, and chemical toxins, which can lead to olfactory dysfunction. However, compared with all other cranial nerves, the ON is unique due to its inherent ability to regenerate. This characteristic provides a theoretical basis for treatment of olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory training (OT) is one of the main treatments for olfactory dysfunction. It is easy to apply and has few side-effects, and has been shown to be efficacious for patients with olfactory dysfunction of various causes. To further understand the application value of ON regeneration and OT on olfactory dysfunction, we review the research progress on the mechanism of ON regeneration and OT.

Keywords: olfaction; olfactory dysfunction; olfactory training; regeneration.

Publication types

Review