| Popis: |
Humans have a superb olfactory sense, capable of discriminating at least 1 trillion different stimuli. Each odorant appears to activate a unique set of olfactory receptors which are known as its “signature.” Olfaction involves complex biochemical and electrophysiological processes, which convert the molecular information into sensations. Additionally, information is expeditiously stored in long-term memory and has strong connections with motivation, emotion, and memory. In accordance, studies support the existence of a complex chemosensory network in the body which responds to endogenous and exogenous ligands, carrying out adaptive functions and predisposing to disease. Olfactory impairment has been related with several neurological disorders and depressed mood. Recently, the sense of smell was tested in other diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases. Shoenfeld et al. exposed this connection by demonstrating impaired olfactory functions in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and its association with neuropsychiatric manifestations of the disease. Furthermore, several studies emphasized the relationship between olfaction and autoimmune diseases, frequently combined with the activity and duration of the illness. Interestingly, the olfactory receptor gene clusters are located in proximity to the major histocompatibility complex, a key locus of susceptibility for autoimmune disorders, suggesting not only a physic linkage but also a functional association. In conclusion, the different connections between olfaction, autoimmune phenomena, genetics, and hormones allude to the presence of new pieces in the mosaic of autoimmunity. |
