Global research on olfactory dysfunction mechanisms shows rising publication trends and key molecular pathways
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Key Takeaway
Research on olfactory dysfunction is expanding rapidly, revealing specific molecular pathways like NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin that may guide future clinical interventions.
This bibliometric analysis examined 7,915 articles from major databases to map the landscape of olfactory dysfunction research. The United States leads publication output, with the University of California System and Thomas Hummel emerging as top contributors. Research focus has expanded significantly to include inflammatory markers and specific receptor dynamics.
Hot topics currently dominating the field include COVID-19 impacts, Parkinson's disease associations, and inflammatory pathways. The study identified 14 interventional clinical trials within the PubMed database, highlighting a growing clinical interest. Researchers are increasingly shifting from broad observations to detailed molecular investigations.
Key mechanistic findings point to dysregulation in inflammatory NF-κB, cAMP signaling, and neuroregenerative Wnt/β-catenin pathways. These biological processes collectively contribute to the development of olfactory dysfunction. The analysis underscores a clear translational pipeline moving from mechanism exploration to potential clinical interventions.
Despite limitations in bibliometric scope, this review delineates how scientific understanding is evolving. Future directions will likely focus on leveraging these molecular insights for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes in neurodegenerative conditions.
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View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundOlfactory dysfunction (OD) has gained prominence in neurodegenerative diseases and COVID-19 sequelae in recent years. Its mechanisms have also attracted increasing research interest. However, there is currently a scarcity of bibliometric analyses in this field.MethodsArticles related to OD mechanisms were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus. Data merging and bibliometric analysis were conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Excel, Scimago Graphica, and the bibliometrix in R package. Simultaneously, PubMed was used to search and summarize interventional clinical trials in this field, and their protocols were tracked through trial registration information and ethical approval records.ResultsA total of 7,915 articles met the inclusion criteria in WoSCC and Scopus. Overall, the number of articles published annually on the mechanisms of OD is on the rise. The USA (2635 publications), University of California System (143 publications), and Thomas Hummel (174 publications) are the most productive country, institution, and author, respectively. Keyword analysis shows that “COVID-19,” “Parkinson’s disease,” “inflammation,” “odorant receptor,” and other related topics are hot topics and trends in research. PubMed retrieved and included 14 interventional clinical trials. These trials mainly focus on pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological interventions, surgical interventions, and mechanistic studies.ConclusionMechanistic research on OD is advancing from macroscopic observations to precise molecular mechanisms. This review synthesizes evidence on how distinct etiologies, ranging from post-viral and inflammatory damage to neurodegeneration and metabolic imbalances, contribute to OD. Notably, the dysregulation of the inflammatory NF-κB, signal-transducing cAMP, and neuroregenerative Wnt/β-catenin pathways may collectively contribute to the development of OD. By integrating bibliometric trends with clinical trial evaluations, this study delineates a clear translational pipeline from mechanism exploration to clinical interventions.
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