Genetic Risk Factor Found for COVID-19 Smell and Taste Loss

 

According to NBC News, the journal Natural Genetics published a study identifying a genetic risk factor associated with the loss of smell after being infected with COVID-19. Scientists believe that sensory loss comes from damaged infected cells in the olfactory epithelium. The Verywell Health, explains that olfactory epithelium is a thin-cellular tissue that runs along the roof of the nasal cavity and is involved in smell. According to the study, a genetic locus near two olfactory genes is associated with the loss of smell and taste that was caused by COVID-19. Researchers conducted a study where a group of individuals who self-reported receiving a positive Covid test, reported if they experienced loss of smell or taste as a symptom. Researchers compared genetic differences between the individuals who lost their sense of smell and those who didn't. They found a region of the genome associated with this split that's situated near two genes, UGT2A1 and UGT2A2. These genes are expressed within the tissue that is found in the nose which are involved in smell. However, it is still unclear how these genes are involved in the process. "To use these findings, scientists need to learn more about how these genes are expressed and what their functions are in olfactory signaling, Turner said"(Sloat 1). 

I found this article interesting as this study explains how two genes may be associated with the loss of smell. This study can be further interpreted to find the answer as to how these genes are involved in the process and it eventually could find future treatments. Last year I was infected with COVID-19 and I experienced a loss of smell after being infected. Although I can now smell, I always wondered why me? I will keep track of this study and can't wait to see any new findings. 

Sources:

Genetic risk factor found for Covid-19 smell and taste loss, researchers say (nbcnews.com)

https://www.verywellhealth.com/olfactory-epithelium-anatomy-5105135

Picture: https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.vuc9we0XjpjLHliDfIuy-AHaEK?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain

Can You Smell If You Have Covid or Cancer?

 Humans have the ability to smell, but not as strong as some of our other mammal species. What I learned is that Human Scent is influenced by many factors, one of them being genetics. The group of genes linked to the body's immune system is important when influencing the production of proteins and chemicals contributing to body odor. Sweat, oils, and other bodily secretions undergo transformations through interactions on the skin surface, creating a unique scent for each individual. 

Odor is composed of organic compounds emitted from the skin and carries information about a person. Researchers who have looked into human scent have inspected these odors, and chemicals to reveal their potential in forensics and healthcare. In the study, they revealed that human scent is all due to genetics. In 1988 research showed that identical twins living in different environments and exposed to different things have the same distinct scent that trained dogs can distinguish which is really interesting.

Medical detection dogs have benefitted the medical community a lot over the past few years. They can detect seizures, diabetic fluctuations, and diseases like cancer, and covid. There are many service dogs who do an incredible job at detecting these things benefitting their owner's overall well-being.  Human scent is very interesting and it reveals a lot about a person, even though we can not be able to identify all those issues unlike dogs can it is still fascinating that there are animals out there that can smell these problems before they happen, and are trained to help individuals with these issues. 

Links: 

Can you smell if you have cancer?

Study of body odor

Asparagus!

Over the years, more and more research has been done to investigate why some people can smell the odor that asparagus gives their urine and others cannot. A new study found over 800 new reasons as to why this happens. Researchers studied the genes of roughly 7,000 people and found that there are ~870 genetic variants that are linked to the inability to smell the odor. When a group of random people were asked if they could smell the odor, 40% said yes, they could. Strange enough, more women than men said they could not smell the odor. Since the genes affecting this were already identified, they were able to tell which ones made it "possible" to smell the odor and which ones made it "not possible".

The study certainly has its limitations on how accurate it really is because you are asking a person (self-reported) if they can smell the odor. Once researchers find a new way to test this, other than by the person's self-reported answer, then it will be more accurate. However, I hope there is not much time spent on something like this considering all that can be discovered pertaining to genetics other than the genes that pertain to smelling the odor of asparagus of your urine. But maybe, something could come out of a it and it could lead to more discoveries.




Source: (other source is in text)
http://www.livescience.com/57199-why-some-people-cant-smell-asparagus-pee.html