Ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases, including allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, otitis media, hearing impairment and sleep-disordered breathing, are highly prevalent conditions. However, the mechanisms by which genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures and lifestyle behaviours contribute to the development and progression of ENT diseases remain poorly understood. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that ENT diseases share inflammatory, immunological, metabolic and environmental pathways with systemic diseases such as respiratory diseases, autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndromes, mental health disorders and neurodegenerative conditions. Therefore, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis by integrating multi-omics and epidemiological data, with the following specific objectives:
i). To characterise the epidemiological profiles of ENT diseases and quantify their comorbidity burden with other chronic systemic conditions.
ii). To investigate the influence of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures and lifestyle behaviours on the risk of common ENT disorders, and to identify potential biomarkers.
iii). To assess genetic correlations and shared genetic architecture using multiple statistical approaches (e.g., genome-wide association analyses, linkage disequilibrium score regression, and polygenic risk score modelling), to identify genetic risk loci.
iv). To elucidate the complex association patterns and pathophysiological mechanisms among various ENT diseases and between ENT disorders and other chronic systemic diseases.
v). To develop integrated risk prediction tools that combine genetic, clinical and environmental factors.
This project will delve into the pathogenesis of ENT diseases, providing new insights for early prevention and improvement of disease progression.
