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Spinelli S, Cunningham C, Prescott J, Monteleone E, Dinnella C, Proserpio C, White TL. Sweet liking predicts liking and familiarity of some alcoholic beverages, but not alcohol intake: A population study using a split-sample approach. Food Res Int 2024; 183:114155. [PMID: 38760118 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Sweetness has been proposed to be an important quality in the decision to consume alcohol, and strong preferences for sweet tastes have been associated with alcohol abuse. However, alcohol is characterized by a number of other sensory properties, including astringency and bitterness that may drive preference and consumption. Spinelli et al. (2021) classified individuals into three sweet-sensory liking clusters (High Sweet-Liking, Moderate Sweet-Liking, and Inverted-U) that differed in their sweetness optima and sensory-liking patterns (relationship between liking and sweetness, bitterness and astringency perception in a food model). The current paper replicates the sweet sensory-liking clusters in a new set of participants (n = 1976), and extends the predicted value of these clusters examining their relationship to wine and other types of alcoholic beverages by gender using a split-sample approach on a total of over 3000 adults. The sweet sensory-liking clusters had a predictive relationship for the familiarity and liking of some alcoholic beverages characterized by stronger tastes, but not weekly alcohol intake levels. Thus, although sweet sensory-liking clusters may be associated with the type of beverages and frequency with which a person will drink and enjoy a type of alcoholic beverage, they are poor predictors of the quantity of alcohol that a person ingests over the course of a week.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Spinelli
- SensoryLab, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy.
| | | | - J Prescott
- SensoryLab, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy; TasteMatters Research & Consulting, Sydney, Australia
| | - E Monteleone
- SensoryLab, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy
| | - C Dinnella
- SensoryLab, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Italy
| | - C Proserpio
- Sensory & Consumer Science Lab (SCS_Lab), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Italy
| | - T L White
- Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY, USA; SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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2
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Lee TS, Dietsch AM, Damra RH, Mulheren RW. The Effect of Genetic Taste Status on Swallowing: A Literature Review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37257285 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-22-00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Swallowing and taste share innervation pathways and are crucial to nutritive intake. Individuals vary in their perception of taste due to factors such as genetics; however, it is unclear to what extent genetic taste status influences swallowing physiology and function. The purpose of this review article is to provide background on genetic taste status, review the evidence on the association between genetic taste status and swallowing, and discuss research and clinical implications. METHOD A comprehensive literature review was conducted using search terms related to swallowing and genetic taste status. Studies were included if they investigated the main effect of genetic taste status on swallowing or the interaction of genetic taste status with other variables. Studies were grouped by participant population (healthy participants or persons with a swallowing disorder), swallowing-related outcome measure, and method of genetic taste status measurement. RESULTS The results were mixed, with five of 10 reviewed studies reporting a statistically significant main or interaction effect on swallowing. Most studies included healthy participants, with only one study investigating participants with dysphagia. Additionally, swallowing-related outcome measures and methods of determining genetic taste status varied greatly between studies conducted on separate cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Few studies have incorporated genetic taste status as a variable in swallowing research, and results are mixed. Future research on sensation and swallowing should consider the potential effect of genetic taste status and follow standardized procedures for its determination. Despite the limited evidence, clinicians may consider how individual differences in perception shape swallowing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa S Lee
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Angela M Dietsch
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
| | - Rana H Damra
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Rachel W Mulheren
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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3
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Swahn J, Nilsen A. ‘Sounds salty!’ How a soundtrack affects the liking and perception of the salty balance in bread. Int J Gastron Food Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2023.100718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Yamamoto T, Inui-Yamamoto C. The flavor-enhancing action of glutamate and its mechanism involving the notion of kokumi. NPJ Sci Food 2023; 7:3. [PMID: 36707516 PMCID: PMC9883458 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-023-00178-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The sodium salt of glutamic acid, or monosodium glutamate (MSG), has two effects in foods: one is to induce a unique taste called umami, which is one of the five basic tastes, and the other is to make food palatable (i.e., flavor-enhancing or seasoning effects). However, the mechanism behind how MSG makes food more palatable remains poorly understood, although many food scientists seem to believe that the umami taste itself plays an important role. Here, we propose an alternative notion regarding this topic based on previous and recent studies. When added to complex food compositions, MSG facilitates the binding of existing kokumi substances to kokumi receptors. In turn, these bound kokumi substances enhance the intensity of umami, sweet, salty, and fatty tastes, resulting in increased palatability accompanied by kokumi flavor, such as thickness, mouthfulness, and continuity. The requisite for sufficient palatability and kokumi flavor is a good balance of umami and kokumi substances. This framework gives a scientifically useful background for providing newly developed foods, including cultured meat and plant-based meat substitutes, with good taste characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamamoto
- grid.448779.10000 0004 1774 521XHealth Science Research Center, Kio University, 4-2-4 Umami-naka, Koryo, Kitakatsuragi, Nara, 635-0832 Japan
| | - Chizuko Inui-Yamamoto
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Oral Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871 Japan
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5
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Naciri LC, Mastinu M, Crnjar R, Barbarossa IT, Melis M. Automated identification of the genetic variants of TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor with supervised learning. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1054-1065. [PMID: 38213886 PMCID: PMC10782009 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies were focused on the genetic ability to taste the bitter compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) to assess the inter-individual taste variability in humans, and its effect on food predilections, nutrition, and health. PROP taste sensitivity and that of other chemical molecules throughout the body are mediated by the bitter receptor TAS2R38, and their variability is significantly associated with TAS2R38 genetic variants. We recently automatically identified PROP phenotypes with high precision using Machine Learning (mL). Here we have used Supervised Learning (SL) algorithms to automatically identify TAS2R38 genotypes by using the biological features of eighty-four participants. The catBoost algorithm was the best-suited model for the automatic discrimination of the genotypes. It allowed us to automatically predict the identification of genotypes and precisely define the effectiveness and impact of each feature. The ratings of perceived intensity for PROP solutions (0.32 and 0.032 mM) and medium taster (MT) category were the most important features in training the model and understanding the difference between genotypes. Our findings suggest that SL may represent a trustworthy and objective tool for identifying TAS2R38 variants which, reducing the costs and times of molecular analysis, can find wide application in taste physiology and medicine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lala Chaimae Naciri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | | | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
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6
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Fowler BE, Ye J, Humayun S, Lee H, Macpherson LJ. Regional specialization of the tongue revealed by gustatory ganglion imaging. iScience 2022; 25:105700. [PMID: 36582484 PMCID: PMC9792408 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gustatory information is relayed from the anterior tongue by geniculate ganglion neurons and from the posterior tongue by neurons of the petrosal portion of the jugular/nodose/petrosal ganglion complex. Here, we use in vivo calcium imaging in mice to compare the encoding of taste information in the geniculate and petrosal ganglia, at single-neuron resolution. Our data support an anterior/posterior specialization of taste information coding from the tongue to the ganglia, with petrosal neurons more responsive to umami or bitter and less responsive to sweet or salty stimuli than geniculate neurons. We found that umami (50 mM MPG + 1 mM IMP) promotes salivation when applied to the posterior, but not anterior, tongue. This suggests a functional taste map of the mammalian tongue where the anterior and posterior taste pathways are differentially responsive to specific taste qualities, and differentially regulate downstream physiological functions of taste, such as promoting salivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan E. Fowler
- Department of Neuroscience Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jiahao Ye
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Saima Humayun
- Department of Neuroscience Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hojoon Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Lindsey J. Macpherson
- Department of Neuroscience Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Corresponding author
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7
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Nakbi A, Bouzid M, Khemis IB, Aouaini F, Hassen AB, Torkia YB, Lamine AB. A putative biological adsorption process of binary mixture taste of sucrose and caffeine on human neuroreceptor site by the use of statistical physics modeling. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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8
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Mulheren R, Westemeyer RM, Dietsch AM. The effect of taste on swallowing: A scoping and systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:1256-1282. [PMID: 36036968 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2115003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Consuming foods and liquids for nutrition requires the coordination of several muscles. Swallowing is triggered and modified by sensory inputs from the aerodigestive tract. Taste has recently received attention as a potential modulator of swallowing physiology, function, and neural activation; additionally, taste impairment is a sequela of COVID-19. This review presents factors impacting taste and swallowing, systematically summarizes the existing literature, and assesses the quality of included studies. A search was conducted for original research including taste stimulation, deglutition-related measure(s), and human participants. Study design, independent and dependent variables, and participant characteristics were coded; included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias. Forty-eight articles were included after abstract and full-text review. Synthesis was complicated by variable sensory components of stimuli (taste category and intensity, pure taste vs. flavor, chemesthesis, volume/amount, consistency, temperature), participant characteristics, confounding variables such as genetic taster status, and methods of measurement. Most studies had a high risk of at least one type of bias and were of fair or poor quality. Interpretation is limited by wide variability in methods, taste stimulation, confounding factors, and lower-quality evidence. Existing studies suggest that taste can modulate swallowing, but more rigorous and standardized research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mulheren
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ross M Westemeyer
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Angela M Dietsch
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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9
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Spence C. The tongue map and the spatial modulation of taste perception. Curr Res Food Sci 2022; 5:598-610. [PMID: 35345819 PMCID: PMC8956797 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is undoubtedly a spatial component to our experience of gustatory stimulus qualities such as sweet, bitter, salty, sour, and umami, however its importance is currently unknown. Taste thresholds have been shown to differ at different locations within the oral cavity where gustatory receptors are found. However, the relationship between the stimulation of particular taste receptors and the subjective spatially-localized experience of taste qualities is uncertain. Although the existence of the so-called ‘tongue map’ has long been discredited, the psychophysical evidence clearly demonstrates significant (albeit small) differences in taste sensitivity across the tongue, soft palate, and pharynx (all sites where taste buds have been documented). Biases in the perceived localization of gustatory stimuli have also been reported, often resulting from tactile capture (i.e., a form of crossmodal, or multisensory, interaction). At the same time, varying responses to supratheshold tastants along the tongue's anterior-posterior axis have putatively been linked to the ingestion-ejection response. This narrative review highlights what is currently known concerning the spatial aspects of gustatory perception, considers how such findings might be explained, given the suggested balanced distribution of taste receptors for each basic taste quality where taste papillae are present, and suggests why knowing about such differences may be important. The existence of the tongue map has long been discredited. Taste receptors in the oral cavity respond to all tastes regardless of their location. Human psychophysical data highlights a significant spatial modulation of taste perception in the oral cavity. Highly-controlled studies of taste psychophysics rarely capture the full multisensory experience associated with eating and drinking.
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10
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Cattaneo C, Mameli C, D'Auria E, Zuccotti G, Pagliarini E. The Influence of Common Noncommunicable Diseases on Chemosensory Perception and Clinical Implications in Children and Adolescents. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:234-247. [PMID: 34535793 PMCID: PMC8803496 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An increased incidence of noninfectious chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and allergies, has been noted in the last century, especially in the last 2 to 3 generations. Evidence suggested that the interrelation among these chronic conditions in pediatric age (e.g., children and adolescents aged 4-16 y) is complex and still unknown, reinforcing the interest of pediatricians in these diseases. Of interest is the need to better understand the link between these pathologies and sensory perception, since the chemical senses of taste and smell, together with chemesthesis, are reported to have a role in food choices and may provide a novel target for intervention in the treatment of these pathologies. This review aims to explore the current evidence on the link between these chronic conditions and chemosensory perception (i.e., taste and smell). In addition, the putative role that chemosensory perception may have on food choices and eating behavior of children and adolescents affected by these diseases are highlighted. Furthermore, the review addresses the unexplored issues that need to be investigated in this area. The literature data search suggested that no clear relation between taste and smell perception and the aforementioned diseases in young population yet exists. However, some possible trends have been highlighted in the adult population, in whom the duration of disease might have affected the relation. There is a need for further, high-quality, hypothesis-led research, with robust measures of taste and smell functions as the primary outcomes, to strengthen or deny this evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Cattaneo
- Sensory and Consumer Science Lab (SCS_Lab), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Mameli
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Enza D'Auria
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ella Pagliarini
- Sensory and Consumer Science Lab (SCS_Lab), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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11
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Naciri LC, Mastinu M, Crnjar R, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Melis M. Automated Classification of 6-n-Propylthiouracil Taster Status with Machine Learning. Nutrients 2022; 14:252. [PMID: 35057433 PMCID: PMC8778915 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have used taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) to evaluate interindividual taste variability and its impact on food preferences, nutrition, and health. We used a supervised learning (SL) approach for the automatic identification of the PROP taster categories (super taster (ST); medium taster (MT); and non-taster (NT)) of 84 subjects (aged 18-40 years). Biological features determined from subjects were included for the training system. Results showed that SL enables the automatic identification of objective PROP taster status, with high precision (97%). The biological features were classified in order of importance in facilitating learning and as prediction factors. The ratings of perceived taste intensity for PROP paper disks (50 mM) and PROP solution (3.2 mM), along with fungiform papilla density, were the most important features, and high estimated values pushed toward ST prediction, while low values leaned toward NT prediction. Furthermore, TAS2R38 genotypes were significant features (AVI/AVI, PAV/PAV, and PAV/AVI to classify NTs, STs, and MTs, respectively). These results, in showing that the SL approach enables an automatic, immediate, scalable, and high-precision classification of PROP taster status, suggest that it may represent an objective and reliable tool in taste physiology studies, with applications ranging from basic science and medicine to food sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.N.); (M.M.); (R.C.); (M.M.)
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12
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Abstract
Taste information is encoded in the gustatory nervous system much as in other sensory systems, with notable exceptions. The concept of adequate stimulus is common to all sensory modalities, from somatosensory to auditory, visual, and so forth. That is, sensory cells normally respond only to one particular form of stimulation, the adequate stimulus, such as photons (photoreceptors in the visual system), odors (olfactory sensory neurons in the olfactory system), noxious heat (nociceptors in the somatosensory system), etc. Peripheral sensory receptors transduce the stimulus into membrane potential changes transmitted to the brain in the form of trains of action potentials. How information concerning different aspects of the stimulus such as quality, intensity, and duration are encoded in the trains of action potentials is hotly debated in the field of taste. At one extreme is the notion of labeled line/spatial coding - information for each different taste quality (sweet, salty, sour, etc.) is transmitted along a parallel but separate series of neurons (a "line") that project to focal clusters ("spaces") of neurons in the gustatory cortex. These clusters are distinct for each taste quality. Opposing this are concepts of population/combinatorial coding and temporal coding, where taste information is encrypted by groups of neurons (circuits) and patterns of impulses within these neuronal circuits. Key to population/combinatorial and temporal coding is that impulse activity in an individual neuron does not provide unambiguous information about the taste stimulus. Only populations of neurons and their impulse firing pattern yield that information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Roper
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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Tartary Buckwheat: A New Plant-Based Ingredient to Enrich Corn-Based Gluten-Free Formulations. Foods 2021; 10:foods10112613. [PMID: 34828896 PMCID: PMC8620845 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tartary buckwheat is a pseudocereal receiving increasing attention as a minor crop interesting for agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainability. It is rich in bioactive substances which, however, may lead to sensory properties undesirable to the consumer, such as bitterness and astringency. The aim was to evaluate consumers' perception and overall liking of food products enriched with tartary or common buckwheat. A total of 120 consumers (56% women) aged 20-60 years (mean age ± SD: 38.8 ± 13.0 years) evaluated six samples of a corn-based gluten-free formulation enriched by increasing concentrations (20%, 30%, 40%) of either common (CB) or tartary buckwheat (TB) flour for overall liking and appropriateness of sensory properties. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.0001) in liking among samples. Considering all subjects, liking decreased with the increase of tartary buckwheat additions, although TB20 and TB30 samples were well accepted and comparable to all CB samples. TB40 was the least liked product. Two clusters of consumers showing opposite behaviours according to liking were found. One cluster (30%) showed an increased liking with the increasing amount of tartary buckwheat. These results show that by keeping the concentration of tartary buckwheat up to 30%, it is possible to develop new products accepted by consumers.
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14
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Gervis JE, Chui KKH, Ma J, Coltell O, Fernández-Carrión R, Sorlí JV, Barragán R, Fitó M, González JI, Corella D, Lichtenstein AH. Data-Driven Clustering Approach to Derive Taste Perception Profiles from Sweet, Salt, Sour, Bitter, and Umami Perception Scores: An Illustration among Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome. J Nutr 2021; 151:2843-2851. [PMID: 34114008 PMCID: PMC8861513 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current approaches to studying relations between taste perception and diet quality typically consider each taste-sweet, salt, sour, bitter, umami-separately or aggregately, as total taste scores. Consistent with studying dietary patterns rather than single foods or total energy, an additional approach may be to study all 5 tastes collectively as "taste perception profiles." OBJECTIVE We developed a data-driven clustering approach to derive taste perception profiles from taste perception scores and examined whether profiles outperformed total taste scores for capturing individual variability in taste perception. METHODS The cohort included 367 community-dwelling adults [55-75 y; 55% female; BMI (kg/m2): 32.2 ± 3.6] with metabolic syndrome from PREDIMED-Plus, Valencia. Cluster analysis identified subgroups of individuals with similar patterns in taste perception (taste perception profiles); quantitative criteria were used to select the cluster algorithm, determine the optimal number of clusters, and assess the profiles' validity and stability. Goodness-of-fit parameters from adjusted linear regression evaluated the individual variability captured by each approach. RESULTS A k-means algorithm with 6 clusters best fit the data and identified the following taste perception profiles: Low All, High Bitter, High Umami, Low Bitter & Umami, High All But Bitter and High All But Umami. All profiles were valid and stable. Compared with total taste scores, taste perception profiles explained more variability in bitter and umami perception (adjusted R2: 0.19 vs. 0.63, respectively; 0.40 vs. 0.65, respectively) and were comparable for sweet, salt, and sour. In addition, taste perception profiles captured differential perceptions of each taste within individuals, whereas these patterns were lost with total taste scores. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults with metabolic syndrome, taste perception profiles derived via data-driven clustering may provide a valuable approach to capture individual variability in perception of all 5 tastes and their collective influence on diet quality. This trial was registered at https://www.isrctn.com/ as ISRCTN89898870.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie E Gervis
- Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth K H Chui
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiantao Ma
- Department of Nutrition Data Science, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oscar Coltell
- Department of Computer Languages and Systems, University of Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Fernández-Carrión
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José V Sorlí
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rocío Barragán
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Montserrat Fitó
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José I González
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Corella
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alice H Lichtenstein
- Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Breeding of Buckwheat to Reduce Bitterness and Rutin Hydrolysis. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040791. [PMID: 33923833 PMCID: PMC8074222 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is recognized as an important traditional crop in some regions, and its taste is an important characteristic. Of the three cultivated buckwheat species, Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) and perennial buckwheat (Fagopyrum cymosum) have strong bitterness in their seeds, which has prevented the wider use of the seeds of these varieties. In Tartary buckwheat, some studies have focused on the cause of strong bitterness generation. Tartary buckwheat seeds contain large amounts of the functional compounds rutin and rutinosidase, and rutin hydrolysis by rutinosidase has been found to be the trigger of rutin hydrolysis. Therefore, a variety with only a trace of rutinosidase and with reduced bitterness is required. The rutinosidase in Tartary buckwheat seeds consists of two major isozymes with very similar enzymatic characteristics, which can hydrolyze flour rutin within several minutes after the addition of water. Recently, the trace-rutinosidase variety Manten-Kirari in Tartary buckwheat was developed. The trace-rutinosidase characteristics were dominated by a single recessive gene. In ‘Manten-Kirari’ dough and foods, such as breads, confectionaries, and noodles, the rutin residual ratio was higher and bitterness was reduced compared to that of the normal-rutinosidase variety. In this review, we summarize the detailed research on the breeding of buckwheat related to reducing bitterness and rutin hydrolysis.
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Melis M, Pintus S, Mastinu M, Fantola G, Moroni R, Pepino MY, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Changes of Taste, Smell and Eating Behavior in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: Associations with PROP Phenotypes and Polymorphisms in the Odorant-Binding Protein OBPIIa and CD36 Receptor Genes. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13010250. [PMID: 33467165 PMCID: PMC7830302 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity and related comorbidities. Although patients who underwent bariatric surgery report changes of taste and smell perception, results from sensory studies are discrepant and limited. Here, we assessed taste and smell functions in 51 patients before, one month, and six months after undergoing bariatric surgery. We used taste strip tests to assess gustatory function (including sweetness, saltiness, sourness, umaminess, bitterness and oleic acid, a fatty stimulus), the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test to assess olfactory identification and the 3-Factor Eating Questionnaire to assess eating behavior. We also explored associations between these phenotypes and flavor-related genes. Results showed an overall improvement in taste function (including increased sensitivity to oleic acid and the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP)) and in olfactory function (which could be related to the increase in PROP and oleic acid sensitivity), an increase in cognitive restraint, and a decrease in disinhibition and hunger after bariatric surgery. These findings indicate that bariatric surgery can have a positive impact on olfactory and gustatory functions and eating behavior (with an important role of genetic factors, such PROP tasting), which in turn might contribute to the success of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.M.); (I.T.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-4142
| | - Stefano Pintus
- Obesity Surgical Unit ARNAS G. Brotzu, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (G.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.M.); (I.T.B.)
| | - Giovanni Fantola
- Obesity Surgical Unit ARNAS G. Brotzu, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (G.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Moroni
- Obesity Surgical Unit ARNAS G. Brotzu, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (G.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Marta Yanina Pepino
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.M.); (I.T.B.)
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Hegde PS, Aanya A, Joshna B, Thakur S, Rao V. Gustatory dysfunction in non oral irradiation for head and neck cancers. Oral Oncol 2020; 109:104642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Genetic variants of TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor associate with distinct gut microbiota traits in Parkinson's disease: A pilot study. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 165:665-674. [PMID: 32946938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The non-tasting form of the bitter taste receptor, TAS2R38, has been shown as a genetic risk factor associated with the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Specific taste receptors that are expressed in the lower gastrointestinal tract may respond to alteration in gut microbiota composition, detecting bacterial molecules, and regulate immune responses. Given the importance of brain-gut-microbiota axis and gene-environment interactions in PD, we investigate the associations between the genetic variants of TAS2R38 and gut microbiota composition in 39 PD patients. The results confirm that the majority of PD patients have reduced sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and are carriers of at least one non-functional TAS2R38 AVI haplotype. Moreover, we found this correlation to be associated with a reduction in bacteria alpha-diversity with a predominant reduction of Clostridium genus. We hypothesised that the high frequency of the non-taster form of TAS2R38 associated with a diminuition of Clostridium bacteria in PD might determine a reduction in the activation of protective signalling-molecules useful in preserving gut homeostasis. This pilot study, by identifying a decrease in specific bacteria associated with a reduced sensitivity to PROP, adds essential information that opens new avenues of research into the association of PD microbiota composition and sensory modification.
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Melis M, Sollai G, Mastinu M, Pani D, Cosseddu P, Bonfiglio A, Crnjar R, Tepper BJ, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Electrophysiological Responses from the Human Tongue to the Six Taste Qualities and Their Relationships with PROP Taster Status. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2017. [PMID: 32645975 PMCID: PMC7400817 DOI: 10.3390/nu12072017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste buds containing receptor cells that primarily detect one taste quality provide the basis for discrimination across taste qualities. The molecular receptor multiplicity and the interactions occurring between bud cells encode information about the chemical identity, nutritional value, and potential toxicity of stimuli before transmitting signals to the hindbrain. PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil) tasting is widely considered a marker for individual variations of taste perception, dietary preferences, and health. However, controversial data have been reported. We present measures of the peripheral gustatory system activation in response to taste qualities by electrophysiological recordings from the tongue of 39 subjects classified for PROP taster status. The waveform of the potential variation evoked depended on the taste quality of the stimulus. Direct relationships between PROP sensitivity and electrophysiological responses to taste qualities were found. The largest and fastest responses were recorded in PROP super-tasters, who had the highest papilla density, whilst smaller and slower responses were found in medium tasters and non-tasters with lower papilla densities. The intensities perceived by subjects of the three taster groups correspond to their electrophysiological responses for all stimuli except NaCl. Our results show that each taste quality can generate its own electrophysiological fingerprint on the tongue and provide direct evidence of the relationship between general taste perception and PROP phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Danilo Pani
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, I 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy; (D.P.); (P.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Piero Cosseddu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, I 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy; (D.P.); (P.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Annalisa Bonfiglio
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, I 09123 Cagliari, CA, Italy; (D.P.); (P.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Beverly J. Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, USA;
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
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Zigante M, Peternel S, Muhvic Urek M, Rincic Mlinaric M, Pop Acev D, Spalj S. Smell and taste in titanium and nickel allergic sensitization in orthodontic patients. Orthod Craniofac Res 2020; 23:517-522. [PMID: 32301238 DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of allergic sensitization to titanium and nickel in orthodontic patients and to evaluate alterations of smell and taste. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 250 subjects were invited to participate, 245 accepted. The age range was 11-45 years, 68% were females and 52% adolescents. An epicutaneous patch test was performed. Of the positive subjects in the patch test, 26 participated in the taste and smell testing and were matched by age and sex with 26 negative subjects. RESULTS The prevalence of hypersensitivity to titanium and/or nickel in orthodontic patients was 15.5%. Taste and smell were more impaired in sensitized subjects (P ≤ .025), taste was more affected than smell and the tastes most affected were sour and bitter tastes, while the sweet taste was least impaired. CONCLUSION The allergic sensitization to titanium is more uncommon than to nickel, with altered smell and taste related to those hypersensitivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zigante
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sandra Peternel
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Miranda Muhvic Urek
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | | | - Stjepan Spalj
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Dietsch AM, Westemeyer RM, Pearson WG, Schultz DH. Genetic Taster Status as a Mediator of Neural Activity and Swallowing Mechanics in Healthy Adults. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1328. [PMID: 31920497 PMCID: PMC6927995 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of a larger study examining relationships between taste properties and swallowing, we assessed the influence of genetic taster status (GTS) on measures of brain activity and swallowing physiology during taste stimulation in healthy men and women. Twenty-one participants underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during trials of high-intensity taste stimuli. The precisely formulated mixtures included sour, sweet-sour, lemon, and orange taste profiles and unflavored controls. Swallowing physiology was characterized via computational analysis of swallowing mechanics plus other kinematic and temporal measures, all extracted from VFSS recordings. Whole-brain analysis of fMRI data assessed blood oxygen responses to neural activity associated with taste stimulation. Swallowing morphometry, kinematics, temporal measures, and neuroimaging analysis revealed differential responses by GTS. Supertasters exhibited increased amplitude of most pharyngeal movements, and decreased activity in the primary somatosensory cortex compared to nontasters and midtasters. These preliminary findings suggest baseline differences in swallowing physiology and the associated neural underpinnings associated with GTS. Given the potential implications for dysphagia risk and recovery patterns, GTS should be included as a relevant variable in future research regarding swallowing function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Dietsch
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States.,Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Ross M Westemeyer
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - William G Pearson
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Douglas H Schultz
- Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
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22
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Melis M, Errigo A, Crnjar R, Pes GM, Tomassini Barbarossa I. TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor and attainment of exceptional longevity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18047. [PMID: 31792278 PMCID: PMC6889489 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54604-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors play crucial roles in detecting bitter compounds not only in the oral cavity, but also in extraoral tissues where they are involved in a variety of non‒tasting physiological processes. On the other hand, disorders or modifications in the sensitivity or expression of these extraoral receptors can affect physiological functions. Here we evaluated the role of the bitter receptor TAS2R38 in attainment of longevity, since it has been widely associated with individual differences in taste perception, food preferences, diet, nutrition, immune responses and pathophysiological mechanisms. Differences in genotype distribution and haplotype frequency at the TAS2R38 gene between a cohort of centenarian and near-centenarian subjects and two control cohorts were determined. Results show in the centenarian cohort an increased frequency of subjects carrying the homozygous genotype for the functional variant of TAS2R38 (PAV/PAV) and a decreased frequency of those having homozygous genotype for the non-functional form (AVI/AVI), as compared to those determined in the two control cohorts. In conclusion, our data providing evidence of an association between genetic variants of TAS2R38 gene and human longevity, suggest that TAS2R38 bitter receptor can be involved in the molecular physiological mechanisms implied in the biological process of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, 09042, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Errigo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, SS, 07100, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, 09042, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mario Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, SS, 07100, Italy.,Sardinia Longevity Blue Zone Observatory, Ogliastra, Italy
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Chemosensory Changes from Cancer Treatment and Their Effects on Patients' Food Behavior: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102285. [PMID: 31554217 PMCID: PMC6836020 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals undergoing treatment for cancer can experience changes in taste or smell that are often assumed to affect constructs related to food behavior, although this relationship is rarely measured directly. To ascertain the extent to which measured changes in taste and smell during and after cancer treatment affect food behavior, we conducted a scoping review and completed a comparative analysis for studies that met our criteria, which were: they directly measured cancer patients’ (a) psychophysical response to taste and/or olfactory stimuli, and (b) food behavior (including food enjoyment, food preference, dietary intake) in people affected by cancer. Eleven studies met these criteria and were included in the review. All 11 studies evaluated taste and five also measured smell. A comparative analysis exploring taste and food behavior shows that a reduced sweet taste function (decreased sensitivity) was associated with a reduced intake of a variety of different macro and micro nutrients, reduced appetite, and overall lower energy intake. One out of six studies that measured smell and food measured observed changes in olfactory function following cancer treatment. There were no significant relationships reported between olfactory measures and food behavior. Taste changes that arise from cancer treatment appear to have a direct effect on food behavior, although there is a need for more research using standardized measures and larger sample sizes. A better understanding of taste alterations and their implications for dietary intake and food enjoyment will support optimal nutritional health by identifying strategies to help patients eat well during and after cancer treatment.
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Petit G, Jury V, Lamballerie M, Duranton F, Pottier L, Martin J. Salt Intake from Processed Meat Products: Benefits, Risks and Evolving Practices. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:1453-1473. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Petit
- ONIRIS ‐ Ecole Nationale VétérinaireAgroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes‐Atlantique Rue de la Géraudière, BP 62241 44322 Nantes Cedex France
- GEPEA ‐ Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés ‐ Environnement – Agroalimentaire ‐ MAPS2 ‐ Matrices Aliments Procédés Propriétés Structure – Sensoriel 44322 Nantes Cedex France
| | - Vanessa Jury
- ONIRIS ‐ Ecole Nationale VétérinaireAgroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes‐Atlantique Rue de la Géraudière, BP 62241 44322 Nantes Cedex France
- GEPEA ‐ Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés ‐ Environnement – Agroalimentaire ‐ MAPS2 ‐ Matrices Aliments Procédés Propriétés Structure – Sensoriel 44322 Nantes Cedex France
| | - Marie Lamballerie
- ONIRIS ‐ Ecole Nationale VétérinaireAgroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes‐Atlantique Rue de la Géraudière, BP 62241 44322 Nantes Cedex France
- GEPEA ‐ Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés ‐ Environnement – Agroalimentaire ‐ MAPS2 ‐ Matrices Aliments Procédés Propriétés Structure – Sensoriel 44322 Nantes Cedex France
| | | | - Laurence Pottier
- ONIRIS ‐ Ecole Nationale VétérinaireAgroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes‐Atlantique Rue de la Géraudière, BP 62241 44322 Nantes Cedex France
- GEPEA ‐ Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés ‐ Environnement – Agroalimentaire ‐ MAPS2 ‐ Matrices Aliments Procédés Propriétés Structure – Sensoriel 44322 Nantes Cedex France
| | - Jean‐Luc Martin
- Ifip‐Institut du PorcPôle viandes et charcuteries 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle 94700 Maisons‐Alfort France
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Gardner A, Carpenter GH. Anatomical stability of human fungiform papillae and relationship with oral perception measured by salivary response and intensity rating. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9759. [PMID: 31278319 PMCID: PMC6611804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungiform papillae house taste buds on the anterior dorsal tongue. Literature is inconclusive as to whether taste perception correlates with fungiform papillae density (FPD). Gustatory reflexes modulate the amount and composition of saliva subsequently produced, and thus may be a more physiologically objective measure of tastant-receptor interactions. Taste perception fluctuates with time but the stability of individual fungiform papillae is unclear. This study followed ten healthy volunteers longitudinally at baseline, one and six months. FPD, diameter and position were measured and participants rated intensity perception of sucrose, caffeine, menthol and capsaicin solutions. Salivary flow rate, protein concentration and relative changes in protein composition were measured following each tastant. FPD, diameter and position were unchanged at six months. FPD did not correlate with intensity rating for any taste. FPD did correlate with changes in salivary protein output following sucrose (ρ = 0.72, p = 0.02) and changes in levels of proline-rich protein and mucin 7 following capsaicin (ρ = 0.71, p = 0.02, ρ = 0.68, p = 0.04, respectively). These results suggest that over six months fungiform papillae are anatomically stable, playing a greater role in mediating the physiological salivary response to stimuli rather than determining the perceived intensity of taste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gardner
- Salivary Research, Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Guy H Carpenter
- Salivary Research, Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Spence C, Carvalho FM. Assessing the influence of the coffee cup on the multisensory tasting experience. Food Qual Prefer 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Cattaneo C, Riso P, Laureati M, Gargari G, Pagliarini E. Exploring Associations between Interindividual Differences in Taste Perception, Oral Microbiota Composition, and Reported Food Intake. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11051167. [PMID: 31137674 PMCID: PMC6567015 DOI: 10.3390/nu11051167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of taste perception, its relationship with oral microbiota composition, and their putative link with eating habits and food intake were the focus of the present study. A sample of 59 reportedly healthy adults (27 male, 32 female; age: 23.3 ± 2.6 years) were recruited for the study and taste thresholds for basic tastes, food intake, and oral microbiota composition were evaluated. Differences in taste perception were associated with different habitual food consumption (i.e., frequency) and actual intake. Subjects who were orally hyposensitive to salty taste reported consuming more bakery and salty baked products, saturated-fat-rich products, and soft drinks than hypersensitive subjects. Subjects hyposensitive to sweet taste reported consuming more frequently sweets and desserts than the hypersensitive group. Moreover, subjects hypersensitive to bitter taste showed higher total energy and carbohydrate intakes compared to those who perceived the solution as less bitter. Some bacterial taxa on tongue dorsum were associated with gustatory functions and with vegetable-rich (e.g., Prevotella) or protein/fat-rich diets (e.g., Clostridia). Future studies will be pivotal to confirm the hypothesis and the potential exploitation of oral microbiome as biomarker of long-term consumption of healthy or unhealthy diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Cattaneo
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Riso
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Monica Laureati
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gargari
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Ella Pagliarini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Cattaneo C, Gargari G, Koirala R, Laureati M, Riso P, Guglielmetti S, Pagliarini E. New insights into the relationship between taste perception and oral microbiota composition. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3549. [PMID: 30837660 PMCID: PMC6401163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fairly poor data are available on the relationship between taste perception, food preferences and oral microbiota. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that subjects with higher responsiveness to 6-n-propylthiuracil (PROP) might be characterized by a different taste sensitivity and tongue microbiota composition. Indeed, the bacterial metabolism may modulate/enhance the concentration of tastants near the taste receptors, modifying taste perception through a sensorial adaptation mechanism or by a broad range of microbial metabolic pathways. The detection thresholds of sweet, sour, salty and bitter, the Fungiform Papillae Density (FPD) and the composition of bacteria lining the tongue were determined in Supertasters (high PROP responsiveness, ST) and Non-tasters (low PROP responsiveness, NT). An important inter-individual variability was found for all taste stimuli and FPD between the two groups, with NT subjects showing significant higher threshold values and a lower FPD than with STs. We found five bacterial genera whose relative abundances were significantly higher in STs than NTs. This study opens new avenues of research by highlighting associations between parameters usually studied independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Cattaneo
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gargari
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ranjan Koirala
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Laureati
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Riso
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Guglielmetti
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ella Pagliarini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Melis M, Grzeschuchna L, Sollai G, Hummel T, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Taste disorders are partly genetically determined: Role of the TAS2R38 gene, a pilot study. Laryngoscope 2019; 129:E307-E312. [PMID: 30675726 DOI: 10.1002/lary.27828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Taste sensitivity varies greatly among individuals influencing eating behavior and health, consequently the disorders of this sense can affect the quality of life. The ability to perceive the bitter of thiourea compounds, such as phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), has been largely reported as a marker of the general taste sensitivity, food preferences, and health. PTC sensitivity is mediated by the TAS2R38 receptor and its genetic common variants. We study the role of the TAS2R38 receptor in taste disorders with the aim of understanding if these can be genetically determined. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Differences in the PTC responsiveness between the patients cohort and healthy controls were assessed. All subjects received standardized tests for smell and taste function and were genotyped for the TAS2R38 gene. RESULTS PAV/PAV homozygous patients gave high PTC ratings, whereas PAV/AVI genotypes reported lower values, which are similar to those determined in AVI/AVI or rare genotypes. In addition, the patients cohort did not meet the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at the TAS2R38 locus, showing a very low frequency of subjects carrying the PAV/AVI diplotype. Independently, in healthy controls who were in equilibrium at the locus, PAV/PAV homozygous and heterozygous rated PTC bitterness higher compared to AVI/AVI or rare genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings, by showing that an only taster haplotype (PAV) is not sufficient to evoke high responses of TAS2R38 receptor in patients with taste disorders, suggest that the genetic constitution may represent a risk factor for the development of taste disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2c Laryngoscope, 129:E307-E312, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Lisa Grzeschuchna
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
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Cossu G, Melis M, Sarchioto M, Melis M, Melis M, Morelli M, Tomassini Barbarossa I. 6-n-propylthiouracil taste disruption and TAS2R38 nontasting form in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord 2018; 33:1331-1339. [PMID: 29575306 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The few studies that evaluated taste function in Parkinson's disease (PD) showed inconsistent results. The inherited ability to taste the bitter compound of 6-n-propylthiouracil has been considered to be a paradigm of general taste perception. 6-n-propylthiouracil taste perception is mediated by the TAS2R38 receptor, and reduced 6-n-propylthiouracil sensitivity has been associated with several diseases not typically related to taste function. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the 6-n-propylthiouracil taste perception and the TAS2R38 gene as genetic risk factors for the development of idiopathic PD in PD patients and healthy controls (HC). METHODS The 6-n-propylthiouracil taste perception was assessed by testing the responsiveness, and the ability to recognize, 6-n-propylthiouracil and sodium chloride. The participants were classified for 6-n-propylthiouracil taster status and genotyped for the TAS2R38 gene. RESULTS A significant increase in the frequency of participants classified as 6-n-propylthiouracil nontasters and a reduced ability to recognize bitter taste quality of 6-n-propylthiouracil were found in PD patients when compared with healthy controls. The results also showed that only 5% of PD patients had the homozygous genotype for the dominant tasting variant of TAS2R38, whereas most of them carried the recessive nontaster form and a high number had a rare variant. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that 6-n-propylthiouracil taster status and TAS2R38 locus are associated with PD. The 6-n-propylthiouracil test may therefore represent a novel, simple way to identify increased vulnerability to PD. Moreover, the presence of the nontasting form of TAS2R38 in PD may further substantiate that disease-associated taste disruption may represent a risk factor associated with the disease. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cossu
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, A.O. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marianna Sarchioto
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, A.O. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy.,University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Melis
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, A.O. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy.,University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Melis
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, A.O. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Melis M, Mastinu M, Arca M, Crnjar R, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Effect of chemical interaction between oleic acid and L-Arginine on oral perception, as a function of polymorphisms of CD36 and OBPIIa and genetic ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194953. [PMID: 29566052 PMCID: PMC5864069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral sensitivity to fats varies in individuals influencing nutritional status and health. Variations in oleic acid perception are associated with CD36 and odorant binding protein (OBPIIa) polymorphisms, and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity, which is mediated by TAS2R38 receptor. L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation was shown to modify the perception of the five taste qualities. Here we analyzed the effect of three concentrations (5, 10, 15 mmol/L) of L-Arg on oral perception of oleic acid in forty-six subjects classified for PROP taster status and genotyped for TAS2R38, CD36 and OBPIIa polymorphisms. L-Arg supplementation was effective in increasing the perceived intensity of oleic acid in most subjects. The lowest concentration was the most effective, especially in PROP non-tasters or medium tasters, and in subjects with at least an allele A in CD36 and OBPIIa loci. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were exploited to characterize the chemical interaction between L-Arg and oleic acid, showing that a stable 1:1 oleate·ArgH+ adduct can be formed, stabilized by a pair of hydrogen bonds. Results indicate that L-Arg, acting as a ‘carrier’ of fatty acids in saliva, can selectively modify taste response, and suggest that it may to be used in personalized dietetic strategies to optimize eating behaviors and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Arca
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Factors Influencing the Phenotypic Characterization of the Oral Marker, PROP. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9121275. [PMID: 29168731 PMCID: PMC5748726 DOI: 10.3390/nu9121275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last several decades, the genetic ability to taste the bitter compound, 6-n-propyltiouracil (PROP) has attracted considerable attention as a model for understanding individual differences in taste perception, and as an oral marker for food preferences and eating behavior that ultimately impacts nutritional status and health. However, some studies do not support this role. This review describes common factors that can influence the characterization of this phenotype including: (1) changes in taste sensitivity with increasing age; (2) gender differences in taste perception; and (3) effects of smoking and obesity. We suggest that attention to these factors during PROP screening could strengthen the associations between this phenotype and a variety of health outcomes ranging from variation in body composition to oral health and cancer risk.
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Pani D, Usai I, Cosseddu P, Melis M, Sollai G, Crnjar R, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Raffo L, Bonfiglio A. An automated system for the objective evaluation of human gustatory sensitivity using tongue biopotential recordings. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177246. [PMID: 28767651 PMCID: PMC5540613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this work is to develop an automatic system for the evaluation of the gustatory sensitivity of patients using an electrophysiological recording of the response of bud cells to taste stimuli. In particular, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of supervised classifiers in the discrimination between subjects belonging to the three 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taster categories (supertasters, medium tasters, and non-tasters), exploiting features extracted from electrophysiological recordings of the tongue. Thirty-nine subjects (equally divided into the three PROP status classes by standard non-objective scaling methods) underwent a non-invasive, differential, biopotential recording of their tongues during stimulation with PROP by using a custom-made, flexible, silver electrode. Two different classifiers were trained to recognize up to seven different features extracted from the recorded depolarization signal. The classification results indicate that the identified set of features allows to distinguish between PROP tasters and non-tasters (average accuracy of 80% ± 18% and up to 94% ± 15% when only supertasters and non-tasters are considered), but medium tasters were difficult to identify. However, these apparent classification errors are related to uncertainty in the labeling procedures, which are based on non-objective tests, in which the subjects provided borderline evaluations. Thus, using the proposed method, it is possible, for the first time, to automatically achieve objective PROP taster status identification with high accuracy. The simplicity of the recording technique allows for easy reproduction of the experimental setting; thus the technique can be used in future studies to evaluate other gustatory stimuli. The proposed approach represents the first objective and automatic method to directly measure human gustatory responses and a milestone for physiological taste studies, with applications ranging from basic science to food tasting evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Pani
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilenia Usai
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Piero Cosseddu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Raffo
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bonfiglio
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Melis M, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Taste Perception of Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, and Umami and Changes Due to l-Arginine Supplementation, as a Function of Genetic Ability to Taste 6-n-Propylthiouracil. Nutrients 2017; 9:E541. [PMID: 28587069 PMCID: PMC5490520 DOI: 10.3390/nu9060541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral reaction to different taste qualities affects nutritional status and health. 6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) tasting has been reported to be a marker of variation in taste perception, food preferences, and eating behavior, but results have been inconsistent. We showed that l-Arg can enhance the bitterness intensity of PROP, whilst others have demonstrated a suppression of the bitterness of quinine. Here, we analyze the taste perception of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami and the modifications caused by l-Arg supplementation, as a function of PROP-taster status. Taste perception was assessed by testing the ability to recognize, and the responsiveness to, representative solutions of the five primary taste qualities, also when supplemented with l-Arg, in subjects classified as PROP-tasting. Super-tasters, who showed high papilla density, gave higher ratings to sucrose, citric acid, caffeine, and monosodium l-glutamate than non-tasters. l-Arg supplementation mainly modified sucrose perception, enhanced the umami taste, increased NaCl saltiness and caffeine bitterness only in tasters, and decreased citric acid sourness. Our findings confirm the role of PROP phenotype in the taste perception of sweet, sour, and bitter and show its role in umami. The results suggest that l-Arg could be used as a strategic tool to specifically modify taste responses related to eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy.
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy.
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Sweeney MM, Meredith SE, Evatt DP, Griffiths RR. Effects of caffeine on alcohol reinforcement: beverage choice, self-administration, and subjective ratings. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:877-888. [PMID: 28108773 PMCID: PMC5382720 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Combining alcohol and caffeine is associated with increased alcohol consumption, but no prospective experimental studies have examined whether added caffeine increases alcohol consumption. OBJECTIVES This study examined how caffeine alters alcohol self-administration and subjective reinforcing effects in healthy adults. METHODS Thirty-one participants completed six double-blind alcohol self-administration sessions: three sessions with alcohol only (e.g., beverage A) and three sessions with alcohol and caffeine (e.g., beverage B). Participants chose which beverage to consume on a subsequent session (e.g., beverage A or B). The effects of caffeine on overall beverage choice, number of self-administered drinks, subjective ratings (e.g., Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale), and psychomotor performance were examined. RESULTS A majority of participants (65%) chose to drink the alcohol beverage containing caffeine on their final self-administration session. Caffeine did not increase the number of self-administered drinks. Caffeine significantly increased stimulant effects, decreased sedative effects, and attenuated decreases in psychomotor performance attributable to alcohol. Relative to nonchoosers, caffeine choosers reported overall lower stimulant ratings and reported greater drinking behavior prior to the study. CONCLUSIONS Although caffeine did not increase the number of self-administered drinks, most participants chose the alcohol beverage containing caffeine. Given the differences in subjective ratings and pre-existing differences in self-reported alcohol consumption for caffeine choosers and nonchoosers, these data suggest that decreased stimulant effects of alcohol and heavier self-reported drinking may predict subsequent choice of combined caffeine and alcohol beverages. These predictors may identify individuals who would benefit from efforts to reduce risk behaviors associated with combining alcohol and caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Steven E Meredith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Calhoun Cardiology Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Daniel P Evatt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Roland R Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Sollai G, Melis M, Pani D, Cosseddu P, Usai I, Crnjar R, Bonfiglio A, Tomassini Barbarossa I. First objective evaluation of taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), a paradigm gustatory stimulus in humans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40353. [PMID: 28074885 PMCID: PMC5225483 DOI: 10.1038/srep40353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Practical and reliable methods for the objective measure of taste function are critically important for studying eating behavior and taste function impairment. Here, we present direct measures of human gustatory response to a prototypical bitter compound, 6-n-propyltiouracil (PROP), obtained by electrophysiological recordings from the tongue of subjects who were classified for taster status and genotyped for the specific receptor gene (TAS2R38), and in which taste papilla density was determined. PROP stimulation evoked negative slow potentials that represent the summated depolarization of taste cells. Depolarization amplitude and rate were correlated with papilla density and perceived bitterness, and associated with taster status and TAS2R38. Our study provides a robust and generalizable research tool for the quantitative measure of peripheral taste function, which can greatly help to resolve controversial outcomes on the PROP phenotype role in taste perception and food preferences, and be potentially useful for evaluating nutritional status and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I 09042, Italy
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I 09042, Italy
| | - Danilo Pani
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, Cagliari, CA, I 09123, Italy
| | - Piero Cosseddu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, Cagliari, CA, I 09123, Italy
| | - Ilenia Usai
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, Cagliari, CA, I 09123, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I 09042, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bonfiglio
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, Cagliari, CA, I 09123, Italy
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Influence of Wine Education on Wine Hedonic and Confidence Ratings by Millennial Wine Consumers of Different Ethnicities. BEVERAGES 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/beverages2040032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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The potential relationship between spicy taste and risk seeking. JUDGMENT AND DECISION MAKING 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s1930297500004769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractWe conducted three studies to examine the relationship between spicy tastes and risk seeking. In Study 1, results from a personality judgment task indicated that people were more inclined to attribute a higher level of risk seeking to individuals who enjoy spicy foods. The second study examined whether people who like spicy foods are actually more risk seeking. In fact, people who reported a preference for spicy tastes scored higher on risk taking, as assessed via the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (Chinese version). Finally, Study 3 employed an experimental design to manipulate risk-seeking tendencies by having participants experience spicy food tastes in the lab. Momentarily savoring spicy foods increased participants’ risk taking in the Iowa Gambling Task. The present findings suggest that preferences for spicy tastes could relate to risk-seeking tendencies and subsequent risk-seeking behaviors.
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Pauloski BR, Nasir SM. Orosensory contributions to dysphagia: a link between perception of sweet and sour taste and pharyngeal delay time. Physiol Rep 2016; 4:4/11/e12752. [PMID: 27302989 PMCID: PMC4908483 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharyngeal delay is a significant swallowing disorder often resulting in aspiration. It is suspected that pharyngeal delay originates from sensory impairment, but a direct demonstration of a link between oral sensation and pharyngeal delay is lacking. In this study involving six patients with complaints of dysphagia, taste sensation of the oral tongue was measured and subsequently related to swallowing kinematics. It was found that a response bias for sour taste was significantly correlated with pharyngeal delay time on paste, highlighting oral sensory contributions to swallow motor dysfunctions. Investigating the precise nature of such a link between oral sensation and dysphagia would constitute a basis for understanding the disorder. The results of this study highlight oral sensory contributions to pharyngeal swallow events and provide impetus to examine this link in larger samples of dysphagic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara R Pauloski
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Sazzad M Nasir
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Illinois
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Valencia E, Ríos HV, Verdalet I, Hernández J, Juárez S, Herrera R, Silva ER. Automatic counting of fungiform papillae by shape using cross-correlation. Comput Biol Med 2016; 76:168-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Shen Y, Kennedy OB, Methven L. Exploring the effects of genotypical and phenotypical variations in bitter taste sensitivity on perception, liking and intake of brassica vegetables in the UK. Food Qual Prefer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Behavioral measures of risk tasking, sensation seeking and sensitivity to reward may reflect different motivations for spicy food liking and consumption. Appetite 2016; 103:411-422. [PMID: 27137410 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Based on work a quarter century ago, it is widely accepted personality traits like sensation seeking are related to the enjoyment and intake of spicy foods; however, data supporting this belief is actually quite limited. Recently, we reported strong to moderate correlations between remembered spicy food liking and two personality traits measured with validated questionnaires. Here, participants consumed capsaicin-containing strawberry jelly to generate acute estimates of spicy food liking. Additionally, we used a laboratory-based behavioral measure of risk taking (the mobile Balloon Analogue Risk Task; mBART) to complement a range of validated self-report measures of risk-related personality traits. Present data confirm Sensation Seeking correlates with overall spicy meal liking and liking of the burn of a spicy meal, and extends prior findings by showing novel correlations with the liking of sampled stimuli. Other personality measures, including Sensitivity to Punishment (SP), Sensitivity to Reward (SR), and the Impulsivity and Risk Taking subscales of the DSM5 Personality Inventory (PID-5) did not show significant relationships with liking of spicy foods, either sampled or remembered. Our behavioral risk taking measure, the mBART, also failed to show a relationship with remembered or sampled liking. However, significant relationships were observed between reported intake of spicy foods and Sensitivity to Reward, and the Risk Taking subscale of the PID-5 (PID5-RT). Based on the observed patterns among various personality measures, and spicy food liking and intake, we propose that personality measures may exert their influence on intake of spicy food via different mechanisms. We also speculate that Sensation Seeking may reflect motivations for consuming spicy foods that are more intrinsic, while the motivations for eating spicy foods measured by SR and PID5-RT may be more extrinsic.
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Individual Differences in Retronasal Odor Responsiveness: Effects of Aging and Concurrent Taste. CHEMOSENS PERCEPT 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12078-016-9206-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Masi C, Dinnella C, Monteleone E, Prescott J. The impact of individual variations in taste sensitivity on coffee perceptions and preferences. Physiol Behav 2014; 138:219-26. [PMID: 25446205 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite a few relationships between fungiform papillae (FP) density and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taster status have been reported for sensory qualities within foods, the impact on preferences remains relatively unclear. The present study investigated responses of FP number and PROP taster groups to different bitter compounds and how these affect coffee perception, consumption and liking. Subjects (Ss) with higher FP numbers (HFP) gave higher liking ratings to coffee samples than those with lower FP numbers (LFP), but only for sweetened coffee. Moreover, HFP Ss added more sugar to the samples than LFP Ss. Significant differences between FP groups were also found for the sourness of the coffee samples, but not for bitterness and astringency. However, HFP Ss rated bitter taste stimuli as stronger than did LFP Ss. While coffee liking was unrelated to PROP status, PROP non-tasters (NTs) added more sugar to the coffee samples than did super-tasters (STs). In addition, STs rated sourness, bitterness and astringency as stronger than NTs, both in coffee and standard solutions. These results confirm that FP density and PROP status play a significant role in taste sensitivity for bitter compounds in general and also demonstrate that sugar use is partly a function of fundamental individual differences in physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Masi
- GESAAF, University of Florence, Via Donizetti, 6 50144 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Caterina Dinnella
- GESAAF, University of Florence, Via Donizetti, 6 50144 Firenze, Italy
| | | | - John Prescott
- TasteMatters Research & Consulting, Sydney, Australia
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Coupland JN, Hayes JE. Physical approaches to masking bitter taste: lessons from food and pharmaceuticals. Pharm Res 2014; 31:2921-39. [PMID: 25205460 PMCID: PMC4898047 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-014-1480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Many drugs and desirable phytochemicals are bitter, and bitter tastes are aversive. Food and pharmaceutical manufacturers share a common need for bitterness-masking strategies that allow them to deliver useful quantities of the active compounds in an acceptable form and in this review we compare and contrast the challenges and approaches by researchers in both fields. We focus on physical approaches, i.e., micro- or nano-structures to bind bitter compounds in the mouth, yet break down to allow release after they are swallowed. In all of these methods, the assumption is the degree of bitterness suppression depends on the concentration of bitterant in the saliva and hence the proportion that is bound. Surprisingly, this hypothesis has only rarely been fully tested using a combination of adequate human sensory trials and measurements of binding. This is especially true in pharmaceutical systems, perhaps due to the greater experimental challenges in sensory analysis of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Coupland
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 337 Food Science Building, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA,
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Barbarossa IT, Melis M, Mattes MZ, Calò C, Muroni P, Crnjar R, Tepper BJ. The gustin (CA6) gene polymorphism, rs2274333 (A/G), is associated with fungiform papilla density, whereas PROP bitterness is mostly due to TAS2R38 in an ethnically-mixed population. Physiol Behav 2014; 138:6-12. [PMID: 25447475 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PROP responsiveness is associated with TAS2R38 haplotypes and fungiform papilla density. Recently, we showed that a polymorphism in the gene coding for the salivary trophic factor, gustin (CA6), affects PROP sensitivity by acting on cell growth and fungiform papillae maintenance, in a genetically homogeneous cohort. Since population homogeneity can lead to over estimation of gene effects, the primary aim of the present work was to confirm gustin's role in PROP bitterness intensity and fungiform papillae density in a genetically diverse population. Eighty subjects were genotyped for both genes by PCR techniques. PROP responsiveness was assessed by a filter paper method and fungiform papilla density was determined in each subject. As expected, PROP bitterness ratings were lower in individuals with the AVI/AVI diplotype of TAS2R38 than in individuals with PAV/PAV and PAV/AVI diplotypes. However, no differences in PROP bitterness among genotypes of the gustin gene, and no differences in the density of fungiform papillae related to TAS2R38 diplotype were found. In contrast, the density of fungiform papillae decreased as the number of minor (G) alleles at the gustin locus increased. In addition, the distribution of TAS2R38 genotypes within each gustin genotype group showed that the occurrence of recessive alleles at both loci was infrequent in the present sample compared to other populations. These findings confirm that papillae density is associated with gustin gene polymorphism, rs2274333 (A/G), in an ancestrally heterogeneous population, and suggest that variations in the frequency of allele combinations for these two genes could provide a salient explanation for discrepant findings for gustin gene effects across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy; Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, USA
| | - Mitchell Z Mattes
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, USA
| | - Carla Calò
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | - Patrizia Muroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | - Beverly J Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, USA.
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Tepper BJ, Banni S, Melis M, Crnjar R, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Genetic sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and its association with physiological mechanisms controlling body mass index (BMI). Nutrients 2014; 6:3363-81. [PMID: 25166026 PMCID: PMC4179166 DOI: 10.3390/nu6093363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste sensitivity to the bitter compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is considered a marker for individual differences in taste perception that may influence food preferences and eating behavior, and thereby energy metabolism. This review describes genetic factors that may contribute to PROP sensitivity including: (1) the variants of the TAS2R38 bitter receptor with their different affinities for the stimulus; (2) the gene that controls the gustin protein that acts as a salivary trophic factor for fungiform taste papillae; and (3) other specific salivary proteins that could be involved in facilitating the binding of the PROP molecule with its receptor. In addition, we speculate on the influence of taste sensitivity on energy metabolism, possibly via modulation of the endocannabinoid system, and its possible role in regulating body composition homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly J Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, USA.
| | - Sebastiano Banni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy.
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy.
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy.
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Thomas J, Al-Mesaabi W, Bahusain E, Mutawa M. The relationship between taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide and anhedonia. Psychiatry Res 2014; 215:444-7. [PMID: 24355685 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It has been proposed that taste sensitivity to bitter compounds such as, phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), represents a genetic marker for an increased vulnerability to depressive illness. Previous explorations of this idea have proven equivocal. This study refines and further explores this idea by focusing specifically on anhedonia (diminished hedonic capacity), a key symptom in some depressive illness, linked also with sensory pleasure. It is hypothesized that diminished PTC taste sensitivity will be associated with more general decrements in hedonic capacity (anhedonia). An opportunity sample of 198 university students were assessed using paper strips impregnated with PTC, the same participants also completed a widely used assessment of hedonic capacity, the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). Hedonic capacity scores positively correlated with PTC taste sensitivity; specifically, heightened hedonic capacity was associated with heightened sensitivity to the bitter taste of PTC. Furthermore, modest differences were observed between those least (non-tasters) and most (supertasters) sensitive to PTC, with non-tasters reporting significantly lower hedonic capacity scores than supertasters. PTC taste sensitivity may represent a peripheral risk factor for anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Thomas
- Department of Natural Science and Public Health, Zayed University, PO Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Wahda Al-Mesaabi
- Department of Natural Science and Public Health, Zayed University, PO Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman Bahusain
- Department of Natural Science and Public Health, Zayed University, PO Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Meera Mutawa
- Department of Natural Science and Public Health, Zayed University, PO Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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