1
|
Wickham RJ, Adams W, Hawker MJ. The COVID-19 and Taste Lab: A Mini Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience on Taste Differences and COVID-19 Susceptibility. JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 21:A97-A107. [PMID: 37588646 PMCID: PMC10426818 DOI: 10.59390/fdma5232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Traditional course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are common approaches to expose students to authentic laboratory practices. Traditional CUREs typically take up most of or an entire semester, require a laboratory section or may be a standalone lab course, and require significant financial and time commitments by the institution and instructors. As such, CUREs are harder to implement at institutions with fewer resources. Here, we developed a mini-CURE, which are typically shorter in duration, called the COVID-19 and Taste Lab (CT-LAB). The CT-LAB requires significantly fewer resources ($0.05/student) and time commitment (two class periods) than traditional CUREs. CT-LAB centers around the biological relationship between COVID-19 susceptibility and taste status (non-taster, taster, and supertaster) as well as potential implications for public policy behavior. Students participated in a class-wide study where they examined if taste status was related to COVID-19 susceptibility. They found that non-tasters had a higher likelihood of testing positive previously for COVID-19 compared to tasters and supertasters. To assess student outcomes of this CURE, students completed a pre- and post-test assessment including a content test, STEM identity survey, taste test, COVID-19 history test, and a modified CURE survey. Content test scores improved while STEM identity and attitudes about science were unchanged. A direct comparison to a repository of traditional CUREs shows that the CT-LAB produced comparable benefits to traditional CUREs primarily in skills that were particularly relevant for the CT-LAB. This work suggests that mini-CUREs, even as brief as two class periods, could be a way to improve student outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter Adams
- Department of Biological Sciences, San José State University, San José, CA 95192
| | - Morgan J. Hawker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California State University - Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodríguez-Ramos Á, Moriana JA, García-Torres F, Ruiz-Rubio M. Emotional stability is associated with the MAOA promoter uVNTR polymorphism in women. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01376. [PMID: 31448578 PMCID: PMC6749489 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroticism is associated with low emotional stability, and it is characterized by a tendency to perceive ordinary situations as threatening and difficult to manage. This personality trait has been associated with psychological distress and predicts some mental disorders. Previous studies have shown that women tend to be more neurotic than men and, in general, females have also a higher incidence of anxious and depressive disorders. METHODS We analyzed in a sample of 99 female university students (from 18 to 26 years old) if emotional stability, measured using the Big Five Questionnaire, was linked to polymorphic variants in candidate genes related to dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and other personality variables. RESULTS We found that emotional stability and its subdimensions are genetically associated with MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism. Thus, women carriers of the 3-repeat allele (lower MAO-A expression) showed higher levels of emotional stability. No associations were found with other polymorphisms analyzed, including COMT Val158 Met, 5-HTTLPR, and DAT 3'UTR VNTR. Furthermore, our results showed a negative correlation between emotional stability and depression, state anxiety, and trait anxiety. In fact, MAOA-uVNTR and trait anxiety also explained emotional stability and its subdimensions. We also found that other genetic characteristic, phenylthiocarbamide tasting, explained impulsivity, specifically tasters controlled impulses better than nontasters. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that neuroticism might be regulated by MAOA and could be a common factor between different phenotypes, such as aggressive behaviors or personality disorders, observed in women with higher activity genotype who had been exposed to negative environments during childhood. This study could lead to a better understanding of the basis of emotional stability and could lead to future projects for this purpose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Rodríguez-Ramos
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Moriana
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Torres
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Rubio
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Karrer TM, Bassett DS, Derntl B, Gruber O, Aleman A, Jardri R, Laird AR, Fox PT, Eickhoff SB, Grisel O, Varoquaux G, Thirion B, Bzdok D. Brain-based ranking of cognitive domains to predict schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:4487-4507. [PMID: 31313451 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a devastating brain disorder that disturbs sensory perception, motor action, and abstract thought. Its clinical phenotype implies dysfunction of various mental domains, which has motivated a series of theories regarding the underlying pathophysiology. Aiming at a predictive benchmark of a catalog of cognitive functions, we developed a data-driven machine-learning strategy and provide a proof of principle in a multisite clinical dataset (n = 324). Existing neuroscientific knowledge on diverse cognitive domains was first condensed into neurotopographical maps. We then examined how the ensuing meta-analytic cognitive priors can distinguish patients and controls using brain morphology and intrinsic functional connectivity. Some affected cognitive domains supported well-studied directions of research on auditory evaluation and social cognition. However, rarely suspected cognitive domains also emerged as disease relevant, including self-oriented processing of bodily sensations in gustation and pain. Such algorithmic charting of the cognitive landscape can be used to make targeted recommendations for future mental health research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Karrer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Danielle S Bassett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Translational Brain Medicine, Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), Aachen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Gruber
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - André Aleman
- BCN Neuroimaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renaud Jardri
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Lille, CNRS UMR 9193, SCALab and CHU Lille, Fontan Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Angela R Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Peter T Fox
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas.,State Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Olivier Grisel
- Parietal Team, INRIA Saclay/NeuroSpin, Palaiseau, France
| | - Gaël Varoquaux
- Parietal Team, INRIA Saclay/NeuroSpin, Palaiseau, France
| | | | - Danilo Bzdok
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Translational Brain Medicine, Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), Aachen, Germany.,Parietal Team, INRIA Saclay/NeuroSpin, Palaiseau, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Epstein JB, Smutzer G, Doty RL. Understanding the impact of taste changes in oncology care. Support Care Cancer 2016; 24:1917-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
7
|
Filiptsova O, Timoshyna I, Kobets YN, Kobets M, Burlaka I, Hurko I. The population structure of Ukraine in relation to the phenylthiocarbamide sensitivity. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
|
8
|
Decrease in olfactory and taste receptor expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in chronic schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 60:109-16. [PMID: 25282281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We have recently identified up- or down-regulation of the olfactory (OR) and taste (TASR) chemoreceptors in the human cortex in several neurodegenerative diseases, raising the possibility of a general deregulation of these genes in neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we explore the possible deregulation of OR and TASR gene expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction on extracts from postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of subjects with chronic schizophrenia (n = 15) compared to control individuals (n = 14). Negative symptoms were evaluated premortem by the Positive and Negative Syndrome and the Clinical Global Impression Schizophrenia Scales. We report that ORs and TASRs are deregulated in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. Seven out of eleven ORs and four out of six TASRs were down-regulated in schizophrenia, the most prominent changes of which were found in genes from the 11p15.4 locus. The expression did not associate with negative symptom clinical scores or the duration of the illness. However, most ORs and all TASRs inversely associated with the daily chlorpromazine dose. This study identifies for the first time a decrease in brain ORs and TASRs in schizophrenia, a neuropsychiatric disease not linked to abnormal protein aggregates, suggesting that the deregulation of these receptors is associated with altered cognition of these disorders. In addition, the influence of antipsychotics on the expression of ORs and TASRs in schizophrenia suggests that these receptors could be involved in the mechanism of action or side effects of antipsychotics.
Collapse
|
9
|
Compton MT, Ionescu DF, Broussard B, Cristofaro SL, Johnson S, Haggard PJ, Potts AA, Wan CR, Walker EF. An examination of associations between the inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and clinical characteristics and trait markers in first-episode, nonaffective psychotic disorders. Psychiatry Res 2013; 209:27-31. [PMID: 23598058 PMCID: PMC3732503 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research findings are mixed as to whether or not the inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) might represent an endophenotypic trait marker for schizophrenia. We hypothesized associations between PTC-tasting status and select clinical characteristics and trait markers in patients with psychotic disorders that, if present, would provide support for the inability to taste PTC as a trait marker. In a first-episode psychosis sample (n=93), we measured PTC tasting, family history of psychosis, age at onset of prodrome and psychosis, severity of positive and negative symptoms, global impairment in functioning, neurological soft signs, and four neurocognitive domains (verbal learning/memory, visual learning/memory, verbal working memory, and spatial working memory). Associations between PTC-non-tasting and clinical/neurocognitive variables were examined with χ(2) tests and independent samples t tests. Among participants, 67.7% tasted PTC in comparison to a strip of control paper, and 25.8% were non-tasters. Tasters and non-tasters did not show statistically significant differences with respect to family history, age at onset, severity of symptoms, neurological soft signs, or the four neurocognitive domains. In conjunction with other findings, it is unlikely that PTC-non-tasting is a trait marker of schizophrenia, though a conclusive study is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Compton
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA 20037,Corresponding author: Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H., The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 2120 L Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20037. Tel: 202-741-3554. Fax: 202-741-2891.
| | - Dawn Flosnik Ionescu
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA 20037
| | - Beth Broussard
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA 20037
| | - Sarah L. Cristofaro
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322
| | - Stephanie Johnson
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322
| | - Patrick J. Haggard
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322
| | - Amy A. Potts
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322
| | - Claire Ramsay Wan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322
| | - Elaine F. Walker
- Emory University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang X, Cairns MJ. Gene set enrichment analysis of RNA-Seq data: integrating differential expression and splicing. BMC Bioinformatics 2013; 14 Suppl 5:S16. [PMID: 23734663 PMCID: PMC3622641 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-14-s5-s16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA-Seq has become a key technology in transcriptome studies because it can quantify overall expression levels and the degree of alternative splicing for each gene simultaneously. To interpret high-throughout transcriptome profiling data, functional enrichment analysis is critical. However, existing functional analysis methods can only account for differential expression, leaving differential splicing out altogether. RESULTS In this work, we present a novel approach to derive biological insight by integrating differential expression and splicing from RNA-Seq data with functional gene set analysis. This approach designated SeqGSEA, uses count data modelling with negative binomial distributions to first score differential expression and splicing in each gene, respectively, followed by two strategies to combine the two scores for integrated gene set enrichment analysis. Method comparison results and biological insight analysis on an artificial data set and three real RNA-Seq data sets indicate that our approach outperforms alternative analysis pipelines and can detect biological meaningful gene sets with high confidence, and that it has the ability to determine if transcription or splicing is their predominant regulatory mechanism. CONCLUSIONS By integrating differential expression and splicing, the proposed method SeqGSEA is particularly useful for efficiently translating RNA-Seq data to biological discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Association of schizophrenia with the phenylthiocarbamide taste receptor haplotype on chromosome 7q. Psychiatr Genet 2012; 22:286-9. [DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0b013e32835863f0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
12
|
Brewer WJ, Lin A, Moberg PJ, Smutzer G, Nelson B, Yung AR, Pantelis C, McGorry PD, Turetsky BI, Wood SJ. Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) perception in ultra-high risk for psychosis participants who develop schizophrenia: testing the evidence for an endophenotypic marker. Psychiatry Res 2012; 199:8-11. [PMID: 22503356 PMCID: PMC3470780 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reports suggesting that schizophrenia participants are more likely to be phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) non-tasters when compared to controls have recently been controversial. If supported, a genetic-based phenotypic variation in PTC taster status is implicated, suggesting a greater illness risk for those participants with recessive alleles for the TAS2R38 receptor. Should PTC insensitivity be a schizophrenia endophenotype, then it would be expected in follow-up of ultra high-risk for psychosis participants who later develop schizophrenia (UHR-S). UHR-S was hypothesised to show reduced PTC sensitivity compared to those who were previously at risk, but did not transition (UHR-NP). PTC perception was assessed in 219 UHR participants at long-term follow-up, of whom 53 had transitioned to psychosis (UHR-P) during the follow-up period. Fifteen of the 219 participants were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Seventy-eight had a family history of psychotic disorder. No differences in PTC taster status were found in UHR participants based upon transition to psychosis status, schizophrenia diagnosis, or family history of schizophrenia. This report indicates that schizophrenia development among UHR participants is not associated with PTC tasting deficits and fails to support previous findings that inability to detect the bitter taste of PTC is a schizophrenia endophenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warrick J Brewer
- Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nguyen AD, Shenton ME, Levitt JJ. Olfactory dysfunction in schizophrenia: a review of neuroanatomy and psychophysiological measurements. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2010; 18:279-92. [PMID: 20825265 DOI: 10.3109/10673229.2010.511060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory processing is thought to be mediated via the frontal and temporolimbic brain regions, both of which, as well as olfactory dysfunction, are implicated in schizophrenia. Likewise, several empirical studies of olfactory dysfunction--in particular, olfactory deficits in identification, odor detection threshold sensitivity, and odor memory, along with associated brain structural changes--have been conducted to illuminate the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. These anomalies have been investigated, more recently, as possible biological markers of that disabling illness. This article summarizes recent research on neuroimaging changes associated with olfactory impairments in schizophrenia patients and on related functional changes in psychophysiological measurements (e.g., odor identification, odor discrimination, odor detection threshold, and odor memory). The possible role of these changes as biological markers of the disorder will be discussed, as will potentially productive directions for future research.
Collapse
|
14
|
Doty RL, Treem J, Tourbier I, Mirza N. A double-blind study of the influences of eszopiclone on dysgeusia and taste function. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 94:312-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2009.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
15
|
Neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism is associated with olfactory dysfunction. J Neurol 2008; 255:1574-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-008-0993-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Revised: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 05/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
16
|
Moberg PJ, Balderston CC, Rick JH, Roalf DR, Weintraub D, Kleiner-Fisman G, Stern MB, Duda JE. Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) perception in Parkinson disease. Cogn Behav Neurol 2007; 20:145-8. [PMID: 17846512 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0b013e31812570c3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) sensitivity in Parkinson disease (PD) patients and healthy volunteers to determine whether taster status represented a simple vulnerability marker for PD. BACKGROUND The inability to taste PTC has been associated with a number of medical illnesses not typically associated with taste impairment. Abnormalities in the function/expression of G protein-signaling pathways have been implicated in PTC perception and also in dopamine expression and regulation in PD. No study has yet probed whether PTC tasting is disrupted in PD. METHOD PTC sensitivity was assessed in a small sample of 36 male PD patients and 20 healthy male comparison subjects using a standardized psychophysical method. RESULTS A higher proportion of nontasters were found in patients relative to healthy comparison subjects. These differences were not explained by alterations in perception of basic taste intensity or age. Among patients, nontasters and tasters of PTC did not differ with regard to duration of illness, age of onset, severity of motor symptoms, or overall illness severity. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest an increase in the frequency of PTC nontaster status in PD. As phenotypic variation in PTC sensitivity is genetic in origin, this may represent a surrogate risk factor for the development of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Moberg
- Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Compton MT, Chien VH, Bollini AM, Walker EF. Lack of support for the inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide as an endophenotypic marker in patients with schizophrenia and their first-degree relatives. Schizophr Res 2007; 95:65-9. [PMID: 17689053 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2007.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Revised: 06/22/2007] [Accepted: 07/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to replicate recent findings that both patients and relatives are significantly more likely to be phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) nontasters than healthy controls, and that within the patient group, nontasters have more severe positive and/or negative symptoms than tasters. Associations between PTC-tasting status and olfactory identification scores also were examined. METHOD PTC perception and olfactory identification were assessed in 48 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, 28 first-degree relatives, and 32 healthy volunteers. RESULTS The three groups did not differ in PTC taste sensitivity. Findings did not change after: a sensitivity analysis that re-categorized participants who "possibly" tasted PTC, excluding Caucasian participants, or restricting the sample of patients to only those with schizophrenia. Among the patients, tasters and nontasters did not differ with regard to positive, negative, or general psychopathology symptoms. In the combined sample and the three groups separately, there were no associations between PTC-tasting status and olfactory identification scores. CONCLUSIONS This study, conducted specifically as an attempt to replicate previously reported findings, failed to provide support for PTC perception as an endophenotypic marker for schizophrenia. Further research is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Compton
- Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, S.E., Room #333, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|