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Naciri LC, Mastinu M, Melis M, Green T, Wolf A, Hummel T, Barbarossa IT. A supervised learning regression method for the analysis of oral sensitivity of healthy individuals and patients with chemosensory loss. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17581. [PMID: 37845345 PMCID: PMC10579260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44817-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The gustatory, olfactory, and trigeminal systems are anatomically separated. However, they interact cognitively to give rise to oral perception, which can significantly affect health and quality of life. We built a Supervised Learning (SL) regression model that, exploiting participants' features, was capable of automatically analyzing with high precision the self-ratings of oral sensitivity of healthy participants and patients with chemosensory loss, determining the contribution of its components: gustatory, olfactory, and trigeminal. CatBoost regressor provided predicted values of the self-rated oral sensitivity close to experimental values. Patients showed lower predicted values of oral sensitivity, lower scores for measured taste, spiciness, astringency, and smell sensitivity, higher BMI, and lower levels of well-being. CatBoost regressor defined the impact of the single components of oral perception in the two groups. The trigeminal component was the most significant, though astringency and spiciness provided similar contributions in controls, while astringency was most important in patients. Taste was more important in controls while smell was the least important in both groups. Identifying the significance of the oral perception components and the differences between the two groups provide important information to allow for more targeted examinations supporting both patients and healthcare professionals in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lala Chaimae Naciri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Tomer Green
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Anne Wolf
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Melis M, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Sollai G. The Implications of Taste and Olfaction in Nutrition and Health. Nutrients 2023; 15:3412. [PMID: 37571348 PMCID: PMC10421496 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste and olfaction are sensory modalities that act synergistically to orchestrate the behaviors essential for survival, such as interactions with the environment, nutrient-rich food identification, and the avoidance of noxious substances [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Naciri LC, Mastinu M, Melis M, Green T, Wolf A, Hummel T, Tomassini Barbarossa I. A Supervised Learning Regression Method for the Analysis of the Taste Functions of Healthy Controls and Patients with Chemosensory Loss. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2133. [PMID: 37626630 PMCID: PMC10452470 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy humans, taste sensitivity varies widely, influencing food selection and nutritional status. Chemosensory loss has been associated with numerous pathological disorders and pharmacological interventions. Reliable psychophysical methods are crucial for analyzing the taste function during routine clinical assessment. However, in the daily clinical routine, they are often considered too time-consuming. We used a supervised learning (SL) regression method to analyze with high precision the overall taste statuses of healthy controls (HCs) and patients with chemosensory loss, and to characterize the combination of responses that would best predict the overall taste statuses of the subjects in the two groups. The random forest regressor model allowed us to achieve our objective. The analysis of the order of importance of each parameter and their impact on the prediction of the overall taste statuses of the subjects in the two groups showed that salty (low-concentration) and sour (high-concentration) stimuli specifically characterized healthy subjects, while bitter (high-concentration) and astringent (high-concentration) stimuli identified patients with chemosensory loss. Although the present results require confirmation in studies with larger samples, the identification of such distinctions should be of interest to the health system because they may justify the use of specific stimuli during the routine clinical assessments of taste function and thereby reduce time and cost commitments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lala Chaimae Naciri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.N.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.N.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell & Taste Clinic, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.N.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Tomer Green
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel;
| | - Anne Wolf
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell & Taste Clinic, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell & Taste Clinic, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.N.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Melis M, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Crnjar R, Sollai G. Olfactory Sensitivity Is Associated with Body Mass Index and Polymorphism in the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels Kv1.3. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14234986. [PMID: 36501016 PMCID: PMC9736683 DOI: 10.3390/nu14234986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Smell strongly contributes to food choice and its hedonistic evaluation. A reduction or loss of smell has been related to malnutrition problems, resulting in excessive weight loss or gain. Voltage-gated potassium channels Kv1.3 are widely expressed in the olfactory bulb, and contribute mainly to the value of the resting membrane potential and to the frequency of action potentials. Mutations in the Kv1.3 gene are associated with alterations in glycemic homeostasis and olfactory sensitivity. We evaluated the olfactory performance in 102 healthy subjects and its association with BMI and polymorphism in the human Kv1.3 gene. Olfactory performance, based on the olfactory threshold, discrimination and identification scores and their summed score (TDI), was measured using the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test. Subjects were genotyped for the rs2821557 polymorphism of the Kv1.3 gene, whose major allele T was associated with a super-smeller phenotype, lower plasma glucose levels and resistance to diet-induced obesity as compared with the minor allele C. Based on the Kv1.3 genotype, the TDI and I olfactory scores obtained by the subjects were the following: TT > TC > CC. Subjects who were TT homozygous or heterozygous exhibited lower BMIs and reached higher olfactory scores than those with the CC genotype. The results were sex-dependent: heterozygous females performed better than heterozygous males. These findings show an inverse relationship between olfactory function and BMI, and a significant effect of the Kv1.3 genotypes on the olfactory functions and on the BMIs of the subjects. Finally, they suggest that the sex-related differences in the olfactory function can be partially ascribed to the Kv1.3 gene’s polymorphism.
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Melis M, Mastinu M, Naciri LC, Muroni P, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Associations between Sweet Taste Sensitivity and Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 Genes, Gender, PROP Taster Status, and Density of Fungiform Papillae in a Genetically Homogeneous Sardinian Cohort. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224903. [PMID: 36432589 PMCID: PMC9696868 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in sweet taste sensitivity can affect dietary preferences as well as nutritional status. Despite the lack of consensus, it is believed that sweet taste is impacted by genetic and environmental variables. Here we determined the effect of well-established factors influencing the general taste variability, such as gender and fungiform papillae density, specific genetic variants (SNPs of TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 receptors genes), and non-specific genetic factors (PROP phenotype and genotype), on the threshold and suprathreshold sweet taste sensitivity. Suprathreshold measurements showed that the sweet taste response increased in a dose-dependent manner, and this was related to PROP phenotype, gender, rs35874116 SNP in the TAS1R2 gene, and rs307355 SNP in the TAS1R3 gene. The threshold values and density of fungiform papillae exhibited a strong correlation, and both varied according to PROP phenotype. Our data confirm the role of PROP taste status in the sweet perception related to fungiform papilla density, show a higher sweet sensitivity in females who had lower BMI than males, and demonstrate for the first time the involvement of the rs35874116 SNP of TAS1R2 in the sweet taste sensitivity of normal weight subjects with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 20.2 to 24.8 kg/m2. These results may have an important impact on nutrition and health mostly in subjects with low taste ability for sweets and thus with high vulnerability to developing obesity or metabolic disease.
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Mastinu M, Melis M, Yousaf NY, Barbarossa IT, Tepper BJ. Emotional responses to taste and smell stimuli: Self-reports, physiological measures, and a potential role for individual and genetic factors. J Food Sci 2022; 88:65-90. [PMID: 36169921 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Taste and olfaction elicit conscious feelings by direct connection with the neural circuits of emotions that affects physiological responses in the body (e.g., heart rate and skin conductance). While sensory attributes are strong determinants of food liking, other factors such as emotional reactions to foods may be better predictors of consumer choices even for products that are equally-liked. Thus, important insights can be gained for understanding the full spectrum of emotional reactions to foods that inform the activities of product developers and marketers, eating psychologist and nutritionists, and policy makers. Today, self-reported questionnaires and physiological measures are the most common tools applied to study variations in emotional perception. The present review discusses these methodological approaches, underlining their different strengths and weaknesses. We also discuss a small, emerging literature suggesting that individual differences and genetic variations in taste and smell perception, like the genetic ability to perceive the bitter compound PROP, may also play a role in emotional reactions to aromas and foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.,Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation & Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Neeta Y Yousaf
- Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation & Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Beverly J Tepper
- Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation & Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Yousaf NY, Wu G, Melis M, Mastinu M, Contini C, Cabras T, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Zhao L, Lam YY, Tepper BJ. Daily Exposure to a Cranberry Polyphenol Oral Rinse Alters the Oral Microbiome but Not Taste Perception in PROP Taster Status Classified Individuals. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071492. [PMID: 35406108 PMCID: PMC9002539 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet and salivary proteins influence the composition of the oral microbiome, and recent data suggest that TAS2R38 bitter taste genetics may also play a role. We investigated the effects of daily exposure to a cranberry polyphenol oral rinse on taste perception, salivary proteins, and oral microbiota. 6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) super-tasters (ST, n = 10) and non-tasters (NT, n = 10) rinsed with 30 mL of 0.75 g/L cranberry polyphenol extract (CPE) in spring water, twice daily for 11 days while consuming their habitual diets. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the NT oral microbiome composition was different than that of STs at baseline (p = 0.012) but not after the intervention (p = 0.525). Principal coordinates analysis using unweighted UniFrac distance showed that CPE modified microbiome composition in NTs (p = 0.023) but not in STs (p = 0.096). The intervention also altered specific salivary protein levels (α-amylase, MUC-5B, and selected S-type Cystatins) with no changes in sensory perception. Correlation networks between oral microbiota, salivary proteins, and sensory ratings showed that the ST microbiome had a more complex relationship with salivary proteins, particularly proline-rich proteins, than that in NTs. These findings show that CPE modulated the oral microbiome of NTs to be similar to that of STs, which could have implications for oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Y. Yousaf
- Department of Food Science & Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Guojun Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Center for Microbiome, Nutrition, and Health, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (G.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.)
| | - Cristina Contini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.)
| | - Liping Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Center for Microbiome, Nutrition, and Health, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (G.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Yan Y. Lam
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Center for Microbiome, Nutrition, and Health, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (G.W.); (L.Z.)
- Gut Microbiota and Metabolism Group, Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.L.); (B.J.T.); Tel.: +1-852-3411-2922 (Y.Y.L.); +1-848-932-5417 (B.J.T.)
| | - Beverly J. Tepper
- Department of Food Science & Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.L.); (B.J.T.); Tel.: +1-852-3411-2922 (Y.Y.L.); +1-848-932-5417 (B.J.T.)
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Sollai G, Melis M, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Crnjar R. A polymorphism in the human gene encoding OBPIIa affects the perceived intensity of smelled odors. Behav Brain Res 2022; 427:113860. [PMID: 35341882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Among the factors that contribute to the physiological variability of the olfactory function of individuals, an important role seems to be played by the OBPs present in the mucus that bathes the ciliated terminals of the olfactory sensory neurons, facilitating the access of odorants to the olfactory receptors. It was recently highlighted that the rs2590498 polymorphism in the odor binding-protein (OBPIIa) gene it is associated with the olfactory threshold in healthy individuals. Aim of this study was to evaluate: 1) the presence of a relationship between the threshold olfactory performance of healthy subjects and the intensity with which they perceive the smelled odorants, and 2) the effect of the rs2590498 polymorphism of the OBPIIa gene on perceived intensity. We found a positive correlation between threshold olfactory and perceived intensity, and that AA homozygous subjects reported a perceived intensity higher than heterozygous and GG homozygous subjects. By showing a positive effect of the rs2590498 polymorphism of the hOBPIIa gene on the intensity perceived, these results suggest that it allows a larger number of molecules in an odorous mixture to reach the olfactory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sect. of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sect. of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sect. of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Italy
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Melis M, Haehner A, Mastinu M, Hummel T, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Molecular and Genetic Factors Involved in Olfactory and Gustatory Deficits and Associations with Microbiota in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084286. [PMID: 33924222 PMCID: PMC8074606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in olfaction and taste are among the most frequent non-motor manifestations in Parkinson’s disease (PD) that start very early and frequently precede the PD motor symptoms. The limited data available suggest that the basis of the olfactory and gustatory dysfunction related to PD are likely multifactorial and may include the same determinants responsible for other non-motor symptoms of PD. This review describes the most relevant molecular and genetic factors involved in the PD-related smell and taste impairments, and their associations with the microbiota, which also may represent risk factors associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Antje Haehner
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.H.); (T.H.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.H.); (T.H.)
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-4144
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Melis M, Mastinu M, Pintus S, Cabras T, Crnjar R, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Differences in Salivary Proteins as a Function of PROP Taster Status and Gender in Normal Weight and Obese Subjects. Molecules 2021; 26:2244. [PMID: 33924512 PMCID: PMC8069534 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste plays an important role in processes such as food choices, nutrition status and health. Salivary proteins contribute to taste sensitivity. Taste reduction has been associated with obesity. Gender influences the obesity predisposition and the genetic ability to perceive the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), oral marker for food preferences and consumption. We investigated variations in the profile of salivary proteome, analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS, between sixty-one normal weight subjects (NW) and fifty-seven subjects with obesity (OB), based on gender and PROP sensitivity. Results showed variations of taste-related salivary proteins between NW and OB, which were differently associated with gender and PROP sensitivity. High levels of Ps-1, II-2 and IB-1 proteins belonging to basic proline rich proteins (bPRPs) and PRP-1 protein belonging to acid proline rich proteins (aPRPs) were found in OB males, who showed a lower body mass index (BMI) than OB females. High levels of Ps-1 protein and Cystatin SN (Cyst SN) were found in OB non-tasters, who had lower BMI than OB super-tasters. These new insights on the role of salivary proteins as a factor driving the specific weight gain of OB females and super-tasters, suggest the use of specific proteins as a strategic tool modifying taste responses related to eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Stefano Pintus
- Obesity Surgical Unit ARNAS G. Brotzu, 09121 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (R.C.)
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Sollai G, Melis M, Mastinu M, Paduano D, Chicco F, Magri S, Usai P, Hummel T, Barbarossa IT, Crnjar R. Olfactory Function in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Is Associated with Their Body Mass Index and Polymorphism in the Odor Binding-Protein (OBPIIa) Gene. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020703. [PMID: 33671721 PMCID: PMC7926749 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smell strongly contributes to food choice and intake, influencing energy balance and body weight; its reduction or loss has been related to malnutrition problems. Some patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are underweight, while others are overweight. Some studies suggest that changes in eating habits could be linked to specific disorders of the olfactory functions. We assessed the olfactory performance in 199 subjects (healthy control (HC) n = 99, IBD n = 100), based on the olfactory Threshold, Discrimination and Identification score (TDI score), measured with the “Sniffin’ Sticks” test. Subjects were genotyped for the rs2590498 polymorphism of the OBPIIa gene. IBD patients showed both a slightly, but significantly, lower olfactory function and a higher BMI compared to HC subjects. Threshold (in both population) and Discrimination (in IBD patients) olfactory score were affected by the OBPIIa genotype. BMI was influenced by both health status and OBPIIa genotype. A lower olfactory function may delay the satiety sensation and thus increase meal duration and body weight in IBD patients. However, the AA genotype of the OBPIIa seems to “protect” IBD patients from more severe olfactory dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6754160
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Danilo Paduano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Fabio Chicco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Salvatore Magri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Paolo Usai
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, 01067 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.); (I.T.B.); (R.C.)
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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15
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Melis M, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Hummel T, Crnjar R, Sollai G. Effect of the rs2890498 polymorphism of the OBPIIa gene on the human ability to smell single molecules. Behav Brain Res 2021; 402:113127. [PMID: 33422593 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Most odors of foods and drinks are mixtures of molecules. By means of the coupled Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry (GC-O) technique, single components of flavor mixtures can be separated, identified and verbally evaluated by subjects. The number of single molecules smelled by subjects during GC-O analysis (i.e., the number of odor-active compounds) was previously found to be linearly correlated with odor Threshold (T) score. Using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test, the same subjects were classified as normosmic or hyposmic. Hydrophobic odorants are captured and transported through the mucus layer by the odorant binding proteins (OBPs), particularly expressed in the olfactory cleft and associated with the olfactory function. In this study, subjects were genotyped for the rs2590498 (A/G) polymorphism of the OBPIIa gene, whose major allele A is associated with a higher olfactory sensitivity as compared to the minor allele G. One-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of the genotype of the OBPIIa locus on the: a) T score; b) number of odor-active compounds smelled; c) intensity perceived when sniffing the complex odor of banana. In conclusion, the threshold olfactory performance, but also the individual ability to smell single molecules, can be attributed, partly at least, to the rs2590498 polymorphism of the OBPIIa gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, 09042, Italy
| | | | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, 09042, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, 09042, Italy.
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16
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Sollai G, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Usai P, Hummel T, Crnjar R. Association between human olfactory performance and ability to detect single compounds in complex chemical mixtures. Physiol Behav 2020; 217:112820. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Oppo V, Melis M, Melis M, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Cossu G. "Smelling and Tasting" Parkinson's Disease: Using Senses to Improve the Knowledge of the Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:43. [PMID: 32161534 PMCID: PMC7052524 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Among non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's Disease (PD), peripheral, sensory symptoms are particularly relevant. Smell dysfunction starts very early and frequently precedes the PD motor symptoms by years (being often a cue to the diagnosis). Moreover, olfactory system could be, together with gut, one of those peripheral sites where PD pathology first develops. Unlike smell loss, the relationship between PD and taste impairment is far less established. It can start early in the course of the disease but more frequently appears in advanced stages, in parallel with the advent of MCI, likely reflecting cortical involvement. Among PD patients has been demonstrated an increase in the frequency of the non-tasters for PROP (prototypical gustatory stimulus, 6- n-propylthiouracil), a genetically determined bitter taste which is mediated by TAS2RS38 receptor, and a significant increase of the recessive non-testing variant of this receptor. TAS2R38 receptors are expressed also in other tissues, such as in the epithelia of the gut and nasal cavities, where they can influence epithelial immunity ad its interaction with microbiota. Those pieces of evidence suggest that not only systematic assessment of taste and smell can be of a remarkable help for clinicians in the early diagnosis, but also that understanding the mechanisms of sensory involvement in PD could increase the knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Oppo
- Department of Neuroscience, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Melis
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Cossu
- Department of Neuroscience, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
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19
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Melis M, Mastinu M, Sollai G, Paduano D, Chicco F, Magrì S, Usai P, Crnjar R, Tepper BJ, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Taste Changes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Associations with PROP Phenotypes and polymorphisms in the salivary protein, Gustin and CD36 Receptor Genes. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020409. [PMID: 32033224 PMCID: PMC7071215 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract resulting from interactions among various factors with diet being one of the most significant. IBD-related dietary behaviors are not clearly related to taste dysfunctions. We analyzed body mass index (BMI) and perception of six taste qualities and assessed effects of specific taste genes in IBD patients and healthy subjects (HC). BMI in IBD patients was higher than in HC subjects. Taste sensitivity to taste qualities was reduced in IBD patients, except for sour taste, which was higher than in HC subjects. Genetic variations were related to some taste responses in HC subjects, but not in IBD patients. Frequencies of genotype AA and allele A in CD36 polymorphism (rs1761667) were significantly higher in IBD patients than in HC subjects. The taste changes observed could be explained by the oral pathologies and microbiome variations known for IBD patients and can justify their typical dietary behaviors. The lack of genetic effects on taste in IBD patients indicates that IBD might compromise taste so severely that gene effects cannot be observed. However, the high frequency of the non-tasting form of CD36 substantiates the fact that IBD-associated fat taste impairment may represent a risk factor for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (M.M.); (G.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (M.M.); (G.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (M.M.); (G.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Danilo Paduano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Fabio Chicco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Salvatore Magrì
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Paolo Usai
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (D.P.); (F.C.); (S.M.); (P.U.)
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (M.M.); (G.S.); (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; (M.M.); (G.S.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6754144
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20
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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: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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21
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Sollai G, Melis M, Magri S, Usai P, Hummel T, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Crnjar R. Association between the rs2590498 polymorphism of Odorant Binding Protein (OBPIIa) gene and olfactory performance in healthy subjects. Behav Brain Res 2019; 372:112030. [PMID: 31195037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory function varies by several orders of magnitude among healthy individuals, who may exhibit a reduced sensitivity (hyposmia), a high sensitivity (hyperosmia), or an olfactory blindness (anosmia). Environmental and genetic factors seem to account for this variability. Most of odorant molecules are hydrophobic and it has been suggested that odorants are transported to the olfactory receptors by means of odorant binding proteins (OBPs). Aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of a relationship between the olfactory performance of healthy subjects and the polymorphism in the odor binding-protein (OBPIIa) gene, the only OBP found in the olfactory epithelium of humans. Using the "Sniffin' Sticks" Extended Test we assessed the olfactory performance in 69 subjects, who were genotyped for the rs2590498 polymorphism of the OBPIIa gene, whose major allele A has been associated with a higher retronasal perception as compared to the minor allele G. We found that subjects homozygous for the A-allele exhibited threshold scores higher than subjects homozous for the G-allele or heterozygous. In addition, subjects classified as normosmic and hyposmic differed on the basis of genotype distribution and allelic frequencies. In fact, a normosmic condition was associated with genotype AA and allele A and a hyposmic condition was associated with genotype GG and allele G. In conclusion, our results show that a relationship exists between the physiological variations of olfactory performance and the OBPIIa gene polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sect. of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sect. of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Magri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Usai
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Presidio Policlinico of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sect. of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Melis M, Sollai G, Masala C, Pisanu C, Cossu G, Melis M, Sarchioto M, Oppo V, Morelli M, Crnjar R, Hummel T, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Odor Identification Performance in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease Is Associated With Gender and the Genetic Variability of the Olfactory Binding Protein. Chem Senses 2019; 44:311-318. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cossu
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, A.O. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Melis
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, A.O. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Oppo
- Neurology Service and Stroke Unit, A.O. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Sollai G, Melis M, Mastinu M, Pani D, Cosseddu P, Bonfiglio A, Crnjar R, Tepper BJ, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Human Tongue Electrophysiological Response to Oleic Acid and Its Associations with PROP Taster Status and the CD36 Polymorphism ( rs1761667). Nutrients 2019; 11:E315. [PMID: 30717278 PMCID: PMC6412840 DOI: 10.3390/nu11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The perception of fat varies among individuals and has also been associated with CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism and genetic ability to perceive oral marker 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). Nevertheless, data in the literature are controversial. We present direct measures for the activation of the peripheral taste system in response to oleic acid by electrophysiological recordings from the tongue of 35 volunteers classified for PROP taster status and genotyped for CD36. The waveform of biopotentials was analyzed and values of amplitude and rate of potential variation were measured. Oleic acid stimulations evoked positive monophasic potentials, which represent the summated voltage change consequent to the response of the stimulated taste cells. Bio-electrical measurements were fully consistent with the perceived intensity during stimulation, which was verbally reported by the volunteers. ANOVA revealed that the amplitude of signals was directly associated, mostly in the last part of the response, with the CD36 genotypes and PROP taster status (which was directly associated with the density of papillae). The rate of potential variation was associated only with CD36, primarily in the first part of the response. In conclusion, our results provide direct evidence of the relationship between fat perception and rs1761667 polymorphism of the CD36 gene and PROP phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy.
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy.
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy.
| | - Danilo Pani
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, Cagliari 09123, Italy.
| | - Piero Cosseddu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, Cagliari 09123, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Bonfiglio
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, Cagliari 09123, 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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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Pani D, Usai I, Cosseddu P, Melis M, Sollai G, Crnjar R, Barbarossa IT, Raffo L, Bonfiglio A. Correction: An automated system for the objective evaluation of human gustatory sensitivity using tongue biopotential recordings. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209512. [PMID: 30557338 PMCID: PMC6296735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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26
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Burgess B, Melis M, Scoular K, Driver M, Schaich KM, Keller KL, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Tepper BJ. Effects of CD36 Genotype on Oral Perception of Oleic Acid Supplemented Safflower Oil Emulsions in Two Ethnic Groups: A Preliminary Study. J Food Sci 2018; 83:1373-1380. [PMID: 29660814 PMCID: PMC5969292 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrate humans can detect fatty acids via specialized sensors on the tongue, such as the CD36 receptor. Genetic variation at the common single nucleotide polymorphism rs1761667 of CD36 has been shown to differentially impact the perception of fatty acids, but comparative data among different ethnic groups are lacking. In a small cohort of Caucasian and East Asian young adults, we investigated if: (1) participants could detect oleic acid (C18:1) added to safflower oil emulsions at a constant ratio of 3% (w/v); (2) supplementation of oleic acid to safflower oil emulsions enhanced perception of fattiness and creaminess; and (3) variation at rs1761667 influenced oleic acid detection and fat taste perception. In a 3-alternate forced choice test, 62% of participants detected 2.9 ± 0.7 mM oleic acid (or 0.08% w/v) in a 2.8% safflower oil emulsion. Supplementation of oleic acid did not enhance fattiness and creaminess perception for the cohort as a whole, though East Asians carrying the GG genotype perceived more overall fattiness and creaminess than their AA genotype counterparts (P < 0.001). No differences were observed for the Caucasians. These preliminary findings indicate that free oleic acid can be detected in an oil-in-water emulsion at concentrations found in commercial oils, but it does not increase fattiness or creaminess perception. Additionally, variation at rs1761667 may have ethnic-specific effects on fat taste perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Burgess
- Dept. of Food Science and Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J., U.S.A
| | - Melania Melis
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, Univ. of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Katelyn Scoular
- Dept. of Food Science and Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J., U.S.A
| | - Michael Driver
- Dept. of Food Science and Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J., U.S.A
| | - Karen M Schaich
- Dept. of Food Science and Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J., U.S.A
| | - Kathleen L Keller
- Dept. of Nutritional Sciences and Dept. of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, Pa., U.S.A
| | | | - Beverly J Tepper
- Dept. of Food Science and Center for Sensory Sciences & Innovation, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J., U.S.A
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Melis M, Carta G, Pintus S, Pintus P, Piras CA, Murru E, Manca C, Di Marzo V, Banni S, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Polymorphism rs1761667 in the CD36 Gene Is Associated to Changes in Fatty Acid Metabolism and Circulating Endocannabinoid Levels Distinctively in Normal Weight and Obese Subjects. Front Physiol 2017; 8:1006. [PMID: 29270130 PMCID: PMC5724198 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifunctional CD36 scavenger receptor facilitates fatty acid (FA) uptake and oxidation and it has been involved in the pathophysiology related to dysfunctional FA metabolism. The common variant in the CD36 gene, rs1761667 (A/G), whose allele A is characterized by a reduced protein expression, has been associated with taste sensitivity to and preference for fat. We therefore aimed at evaluating whether the CD36 polymorphism may influence fatty acid metabolism and endocannabinoid biosynthesis in normal weight (NW) and obese (OB) subjects. Red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid composition, and plasma endocannabinoid levels were determined. In NW subjects with AA genotype was found a marked reduction of RBC saturated fatty acids and palmitic/linoleic ratio (PA/LA), considered as de novo lipogenesis (DNL) biomarkers. Remarkably, to the reduction of DNL biomarkers corresponded an increase of omega-6 index, an indirect marker of the impact on fatty acid metabolism of dietary omega-6 fatty acids, endocannabinoid levels and a higher waist/hip ratio. The presence of the G allele was instead associated with increased endocannabinoid plasma levels and a trend for increased waist/hip ratio in obese subjects, even though exhibited decreased BMI with respect to those with AA genotype. These data indicate that the CD36 polymorphism, rs1761667, leads to a distinct metabolic pattern in NW and in OB subjects. Therefore, their determination may be crucial in developing personalized therapeutic strategies for ameliorating dyslipidemia and other metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Gianfranca Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Stefano Pintus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Metabolic Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Pintus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Metabolic Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla A Piras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Metabolic Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Murru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Claudia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Banni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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30
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Tomassini Barbarossa I, Ozdener MH, Melania, Love-Gregory L, Mitreva M, Abumrad NA, Pepino MY. Variant in a common odorant-binding protein gene is associated with bitter sensitivity in people. Behav Brain Res 2017; 329:200-204. [PMID: 28487220 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Deeper understanding of signaling mechanisms underlying bitterness perception in people is essential for designing novel and effective bitter blockers, which could enhance nutrition and compliance with orally administered bitter-tasting drugs. Here we show that variability in a human odorant-binding protein gene, OBPIIa, associates with individual differences in bitterness perception of fat (oleic acid) and of a prototypical bitter stimulus, 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), suggesting a novel olfactory role in the modulation of bitterness sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melania
- University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I 09042, Italy
| | | | | | - Nada A Abumrad
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - M Yanina Pepino
- University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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Carta G, Melis M, Pintus S, Pintus P, Piras CA, Muredda L, Demurtas D, Di Marzo V, Banni S, Barbarossa IT. Participants with Normal Weight or with Obesity Show Different Relationships of 6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) Taster Status with BMI and Plasma Endocannabinoids. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1361. [PMID: 28465539 PMCID: PMC5431007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), a genetic trait regarded as a general index for oral chemosensory perception, has been associated with a calorie-rich food preference and lower circulating endocannabinoid levels in participants with normal weight (NW), which suggests an adaptive mechanism to maintain a lean phenotype. In this study, we assessed whether participants with obesity (OB) show different patterns of plasma endocannabinoids and lipid metabolism biomarkers from those of NW, with further categorization based on their PROP sensitivity. NW and OB were classified by their PROP taster status as non-tasters (NT), medium-tasters (MT) and supertasters (ST). The blood samples were analysed for plasma endocannabinoids, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and retinol, which have been associated to metabolic syndrome. In OB, we found a higher BMI and lower circulating endocannabinoids in ST vs. OB NT. However, OB ST showed lower circulating NEFA and retinol levels, which suggested a more favourable lipid metabolism and body fat distribution than those of OB NT. We confirmed lower plasma endocannabinoid levels in NW NT than in NW ST. These data suggest that PROP taste sensitivity determines metabolic changes and ultimately body mass composition differently in OB and NW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranca Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Stefano Pintus
- Center for Metabolic Diseases, Internal Medicine Department-A.O., Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Pintus
- Center for Metabolic Diseases, Internal Medicine Department-A.O., Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla A Piras
- Center for Metabolic Diseases, Internal Medicine Department-A.O., Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Muredda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Daniela Demurtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Banni
- 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.
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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: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Solari P, Stoffolano JG, De Rose F, Barbarossa IT, Liscia A. The chemosensitivity of labellar sugar receptor in female Phormia regina is paralleled with ovary maturation: Effects of serotonin. J Insect Physiol 2015; 82:38-45. [PMID: 26319532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Oogenesis in most adult insects is a nutrient-dependent process involving ingestion of both proteins and carbohydrates that ultimately depends on peripheral input from chemoreceptors. The main goal of this study was to characterize, in the female blowfly Phormia regina, the responsive changes of the labellar chemoreceptors to carbohydrates and proteins in relation to four different stages along the ovarian cycle: (1) immature ovaries, (2) mid-mature ovaries, (3) mature ovaries and ready for egg-laying and (4) post egg-laying ovaries. Then, the possible effects exerted by exogenous serotonin on the chemoreceptor sensitivity profiles were investigated. Our results show that ovary length, width and contraction rate progressively increase from stage 1 to 3, when all these parameters reach their maximum values, before declining in the next stage 4. The sensitivity of the labellar "sugar" chemoreceptors to both sucrose and proteins varies during the ovarian maturation stages, reaching a minimum for sucrose in stage 3, while that to proteins begins. Exogenous 5-HT supply specifically increases the chemoreceptor sensitivity to sugar at the stages 3 and 4, while it does not affect that to proteins. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that in female blowflies the cyclic variations in the sensitivity of the labellar chemosensilla to sugars and proteins are time-related to ovarian development and that during the stages 3 and 4 the responsiveness of the sugar cell to sucrose is under serotonergic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Solari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - John G Stoffolano
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Francescaelena De Rose
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Anna Liscia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Campus, S.P. 8, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
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Melis M, Arca M, Aragoni MC, Cabras T, Caltagirone C, Castagnola M, Crnjar R, Messana I, Tepper BJ, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Dose-Dependent Effects of L-Arginine on PROP Bitterness Intensity and Latency and Characteristics of the Chemical Interaction between PROP and L-Arginine. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131104. [PMID: 26103639 PMCID: PMC4477953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation in the ability to taste the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is a complex trait that has been used to predict food preferences and eating habits. PROP tasting is primarily controlled by polymorphisms in the TAS2R38 gene. However, a variety of factors are known to modify the phenotype. Principle among them is the salivary protein Ps-1 belonging to the basic proline-rich protein family (bPRP). Recently, we showed that oral supplementation with Ps-1 as well as its related free amino acids (L-Arg and L-Lys) enhances PROP bitterness perception, especially for PROP non-tasters who have low salivary levels of Ps-1. Here, we show that salivary L-Arg levels are higher in PROP super-tasters compared to medium tasters and non-tasters, and that oral supplementation with free L-Arg enhances PROP bitterness intensity as well as reduces bitterness latency in a dose-dependent manner, particularly in individuals with low salivary levels of both free L-Arg and Ps-1 protein. Supplementation with L-Arg also enhanced the bitterness of caffeine. We also used 1H-NMR spectroscopy and quantum-mechanical calculations carried out by Density Functional Theory (DFT) to characterize the chemical interaction between free L-Arg and the PROP molecule. Results showed that the -NH2 terminal group of the L-ArgH+ side chain interacts with the carbonyl or thiocarbonyl groups of PROP by forming two hydrogen bonds with the resulting charged adduct. The formation of this PROP•ArgH+ hydrogen-bonded adduct could enhance bitterness intensity by increasing the solubility of PROP in saliva and its availability to receptor sites. Our data suggest that L-Arg could act as a 'carrier' of various bitter molecules in saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Arca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Aragoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Macrosection of Biomedicine, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Claudia Caltagirone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Macrosection of Biomedicine, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Beverly J. Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Melis M, Sollai G, Muroni P, Crnjar R, Barbarossa IT. Associations between orosensory perception of oleic acid, the common single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1761667 and rs1527483) in the CD36 gene, and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) tasting. Nutrients 2015; 7:2068-84. [PMID: 25803547 PMCID: PMC4377901 DOI: 10.3390/nu7032068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Orosensory perception of dietary fat varies in individuals, thus influencing nutritional status. Several studies associated fat detection and preference with CD36 or 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity. Other studies have not confirmed the latter association. We analyzed the relationship between orosensory perception of oleic acid, two CD36 variants, and PROP tasting. Thresholds of oleic acid perception were assessed in 64 subjects using a modification of the three-alternative forced-choice procedure. Subjects were classified for PROP taster status and genotyped for TAS2R38 and CD36 (SNPs: rs1761667 and rs1527483). Subjects homozygous for GG of the rs1761667 polymorphism showed higher sensitivity to oleic acid than AA subjects. The capability to detect oleic acid was directly associated with TAS2R38 or PROP responsiveness. PROP non-tasters had a lower papilla density than tasters, and those with genotype GG of the rs1761667 polymorphism had lower oleic acid thresholds than PROP non-tasters with genotype AA. In conclusion, results showed a direct association between orosensory perception of oleic acid and PROP tasting or rs1761667 polymorphism of CD36, which play a significant role in PROP non-tasters, given their low number of taste papillae. Characterization of individual capability to detect fatty acids may have important nutritional implications by explaining variations in human fat preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical 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.
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Sollai G, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Solari P, Crnjar R. Taste discriminating capability to different bitter compounds by the larval styloconic sensilla in the insect herbivore Papilio hospiton (Géné). J Insect Physiol 2015; 74:45-55. [PMID: 25702827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Herbivorous animals may benefit from the capability to discriminate the taste of bitter compounds since plants produce noxious compounds, some of which toxic, while others are only unpalatable. Our goal was to investigate the contribution of the peripheral taste system in the discrimination of different bitter compounds by an herbivorous insect using the larvae of Papilio hospiton Géné as the experimental model, showing a narrow choice range of host plants. The spike activity from the lateral and medial styloconic sensilla, housing two and one bitter-sensitive gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs), respectively, was recorded following stimulation with nicotine, caffeine, salicin and quercitrin and the time course of the discharges was analyzed. Nicotine and caffeine activated all three bitter-sensitive GRNs, while salicin and quercitrin affected only two of them. In feeding behavior bioassays, intact larvae ate glass-fiber disks moistened with salicin and quercitrin, but rejected those with nicotine and caffeine, while lateral sensillum-ablated insects also ate the disks with the two latter compounds. The capability to discriminate bitter taste stimuli and the neural codes involved are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Paolo Solari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Sollai G, Tomassini Barbarossa I, Masala C, Solari P, Crnjar R. Gustatory sensitivity and food acceptance in two phylogenetically closely related papilionid species: Papilio hospiton and Papilio machaon. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100675. [PMID: 24956387 PMCID: PMC4067346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In herbivorous insects, food selection depends on sensitivity to specific chemical stimuli from host-plants as well as to secondary metabolites (bitter) and to sugars (phagostimulatory). Bitter compounds are noxious, unpalatable or both and evoke an aversive feeding response. Instead, sugars and sugar alcohols play a critical role in determining and enhancing the palatability of foods. We assumed that peripheral taste sensitivity may be related to the width of the host selection. Our model consists of two closely phylogenetically related Papilionid species exhibiting a difference in host plant choice: Papilio hospiton and Papilio machaon. The spike activity of the lateral and medial maxillary styloconic taste sensilla was recorded following stimulation with several carbohydrates, nicotine and NaCl, with the aim of characterizing their gustatory receptor neurons and of comparing their response patterns in the light of their different acceptability in feeding behaviour. The results show that: a) each sensillum houses phagostimulant and phagodeterrent cells; b) the spike activity of the gustatory neurons in response to different taste stimuli is higher in P. hospiton than in P. machaon; c) sugar solutions inhibit the spike activity of the deterrent and salt cells, and the suppression is higher in P. machaon than in P. hospiton. In conclusion, we propose that the different balance between the phagostimulant and phagodeterrent inputs from GRNs of maxillary sensilla may contribute in determining the difference in food choice and host range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sollai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Solari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Melis M, Atzori E, Cabras S, Zonza A, Calò C, Muroni P, Nieddu M, Padiglia A, Sogos V, Tepper BJ, Tomassini Barbarossa I. The gustin (CA6) gene polymorphism, rs2274333 (A/G), as a mechanistic link between PROP tasting and fungiform taste papilla density and maintenance. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74151. [PMID: 24040192 PMCID: PMC3767652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste sensitivity to PROP varies greatly among individuals and is associated with polymorphisms in the bitter receptor gene TAS2R38, and with differences in fungiform papilla density on the anterior tongue surface. Recently we showed that the PROP non-taster phenotype is strongly associated with the G variant of polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G) of the gene that controls the salivary trophic factor, gustin. The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the role of gustin gene polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G), in PROP sensitivity and fungiform papilla density and morphology, and 2) to investigate the effect of this gustin gene polymorphism on cell proliferation and metabolic activity. Sixty-four subjects were genotyped for both genes by PCR techniques, their PROP sensitivity was assessed by scaling and threshold methods, and their fungiform papilla density, diameter and morphology were determined. In vitro experiments examined cell proliferation and metabolic activity, following treatment with saliva of individuals with and without the gustin gene mutation, and with isolated protein, in the two iso-forms. Gustin and TAS2R38 genotypes were associated with PROP threshold (p=0.0001 and p=0.0042), but bitterness intensity was mostly determined by TAS2R38 genotypes (p<0.000001). Fungiform papillae densities were associated with both genotypes (p<0.014) (with a stronger effect for gustin; p=0.0006), but papilla morphology was a function of gustin alone (p<0.0012). Treatment of isolated cells with saliva from individuals with the AA form of gustin or direct application of the active iso-form of gustin protein increased cell proliferation and metabolic activity (p<0.0135). These novel findings suggest that the rs2274333 polymorphism of the gustin gene affects PROP sensitivity by acting on fungiform papilla development and maintenance, and could provide the first mechanistic explanation for why PROP super-tasters are more responsive to a broad range of oral stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Elena Atzori
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Stefano Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Zonza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Carla Calò
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Patrizia Muroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Padiglia
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Beverly J. Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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Tomassini Barbarossa I, Carta G, Murru E, Melis M, Zonza A, Vacca C, Muroni P, Di Marzo V, Banni S. Taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil is associated with endocannabinoid plasma levels in normal-weight individuals. Nutrition 2013; 29:531-6. [PMID: 23398921 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2012.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A decreased sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) has been shown to be associated with increased energy intake and therefore an increased body mass index, although other studies have not confirmed this association, suggesting the involvement of other factors. We investigated whether the endocannabinoid system, which also modulates hunger/satiety and energy balance, plays a role in modulating eating behavior influenced by a sensitivity to PROP. METHODS The plasma profile of the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA), and congeners of AEA, palmitoylethanolamide and oleylethanolamide (OEA), was determined in normal-weight PROP supertasters (STs) and PROP non-tasters (NTs). A cognitive eating behavior disorder was assessed by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, which estimates dietary restraint, disinhibition, and perceived hunger. RESULTS The disinhibition score of NTs was higher than those of STs (P = 0.02). Moreover, in NTs, OEA was inversely correlated to the perceived hunger score (r = -0.7, P = 0.002), and AEA was positively correlated to the restraint score (r = 0.5, P = 0.04) and negatively to the perceived hunger score, although the latter correlation was at the limit of statistical significance (r = -0.47, P = 0.05). In addition, we found lower concentrations of AEA and 2-AG in the plasma of NT compared with ST subjects (AEA, P = 0.034; 2-AG, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that a higher disinhibition behavior in NTs may be compensated in part, in normal-weight subjects, by the decrease of peripheral endocannabinoids to downregulate the hunger-energy intake circuitry.
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Melis M, Aragoni MC, Arca M, Cabras T, Caltagirone C, Castagnola M, Crnjar R, Messana I, Tepper BJ, Barbarossa IT. Marked increase in PROP taste responsiveness following oral supplementation with selected salivary proteins or their related free amino acids. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59810. [PMID: 23555788 PMCID: PMC3610910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic predisposition to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) varies among individuals and is associated with salivary levels of Ps-1 and II-2 peptides, belonging to the basic proline-rich protein family (bPRP). We evaluated the role of these proteins and free amino acids that selectively interact with the PROP molecule, in modulating bitter taste responsiveness. Subjects were classified by their PROP taster status based on ratings of perceived taste intensity for PROP and NaCl solutions. Quantitative and qualitative determinations of Ps-1 and II-2 proteins in unstimulated saliva were performed by HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Subjects rated PROP bitterness after supplementation with Ps-1 and II-2, and two amino acids (L-Arg and L-Lys) whose interaction with PROP was demonstrated by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. ANOVA showed that salivary levels of II-2 and Ps-1 proteins were higher in unstimulated saliva of PROP super-tasters and medium tasters than in non-tasters. Supplementation of Ps-1 protein in individuals lacking it in saliva enhanced their PROP bitter taste responsiveness, and this effect was specific to the non-taster group.(1)H-NMR results showed that the interaction between PROP and L-Arg is stronger than that involving L-Lys, and taste experiments confirmed that oral supplementation with these two amino acids increased PROP bitterness intensity, more for L-Arg than for L-Lys. These data suggest that Ps-1 protein facilitates PROP bitter taste perception and identifies a role for free L-Arg and L-Lys in PROP tasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Aragoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Arca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Macrosection of Biomedicine, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Claudia Caltagirone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Macrosection of Biomedicine, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Beverly J. Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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Piras M, Tandler B, Barbarossa IT, Piludu M. Immunogold labeling of carbonic anhydrase isozyme (CA-VI) in secretory granules of human parotid glands. Acta Histochem 2012; 114:406-8. [PMID: 21962635 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Revised: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Serous granules in the human parotid gland have a well-defined substructure, consisting of a dense spherule suspended in a moderately dense matrix. Immunogold labeling with an antibody against carbonic anhydrase VI revealed that this enzyme is localized within the matrix and is absent from the spherule. This location matches that of a number of other salivary gland proteins. Cell organelles involved in the secretory pathway are devoid of label. Labeling was not observed in any ductular component of the gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Piras
- Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Cabras T, Melis M, Castagnola M, Padiglia A, Tepper BJ, Messana I, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Responsiveness to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is associated with salivary levels of two specific basic proline-rich proteins in humans. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30962. [PMID: 22312435 PMCID: PMC3270025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Thiourea tasting can be predictive of individual differences in bitter taste responses, general food preferences and eating behavior, and could be correlated with saliva chemical composition. We investigated the possible relationship between PROP bitter taste responsiveness and the salivary proteome in subjects genotyped for TAS2R38 and gustin gene polymorphisms. Taste perception intensity evoked by PROP and NaCl solutions was measured in sixty-three volunteers (21 males, 42 females, age 25±3 y) to establish their PROP taster status, and 24 PROP super-tasters and 21 nontasters were selected to participate in the study. TAS2R38 and gustin gene molecular analysis were performed using PCR techniques. Qualitative and quantitative determination of salivary proteins was performed by HPLC-ESI-MS before and after PROP taste stimulation. PROP super-tastings was strongly associated with the 'taster' variant (PAV haplotype) of TAS2R38 and the A allele of rs2274333 polymorphism in the gustin gene and nontasting was associated with the minor alleles at both loci. ANOVA revealed that basal levels of II-2 and Ps-1 proteins, belonging to the basic proline-rich protein (bPRPs) family, were significantly higher in PROP super-taster than in nontaster un-stimulated saliva, and that PROP stimulation elicited a rapid increase in the levels of these same proteins only in PROP super-taster saliva. These data show for the first time that responsiveness to PROP is associated with salivary levels of II-2 peptide and Ps-1 protein, which are products of the PRB1 gene. These findings suggest that PRB1, in addition to TAS2R38 and gustin, could contribute to individual differences in thiourea sensitivity, and the expression of the PROP phenotype as a complex genetic trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Cabras
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Macrosection of Biomedicine, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Padiglia
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Macrosection of Biomedicine, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Beverly J. Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Irene Messana
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, Macrosection of Biomedicine, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Calò C, Padiglia A, Zonza A, Corrias L, Contu P, Tepper BJ, Barbarossa IT. Polymorphisms in TAS2R38 and the taste bud trophic factor, gustin gene co-operate in modulating PROP taste phenotype. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:1065-71. [PMID: 21712049 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The PROP taste phenotype varies greatly among individuals, influencing eating behavior and therefore may play a role in body composition. This variation is associated with polymorphisms in the bitter receptor gene TAS2R38 and the taste-bud trophic factor gustin gene. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between TAS2R38 haplotypes and the gustin gene polymorphism rs2274333 in modulating PROP taste phenotype. PROP phenotype was determined in seventy-six volunteers (29 males, 47 females, age 25±3 y) by scaling methods and threshold measurements. TAS2R38 and gustin gene genotyping was performed using PCR techniques. The lowest responsiveness in PROP nontasters is strongly associated with the AVI nontasting TAS2R38 variant and the highest responsiveness in supertasters is strongly associated to allele A and genotype AA of the gustin gene. These data support the hypothesis that the greater sensitivity of supertasters could be mediated by a greater taste-bud density. Polymorphisms in TAS2R38 and gustin gene, together, accounted for up to 60% of the phenotypic variance in PROP bitterness and to 40% in threshold values. These data, suggest that other unidentified factors may be more relevant for detecting low concentrations of PROP. Moreover, the presence of the PAV variant receptor may be important for detecting high concentrations of PROP, whereas the presence of allele A in gustin polymorphism may be relevant for perceiving low concentrations. These data show how the combination of the TAS2R38 and gustin gene genotypes modulate PROP phenotype, providing an additional tool for the evaluation of human eating behavior and nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Calò
- Department of Experimental Biology, Section of Anthropology, Monserrato, CA, I 09042, Italy
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Barbarossa IT, Atzori E, Zonza A, Padiglia A. A rapid screening method for the identification of a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the carbonic anhydrase VI gene in studies of sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2011; 15:721-4. [PMID: 21631296 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2011.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to perceive the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is a variable phenotype that has been associated with body mass index (in kg/m(2)) and linked to food choice and satiety. PROP-sensitive and -nonsensitive individuals are defined as tasters and nontasters, respectively. Sensitivity to PROP is a heritable trait based on the TAS2R38 gene on chromosome 7q34. In a recent study we demonstrated an association between PROP sensitivity and the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2274333 (+292A/G) within a coding sequence of the gustin/carbonic anhydrase VI gene. The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid and inexpensive screening method for identification of the rs2274333 SNP in individuals with varying sensitivity to PROP. Our results show that the methodology employed allows distinguishing A/G alleles perfectly, with a simple DNA digestion of a polymerase chain reaction fragment covering the SNP site of interest. So, the polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism assay described in this article can be used as an alternative to sequencing in bitter taster status research, and could be employed as a survey tool in nutrigenomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Experimental Biology, Section of General Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Padiglia A, Zonza A, Atzori E, Chillotti C, Calò C, Tepper BJ, Barbarossa IT. Sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil is associated with gustin (carbonic anhydrase VI) gene polymorphism, salivary zinc, and body mass index in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 92:539-45. [PMID: 20631203 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.2010.29418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The individual ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) may be correlated with body mass index (BMI) and differences in the salivary proteins involved in taste function, such as the zinc-dependent enzyme gustin, which is a trophic factor of taste buds. OBJECTIVE We investigated the possible association of PROP taste responsiveness with gustin gene polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G), salivary ionic zinc concentrations, and BMI. DESIGN We measured cognitive eating behaviors and BMI in 75 volunteers (28 men and 47 women; mean plusmn SEM age: 25 plusmn 3 y). The intensity of taste perception evoked by PROP and sodium chloride solutions was estimated to evaluate PROP taster status. Salivary ionic zinc concentrations were measured, and molecular analyses of the gustin gene polymorphism were performed in individuals classified by PROP status by using polymerase chain reaction techniques. RESULTS We classified subjects as PROP supertasters (n = 27), medium tasters (n = 28), or nontasters (n = 20). Salivary ionic zinc concentrations and BMI were greater in nontasters than in supertasters (P = 0.003 and P = 0.042, respectively). Molecular analyses of gustin DNA showed that allele A and genotype AA were significantly more frequent in supertasters, whereas allele G and genotype GG were significantly more frequent in nontasters (P lt 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These data showed that responsiveness to PROP is inversely related to BMI and salivary ionic zinc concentrations. The gustin gene dimorphism rs2274333 observed in supertaster and nontaster subjects may influence the protein conformation and, thereby, affect zinc ion binding. Our data showed a direct association between PROP sensitivity and a polymorphism in the gustin gene that is hypothesized to affect its function. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as UNICADBSITB-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Padiglia
- Department of Science Applied to Biosystems, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Abstract
Olfactory sensory stimulation induces a fast-phase arrest response (FPA-R) of the blowfly heart activity that has been described as a sensitive tool for testing insect reactivity to odor perception. We analyzed FPA-R occurrence to repeated olfactory stimulation with low and high 1-hexanol concentrations that are behaviorally attractant and repellent, respectively, in the blowfly. FPA-R occurrence diminished and ceased with repeated presentations of low and medium odor concentrations, according to dynamics inversely related to odor doses. On the other hand, repeated stimulation with higher odor concentrations induced persistent FPA-Rs. Sensory input amplitude to repeated presentations of singly tested odor concentrations did not change throughout stimulation sessions. A spontaneous restoration of FPA-R to olfactory stimulation was recorded 30 min after cessation of FPA-R to a previous olfactory stimulation session. However, a prompt restoration of FPA-R to olfactory stimulation after cessation of FPA-R was obtained following mechano-taste stimulation of labellar sensilla. Our findings show that the FPA-R habituates to olfactory sensory stimulation with low and medium odor concentrations according to dynamics inversely related to odor intensities. On the other hand, the FPA-R does not habituate to higher odor concentrations. Therefore, flies learn to disregard nonaversive odor information, but they cannot ignore iterative detection of a repellent volatile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Experimental Biology, Section of General Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato-Cagliari 09042, Italy
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