Variations in the bitterness perception-related genes TAS2R38 and CA6 modify the risk for colorectal cancer in Koreans

Bitter Taste Receptors 38 and 46 Regulate Intestinal Peristalsis

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are expressed in extraoral tissues, exerting several functions and generating a whole-body chemosensory and protective system. TAS2Rs expression has been observed in the gastrointestinal tract, although their role is poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the role of TAS2R38 and 46 in human intestinal smooth muscle cells (HISMCs) after activation with the specific bitter ligands phenylthiocarbamide and absinthin, respectively. We found that TAS2R38 and 46 activation by phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and absinthin, respectively, induces a rapid membrane depolarization and increase of cytosolic calcium levels due to internal storage in the IP3 pathway, resulting in an accelerated cell contraction. Overall, this study unravels, for the first time, the contractile impact of these TAS2R subtypes on intestinal smooth muscle cells, suggesting their involvement in gut peristalsis and recommending these receptors as possible targets for new therapies.

TAS2R38 bitterness receptor genetic variation is associated with diet quality in Koreans

Genetic variation in the bitter taste receptor gene taste receptor type 2, member 38 (TAS2R38) is associated with an individual's bitter taste sensitivity, food preference and consumption, which may also influence overall diet quality. This study aims to determine whether the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor genetic variation is associated with overall diet quality using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI). A total of 41,839 individuals from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were analyzed for their TAS2R38 diplotypes (rs713598, rs1726866, and rs10246939), general characteristics, and KHEI scores by obesity status. Results revealed that in the non-obese group, individuals with the AVI/AVI diplotype had a significantly higher score of 'ratio of white meat to red meat' than individuals with the PAV/* diplotype (3.89 ± 3.23 vs. 3.79 ± 3.18, adjusted p = 0.029). However, obese individuals with the PAV/* diplotype showed a significantly higher level of the mean score of 'moderation' (19.32 ± 5.82 vs. 18.92 ± 5.80, adjusted p = 0.026) and total KHEI score (61.07 ± 12.19 vs. 60.52 ± 12.29, adjusted p = 0.008) than those with the AVI/AVI diplotype. Finally, an interactive effect between bitterness genetic variation and obesity level was observed in those scores of 'ratio of white meat to red meat' (adjusted p = 0.007), 'moderation' (adjusted p = 0.013), and total KEHI (adjusted p = 0.007). In conclusion, TAS2R38 genetic variation is associated with overall diet quality in Koreans, which is more evident in the obese group.

Association of the bitter taste genes TAS2R38 and CA6 and breast cancer risk; a case-control study of Polish women in Poland and Polish immigrants in USA

It is known that the perception of bitterness is mediated by type 2 bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs). However, recent reports have suggested that the carbonic anhydrase 6 (CA6) gene may also influence bitterness sensing. Genetic variants in these genes could influence dietary intake of brassica vegetables, whose increased consumption has been observed in the literature, though inconsistently, to decrease breast cancer (BC) risk. We hypothesized that the estimated odds ratios (ORs) for the association between BC and taster diplotype (PAV/PAV) and/or genotype A/A, will be in the direction of increased BC risk, potentially due to reduced consumption of brassica vegetables. Using a case-control study of BC in Polish women in Poland (210 cases and 262 controls) and Polish immigrant women to USA (78 cases and 170 controls) we evaluated the association of the taster diplotypes in TAS2R38 gene and genotypes in the CA6 gene and BC risk in these two populations individually and jointly. No significant increase in risk was observed for the TAS2R38 PAV/PAV diplotype (tasters) in each population individually or in the joint population. For the CA6 gene, in the joint population, we observed an increased BC risk for the combined G/A and G/G genotypes (non-tasters) vs A/A (tasters), OR = 1.41 (95% CI 1.04-1.90, p = 0.026) which after adjustment for False Discovery Rate (FDR), was not significant at p≤0.05 level. However, for the joint population and for the combined genotype of the two genes AVI/AVI+G* (non-tasters) vs. PAV/*+A/A (tasters), we observed a significant increase in BC risk, OR = 1.77 (95%CI 1.47-2.74, p = 0.01), for the non-tasters, which remained significant after FDR adjustment. In conclusion for the joint population and the joint effect for the two bitter sensing genes, we observed an increase in BC risk for the bitterness non-tasters, association which is in the opposite direction to our original hypothesis.

Genetic variation in TAS2R38 bitterness receptor is associated with body composition in Korean females

Bitterness-receptor gene TAS2R38 is associated with taste sensitivity and dietary behaviour, and is known to play a critical role in adiposity. However, evidence regarding body composition from a large cohort is lacking. This study aimed to ascertain whether TAS2R38 rs10246939 C > T bitterness genetic variation is associated with body composition in Korean individuals. The TAS2R38 rs10246939 genotypes, anthropometric measurements, and body composition of 1,843 males and 1,801 females from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were analysed. Findings suggested that there was a significant difference in body fat components by TAS2R38 genotype. Furthermore, the bitterness genotype exhibited a positive association with adiposity markers in females. The TT genotype showed greater body mass index, body fat percentage, and degree of obesity than those with the C allele. However, such an association was not observed in males. In conclusion, this study suggests that TAS2R38 rs10246939 is associated with fat tissue markers in Korean females.

TAS2R38 gene in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection and blood groups in different age groups

Of the factors predisposing to gastric cancer is Helicobacter pylori infection affecting more than 50% of the general population. Genetic variation is an established player in certain diseases susceptibility. TAS2R38 gene polymorphisms have been found to influence bitter taste ability to chemicals with malicious characteristics and consequently affect metabolism and disease development. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between TAS2R38 gene polymorphisms and H. pylori seropositivity. The study involved 105 apparently healthy individuals. They were grouped into four groups according to their age and gender; young male, young female, middle-aged male and middle-aged female. All groups were tested for H. pylori serum antibody using screening rapid test. Participants were also tested for tasting PTC for TAS2R38 gene detection by using Bartovation PTC test paper and grouped accordingly into: homozygote (highly bitter taste), heterozygote (slight to moderate bitter taste), or negative gene carrier (no taste at all). ABO and Rhesus- blood grouping was determined by standard serological analysis. Of the 105 patients, 22.85% were tested homozygotes for TAS2R38 gene, 40.95% were heterozygotes and 36.19% were nontasters, no significant difference (p > 0.9). H. pylori seropositivity was encountered in 16.19% of the whole participants, 11.5% of the male participants and 20.75% of the female participants (p > 0.9). No significant difference in seropositivity was monitored among the four age groups (p > 0.3) and the ABO/Rh blood groups (p > 0.9). A lack of significant correlation (r = 0.046) between H. pylori antibody test positivity and tasting PTC (TAS2R38 gene) was reported. Similarly, no association was found between PTC tasting and participants’ ABO blood grouping, age or gender (r = 0.086, 0.083 and 0.029, respectively). Yet, weak negative (reverse) relationship (r = -0.29, p-value = 0.002) was gained between PTC and Rh grouping. No correlation was revealed between TAS2R38 polymorphism and the studied variable; age, gender and blood group indicating the absence of an apparent role of the gene in vulnerability to H. pylori infection. Further studies involving a larger sample size is required to confirm the obtained result.

Taste Preference-Related Genetic Polymorphisms Modify Alcohol Consumption Behavior of the Hungarian General and Roma Populations

Harmful alcohol consumption has been considered a major public health issue globally, with the amounts of alcohol drunk being highest in the WHO European Region including Hungary. Alcohol consumption behaviors are complex human traits influenced by environmental factors and numerous genes. Beyond alcohol metabolization and neurotransmitter gene polymorphisms, taste preference-related genetic variants may also mediate alcohol consumption behaviors. Applying the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) we aimed to elucidate the underlying genetic determinants of alcohol consumption patterns considering taste preference gene polymorphisms (TAS1R3 rs307355, TAS2R38 rs713598, TAS2R19 rs10772420 and CA6 rs2274333) in the Hungarian general (HG) and Roma (HR) populations. Alcohol consumption assessment was available for 410 HG and 387 HR individuals with 405 HG and 364 HR DNA samples being obtained for genotyping. No significant associations were found between TAS1R3 rs307355, TAS2R19 rs10772420, and CA6 rs2274333 polymorphisms and alcohol consumption phenotypes. Significant associations were identified between TAS2R38 rs713598 and the number of standard drinks consumed in the HG sample (genotype GG negatively correlated with the number of standard drinks; coef: -0.136, p = 0.028) and the prevalence of having six or more drinks among Roma (a negative correlation was identified in the recessive model; genotype GG, coef: -0.170, p = 0.049), although, none of these findings passed the Bonferroni-corrected probability criterion (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, our findings may suggest that alcohol consumption is partially driven by genetically determined taste preferences in our study populations. Further studies are required to strengthen the findings and to understand the drivers of alcohol consumption behavior in more depth.

Clinical Associations of Bitter Taste Perception and Bitter Taste Receptor Variants and the Potential for Personalized Healthcare

Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) consist of 25 functional receptors that can be found in various types of cells throughout the human body with responses ranging from detecting bitter taste to suppressing pathogen-induced inflammation upon activation. Numerous studies have observed clinical associations with genetic or phenotypic variants in bitter taste receptors, most notably that of the receptor isoform T2R38. With genetic variants playing a role in the response of the body to bacterial quorum-sensing molecules, bacterial metabolites, medicinal agonists and nutrients, we examine how T2R polymorphisms, expression levels and bitter taste perception can lead to varying clinical associations. From these genetic and phenotypic differences, healthcare management can potentially be individualized through appropriately administering drugs with bitter masking to increase compliance; optimizing nutritional strategies and diets; avoiding the use of T2R agonists if this pathway is already activated from bacterial infections; adjusting drug regimens based on differing prognoses; or adjusting drug regimens based on T2R expression levels in the target cell type and bodily region.

Bitter Taste Receptor TAS2R38 Genetic Variation (rs10246939), Dietary Nutrient Intake, and Bio-Clinical Parameters in Koreans

Differential bitterness perception associated with genetic polymorphism in the bitter taste receptor gene taste 2 receptor member 38 (TAS2R38) may influence an individual's food preferences, nutrition consumption, and eventually chronic nutrition-related disorders including cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the effect of genetic variations on nutritional intake and clinical markers needs to be elaborated for health and disease prevention. In this study, we conducted sex-stratified analysis to examine the association between genetic variant TAS2R38 rs10246939 A > G with daily nutritional intake, blood pressure, and lipid parameters in Korean adults (males = 1,311 and females = 2,191). We used the data from the Multi Rural Communities Cohort, Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Findings suggested that the genetic variant TAS2R38 rs10246939 was associated with dietary intake of micronutrients including calcium (adjusted p = 0.007), phosphorous (adjusted p = 0.016), potassium (adjusted p = 0.022), vitamin C (adjusted p = 0.009), and vitamin E (adjusted p = 0.005) in females. However, this genetic variant did not influence blood glucose, lipid profile parameters, and other blood pressure markers. These may suggest that this genetic variation is associated with nutritional intake, but its clinical effect was not found. More studies are needed to explore whether TAS2R38 genotype may be a potential predictive marker for the risk of metabolic diseases via modulation of dietary intake.

Interactions between Bitter Taste Receptor Gene Variants and Dietary Intake Are Associated with the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Middle-Aged and Older Korean Adults

The relationship between the variants of bitter taste receptor gene TAS2R4, dietary intake, and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. Hence, we aimed to examine the association of TAS2R4 rs2233998 variants with T2DM incidence in middle-aged and older Korean adults to understand if their association was modulated by dietary intake. Data of the Ansan-Ansung cohort from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were used in this study. A total of 4552 Korean adults aged 40-69 years with no history of T2DM or cancer at baseline were followed-up for 16 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a 103-item food frequency questionnaire, and new T2DM cases were defined based on the World Health Organization and International Diabetes Federation criteria. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for T2DM incidence. During the mean follow-up period of 11.97 years, 1082 (23.77%) new T2DM cases were identified. Women carrying the TT genotype of TAS2R4 rs2233998 exhibited 1.48 times higher incidence of T2DM (HR: 1.48; 95 CI: 1.13-1.93) than those carrying the CC genotype. TAS2R4 rs2233998 variants were positively associated with the incidence of T2DM among Korean women with high intakes of carbohydrates or sugars and low intakes of fruits or vegetables. TT carrier women in the highest tertile of carbohydrate or sugar intake exhibited an increased incidence of T2DM (HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.33-3.27 for carbohydrates; HR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.53-3.51 for sugars) than CC carrier women. Women carrying the TT genotype in the lowest tertile exhibited an increased incidence of T2DM (HR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.02-2.37 for vegetables; HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.06-2.48 for fruits) than women carrying the CC genotype in the highest tertile of vegetable or fruit consumption. However, no association was observed between TAS2R4 rs2233998 variants and dietary intake with T2DM incidence in Korean men. Our findings suggest that variants of TAS2R4 rs2233998 are associated with T2DM incidence, and their associations are strengthened by excessive intake of carbohydrates or sugars and inadequate intake of fruits or vegetables. Diet encompassing optimal intake of carbohydrates or sugars and high intake of fruits or vegetables may minimize the risk of developing T2DM.

The Impact of Taste Preference-Related Gene Polymorphisms on Alcohol Consumption Behavior: A Systematic Review

Unhealthy alcohol consumption is recognized as a leading contributory factor to mortality and disability. In addition to other factors, taste sensation also mediates alcohol intake. The orosensation provoked by alcoholic drinks may vary across individuals and may be responsible for differences in preference for alcoholic beverages. Thus, individual genetic variability of taste preference may have an impact on alcohol consumption practices. The present review aimed to explore the associations between different taste preference polymorphisms and alcohol consumption behavior. Based on the PRISMA statement, the three databases PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest Central were searched to identify articles and the Q-Genie tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Among the 17 studies included in this review, 5 and 12 were of good and moderate quality, respectively. Most of the studies analyzed TAS2R38 (taste 2 receptor member 38) rs713598, rs1726866, rs10246939 polymorphisms. Due to the inconclusive findings on these variants and the very limited number of studies on other polymorphisms, additional extensive research is recommended to replicate the existing findings, to generate new knowledge to enhance our understanding of the complexity of alcohol consumption behavior and to aid the development of personalized recommendations on unhealthy alcohol use.

Genetic variations in the bitter taste receptor gene TAS2R38 are related to cigarette smoking behavior in Han Chinese smokers

BACKGROUND

Smoking behavior is influenced by multiple genes, including the bitter taste gene TAS2R38. It has been reported that the correlation between TAS2R38 and smoking behavior has ethnicity-based differences. However, the TAS2R38 status in Chinese smokers is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between genetic variations in TAS2R38 (A49P, V262A and I296V) and smoking behaviors in the Han Chinese population.

METHODS

The haplotype analyses were performed and smoking behavior questionnaire was completed by 1271 individuals. Genetic association analyses for smoking behavior were analyzed using chi-square test. Further, for investigating the molecular mechanism of TAS2R38 variants effect on smoking behavior, we conducted TAS2R38-PAV and TAS2R38-AVI expression plasmids and tested the cellular calcium assay by cigarette smoke compounds stimulus in HEK293.

RESULTS

Significant associations of genetic variants within TAS2R38 were identified with smoking behavior. We found a higher PAV/PAV frequency than AVI/AVI in moderate and high nicotine dependence (FTND ≥ 4; X² = 4.611, 1 df, p = 0.032) and strong cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference (X² = 4.5383, 1 df, p = 0.033) in participants. Furthermore, in the in vitro cellular calcium assay, total particle matter (TPM), N-formylnornicotine and cotinine, existing in cigarette smoke, activated TAS2R38-PAV but not TAS2R38-AVI-transfected cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data highlights that genetic variations in TAS2R38 are related to smoking behavior, especially nicotine dependence and cigarette smoke flavor intensity preference. Our findings may encourage further consideration of the taste process to identify individuals susceptible to nicotine dependence, particularly Han Chinese smokers.

TAS2R38 polymorphisms, Helicobacter pylori infection and susceptibility to gastric cancer and premalignant gastric lesions

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is worldwide the fourth more common cancer type by incidence, and the third by mortality. We analyzed three missense variants of TAS2R38 gene: rs713598 (A49P), rs1726866 (V262A), and rs10246939 (I296V). These variants and their combination in haplotypes (proline, alanine and valine/tasters or alanine, valine and isoleucine/nontasters) and diplotypes are responsible for individual differences in bitter perception. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the related phenotypes are known to be associated with susceptibility to Gram-negative bacterial infections, such as Helicobacter pylori , and with risk of various cancer types. An association between intermediate tasters (as defined by TAS2R38 diplotypes) and increased risk of gastric cancer was reported in a Korean population.

METHODS

We analyzed 2616 individuals of Latin American origin, representing the whole spectrum of lesions from gastritis to gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Comparing cancer cases vs. noncancers we observed a decrease in risk associated with heterozygous carriers of rs10246939 ( P  = 0.006) and rs1726866 ( P  = 0.003) when compared with homozygotes of the more common allele. Also, the analysis of diplotypes/phenotypes reflected the same association, with super-tasters showing a borderline increased risk of developing gastric cancer compared to medium-tasters [odds ratio (OR) = 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-2.56; P  = 0.033]. Also, nontasters showed an increased risk when compared to medium-tasters although not reaching statistical significance (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.80-2.87; P  = 0.203). We also tested the interactions between the TAS2R38 genotypes and H. pylori cagA status in a subset of samples and found no interaction.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our results suggest only a modest contribution of TAS2R38 gene genetic variability in gastric cancer etiology.

The Role of Bitter Taste Receptors in Cancer: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Since it is known that bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are expressed and functionally active in various extra-oral cells, their genetic variability and functional response initiated by their activation have become of broader interest, including in the context of cancer.

METHODS

A systematic research was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant publications concerning the role of TAS2Rs in cancer.

RESULTS

While the findings on variations of TAS2R genotypes and phenotypes and their association to the risk of developing cancer are still inconclusive, gene expression analyses revealed that TAS2Rs are expressed and some of them are predominately downregulated in cancerous compared to non-cancerous cell lines and tissue samples. Additionally, receptor-specific, agonist-mediated activation induced various anti-cancer effects, such as decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as increased apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of TAS2Rs resulted in a decreased tumour incidence in an in vivo study and TAS2R activation could even enhance the therapeutic effect of chemotherapeutics in vitro. Finally, higher expression levels of TAS2Rs in primary cancerous cells and tissues were associated with an improved prognosis in humans.

CONCLUSION

Since current evidence demonstrates a functional role of TAS2Rs in carcinogenesis, further studies should exploit their potential as (co-)targets of chemotherapeutics.

An update on extra-oral bitter taste receptors

Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptors (TAS2Rs or T2Rs), belonging to the subgroup of family A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), are of crucial importance in the perception of bitterness. Although in the first instance, TAS2Rs were considered to be exclusively distributed in the apical microvilli of taste bud cells, numerous studies have detected these sensory receptor proteins in several extra-oral tissues, such as in pancreatic or ovarian tissues, as well as in their corresponding malignancies. Critical points of extra-oral TAS2Rs biology, such as their structure, roles, signaling transduction pathways, extensive mutational polymorphism, and molecular evolution, have been currently broadly studied. The TAS2R cascade, for instance, has been recently considered to be a pivotal modulator of a number of (patho)physiological processes, including adipogenesis or carcinogenesis. The latest advances in taste receptor biology further raise the possibility of utilizing TAS2Rs as a therapeutic target or as an informative index to predict treatment responses in various disorders. Thus, the focus of this review is to provide an update on the expression and molecular basis of TAS2Rs functions in distinct extra-oral tissues in health and disease. We shall also discuss the therapeutic potential of novel TAS2Rs targets, which are appealing due to their ligand selectivity, expression pattern, or pharmacological profiles.

Genetic variation in CD36 is associated with dietary intake in Korean males

Fat is one of the six types of taste. Perceived taste intensity could affect the preference for a food and whether or not it is consumed. Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) translocates fatty acids on the cellular membrane and is involved in the oral fat-sensing mechanism. Therefore, genetic variation rs1761667 in CD36 is known to be associated with the perception of fat taste and, hence, its dietary intake. This study examined whether CD36 rs1527479 T>C, a proxy of rs1761667, is associated with fat intake and related dietary behaviour in Koreans. Using the data of the Ansan/Ansung Study, a part of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study, the association of rs1527479 with the intake of macronutrients, including fat and selected foods, and fat-related dietary behaviours were investigated in 3194 males and 3425 females grouped by their degree of obesity. The findings suggested that rs1527479 did not have a meaningful effect on the intake of fat or other macronutrients or on the selection of food among non-obese females and males. However, in males with obesity, the genetic variation showed a significant association with vegetable intake. Obese males with the mutant CC genotype had substantially lower cruciferous vegetable consumption (adjusted P = 0·0015) than individuals with the TT and CT genotypes. Rs1527479 had no significant effect on the frequency of consuming fried foods or commonly used types of seasoning and cooking oils. In conclusion, CD36 genetic variation was associated with the intake of cruciferous vegetables but not fat intake in obese Korean males.

COVID-19 as a worldwide selective event and bitter taste receptor polymorphisms: An ecological correlational study

Background

Given the observed olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in patients with COVID-19 and recent findings on taste receptors possible important activities in the immune system, we elected to estimate the correlation between COVID-19 mortality and polymorphism of a particular type of bitter taste receptor gene called TAS2R38, in a worldwide epidemiological point of view.

Methods

Pooled rate of each of the rs713598, rs1726866, rs10246939, and PAV/AVI polymorphisms of the TAS2R38 gene was obtained in different countries using a systematic review methodology and its relationship with the mortality of COVID-19. Data were analyzed by the comprehensive meta-analysis software and SPSS.

Results

There was only a significant reverse Pearson correlation in death counts and PAV/AVI ratio, p = 0.047, r = −0.503. Also, a significant reverse correlation of PAV/AVI ratio and death rate was seen, r = −0.572 p = 0.021. rs10246939 ratio had a significant positive correlation with death rate, r = 0.851 p = 0.031. Further analysis was not significant. Our results showed that the higher presence of PAV allele than AVI, and a higher rate of G allele than A in rs10246939 polymorphism in a country, could be associated with lower COVID-19 mortality. While assessing all three polymorphisms showed a huge diversity worldwide.

Conclusion

Due to extraoral activities of bitter taste receptor genes, especially in mucosal immunity, this gene seems to be a good candidate for future studies on COVID-19 pathophysiology. Also, the high worldwide diversity of TAS2R38 genes polymorphism and its possible assassination with mortality raises concerns about the efficiency of vaccine projects in different ethnicities.

Chemosensory Changes from Cancer Treatment and Their Effects on Patients' Food Behavior: A Scoping Review

Individuals undergoing treatment for cancer can experience changes in taste or smell that are often assumed to affect constructs related to food behavior, although this relationship is rarely measured directly. To ascertain the extent to which measured changes in taste and smell during and after cancer treatment affect food behavior, we conducted a scoping review and completed a comparative analysis for studies that met our criteria, which were: they directly measured cancer patients' (a) psychophysical response to taste and/or olfactory stimuli, and (b) food behavior (including food enjoyment, food preference, dietary intake) in people affected by cancer. Eleven studies met these criteria and were included in the review. All 11 studies evaluated taste and five also measured smell. A comparative analysis exploring taste and food behavior shows that a reduced sweet taste function (decreased sensitivity) was associated with a reduced intake of a variety of different macro and micro nutrients, reduced appetite, and overall lower energy intake. One out of six studies that measured smell and food measured observed changes in olfactory function following cancer treatment. There were no significant relationships reported between olfactory measures and food behavior. Taste changes that arise from cancer treatment appear to have a direct effect on food behavior, although there is a need for more research using standardized measures and larger sample sizes. A better understanding of taste alterations and their implications for dietary intake and food enjoyment will support optimal nutritional health by identifying strategies to help patients eat well during and after cancer treatment.

Variation in the TAS2R38 Bitterness Receptor Gene Was Associated with Food Consumption and Obesity Risk in Koreans

Bitterness-sensing protein taste receptor type-2 member 38 (TAS2R38, T2R38) mediates taste perception and various physiological responses, including energy- and adiposity-related mechanisms. This study examined whether the genetic variant rs10246939 C > T in TAS2R38 was associated with food intake and body size as well as obesity risk. Data from the Korean Multi-Rural Communities Cohort study (1338 males and 2229 females) were analyzed to obtain the intake of six food groups, alcohol consumption, smoking status and anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and body mass index (BMI), according to the rs10246939 genotype. Findings suggested that females with the TT genotype consumed more fruit (adjusted p = 0.025) and had significantly higher body weights (adjusted p = 0.046) and BMIs (adjusted p = 0.003) than individuals with other genotypes. Having the TT genotype also increased the risk of obesity by 1.75-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.31–2.36) in females. The genetic variation had a minimal influence on the males’ dietary intake, but tended to increase the adiposity risk. In conclusion, TAS2R38 rs10246939 variation was associated with Koreans’ dietary intake and increased their risk of obesity. Although more detailed statistical analyses in the larger cohort are required, current study suggested that, as a genetic predictive marker, TAS2R38 bitterness receptor variations may have a large implication in obesity prevention and treatment.

Carbonic Anhydrase 6 Gene Variation influences Oral Microbiota Composition and Caries Risk in Swedish adolescents

Carbonic anhydrase VI (CA6) catalyses the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide in saliva with possible pH regulation, taste perception, and tooth formation effects. This study assessed effects of variation in the CA6 gene on oral microbiota and specifically the acidophilic and caries-associated Streptococcus mutans in 17-year old Swedish adolescents (n = 154). Associations with caries status and secreted CA6 protein were also evaluated. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (27 SNPs in 5 haploblocks) and saliva and tooth biofilm microbiota from Illumina MiSeq 16S rDNA (V3-V4) sequencing and culturing were analysed. Haploblock 4 (rs10864376, rs3737665, rs12138897) CCC associated with low prevalence of S. mutans (OR (95% CI): 0.5 (0.3, 0.8)), and caries (OR 0.6 (0.3, 0.9)), whereas haploblock 4 TTG associated with high prevalence of S. mutans (OR: 2.7 (1.2, 5.9)) and caries (OR: 2.3 (1.2, 4.4)). The TTG-haploblock 4 (represented by rs12138897(G)) was characterized by S. mutans, Scardovia wiggsiae, Treponema sp. HOT268, Tannerella sp. HOT286, Veillonella gp.1 compared with the CCC-haploblock 4 (represented by rs12138897(C)). Secreted CA6 in saliva was weakly linked to CA6 gene variation. In conclusion, the results indicate that CA6 gene polymorphisms influence S. mutans colonization, tooth biofilm microbiota composition and risk of dental caries in Swedish adolescents.

TAS2R38 Bitterness Receptor Genetic Variation and Risk of Gastrointestinal Neoplasm: A Meta-Analysis

Genetic variation in TAS2R38 bitterness taste receptor could alter the efficacy of molecular sensing, hence may be associated with cancer risk. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to verify the association between the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasm and TAS2R38 genetic variation. Studies with TAS2R38 diplotype distribution and GI neoplasm phenotypes were searched from PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS, and five articles including eight studies were finally selected. The association between diplotype and neoplasm risk was estimated with summarized odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), applying of fixed- or random-effects models. The findings suggested TAS2R38 diplotype was not associated with GI neoplasms susceptibility [AVI vs. PAV: OR = 1.03 (95%CI: 0.97-1.09), AVI/PAV vs. PAV/PAV: OR = 1.05, (95%CI: 0.94-1.17), AVI/* vs. PAV/PAV: OR = 1.04 (95%CI: 0.94-1.16)]. Because of the presence of heterogeneity under the two genetic models (AVI/AVI vs. PAV/PAV and AVI/AVI vs. PAV/*), further subgroup analyses by ethnicity and neoplasm type were performed. However, results failed to show the neoplasm risk was altered by diplotype. In conclusion, the meta-analysis indicates that TAS2R38 diplotype minimally modified the GI neoplasm risk. Given the limited study size and resources, further well-designed and larger studies are required to validate the true effect of TAS2R38 polymorphisms on neoplasm risk.

Genetic variations in TAS2R3 and TAS2R4 bitterness receptors modify papillary carcinoma risk and thyroid function in Korean females

Type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs, TAS2Rs) mediate bitterness perception and are involved in diverse defence mechanisms in extraoral tissues. The thyrocyte-expressed T2Rs control thyroid hormone production, and this regulatory role may be associated with susceptibility to thyroid diseases. This study examined whether the variations in TAS2Rs modify the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and whether such T2R-related PTC risk is associated with genetically modified thyroid function. We conducted a case-control study with 763 Korean females, including 250 PTC cases. Seventy-three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 13 TAS2R genes and the pre-diagnosis levels of 4 thyroid-related functional markers [total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroglobulin] were analysed. Individuals with TAS2R3/4 CC haplotype (rs2270009 and rs2234001) were at a lower risk for PTC than those with the remaining haplotypes (odds ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval: 0.36-0.97). Furthermore, TT3 levels were significantly reduced for TAS2R3/4 CC haplotype carriers compared with other haplotype carriers (p = 0.005). No other genetic variants exhibited critical associations with the PTC phenotype and biomarkers. In summary, genetic variations in T2R3/4 bitterness receptors may modify the PTC risk, and the genetically modified thyroid hormone level by those variations may be linked with the PTC-T2Rs association.