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Meng T, Nielsen DE. TAS2R38 haplotypes, COVID-19 infection, and symptomatology: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4673. [PMID: 38409357 PMCID: PMC10897136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55428-4] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The TAS2R38 gene is well known for its function in bitter taste sensitivity, but evidence also suggests a role in innate immunity. TAS2R38 may be relevant in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but research findings are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to explore whether common TAS2R38 haplotypes are associated with COVID-19 infection and symptomatology in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Data from the CLSA COVID-19 Questionnaire and Seroprevalence sub-studies were utilized with CLSA genetic data for common TAS2R38 haplotypes related to bitter taste sensitivity. Haplotypes were categorized into three diplotype groups: [P]AV homozygotes, [P]AV/[A]VI heterozygotes, and [A]VI homozygotes. No significant differences were observed between diplotypes and COVID-19 infection frequency. Among self-reported COVID-19 cases (n = 76), and in uncorrected exploratory analyses, heterozygotes were less likely to report experiencing sinus pain compared to [P]AV homozygotes. Among seroprevalence-confirmed cases (n = 177), [A]VI homozygotes were less likely to report experiencing a sore/scratchy throat compared to [P]AV homozygotes. However, both observations were non-significant upon correction for multiple testing. In this study, TAS2R38 haplotypes were not significantly associated with COVID-19 infection or symptomatology. Nevertheless, in light of some exploratory patterns and conflicting evidence, additional research is warranted to evaluate links between TAS2R38 and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongzhu Meng
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd., Room MS2-035, Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Daiva E Nielsen
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd., Room MS2-035, Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Santin A, Spedicati B, Pecori A, Nardone GG, Concas MP, Piatti G, Menini A, Tirelli G, Boscolo-Rizzo P, Girotto G. The Bittersweet Symphony of COVID-19: Associations between TAS1Rs and TAS2R38 Genetic Variations and COVID-19 Symptoms. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:219. [PMID: 38398728 PMCID: PMC10890446 DOI: 10.3390/life14020219] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is crucial in fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, deepening our understanding of the underlying immune response mechanisms is fundamental for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The role of extra-oral bitter (TAS2Rs) and sweet (TAS1Rs) taste receptors in immune response regulation has yet to be fully understood. However, a few studies have investigated the association between taste receptor genes and COVID-19 symptom severity, with controversial results. Therefore, this study aims to deepen the relationship between COVID-19 symptom presence/severity and TAS1R and TAS2R38 (TAS2Rs member) genetic variations in a cohort of 196 COVID-19 patients. Statistical analyses detected significant associations between rs307355 of the TAS1R3 gene and the following COVID-19-related symptoms: chest pain and shortness of breath. Specifically, homozygous C/C patients are exposed to an increased risk of manifesting severe forms of chest pain (OR 8.11, 95% CI 2.26-51.99) and shortness of breath (OR 4.83, 95% CI 1.71-17.32) in comparison with T/C carriers. Finally, no significant associations between the TAS2R38 haplotype and the presence/severity of COVID-19 symptoms were detected. This study, taking advantage of a clinically and genetically characterised cohort of COVID-19 patients, revealed TAS1R3 gene involvement in determining COVID-19 symptom severity independently of TAS2R38 activity, thus providing novel insights into the role of TAS1Rs in regulating the immune response to viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Santin
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (B.S.); (G.G.N.); (G.T.); (P.B.-R.); (G.G.)
| | - Beatrice Spedicati
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (B.S.); (G.G.N.); (G.T.); (P.B.-R.); (G.G.)
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, I.R.C.C.S. “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Pecori
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, I.R.C.C.S. “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Giovanni Nardone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (B.S.); (G.G.N.); (G.T.); (P.B.-R.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Pina Concas
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, I.R.C.C.S. “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Gioia Piatti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Unit of Bronchopneumology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Menini
- Neurobiology Group, SISSA, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, 34136 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Giancarlo Tirelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (B.S.); (G.G.N.); (G.T.); (P.B.-R.); (G.G.)
| | - Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (B.S.); (G.G.N.); (G.T.); (P.B.-R.); (G.G.)
| | - Giorgia Girotto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (B.S.); (G.G.N.); (G.T.); (P.B.-R.); (G.G.)
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, I.R.C.C.S. “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
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Franks ZG, Nandakumar K, Santhanam L, Lester L, Walsh JM, Dalesio NM. ACE2 and TAS2R38 receptor expression in pediatric and adult patients in the nasal and oral cavity. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2024; 9:e1207. [PMID: 38362187 PMCID: PMC10866583 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1207] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate differences in angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE2) and bitter taste receptor (TAS2R38) expression between patient age groups and comorbidities to characterize the pathophysiology of coronavirus 19(COVID-19) pandemic. ACE2 is the receptor implicated to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infections and levels of expression may correlate to the severity of COVID-19 infection. TAS2R38 has many non-gustatory roles in disease, with some evidence of severe COVID-19 disease in certain receptor phenotypes. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study and collected nasal and lingual tissue from healthy pediatric (n = 22) and adult (n = 25) patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective procedures. RNA isolation and qPCR were performed with primers targeting ACE2 and TAS2R38. Results A total of 25 adult (52% male; 44% obese) and 22 pediatric (50% male; 36% obese) patients were enrolled, pediatric tissue had 43% more nasal ACE2 RNA expression than adults with a median fold change of 0.69 (IQR 0.37, 0.98) in adults and 0.99 (IQR 0.74, 1.43) in children (p < .05). There were no differences between the age groups in ACE2 expression of lingual tissue (p = .14) or TAS2R38 expression collected from either nasal (p = 049) or lingual tissue (p = .49). Stratifying for obesity yielded similar differences between nasal ACE2 expression between adults and children with median fold change of 0.56 (IQR 0.32, 0.87) in adults and 1.0 (IQR 0.82, 1.52) in children (p < .05). Conclusions ACE2 receptor expression is higher in nasal tissue collected from children compared to adults, suggesting COVID-19 infectivity is more complicated than ACE2 and TAS2R38 mRNA expression. Level of Evidence NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zechariah G. Franks
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Kavitha Nandakumar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Laeben Lester
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jonathan M. Walsh
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Nicholas M. Dalesio
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Hoti Q, Akan G, Tuncel G, Evren EU, Evren H, Suer K, Sanlidag T, Ergoren MC. Altered expression levels of TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes among SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9343-9351. [PMID: 37817023 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08893-5] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common symptoms of coronavirus infections are fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, ache of joints, a loss of smell and loss of taste, and etc. Early studies suggested that smell and taste receptors were associated with pathogenic detection and immunity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the expression profile of gene receptors that are related to taste, smell, and appetite control in COVID-19 patients and their putative correlation with SARS-CoV-19 variants. METHOD Gene expression levels of TAS1R2, TAS1R3, TAS2R38, OR51E1, LEPR, GHRL were analyzed in 100 COVID-19 patients and 100 SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR negative group. RESULTS The expression levels of TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients who were infected with Delta variant. However, the TAS2R38 gene expression level was significantly lower when compared to the control group. The TAS1R2 gene expression was positively correlated with TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 genes (p = 0.001, p = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION TAS1R2, TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 gene expression levels were decreased in the Delta variant compared to the Omicron BA.1 variant in the studied groups. These results provided a significant clue for the temporary taste loss, especially in patients infected with the Delta variant, which is the most disruptive and symptomatic variant causing hospitalizations, and deaths compared to other variants may be because ACE2 is expressed in the taste buds and high replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the infected gustatory cells in the taste bud generates inflammation and then could eventually destroy the cells. This gustatory cell damage may cause malfunction of the gustatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qendresa Hoti
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Gokce Akan
- DESAM Research Institute, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Gulten Tuncel
- DESAM Research Institute, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Emine Unal Evren
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Girne University, Kyrenia, Cyprus
| | - Hakan Evren
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Girne University, Kyrenia, Cyprus
| | - Kaya Suer
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tamer Sanlidag
- DESAM Research Institute, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Near East University, 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Wang J, Liu R, Ma H, Zhang W. The Pathogenesis of COVID-19-Related Taste Disorder and Treatments. J Dent Res 2023; 102:1191-1198. [PMID: 37729625 DOI: 10.1177/00220345231182926] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, mainly manifested as acute respiratory distress syndrome, has afflicted millions of people worldwide since 2019. Taste dysfunction is a common early-stage symptom of COVID-19 infection that burdens patients for weeks or even permanently in some cases. Owing to its subjectivity and complexity, the mechanism of taste disorder is poorly studied. Previous studies have reported that the COVID-19 entry receptors are highly expressed in taste buds, thereby intensifying the cytocidal effect. Taste receptor cells are vulnerable to inflammation, and the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm causes secondary damage to taste function. Interferon and various proinflammatory cytokines can trigger cell apoptosis and disrupt the renewal of taste bud stem cells. This immune response can be further enhanced by the accumulation of Angiotensin II (Ang II) caused by an unbalanced local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) system. In addition, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is neurotropic and can invade the brain through the olfactory bulb, affecting the nervous system. Other factors, such as host zinc deficiency, genetic susceptibility, sialic acid, and some neurotransmitters, also contribute to the pathogenesis process. Although several medical interventions have displayed effectiveness, only a few strategies exist for the treatment of postinfectious dysgeusia. Stem cell-based taste regeneration offers promise for long-term taste disorders. Clinical studies have demonstrated that stem cells can treat long COVID-19 through immune regulation. In dysgeusia, the differentiation of taste bud stem cells can be stimulated through exogenous epithelial-derived and neural-derived factors to regenerate taste buds. Tongue organoids are also emerging as functional taste buds, offering new insights into the study of taste regeneration. This review presents the current evidence of the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related dysgeusia, summarizes currently available treatments, and suggests future directions of taste regeneration therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Advanced Dental Technology and Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - R Liu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Advanced Dental Technology and Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - H Ma
- Department of Prosthodontics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Advanced Dental Technology and Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - W Zhang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Advanced Dental Technology and Materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wickham RJ, Adams W, Hawker MJ. The COVID-19 and Taste Lab: A Mini Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience on Taste Differences and COVID-19 Susceptibility. J Undergrad Neurosci Educ 2023; 21:A97-A107. [PMID: 37588646 PMCID: PMC10426818 DOI: 10.59390/fdma5232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Traditional course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are common approaches to expose students to authentic laboratory practices. Traditional CUREs typically take up most of or an entire semester, require a laboratory section or may be a standalone lab course, and require significant financial and time commitments by the institution and instructors. As such, CUREs are harder to implement at institutions with fewer resources. Here, we developed a mini-CURE, which are typically shorter in duration, called the COVID-19 and Taste Lab (CT-LAB). The CT-LAB requires significantly fewer resources ($0.05/student) and time commitment (two class periods) than traditional CUREs. CT-LAB centers around the biological relationship between COVID-19 susceptibility and taste status (non-taster, taster, and supertaster) as well as potential implications for public policy behavior. Students participated in a class-wide study where they examined if taste status was related to COVID-19 susceptibility. They found that non-tasters had a higher likelihood of testing positive previously for COVID-19 compared to tasters and supertasters. To assess student outcomes of this CURE, students completed a pre- and post-test assessment including a content test, STEM identity survey, taste test, COVID-19 history test, and a modified CURE survey. Content test scores improved while STEM identity and attitudes about science were unchanged. A direct comparison to a repository of traditional CUREs shows that the CT-LAB produced comparable benefits to traditional CUREs primarily in skills that were particularly relevant for the CT-LAB. This work suggests that mini-CUREs, even as brief as two class periods, could be a way to improve student outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter Adams
- Department of Biological Sciences, San José State University, San José, CA 95192
| | - Morgan J. Hawker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry California State University - Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740
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Liu Z, Dai W, Wang S, Yao Y, Zhang H. Deep learning identified genetic variants for COVID-19-related mortality among 28,097 affected cases in UK Biobank. Genet Epidemiol 2023; 47:215-230. [PMID: 36691909 PMCID: PMC10006374 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.22515] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of host genetic components provides insights into the susceptibility and response to viral infection such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To reveal genetic determinants of susceptibility to COVID-19 related mortality, we train a deep learning model to identify groups of genetic variants and their interactions that contribute to the COVID-19 related mortality risk using the UK Biobank data (28,097 affected cases and 1656 deaths). We refer to such groups of variants as super variants. We identify 15 super variants with various levels of significance as susceptibility loci for COVID-19 mortality. Specifically, we identify a super variant (odds ratio [OR] = 1.594, p = 5.47 × 10-9 ) on Chromosome 7 that consists of the minor allele of rs76398985, rs6943608, rs2052130, 7:150989011_CT_C, rs118033050, and rs12540488. We also discover a super variant (OR = 1.353, p = 2.87 × 10-8 ) on Chromosome 5 that contains rs12517344, rs72733036, rs190052994, rs34723029, rs72734818, 5:9305797_GTA_G, and rs180899355.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihuan Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, 300 George Street, Ste 523, New Haven, CT, 06511
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, 300 George Street, Ste 523, New Haven, CT, 06511
| | - Shiying Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, 300 George Street, Ste 523, New Haven, CT, 06511
| | - Yisha Yao
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, 300 George Street, Ste 523, New Haven, CT, 06511
| | - Heping Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, 300 George Street, Ste 523, New Haven, CT, 06511
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Bethineedi LD, Baghsheikhi H, Soltani A, Mafi Z, Samieefar N, Sanjid Seraj S, Khazeei Tabari MA. Human T2R38 Bitter Taste Receptor Expression and COVID-19: From Immunity to Prognosis. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2023; 15:118-123. [PMID: 37034895 PMCID: PMC10073923] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptor (T2Rs or TAS2Rs) found on ciliated epithelial cells and solitary chemosensory cells have a role in respiratory tract immunity. T2Rs have shown protection against SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing the innate immune response. The purpose of this review is to outline the current sphere of knowledge regarding this association. Methods A narrative review of the literature was done by searching (T2R38 OR bitter taste receptor) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2) keywords in PubMed and google scholar. Results T2R38, an isoform of T2Rs encoded by the TAS2R38 gene, may have a potential association between phenotypic expression of T2R38 and prognosis of COVID-19. Current studies suggest that due to different genotypes and widespread distributions of T2Rs within the respiratory tract and their role in innate immunity, treatment protocols for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases may change accordingly. Based on the phenotypic expression of T2R38, it varies in innate immunity and host response to respiratory infection, systemic symptoms and hospitalization. Conclusion This review reveals that patients' innate immune response to SARS-COV-2 could be influenced by T2R38 receptor allelic variations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hediyeh Baghsheikhi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Soltani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahedeh Mafi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noosha Samieefar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaikh Sanjid Seraj
- Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Amin Khazeei Tabari
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- USERN Office, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Mao Z, Cheng W, Li Z, Yao M, Sun K. Clinical Associations of Bitter Taste Perception and Bitter Taste Receptor Variants and the Potential for Personalized Healthcare. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:121-132. [PMID: 36819962 PMCID: PMC9936560 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s390201] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Mao
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weyland Cheng
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Weyland Cheng, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, 33 Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18502758200, Email
| | - Zhenwei Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Manye Yao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keming Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
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Welcome MO, Dogo D, Nikos E Mastorakis. Cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways linking bitter taste receptor signalling to cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction in heart diseases. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:89-117. [PMID: 36471190 PMCID: PMC9734786 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heart diseases and related complications constitute a leading cause of death and socioeconomic threat worldwide. Despite intense efforts and research on the pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are yet to be completely understood. Several lines of evidence indicate a critical role of inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in the development and progression of heart diseases. Nevertheless, the molecular machinery that drives cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress is not completely known. Recent data suggest an important role of cardiac bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in the pathogenetic mechanism of heart diseases. Independent groups of researchers have demonstrated a central role of TAS2Rs in mediating inflammatory, oxidative stress responses, autophagy, impulse generation/propagation and contractile activities in the heart, suggesting that dysfunctional TAS2R signalling may predispose to cardiac inflammatory and oxidative stress disorders, characterised by contractile dysfunction and arrhythmia. Moreover, cardiac TAS2Rs act as gateway surveillance units that monitor and detect toxigenic or pathogenic molecules, including microbial components, and initiate responses that ultimately culminate in protection of the host against the aggression. Unfortunately, however, the molecular mechanisms that link TAS2R sensing of the cardiac milieu to inflammatory and oxidative stress responses are not clearly known. Therefore, we sought to review the possible role of TAS2R signalling in the pathophysiology of cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction in heart diseases. Potential therapeutic significance of targeting TAS2R or its downstream signalling molecules in cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Plot 681 Cadastral Zone, C-00 Research and Institution Area, Jabi Airport Road Bypass, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
| | - Dilli Dogo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nikos E Mastorakis
- Technical University of Sofia, Klement Ohridksi 8, Sofia, 1000, Bulgaria
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Aldaz KJ, Flores SO, Ortiz RM, Diaz Rios LK, Dhillon J. A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Food Perceptions, Food Preferences, Diet Quality, and Health in a Food Desert Campus. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245215. [PMID: 36558374 PMCID: PMC9786556 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245215] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensory properties of foods guide food choices and intake, importantly determining nutritional and health status. In communities that have inconsistent access to nutritious foods, such as food deserts, food taste perceptions and preferences have yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to examine how taster status (supertaster vs. non-taster) and food security status (high or marginal vs. low or very low) influences food taste intensities, food preferences and perceptions, and diet quality in a cohort of students from a food desert campus in the Central Valley of California. Moreover, the complex relationship of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and sex on cardiometabolic and cognitive health warrants further examination. Two hundred fifty participants (aged 18-24 years) living in a food desert campus were recruited in 2018 for this cross-sectional study where participants underwent taste tests on selected fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and clinical tests (anthropometrics, blood glucose, blood pressure, and endothelial function), cognitive function tests (memory and attention), diet quality assessment (Healthy Eating Index (HEI)), and food preference and perception assessments. Food taste intensities were influenced by sex with bitter and umami taste intensities of several foods being perceived more intensely by males. Moreover, food liking was largely influenced by ethnicity with Hispanics having higher liking ratings for several foods compared with non-Hispanics. Both, Hispanics and females, had higher total fruit HEI scores and lower attention scores than non-Hispanics and males, respectively. Females also had lower blood pressure, reactive hyperemia index, and fasting blood glucose. Food-insecure individuals rated cost and convenience as more important factors for overall food consumption and had lower attention scores than those with higher food-security status. Future research should consider the complex interactions of factors such as taste and flavor perception, sex, ethnicity, prior exposure to foods, and other environmental factors when studying food preferences and health in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn J. Aldaz
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Sigry Ortiz Flores
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Rudy M. Ortiz
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - L. Karina Diaz Rios
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Jaapna Dhillon
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ishak A, Mehendale M, AlRawashdeh MM, Sestacovschi C, Sharath M, Pandav K, Marzban S. The association of COVID-19 severity and susceptibility and genetic risk factors: A systematic review of the literature. Gene 2022; 836:146674. [PMID: 35714803 PMCID: PMC9195407 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is associated with several risk factors such as distinct ethnicities (genetic ancestry), races, sexes, age, pre-existing comorbidities, smoking, and genetics. The authors aim to evaluate the correlation between variability in the host genetics and the severity and susceptibility towards COVID-19 in this study. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, we retrieved all the relevant articles published until September 15, 2021, from two online databases: PubMed and Scopus. Findings High-risk HLA haplotypes, higher expression of ACE polymorphisms, and several genes of cellular proteases such as TMPRSS2, FURIN, TLL-1 increase the risk of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. In addition, upregulation of several genes encoding for both innate and acquired immune systems proteins, mainly CCR5, IFNs, TLR, DPPs, and TNF, positively correlate with COVID-19 severity. However, reduced expression or polymorphisms in genes affecting TLR and IFNλ increase COVID-19 severity. Conclusion Higher expression, polymorphisms, mutations, and deletions of several genes are linked with the susceptibility, severity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Early treatment and vaccination of individuals with genetic predisposition could help minimize the severity and mortality associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ishak
- Department of Research & Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, USA.
| | - Meghana Mehendale
- Department of Research & Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mousa M AlRawashdeh
- Department of Research & Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, USA; European University Cyprus - School of Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Cristina Sestacovschi
- Department of Research & Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Medha Sharath
- Department of Research & Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, USA; Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Krunal Pandav
- Department of Research & Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sima Marzban
- Department of Research & Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, Florida, USA
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Risso D, Carmagnola D, Morini G, Pellegrini G, Canciani E, Antinucci M, Henin D, Dellavia C. Distribution of TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor phenotype and haplotypes among COVID-19 patients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7381. [PMID: 35513681 PMCID: PMC9070615 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 is expressed in the respiratory tract and can respond to quorum-sensing molecules produced by pathogens, stimulating the release of nitric oxide, with biocidal activity. TAS2R38 presents two main high-frequency haplotypes: the “taster” PAV and the “non-taster” AVI. Individuals carrying the AVI allele could be at greater risk of infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of PAV and AVI alleles in COVID-19 patients with severe or non-severe symptoms compared to healthy subjects to further corroborate, or not, the hypothesis that the PAV allele may act as a protecting factor towards SARS-CoV-2 infection while the AVI one may represent a risk factor. After careful selection, 54 individuals were included in the study and underwent genetic analysis and PROP phenotype assessment. Our investigation could not point out at a significant relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms responsible for PROP bitterness and presence/severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as previous studies suggested. Our results uncouple the direct genetic contribution of rs10246939, rs1726866 and rs713598 on COVID-19, calling for caution when proposing a treatment based on TAS2R38 phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Risso
- Tate & Lyle PLC, 5 Marble Arch, London, W1H 7EJ, UK
| | - D Carmagnola
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - G Morini
- University of Gastronomic Scienceas, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 9, Bra, 12042, Pollenzo, CN, Italy
| | - G Pellegrini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - E Canciani
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - M Antinucci
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Henin
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - C Dellavia
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Caretta A, Mucignat-Caretta C. Are Multiple Chemosensory Systems Accountable for COVID-19 Outcome? J Clin Med 2021; 10:5601. [PMID: 34884303 PMCID: PMC8658083 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235601] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemosensory systems (olfaction, taste, trigeminus nerve, solitary chemoreceptor cells, neuroendocrine pulmonary cells, and carotid body, etc.) detect molecules outside or inside our body and may share common molecular markers. In addition to the impairment of taste and olfaction, the detection of the internal chemical environment may also be incapacitated by COVID-19. If this is the case, different consequences can be expected. (1) In some patients, hypoxia does not trigger distressing dyspnea ("silent" hypoxia): Long-term follow-up may determine whether silent hypoxia is related to malfunctioning of carotid body chemoreceptors. Moreover, taste/olfaction and oxygen chemoreceptors may be hit simultaneously: Testing olfaction, taste, and oxygen chemoreceptor functions in the early stages of COVID-19 allows one to unravel their connections and trace the recovery path. (2) Solitary chemosensory cells are also involved in the regulation of the innate mucosal immune response: If these cells are affected in some COVID-19 patients, the mucosal innate immune response would be dysregulated, opening one up to massive infection, thus explaining why COVID-19 has lethal consequences in some patients. Similar to taste and olfaction, oxygen chemosensory function can be easily tested with a non-invasive procedure in humans, while functional tests for solitary chemosensory or pulmonary neuroendocrine cells are not available, and autoptic investigation is required to ascertain their involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Caretta
- Department of Food and Drug Science, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy;
- NIBB—National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Mucignat-Caretta
- NIBB—National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136 Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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