Phenylthiocarbamide taste sensitivity is associated with sinonasal symptoms in healthy adults. Issue 2 (22nd December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farquhar, Douglas R.; Kovatch, Kevin J.; Palmer, James N.; Shofer, Frances S.; Adappa, Nithin D.; Cohen, Noam A.
• Is Part Of: International forum of allergy & rhinology. Volume 5:Issue 2(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2014-12-22
• Subjects: 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/alr.21437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-6976

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="alr21437-sec-0010" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The bitter taste receptor T2R38, expressed in the tongue and nasal epithelium, has been shown to trigger sinonasal innate immunity contributing to the prevention of gram‐negative upper airway bacterial infections. Common polymorphisms of the T2R38 gene, correlating with bitter taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), have been linked to differences in sinonasal innate immune response, with specific genotypes significantly more common in medically recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis patients. The purpose of this study was to examine this association between T2R38 function and sinonasal infection or symptoms in a healthy population.</p> </sec> <sec id="alr21437-sec-0020" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A survey of the frequency of sinus infections, as well as other nasal symptoms such as colds, allergies, and overall nasal quality of life (nQOL), was administered to healthy adult participants. nQOL was measured using a 0 to 3 scale of worsening symptoms. A PTC compound taste strip was administered with T2R38 taste sensitivity classified as extremely, somewhat, or not sensitive.</p> </sec> <sec id="alr21437-sec-0030" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Among 217 participants (55% female, 70% Caucasian, 42% age 21 to 25 years), 30% did not detect bitterness (nontasters), 34% were moderate tasters, and 36% were "supertasters, " experiencing a strong, unpalatable bitterness. Supertasters were associated with less frequent sinus infections (<italic>p</italic> = 0.04), and PTC sensitivity was predictive of nasal symptoms: Supertasters had the best nQOL scores, followed by moderate tasters and nontasters (means: 0.65, 0.81, 1.00, respectively; <italic>p</italic> = 0.014 for trend). There were no significant associations with other variables.</p> </sec> <sec id="alr21437-sec-0040" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>This study provides evidence that T2R38 functionality in the tongue correlates with nasal symptoms in healthy individuals.</p> </sec> </abstract>