TAS1R3 and TAS2R38 Polymorphisms Affect Sweet Taste Perception: An Observational Study on Healthy and Obese Subjects

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Physiology
• Nutrition

Background:

• Individual differences in taste perception are linked to genetic variations.
• Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in bitter (TAS2R38) and sweet (TAS1R3) taste receptor genes are investigated.
• The influence of these SNPs on basic taste recognition and their association with BMI and obesity are explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if specific SNPs in TAS2R38 and TAS1R3 genes affect basic taste recognition.
• To examine the relationship between the allelic distribution of these SNPs and Body Mass Index (BMI).
• To assess if overweight/obesity status modifies the association between SNPs and taste recognition.

Main Methods:

• DNA analysis of 85 overweight/obese patients and 57 normal weight volunteers to identify SNPs.
• Taste recognition tests using filter paper strips for sweet, sour, salty, bitter tastes, rapeseed oil, and water.
• Statistical analysis adjusted for gender and BMI.

Main Results:

• Individuals with the TAS2R38 AV/AV diplotype showed reduced sweet taste recognition, independent of gender and BMI.
• Overall taste recognition significantly decreased with increasing BMI and age.
• No significant differences in SNP allelic distribution were found between normal weight and overweight/obese groups.

Conclusions:

• Overall taste recognition is influenced by age and BMI.
• Genetic variants in bitter taste receptor genes, not BMI, are associated with individual differences in sweet taste identification in the general population.