Endocrinology of Taste with Aging
Chee W Chia1, Shayna M Yeager2, Josephine M Egan3
1Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 3001 S. Hanover Street, 5th Floor, Room NM536, Baltimore, MD 21225, USA.
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America
|March 22, 2023
Summary
Aging impairs taste, a primary sense crucial for enjoying food and detecting toxins. Understanding taste receptor cells and their endocrine functions may help reverse age-related taste loss.
Area of Science:
- Sensory science
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Taste is a primary sense vital for nutrition and safety.
- Taste impairment is a common issue associated with aging.
- Taste receptor cells within taste buds are key to taste perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying taste perception.
- To investigate the endocrine functions of taste receptor cells.
- To identify potential strategies for reversing age-related taste impairment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in taste science.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms in taste receptor cells.
- Examination of endocrine hormone discoveries within taste buds.
Main Results:
- Taste receptor cells possess functions characteristic of endocrine organs.
- Endocrine hormones have been identified within taste receptor cells.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into taste function.
Conclusions:
- Taste buds may function as endocrine organs.
- Further understanding of taste mechanisms could lead to interventions for age-related taste decline.
- This research highlights the complex role of taste in aging and overall health.
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