Abstract
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.
Highlights
Obesity occurs as a consequence of an imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure.An energy intake higher than the physical requirement results in the accumulation of excessive body fat, which may lead to chronic inflammatory responses and other health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic diseases and possibly cancer [1]
This study aimed to investigate the association between a TAS2R38 genetic variation and dietary intake and body size in Koreans
Females’ tobacco use differed among the genotypes (p = 0.041). These results suggest that age, alcohol consumption behavior, education and regular physical exercise, but not tobacco use, are independent of the TAS2R38 rs10246939 genetic variant in this study population
Summary
Obesity occurs as a consequence of an imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure.An energy intake higher than the physical requirement results in the accumulation of excessive body fat, which may lead to chronic inflammatory responses and other health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic diseases and possibly cancer [1]. To prevent obesity, studies have been conducted to identify the risk factors related to physical activity, dietary behaviors and molecular etiology. For a more comprehensive approach, recent obesity studies have explored the common genetic variations involved in dietary intake, energy metabolism and adipogenesis regulation [2]. In line with this approach, polymorphisms in PPARG2 and IL6 have been identified as potential genetic markers for food consumption as well as body weight regulation [3,4]. Little is known about genetic loci in taste sensing, despite its importance in dietary behavior and physiological metabolism in the context of obesity etiology
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
