Changes in electrogustometry thresholds, tongue tip vascularization, density and form of the fungiform papillae in smokers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in gustatory function in smokers of both sexes and identify any differences in the shape, density and vascularisation of the fungiform papillae (fPap) of smokers' tongue. Additional aim was to investigate any relation between the age, pack years and differences in shape, density, vascularization of fPap and sex. In 166 smokers (81 males, 85 females, age range 20-80 years), divided in age groups, electrogustometry (EGM) thresholds at the chorda tympani area, at the soft palate area and at the area of the vallate papillae were recorded bilaterally. Morphology and density of the fPap and blood vessels' density and morphology at the tip of the tongue were examined using contact endoscopy (CE). EGM thresholds of all smoking subjects tended to increase compared to the non-smoking participants. Morphology, vascularization and density of fPap were found to be worse in smokers than in non-smokers. Interestingly, some participants, despite having increased number of pack years, tended to have almost similar EGM thresholds with non-smoking subjects of the same age group. Smoking tends to affect density, morphology and vascularization of the fPap. There is a correlation between the duration of smoking (pack years) and the afore-mentioned parameters. The use of τ-Kendall criterion provided useful information about the different correlation between the EGM thresholds and vascularization, the EGM thresholds and morphology of fPap and EGM thresholds and density of fPap. The majority of smokers had elevated EGM thresholds compared to non-smokers. Smoking is an important factor which can lead to decreased taste acuity. The combination of methods, such as EGM and CE, can provide useful information about the morphology and function of taste buds. Of interest, women are less affected than men, irrespective of the age group.

Associations Among Taste Perception, Food Neophobia and Preferences in Type 1 Diabetes Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These results may help to enhance the understanding of these relationships in populations with elevated diet-related health risks.Nutrients 2019, 11, 3052 2 of 12 showed that T1D was associated with a reduction in gustatory function [3,5,7], with impairments mostly found with respect to the sweet taste perception in comparison to other taste modalities [10,11]. In addition, Pavlidis and colleagues [12] found impairments in the density and morphology of the fungiform papillae (FP) among patients with diabetes, which are the gustatory anatomical structures containing taste buds.Data in the literature suggest that the inherited ability to perceive bitter thiourea compounds, such as 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), may be a surrogate measure of taste perception and a marker for increased health risk. Variation in taste responsiveness to PROP has been linked to various health disorders, including obesity [13] and diabetes [14].…”

“…Nutrients 2019, 11, 3052 2 of 12 showed that T1D was associated with a reduction in gustatory function [3,5,7], with impairments mostly found with respect to the sweet taste perception in comparison to other taste modalities [10,11]. In addition, Pavlidis and colleagues [12] found impairments in the density and morphology of the fungiform papillae (FP) among patients with diabetes, which are the gustatory anatomical structures containing taste buds.…”

Lingual thrombosis presenting as tongue carcinoma

“…Furthermore, a type of vasculitis called Thromboangiitis (TAO) (also known as Buerger's disease), is heavily associated with smoking and vasculitis [9] . Smokers in general also have an overall decreased tongue vascularization [19] . These facts could suggest that smoking increases the risk of thrombosis in the tongue.…”

Relationships of PROP Taste Phenotype, Taste Receptor Genotype, and Oral Nicotine Replacement Use

“…42 Nevertheless, higher taste detection thresholds have been observed in smokers 43 and may be related to lower fungiform papillae density and functionality 44,45 and to reduced gene expression in several sub-types of TAS2R receptors (including TAS2R38). 46 The present study revealed an increase in taste intensity for both NaCl and PROP measured at week 2 of a smoking abstinence trial, consistent with a short-term recovery in taste function.…”