Variation in the TAS2R38 Bitterness Receptor Gene Was Associated with Food Consumption and Obesity Risk in Koreans

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.

Genetic Variation in the Bitter Receptors Responsible for Epicatechin Detection Are Associated with BMI in an Elderly Cohort

“…Associations between TAS2R38 genotypes and BMI and associated taster status and BMI have previously been reported [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 41 ]. However, this study is unique in examining the relationship between TAS2R4 and TAS2R5 genotypes and BMI and supports a role for TAS2R genotypes in predicting BMI in males.…”

“…A potential role for other extra-oral bitter receptors genotypes in predicting BMI has previously been suggested [ 35 , 41 ]. A Korean study ( n = 3567) identified that the TAS2R38 -rs10246939 TT genotype (associated phenotypically with non-tasting) was associated with a significantly higher BMI in females.…”

“…A Korean study ( n = 3567) identified that the TAS2R38 -rs10246939 TT genotype (associated phenotypically with non-tasting) was associated with a significantly higher BMI in females. However, there was no association between genotype and energy intake, suggesting another biological mechanism [ 35 ]. Additionally, a study in children ( n = 81) which found a significant association between tasters and high BMI, found no complementary relationship between taster status and energy intake [ 41 ].…”

“…The TAS2R38 genotype associated with non-taster status has been linked to significantly higher BMIs and/or increased dietary intake [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. However, some studies report no association [ 38 , 39 , 40 ] and others report inverse associations [ 41 ].…”

Genetic variation in CD36 is associated with dietary intake in Korean males

“…Additionally, studies have attempted to investigate the genetic factors associated with vegetable consumption because consuming a sufficient amount of vegetables is important because they are not only a great source of dietary fibre but are also high in nutritive compounds (46) . The TAS2R38 diplotype was known to be associated with cruciferous vegetable consumption in studies, but this association is still inconclusive in Koreans (47)(48)(49) . The present findings suggest that the potential effect of CD36 genetic variation, not TAS2R38, is associated with vegetable intake in obese males.…”