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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Genetic polymorphisms and gustatory perception of dietary lipids in the obese subjects

subject

description

Obesity has become one of most important public health issue in this century. A number of genetic and environmental factors contribute to development of this pathology. Daily dietary intake is also one of the crucial factors. Excessive dietary fat intake has been shown to be critical in the development of obesity. In the last two decades, several studies have shown that oral fat sensing plays an important role in the development of obesity. To prove a relationship between obesity, oral fat sensing and genetic polymorphisms, we recruited children, adolescents and adult subjects from three different populations. To date, CD36 gene encodes the most promising fat taste receptor. Furthermore, we studied a possible relationship between fat taste and bitter taste. Overall results show that bitter and fat tastes are altered in obese individuals. Moreover, CD36 polymorphisms have a significant influence in both, oral sensing and obesity. Our results might help better understand a relationship between obesity, taste and genetic polymorphisms.