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Abstract
Bitterness-receptor gene TAS2R38 is associated with taste sensitivity and dietary behaviour, and is known to play a critical role in adiposity. However, evidence regarding body composition from a large cohort is lacking. This study aimed to ascertain whether TAS2R38 rs10246939 C > T bitterness genetic variation is associated with body composition in Korean individuals. The TAS2R38 rs10246939 genotypes, anthropometric measurements, and body composition of 1,843 males and 1,801 females from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were analysed. Findings suggested that there was a significant difference in body fat components by TAS2R38 genotype. Furthermore, the bitterness genotype exhibited a positive association with adiposity markers in females. The TT genotype showed greater body mass index, body fat percentage, and degree of obesity than those with the C allele. However, such an association was not observed in males. In conclusion, this study suggests that TAS2R38 rs10246939 is associated with fat tissue markers in Korean females.
Authors contributions
Y.S. Jo performed data analyses, curation, and writing of the original draft. J.H. Choi conceptualised, designed, and performed writing, review, and editing of the draft, and supervised the study. J.H. Choi had the primary responsibility for the final content.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
This study was conducted with bioresources from the National Biobank of Korea, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Republic of Korea (NBK-2022-008). Datasets for this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.