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Background Sinonasal biofilms have been demonstrated in specimens collected from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Mounting evidence suggests that biofilms contribute to therapeutically recalcitrant CRS. Recently, the bitter taste receptor T2R38 has been implicated in the regulation of the sinonasal mucosal innate immune response. TAS2R38 gene polymorphisms affect receptor functionality and contribute to variations seen in sinonasal innate defense as well as taste perception reflected in gustatory sensitivity to the bitter compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). In a population of CRS patients with active infection or inflammation, we sought to determine if a correlation between T2R38 phenotype and in vitro biofilm formation existed. Methods Endoscopically guided sinonasal swabs were obtained prospectively from CRS (±polyp) patients with evidence of persistent inflammation or mucopurulence. In vitro biofilm formation was assessed with a modified Calgary Biofilm Detection Assay. Patients' phenotypic (functional) expression of the bitter taste receptor T2R38 was evaluated with a taste test including the compound PTC. Linear regression was used to determine the level of significance between mean in vitro biofilm formation levels and mean PTC taste test intensity ratings across CRS patients. Results Sinonasal swabs were obtained from 59 patients, with 42 of the 59 samples demonstrating in vitro biofilm formation. Analysis revealed an inverse linear association between in vitro biofilm formation and PTC taste intensity ratings ( p = 0.019) for all patients. This association was exclusively driven by nonpolypoid CRS patients ( p = 0.0026). Conclusion In vitro biofilm formation from sinonasal clinical isolates is inversely correlated with PTC taste sensitivity in nonpolypoid CRS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is very prevalent in the cystic fibrosis (CF) patient population, and leads to high morbidity and markedly decreased quality of life (QOL). Identification of genetic markers that contribute to CRS symptoms in these patients can allow for risk stratification and tailoring of medical and surgical treatments. T2R38 is a bitter taste receptor expressed in the sinonasal tract, and nonfunctional alleles of this receptor have been implicated in treatment-refractory CRS in non-CF patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the significance of T2R38 genotype in the variability of sinonasal QOL and CRS disease severity in a sample of CF patients. Methods ΔF508 homozygous CF patients were recruited from the University of Pennsylvania Cystic Fibrosis Center and were genotyped for the TAS2R38 locus. To assess sinonasal symptom severity, a 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) was collected from each patient. Additional demographic and medical history data was obtained at the time of patient enrollment. Results A total of 49 ΔF508 homozygous CF patients aged 18 to 32 years were included in the final SNOT-22 score analysis. Individuals with 2 functional T2R38 alleles (PAV/PAV) had significantly lower SNOT-22 scores (n = 49, p < 0.05). On further breakdown of SNOT-22 subcategories, rhinologic symptoms specifically were less severe in PAV/PAV patients than patients with other genotypes (n = 47, p < 0.05). Conclusion Our investigation indicates that T2R38 genotype correlates both with SNOT-22 scores and rhinologic-specific QOL in ΔF508 homozygous CF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The bitter taste receptor T2R38, expressed in the tongue and nasal epithelium, has been shown to trigger sinonasal innate immunity contributing to the prevention of gram-negative upper airway bacterial infections. Common polymorphisms of the T2R38 gene, correlating with bitter taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), have been linked to differences in sinonasal innate immune response, with specific genotypes significantly more common in medically recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis patients. The purpose of this study was to examine this association between T2R38 function and sinonasal infection or symptoms in a healthy population. Methods A survey of the frequency of sinus infections, as well as other nasal symptoms such as colds, allergies, and overall nasal quality of life (nQOL), was administered to healthy adult participants. nQOL was measured using a 0 to 3 scale of worsening symptoms. A PTC compound taste strip was administered with T2R38 taste sensitivity classified as extremely, somewhat, or not sensitive. Results Among 217 participants (55% female, 70% Caucasian, 42% age 21 to 25 years), 30% did not detect bitterness (nontasters), 34% were moderate tasters, and 36% were 'supertasters,' experiencing a strong, unpalatable bitterness. Supertasters were associated with less frequent sinus infections ( p = 0.04), and PTC sensitivity was predictive of nasal symptoms: Supertasters had the best nQOL scores, followed by moderate tasters and nontasters (means: 0.65, 0.81, 1.00, respectively; p = 0.014 for trend). There were no significant associations with other variables. Conclusion This study provides evidence that T2R38 functionality in the tongue correlates with nasal symptoms in healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]