Background
The spontaneous preference for dietary fat is regulated by two lingual lipid sensors (CD36 and GPR120) in humans and rodents. Our
Conclusion
Epigenetic changes in CD36 and GPR120 genes might contribute to low orosensory perception of fat and bitter taste, and might be, consequently, critically involved in obesity in children.
Methods
School children were recruited and classified according to their body mass index (BMI) z-score into two groups: obese and lean children. The detection of orosensory perception for oleic acid and 6-n-propylthiouracil was assessed by using a 3-alternative forced-choice test. After blood DNA extraction, methylation patterns were investigated by methylation-specific PCR. The children were also subjected to a food habit questionnaire.
Results
Obese children showed higher lipid and bitter detection thresholds than lean children. Besides, more obese children presented higher methylation level of the CpG sites than lean participants. Interestingly, CD36 and GPR120 gene methylation was associated with high lipid detection thresholds in obese participants. The obese participants preferred highly palatable fat-rich food items, associated with CD36 and GPR120 gene methylation.