Reduced Salivary Mucin Binding and Glycosylation in Older Adults Influences Taste in an In Vitro Cell Model.

ABSTRACT: Taste loss is a significant problem in older adults, affecting quality of life and nutrition. Altered salivary rheology and loss of mucin function may contribute to taste loss by reducing mucosal defences in the oral cavity, impairing sensitivity to oral stimulants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of salivary rheology on taste loss in ageing. Salivary mucin glycosylation and binding to the oral epithelium was investigated in older and younger adults. A cell-based model was utilised to consider the role of saliva in taste loss. Human subjects aged >60 years (n = 25) and 18-30 (n = 30) provided saliva samples which were analysed for viscosity, mucin composition and mucin binding to oral epithelial cells (TR146/MUC1). Oral epithelial cells (TR146/MUC1 and SCC090) provided models f

SUBMITTER: Pushpass RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6835954 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature