TAS2R38 taste receptor gene and chronic rhinosinusitis: new data from an Italian population

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequent disease with high social impact and multifactorial pathogenesis. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms within the TAS2R38 gene have been implicated as possible contributors to the complex gene-environment interactions in CRS. The purpose of this study was to confirm the proposed correlation between TAS2R38 genotype, CRS and related comorbidities. Methods: Fifty-three CRS patients and 39 healthy individuals were genotyped at the TAS2R38 locus. CRS patients were treated by endoscopic sinus surgery and medical therapies and subdivided in CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs). The effect of genotype on CRS and CRS-related comorbidities was assessed. Results: The distribution of the different genotypes at the TAS2R38 locus was not significantly different between CRS patients, either with or without nasal polyps, and controls. Besides, no association was found between the different genotypes at the TAS2R38 locus and CRS-related comorbidities. Conclusions: No association was found between TAS2R38 alleles or genotypes and CRS, thus questioning its role in the pathogenesis of CRS.