Sensory Science and Metabolism; Molecular and Neuronal Mechanisms

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The Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism (SenSMet) laboratory at NINR/NIAAA conducts translational and clinical inpatient and outpatient studies. Active collaborations to investigate areas of common interest in nutrition, taste, and obesity have been undertaken. Specifically, double-blind clinical protocols for which sensory phenotyping measures have been implemented in collaboration with Dr. Gibbons in the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and Dr. Hall in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) continue. In addition, new partnerships develop as follows: a) to investigate neuronal mechanisms in obesity; b) to investigate multi-sensory alterations in AUD/OUD participants, c) to investigate how taste and smell are affected by COVID-19. 1. Sensory Systems and Chronic Disorders. A common complaint among oncology patients receiving chemotherapy is altered taste perception. Dietary habits are mostly governed by oro-sensory detection. The purpose of this study, led by Dr. Joseph in collaboration with Chris Miaskowski and Kord Kober from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), is to evaluate differences in common symptoms and stress levels in oncology patients who reported taste changes. This study provides new evidence on associations between taste changes, common co-occurring symptoms, and stress in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Clinicians need to evaluate for taste changes in these patients because these symptoms can affect patients' nutritional intake and quality of life (Joseph P.V. et al., 2021). To conclude this project, Dr. Claudia Colina-Prisco will characterize exosomes and examine neuroinflammatory markers in exosomes isolated from serum in oncology patients. The manuscript of this second part of the study is currently being written. 2. Obesity and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a widespread public health issue with far-reaching consequences for both individuals and society. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with poor diet and chemosensory dysfunction. Emerging research has revealed strong correlations between AUD and early life stress (ELS), indicating how adversity in childhood can increase susceptibility to this condition. Aside from its immediate health consequences, AUD significantly impacts quality of life (QoL), affecting well-being across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Furthermore, the intriguing link between AUD, obesity, and taste changes has attracted attention, giving insight into the complex interplay between alcohol intake, weight increase, and sensory perceptions. As our understanding of the complex relationships between AUD, ELS, and QoL implications on obesity and taste expands, it emphasizes the need to provide interventions and effective support for individuals affected. Dr. Joseph's team delved into the different aspects of those intermingled complex relationships between AUD, ELS, and QoL implications on obesity and taste. Dr. Agarwal studied the relationship between body mass index (BMI), AUD, and ELS-induced brain connectivity alterations, using a cohort of 401 AUD participants with an incidence of 60% with high BMI. Our team uncovered intriguing anticorrelations between salience networks (SN) and brain regions involved in somatosensory processing, motor coordination, and executive functions affected by ELS. Additionally, our team studied the connection between AUD and self-reported chemosensory abilities and QoL. It was found that compared to non-drinkers, heavy drinkers showed reduced self-reported smell capacity. The study suggested a lower chemosensory ability and poorer QoL outcomes (e.g., physical, physiological, social, and environmental), in persistent heavy drinkers. Our team also found a lower chemosensory ability in persistent heavy drinkers and a poorer QoL outcome.