Background: Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptor (T2Rs or TAS2Rs) found on ciliated epithelial cells and solitary chemosensory cells have a role in respiratory tract immunity. T2Rs have shown protection against SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing the innate immune response. The purpose of this review is to outline the current sphere of knowledge regarding this association.
Methods: A narrative review of the literature was done by searching (T2R38 OR bitter taste receptor) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2) keywords in PubMed and google scholar.
Results: T2R38, an isoform of T2Rs encoded by the TAS2R38 gene, may have a potential association between phenotypic expression of T2R38 and prognosis of COVID-19. Current studies suggest that due to different genotypes and widespread distributions of T2Rs within the respiratory tract and their role in innate immunity, treatment protocols for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases may change accordingly. Based on the phenotypic expression of T2R38, it varies in innate immunity and host response to respiratory infection, systemic symptoms and hospitalization.
Conclusion: This review reveals that patients’ innate immune response to SARS-COV-2 could be influenced by T2R38 receptor allelic variations.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of human life. Many countries implemented social distancing and staying at home to prevent transmission of COVID-19, but these measures led to social isolation, physical inactivity, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, obesity, and consumption of unhealthy food. Aims: To evaluate changes in lifestyle behaviour during social distancing restrictions in the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Iranian medical students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. In September 2021, an online questionnaire was given to 1143 medical science students at Teheran universities, and 286 were excluded because of incomplete answers. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 24. Results: A total of 462 (53.9%) students acquired COVID-19 in the fifth wave of the disease, 657 (76.7%) were deprived of social and sports activities, and 278 (32.4%) had difficulty completing their academic studies. Students who took vitamin supplements experienced lower levels of stress. Body weight change was reported by 711 (83.0%) students. There were significant relationships between body weight change and stress level and hospitalization because of COVID-19. A total of 426 (50.3%) students did not have a regular sleep–wake pattern, 701 (81.8%) spent more time using social media, 197 (23.0%) consumed more fast food, and 674 (78.6%) experienced stress or anxiety. Conclusion: There was an increased tendency towards unhealthy lifestyles among medical students in Tehran during COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
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