Dietary Supplementation with Monosodium Glutamate Suppresses Chemotherapy-Induced Downregulation of the T1R3 Taste Receptor Subunit in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Abstract

(Background) We investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with monosodium glutamate (MSG) on chemotherapy-induced downregulation of the T1R3 taste receptor subunit expression in the tongue of patients with advanced head and neck cancer. (Methods) Patients undergoing two rounds of chemoradiotherapy were randomly allocated to a control or intervention group (dietary supplementation with MSG at 2.7 g/day during the second round of chemotherapy). The relative expression of T1R3, a subunit of both umami and sweet taste receptors, in the tongue was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Dysgeusia was assessed with a visual analog scale and daily energy intake was evaluated. (Results) T1R3 expression levels in the tongue, taste sensitivity, and daily energy intake were significantly reduced after the first round of chemotherapy compared with before treatment. Furthermore, these parameters significantly decreased after the second round of chemotherapy, but the extent of decrease was significantly attenuated in the MSG group compared with the control group. (Conclusions) MSG supplementation suppresses chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia, possibly due to the inhibition of the T1R3-containing taste receptor downregulation in the tongue, thereby increasing energy intake in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

• Authors: Hitoshi Shono, Rie Tsutsumi, Kana Beppu, Rina Matsushima, Suzuno Watanabe, Chisa Fujimoto, Ryo Kanamura, Hiroki Ohnishi, Eiji Kondo, Takahiro Azuma, Go Sato, Misako Kawai, Hideki Matsumoto, Yoshiaki Kitamura, Hiroshi Sakaue, Noriaki Takeda
• Journal: Nutrients (Nutrients) Vol. 13 Issue 9 (Aug 24 2021) ISSN: 2072-6643 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 34578798 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
• taste receptors, type 1
• Sodium Glutamate

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Chemoradiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Dietary Supplements
• Down-Regulation (drug effects)
• Dysgeusia (etiology, therapy)
• Female
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (complications, therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled (genetics, metabolism)
• Sodium Glutamate (administration & dosage)
• Taste (drug effects)
• Taste Buds (metabolism)
• Tongue (metabolism)