Considerable evidence indicates that there is a transition between childhood and adolescence in taste preference for sweets. Although numerous hypotheses have been suggested to account for this change, little well- controlled research has investigated the contribution of puberty and its associated changes to this developmental transition . The purpose of this study is to assess several factors [i.e., steroid hormone levels, growth rate, alterations in taste sensitivity, and the genetically-determined ability to taste 6-n-propyl-thiouracil (PROP)] to determine how they are related to sucrose preference and perception.
The specific aims of the proposed study are: 1) to determine whether a decrease in sucrose preference occurs following puberty in both males and females, 2) to determine whether taste sensitivity for sucrose is increased following puberty in both males and females, 3) to determine whether adolescents growing at a rapid rate have higher preferences for sucrose than do those growing t a slower rte, 4) to replicate a previous finding that children who have the genetically-determined ability to taste PROP have lower preferences for sucrose than do those who are non-tasters of PROP, and 5) to determine whether pubertal status interacts with PROP taster status in predicting sucrose preference in adolescents. These factors will be examined by testing sucrose preference, taste sensitivity, and eating habits in 180 adolescent males and females in the age range of 12 to 15 years. Growth rates in all subjects will be estimated from urinary markers of bone metabolism. Paper and pencil measures will be used to assess eating habits. There is considerable variability in the onset of puberty between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Pubertal status of males will be determined from salivary testosterone levels. Females will be categorized as pre- or post-menarche, with salivary hormone levels used to determine stage of the menstrual cycle. Thus, this study will examine the influence of puberty on sweet taste preference independently from the influence of chronological age. Two-year follow-up of f the participants will be conducted to assess the persistence of any observed effects, as well as to detect any delayed effects of puberty or PROP taster status on diet preference. High consumption of sugar impacts both systemic and oral health. Identification of the physiological mechanisms influencing sucrose preference should led to the ability to identify individuals most t risk for over-consuming sweets. This knowledge would help to target future outreach programs aimed at altering dietary habits.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Comprehensive Center (P60)
Project #
1P60DE013061-01
Application #
6145849
Study Section
Project Start
1999-08-01
Project End
2000-07-31
Budget Start
1998-10-01
Budget End
1999-09-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Type
DUNS #
135646524
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Etikala, Anusha; Bruce, Greg; Hudkins, Kelly et al. (2017) LR8 Expression in fibroblasts of healthy and fibrotic human tissues. Biochem Biophys Rep 10:165-171
Yin, Lei; Chino, Takahiro; Horst, Orapin V et al. (2010) Differential and coordinated expression of defensins and cytokines by gingival epithelial cells and dendritic cells in response to oral bacteria. BMC Immunol 11:37
McKinney, Christy M; Cunningham, Michael L; Holt, Victoria L et al. (2009) A case-control study of infant, maternal and perinatal characteristics associated with deformational plagiocephaly. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 23:332-45
Coldwell, Susan E; Oswald, Teresa K; Reed, Danielle R (2009) A marker of growth differs between adolescents with high vs. low sugar preference. Physiol Behav 96:574-80
McKinney, Christy M; Holt, Victoria L; Cunningham, Michael L et al. (2008) Maternal and infant characteristics associated with prone and lateral infant sleep positioning in Washington state, 1996-2002. J Pediatr 153:194-8, 198.e1-3
McKinney, Christy M; Cunningham, Michael L; Holt, Victoria L et al. (2008) Characteristics of 2733 cases diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly and changes in risk factors over time. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 45:208-16
Madan, Monica S; Liu, Zee J; Gu, Gao M et al. (2007) Effects of human relaxin on orthodontic tooth movement and periodontal ligaments in rats. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 131:8.e1-10
Pickrell, Jacqueline E; Heima, Masahiro; Weinstein, Philip et al. (2007) Using memory restructuring strategy to enhance dental behaviour. Int J Paediatr Dent 17:439-48
Mouradian, Wendy E; Huebner, Colleen E (2007) Future directions in leadership training of MCH professionals: cross-cutting MCH leadership competencies. Matern Child Health J 11:211-8
Rafferty, Katherine L; Sun, Zongyang; Egbert, Mark A et al. (2006) Mandibular mechanics following osteotomy and appliance placement II: Bone strain on the body and condylar neck. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 64:620-7

Showing the most recent 10 out of 56 publications