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Scientists discover why some people still can’t taste food after COVID-19
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What Happened?
Researchers have identified changes in taste buds that may explain why some individuals struggle to taste food over a year after recovering from COVID-19. The study highlights disruptions in molecular signals and structural abnormalities in taste cells.
Key points
- The study involved 28 participants with taste disturbances lasting over a year after COVID-19.
- Eight participants showed abnormal taste scores, while eleven had difficulty detecting sweet, bitter, and umami flavors.
- Researchers found reduced levels of PLCβ2 protein, crucial for taste signal amplification.
- Some participants exhibited structural disorganization in their taste buds.
- Taste cells typically renew every two to four weeks, but disruptions in signaling may persist longer.
Key insights
- The findings may lead to targeted therapies for taste recovery in post-COVID patients.
- Understanding molecular disruptions could help in developing interventions for taste disorders.
- The research highlights the need for further studies on long-term effects of COVID-19 on sensory functions.
Why it matters
Understanding the biological basis of taste loss after COVID-19 could lead to better treatments for affected individuals.
Source
Science Daily
