Taste Sensitivity to PTC and Thyroid Function (FT4 and TSH) in High- and Low-Altitude Kirghiz Populations in the Pamir

Document Type

Article

Authors

Florenzo Facchini, University of Bologna
Davide Pettener, University of Bologna
Andrea Rimondi, University of Bologna
Kulan Sichimbaeva, Academy of Sciences in Kazakhstan
Pietro Riva, Hospital "M. Bufalini"
Paolo Salvi, Hospital "M. Bufalini"
Enzo Pretolani, Hospital "M. Bufalini"
Giovanni Fiori, University of Bologna

Abstract

PTC taste sensitivity distribution, determined using the Harris and Kalmus method, and analysis of thyroid activity using FT4 and TSH hormone assays were studied in a sample of 108 high-altitude subjects (3200 m) and in 90 lowlanders (900 m) from two different regions of Kirghizstan (Central Asia). All subjects were healthy Kirghiz males. In agreement with other available data on Kirghiz populations, a higher nontaster frequency was found in the high-altitude subjects. Furthermore, the results of our study indicate no association between thyroid function, PTC sensitivity, and age in both samples. No difference in thyroid function indicators was noted between highlanders and lowlanders.

Recommended Citation

Facchini, Florenzo; Pettener, Davide; Rimondi, Andrea; Sichimbaeva, Kulan; Riva, Pietro; Salvi, Paolo; Pretolani, Enzo; and Fiori, Giovanni (1997) "Taste Sensitivity to PTC and Thyroid Function (FT4 and TSH) in High- and Low-Altitude Kirghiz Populations in the Pamir," Human Biology: Vol. 69: Iss. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol69/iss1/8