Downregulation of mRNAs Encoding Keratin-Associated Proteins in the Tongue of Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

This study examined the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) on keratin-associated protein (Krtap) gene expression in the tongues of C57BL/6 male mice, involving 11 mice in total. After 24 weeks on an HFD, significant downregulation of five Krtap mRNAs was observed in the tongue, although no histological changes were detected. These findings suggest that the downregulation of Krtap genes may contribute to structural frailty of the tongue epithelium or oral carcinogenesis, potentially linking oral health to systemic diseases like metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to understand the functional roles of Krtap genes in systemic disorders.