A Genome-Wide Scan for the <i>Sasang</i> Constitution in a Korean Family Suggests Significant Linkage at Chromosomes 8q11.22–23 and 11q22.1–3

There has been a rapid increase in tailored medicine that emphasizes the complex inter-individual interactions, and this increase has paralleled recent significant achievements in genomics and Systems Biology. However, attempts to create a virtual human have been limited to low-levels of organization, such as gene-protein networks, due to the lack of systematic concepts at the higher levels of organisms (organ, individual, and environment). Constitutional perspective of various forms of traditional Asian medicine through the ancient, middle, and modern eras, particularly the holistic approach of Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM), may provide a novel framework for creating tailored medicine. This article aims to review the theoretical development of traditional Chinese medicine and the initiation of SCM in addition to summarizing current evidence on the genetic basis, bio-physiological features, and risk of disease of different SCM phenotypes. We also suggest that the patho-physiological principle and scientific evidence underlying SCM, particularly for the TaeEum type, can be effective in dealing with obesity-linked disease, which is a predominant disease in today's society.

Section: Sasang Constitutional Perspective and Scientific Evidencementioning

confidence: 99%

Re-interpretation of traditional Asian medicine with constitutional perspective

Pham

Cha

Kim

2013

“…To overcome difficulties in traditional diagnosis and to establish an evidence-based diagnostic tool, we developed the Sasang constitution analysis tool (SCAT), 11 a system designed to provide objective information for determining the SC type. In addition to the SCAT, several genomic approaches have been used to identify the genetic loci or pathways responsible for different SC types 12, 13. Won et al 12 found a significant link between the constitution and chromosomes 8q11.22–23 and 11q22.1–3 based on a genome-wide scan of a Korean family.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition to the SCAT, several genomic approaches have been used to identify the genetic loci or pathways responsible for different SC types 12, 13. Won et al 12 found a significant link between the constitution and chromosomes 8q11.22–23 and 11q22.1–3 based on a genome-wide scan of a Korean family. Kim et al 13 not only performed a genome-wide association analysis but also analyzed the pathways involved in SC.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy metabolism and whole-exome sequencing-based analysis of Sasang constitution: a pilot study

Kim

Lee

et al. 2017

Self Cite

BackgroundTraditional Korean Sasang constitutional (SC) medicine categorizes individuals into four constitutional types [Tae-eum (TE), So-eum (SE), Tae-yang (TY), or So-yang (SY)] based on biological and physiological characteristics. As these characteristics are closely related to the bioenergetics of the human body, we assessed the correlation between SC type and energy metabolism features.MethodsForty healthy, young (22.3 ± 1.4 years) males volunteered to participate in this study. Participants answered an SC questionnaire, and their face shape, voice tone, and body shape were assessed using an SC analysis tool. Thirty-one participants (10 TE, 10 SE, 3 TY, and 8 SY) were selected for further analysis. Collected blood samples were subjected to blood composition analysis, mitochondrial function analysis, and whole-exome sequencing.ResultsThe SY type showed significantly lower total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the SE type. Cellular and mitochondrial Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were similar across types. All types showed similar basal mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, whereas the TE type showed a significantly lower ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate than the other types. Whole-exome sequencing identified several genes variants that were exclusively detected in particular SC types, including 19 for SE, seven for SY, 11 for TE, and six for TY.ConclusionSC type-specific differences in mitochondrial function and gene mutations were detected in a small group of healthy, young Korean males. These results are expected to greatly improve the accurate screening and utilization of SC medicine.

“…Scientific evidence revealed that these four body types have distinct genetic bases9, 10, 11 and differ in physical appearance,12, 13 body composition, 14 temperament traits, 15 hormonal regulations,16, 17 and vulnerability to particular diseases patterns 18, 19, 20. In terms of thermoregulation, a few investigations suggested constitution-specific traits in skin structure,21, 22 sweating capacity,21, 23 and energy expenditure profile 24 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Body temperature regulation: Sasang typology-based perspective

Pham

Leem

2015

Global warming induces a dramatic elevation of heat-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Individual variation of heat stress vulnerability depends on various factors such as age, gender, living area and conditions, health status, and individual innate characteristics. Sasang typology is a unique form of Korean traditional medicine, which is based on the hypothesis that constitution-specific traits of an individual determine the particular distinctive tendency in various aspects, including responses to the external environment. Recent scientific evidence shows that Sasang types differ in body composition, metabolic profile, susceptibility to certain disease patterns, and perspiration. This review aims to interpret these findings under the context of heat balance consisting of heat production (Hprod), heat loss (Hloss), and heat load (Hload). Based on the published data, at a given body mass, the TaeEum type tended to have a lower Hprod at rest and at the exhaustion state, which may indicate the lower metabolic efficiency of this type. Meanwhile, the surface-to-mass ratio and heat capacity of the TaeEum type appear to be lower, implying a lower heat dissipation capacity and heat storage tolerance. Thus, because of these characteristics, the TaeEum type seems to be more vulnerable to heat stress than the other constitutions. Differences in temperature regulation across constitutional types should be taken into account in daily physical activity, health management, and medical research.