Jesse Li-Ling1, Yiyang Wu. 1. Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China. jliling2000@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Striking similarity seems to exist between the Jing-Luo and Zang-Fu theories of Chinese Medicine (CM) and clinical features of many so-called multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndromes (MCA/MRs), as both may involve multiple organs and/or body systems. MATERIALS, METHODS, AND RESULTS: Comparison of MCA/MRs involving the lungs and paths of 5 Jing-Mai traversing the organ has suggested that development of lung and radial ray (embryonic structure that gives rise to radial-side structures of the upper limb, in particular thumb and radius) are closely connected. The Lung Jing-Mai and those traversing the Kidneys may well explain combined malformations involving the lungs, radial ray, and the body's developmental midline. Furthermore, Zang-Fu theories such as "The Lungs rule the skin and body hair," and "The Lungs as a Zang pair with the Large Intestine" also seem to be in keeping with syndromes simultaneously affecting the lungs, colon, and skin. It may be deducible that the Jing-Mai, as described by CM, probably exists, and that the Jing-Mai and Zang-Fu theories have correctly summarized the connections between particular parts of the human body during embryonic development. CONCLUSIONS: The CM theories therefore may provide important insights into the pathogenesis of relevant diseases as well as clues for development of new treatment for lung-related diseases.
BACKGROUND: Striking similarity seems to exist between the Jing-Luo and Zang-Fu theories of Chinese Medicine (CM) and clinical features of many so-called multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndromes (MCA/MRs), as both may involve multiple organs and/or body systems. MATERIALS, METHODS, AND RESULTS: Comparison of MCA/MRs involving the lungs and paths of 5 Jing-Mai traversing the organ has suggested that development of lung and radial ray (embryonic structure that gives rise to radial-side structures of the upper limb, in particular thumb and radius) are closely connected. The Lung Jing-Mai and those traversing the Kidneys may well explain combined malformations involving the lungs, radial ray, and the body's developmental midline. Furthermore, Zang-Fu theories such as "The Lungs rule the skin and body hair," and "The Lungs as a Zang pair with the Large Intestine" also seem to be in keeping with syndromes simultaneously affecting the lungs, colon, and skin. It may be deducible that the Jing-Mai, as described by CM, probably exists, and that the Jing-Mai and Zang-Fu theories have correctly summarized the connections between particular parts of the human body during embryonic development. CONCLUSIONS: The CM theories therefore may provide important insights into the pathogenesis of relevant diseases as well as clues for development of new treatment for lung-related diseases.