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

摘要

Abstract Background Traditional 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. Methods Forty 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. Results The {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. Conclusion {SC} 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.