So-Yang Research Articles

Investigating the Biomarkers of the Sasang Constitution via Network Pharmacology Approach.

Sasang constitutional (SC) medicine classifies people into Soeum (SE), Soyang (SY), Taeeum (TE), and Taeyang (TY) types based on psychological and physical traits. However, biomarkers of these types are still unclear. We aimed to identify biomarkers among the SC types using network pharmacology methods. Target genes associated with the SC types were identified by grouping herb targets that preserve and strengthen the requisite energy (Bomyeongjiju). The herb targets were obtained by constructing an herb-compound-target network. We identified 371, 185, 146, and 89 target genes and their unique biological processes related to SE, SY, TE, and TY types, respectively. While the targets of SE and SY types were the most similar among the target pairs of the SC types, those of TY type overlapped with only a few other SC-type targets. Moreover, SE, SY, TE, and TY were related to “diseases of the digestive system,” “diseases of the nervous system,” “endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases,” and “congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities,” respectively. We successfully identified the target genes, biological processes, and diseases related to each SC type. We also demonstrated that a drug-centric approach using network pharmacology analysis provides a deeper understanding of the concept of Sasang constitutional medicine at a phenotypic level.

Wrinkle reduction using a topical herbal cream in subjects classified by Sasang constitutional medicine as Soyang type: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

IntroductionProlonged UV exposure leads to skin photoaging and collagen destruction due to the increased expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) is a unique type of traditional Korean medicine. Coptis teeta and Trichosanthes rosthornii (CT) are herbal medicines uniquely used for Soyang (SY)-type individuals, and are included in the SY-type formula “Hwangryeonjiwhang-tang,” which is effective against symptoms of skin diseases such as itching and numbness. This study aimed to investigate the potential for CT as active components of an herbal mixture for wrinkle-care cosmetics. MethodsCell viability and MMP-1 expression in HaCaT cells were measured by the MTS assay and ELISA, respectively. The CT mixture cream for application on human skin was evaluated in terms of its safety and clinical efficacy by a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Women aged 40–59 years and classified as SY-type according to SCM were selected as study subjects and applied cream with or without the CT mixture for 12 weeks. ResultsThe decreased viability of HaCaT cells after UVB irradiation was restored in the CT mixture-treated group compared to that observed in the control group. The CT mixture also reduced the expression of MMP-1 that was increased by UVB irradiation. Application of the cream containing CT mixture for 12 weeks enhanced both visual assessment and wrinkle parameters in the test group compared to those in the control group. ConclusionThese findings suggest that the CT mixture appears to ameliorate skin wrinkles in SY subjects.

Genetic and Environmental Overlaps Among Sasang Constitution Types: A Multivariate Twin Study.

According to the Sasang theory, humans can be categorized into one of the four Sasang constitution (SC) types. The four SC types are Tae-Yang (TY), Tae-Eum (TE), So-Yang (SY), and So-Eum (SE), which are determined mainly on the basis of anthropometric characteristics, personality, and the balance of the physiological functions of the major organ systems. There is a growing recognition in the complementary and alternative medicine area that SC types have the potential to be a useful scientific tool for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases (Cooper, Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vol. 6 (Suppl. 1), 2009, pp. 1-3). The main purposes of the present study are to estimate genetic and environmental influences on SC types, and to explore genetic and environmental correlations that affect phenotypic associations among the SC types. In total, 1,742 (365 monozygotic male, 173 dizygotic male, 675 monozygotic female, 271 dizygotic female, and 258 opposite-sex dizygotic) twins (mean age = 19.1 ± 3.1 year) completed a Sasang questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate model-fitting analyses were performed. Total (additive and non-additive) genetic influences were 71% for males and 81% for females in TE, 70% for males and 71% for females in SE, and 47% for both sexes in SY. Non-additive genetic effects were substantial, and shared environmental influences were negligible in most SC types. Multivariate model-fitting analysis revealed that non-additive genetic and individual-specific environmental correlations between TE and SE were -0.92 (95% CI [-0.89, -0.93]) and -0.62 (95% CI [-0.57, -0.68]), respectively. The corresponding estimates were -0.55 (95% CI [-0.48, -0.61]) and -0.44 (95% CI [-0.37, -0.51]) between TE and SY and 0.19 (95% CI [0.09, 0.29]) and -0.40 (95% CI [-0.32, -0.47]) between SE and SY. These results suggest that the phenotypic associations among SC types may be mediated by pleiotropic mechanism of genes.

Pulmonary Function Difference in Sasang Constitutional Types.

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in pulmonary function among Sasang constitutional types in young adults. The Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were conducted in 417 participants from 2009 to 2015. Subjects with the Tae-Eum (TE) type had significantly higher inspiratory capacity (IC) and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) values than those with the So-Yang (SY) and So-Eum (SE) types (P < 0.0001). The TE and SY types showed higher forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) values than the SE type (P < 0.0001). An increase in IRV and a decrease in expiratory reserve volume (ERV) in TE type males remained even after adjusting for covariate factors. These results indicate that young adults with the TE type have weaker lung function than those with the other constitutional types, suggesting its innate physiological pulmonary features.

Analysis of Facial Features according to Sasang Types between Native Japanese and Native Korean Populations.

Background Facial diagnosis is a common practice and essential diagnostic method used in the Sasang Constitution Medicine (SCM). SCM is a kind of personalized medicine in Traditional Korean Medicine which categorizes people into four types, namely, Tae-Yang (TY) type, Tae-Eum type (TE), So-Yang (SY) type, and So-Eum (SE) type. This study was conducted to compare and analyze the differences in the facial feature across Sasang types among native Japanese and native Koreans. Methods A total of 843 subjects were recruited for this study, 127 native Japanese and 716 native Koreans, respectively. Facial feature points and the measurements of facial features were assigned and calculated automatically using a facial analysis program. Data of each Sasang type for both genders were also extracted and analyzed. Analysis of covariance was then used to examine the differences in facial feature variables among native Japanese and native Koreans and Sasang types. Results Significant differences were seen in the facial feature variables related to lower face area and eye shape. In males, TE types had wider mid-face and lower face as compared to other constitutions. Male TE types were also seen to have narrower eyes whereas male SY types had rounder eyes. In females, TE types had wider lower face width and area compared to SY types and SE types. Female SY types also had rounder eyes. Conclusions This study presented distinctive feature in the lower face area and eye shape among the Sasang types in both native Japanese and native Koreans. This proposed that facial feature variables can also be used as an objective tool in distinguishing the Sasang types in native Japanese. Further studies are needed in the future to generalize these results.

Sasang constitutional types for the risk prediction of metabolic syndrome: a 14-year longitudinal prospective cohort study

BackgroundTo examine whether the use of Sasang constitutional (SC) types, such as Tae-yang (TY), Tae-eum (TE), So-yang (SY), and So-eum (SE) types, increases the accuracy of risk prediction for metabolic syndrome.MethodsFrom 2001 to 2014, 3529 individuals aged 40 to 69 years participated in a longitudinal prospective cohort. The Cox proportional hazard model was utilized to predict the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.ResultsDuring the 14 year follow-up, 1591 incident events of metabolic syndrome were observed. Individuals with TE type had higher body mass indexes and waist circumferences than individuals with SY and SE types. The risk of developing metabolic syndrome was the highest among individuals with the TE type, followed by the SY type and the SE type. When the prediction risk models for incident metabolic syndrome were compared, the area under the curve for the model using SC types was significantly increased to 0.8173. Significant predictors for incident metabolic syndrome were different according to the SC types. For individuals with the TE type, the significant predictors were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), education, smoking, drinking, fasting glucose level, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride level. For Individuals with the SE type, the predictors were sex, smoking, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride level, while the predictors in individuals with the SY type were age, sex, BMI, smoking, drinking, total cholesterol level, fasting glucose level, HDL cholesterol level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride level.ConclusionsIn this prospective cohort study among 3529 individuals, we observed that utilizing the SC types significantly increased the accuracy of the risk prediction for the development of metabolic syndrome.

Body composition and personality traits in so-Yang type males

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to examine the body composition of So-Yang type males according to Sasang constitutional medicine, which is popular in Korea. Different Sasang constitutional types are associated with different muscle distributions, body shapes, and disease susceptibilities. We used the Sasang Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) as a measure of the temperament of each Sasang type.MethodsIn total, 953 subjects aged over 20 years were recruited in Korea. We collected anthropometric parameters and bioimpedence information from the subjects and administered the SPQ. A logistic regression was conducted to calculate propensity scores.ResultsThe percentage of skeletal muscle mass in So-Yang (SY) and non-So-Yang (non-SY) males was 45.8 ± 2.7 and 44.2 ± 3.3, respectively, before matching and 45.8 ± 2.6 and 44.9 ± 3.0, respectively, after propensity score matching. The extracellular water (ECW)/intracellular water (ICW) and extracellular water (ECW)/total body water (TBW) ratios and SPQ scores were significantly different between the SY and non-SY types.ConclusionsThis study suggested that the SY type may be significantly and independently associated with body composition and could be associated with personality.

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

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±1.4years) 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.

Bodily differences between Cold- and Heat-prescription groups in Sasang medicine

BackgroundIn Sasang medicine, patients are treated with herbal prescriptions based on Cold-Heat patterns induced by conditions of physiological equilibrium among internal organs, which also induce differences in body circumferences. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the relationship between Cold- and Heat-prescription types and body circumferences. MethodsData from suitable subjects (115 males and 222 females) were collected, and the body circumferences were compared according to their Cold- and Heat-prescription grouping. For male subjects with significant body circumference differences between the Cold- and Heat-prescription groups, the body circumference ratios were analyzed by comparing the differences between these groups using ranked analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). ResultsIn men, consistent differences were observed in the body circumference measures and ratios between the Cold- and Heat-prescription groups. The Heat-prescription groups showed greater abdominal circumferences, notably demonstrated by a higher rib-to-pelvic circumference ratio in the Tae-Eum (TE) type (p=0.041) and a higher chest-to-hip circumference ratio in the So-Yang (SY) type (p=0.087). ConclusionIn the SY-type men, the chest circumference was significantly greater in the Heat-prescription group compared to the Cold-prescription group. In the TE-type men, the rib-to-pelvic circumference ratio was significantly higher in the Heat-prescription group than in the Cold-prescription group.

The association of Sasang constitutional types with metabolic syndrome: A pooled analysis of data from three cohorts

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent condition, which is considered to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Sasang constitutional types (SCTs) are divided into four distinct types which are classified by specific physical, physiological, pharmacological, and psychological characteristics. MethodsIn this study, we performed a pooled analysis to assess the relationship between MetS and SCTs using data from two community-based cohorts and one clinical database of Sasang constitution. The 1421, 1547, and 2279 individuals who participated in the Ansung cohort, Ansan cohort, and Korean Constitutional Multicenter Bank, respectively, were analyzed. The participants were classified into SCTs using the integrated diagnostic model. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. ResultsThe prevalence of MetS according to the SCTs in the combined data was 14.1% for the So-eum (SE)-type, 26.7% for the So-yang (SY)-type, and 50.8% for the Tae-eum (TE)-type. In the combined data set, the odds ratios of having MetS was 2.05-fold greater (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62–2.60; P<0.0001) for the TE-type, and 1.41-fold greater (95% CI, 1.13–1.76; P=0.0026) for the SY-type than the SE-type. ConclusionsThis study found that TE- and SY-types were significantly associated with a risk of MetS.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among sasang constitutional types: a population-based study in Korea.

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is highly prevalent in populations with metabolic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes. Specific types of Sasang constitution can act as a risk factor for metabolic diseases, but there are no studies addressing the association between the Sasang constitutional types (SCTs) and NAFLD.MethodsA total of 1184 individuals (508 males, 676 females) that enrolled in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were included in the present study. Classification of SCTs was done with an integrated diagnostic model. NAFLD was diagnosed when the liver attenuation index (LAI) value was <5 Hounsfield units using computed tomography. Relationships between the SCTs and NAFLD were analyzed using multiple logistic regressions.ResultsThe average LAI was 13.3 ± 6.0 in the So-eum (SE) type, 12.3 ± 7.0 in the So-yang (SY) type, and 6.5 ± 9.9 in the Tae-eum (TE) type. Prevalence of NAFLD was 4.7 % in the SE type, 14.0 % in the SY type, and 34 % in the TE type. Even after adjusting for possible confounders, the SY and TE types continued to show a 3.90-fold (95 % CI, 1.60-9.51; P = 0.0028) and 3.36-fold (95 % CI, 1.42-7.92; P = 0.0057) increase in chance of having NAFLD, respectively, compared with the SE type. In the additional analysis including only non-obese subjects, the odds ratio of NAFLD was 3.27 (95 % CI, 1.29-8.29; P = 0.0126) in the SY type and 3.53 (95 % CI, 1.30-9.58; P = 0.0134) in the TE type compared with SE type. In the multivariate analysis to determine which parameter had an independent association with NAFLD, higher body mass index, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independently associated with developing NAFLD in the SY type. In contrast, male sex, alcohol consumption, higher ALT, TG, and fasting glucose were risk factors for NAFLD in the TE type.ConclusionsThese results indicated that the SY and TE types are independent risk factors for NAFLD.

Assessment of Pulmonary Function Among Sasang Constitutional Types: A population-based study in Korea

Methods: We assessed the value of the TNR in the SCTs classified by an integrated diagnostic model. Included in the study were 1,346 individuals (701 males, 645 females) who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). The TNR was measured by active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) at transnasal pressures of 100 and 150 Pascal (Pa). Results: The average TNR was 0.186± 0.004Pa/cm3/second at 100Pa in the Tae-eum (TE), 0.193± 0.007 in the So-eum (SE), and 0.208± 0.005 in the So-yang (SY) types. Under condition of 150Pa the TE types had a TNR value of 0.217± 0.004, the SE type was 0.230± 0.008, and the SY type was 0.243± 0.005. Higher values of TNR were more likely to be reported in the SY type at 100Pa and 150Pa. In the stratified analysis by sex, the SY type in males and females tended to have higher TNR value than the TE and SE types at transnasal pressure of both 100Pa and 150Pa. Conclusion: These results provide new approaches to understand the functional characteristics among the SCTs in terms of nasal physiology. Further studies are required to clarify contributing factors for such a difference. Contact: Dae Wui Yoon, 9286392a@hanmail.net

Cupping for Treating Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A single group before-and-after, preliminary study

Methods: We assessed the value of the TNR in the SCTs classified by an integrated diagnostic model. Included in the study were 1,346 individuals (701 males, 645 females) who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). The TNR was measured by active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) at transnasal pressures of 100 and 150 Pascal (Pa). Results: The average TNR was 0.186± 0.004Pa/cm3/second at 100Pa in the Tae-eum (TE), 0.193± 0.007 in the So-eum (SE), and 0.208± 0.005 in the So-yang (SY) types. Under condition of 150Pa the TE types had a TNR value of 0.217± 0.004, the SE type was 0.230± 0.008, and the SY type was 0.243± 0.005. Higher values of TNR were more likely to be reported in the SY type at 100Pa and 150Pa. In the stratified analysis by sex, the SY type in males and females tended to have higher TNR value than the TE and SE types at transnasal pressure of both 100Pa and 150Pa. Conclusion: These results provide new approaches to understand the functional characteristics among the SCTs in terms of nasal physiology. Further studies are required to clarify contributing factors for such a difference. Contact: Dae Wui Yoon, 9286392a@hanmail.net

Effect of integrative Korean medicine treatment for lumbar disc herniation inpatients

Purpose: So-Eum Type as an Independent Risk Factor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Population-Based Study in Korea Methods: 1,362 individuals (705 males, 657 females) who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study The participants were classified as each SCT by the integrated diagnostic model and queried for symptoms related to IBS using the Rome II criteria. Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of IBS among the SCTs, with 33 (18.3%) of the So-eum (SE) type, 74 (9.9%) of the Tae-eum (TE) type and 57 (13.2%) of the So-yang (SY) type having IBS. Even after adjustment for possible confounders, the SE type of both genders continued to show 1.82-fold (95% CI, 1.05-3.16) excess odds of having IBS. Men in the SE type had a 2.97 times (95% CI, 1.34-6.58) and a 2.50 times (95% CI, 1.15-5.47) significantly higher odds of having IBS than the TE and SY type, respectively. In analysis for the joint effect of SCT and psychological stress, the multivariate odds ratio of IBS was 3.21 (95% CI, 1.33-7.75) for the SE type and PsychologicalWell-being Index-Short Form (PWI-SF) score (<27), and 5.83 (95% CI, 1.80-18.88) for the SE type and PWI-SF (≥27) compared with the TE type and PWI-SF score (<27). Conclusion: SE type of SCT is an independent risk factor for IBS. The findings support the hypothesis that the SE type is vulnerable to gastrointestinal diseases. Contact: Seung Ku Lee, leeseungku@gmail.com

The effects of Hoixuanhoan remedy on sperm number and sperm morphology in male with oligospermia

Purpose: So-Eum Type as an Independent Risk Factor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Population-Based Study in Korea Methods: 1,362 individuals (705 males, 657 females) who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study The participants were classified as each SCT by the integrated diagnostic model and queried for symptoms related to IBS using the Rome II criteria. Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of IBS among the SCTs, with 33 (18.3%) of the So-eum (SE) type, 74 (9.9%) of the Tae-eum (TE) type and 57 (13.2%) of the So-yang (SY) type having IBS. Even after adjustment for possible confounders, the SE type of both genders continued to show 1.82-fold (95% CI, 1.05-3.16) excess odds of having IBS. Men in the SE type had a 2.97 times (95% CI, 1.34-6.58) and a 2.50 times (95% CI, 1.15-5.47) significantly higher odds of having IBS than the TE and SY type, respectively. In analysis for the joint effect of SCT and psychological stress, the multivariate odds ratio of IBS was 3.21 (95% CI, 1.33-7.75) for the SE type and PsychologicalWell-being Index-Short Form (PWI-SF) score (<27), and 5.83 (95% CI, 1.80-18.88) for the SE type and PWI-SF (≥27) compared with the TE type and PWI-SF score (<27). Conclusion: SE type of SCT is an independent risk factor for IBS. The findings support the hypothesis that the SE type is vulnerable to gastrointestinal diseases. Contact: Seung Ku Lee, leeseungku@gmail.com

Comparisons of physical fitness and body composition among Sasang types with and without body mass index as a covariate

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine the difference of physical fitness and body composition among Sasang types with BMI as covariate, which is reported to have influence on physical fitness and body composition. MethodsWe measured the physical fitness and body composition of 930 korean female college students, and compared the differences among Sasang type groups with or without considering Body Mass Index (BMI). We evaluated muscle strength, agility, muscle endurance, power and flexibility for the physical fitness, and total body water, protein, muscle mass, mineral, lean body mass and fat mass for the body composition. ResultsWe got 352 So-Yang (SY), 385 So-Eum (SE), and 193 Tae-Eum (TE) Sasang types, and there were significant differences among Sasang types in height, weight and BMI. The significant differences among TE and SY types were disappeared in muscle strength, total body water, protein when BMI is used as a covariate. In ANOVA, there were significant differences that TE was higher on the mineral and fat mass compared to the SY type and SE type. However it disappeared when we introduced BMI as covariate. ConclusionThe results demonstrated that the BMI should be considered as an important element for studying physical characteristics of Sasang typology.

Study on the Difference of BIS/BAS Scale between Sasang Types.

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in temperament between So-Yang (SY) and So-Eum (SE) Sasang types using Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scale to elucidate the biopsychological mechanism underlying the Sasang typology, a traditional Korean personalized medicine. Methods. 248 university students were categorized into three Sasang types, and series of t-tests were conducted, separately for male and female participants, to examine the difference of Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), Behavioral Activation System (BAS), BAS-Drive (BAS-D), BAS-Fun Seeking (BAS-FS), and BAS-Reward Responsiveness (BAS-RR) scores between SY and SE Sasang types. Results. There were significant differences between Sasang types in the BIS/BAS subscales with consideration of gender. In male participants, BAS-total score of SY type (39.75 ± 4.56) was significantly (t = 2.462, p = 0.016) higher than that of SE type (36.68 ± 4.97). On the other hand, in female participants, BIS score of SY type (20.10 ± 4.01) was significantly (t = −2.097, p = 0.039) lower than that of SE type (21.83 ± 3.91). Discussion. The current study suggested relationship between Sasang typology and Behavior Inhibition and Activation Systems and showed significant differences in BIS/BAS scale between SY and SE Sasang types. Further studies on biological base of Sasang typology are needed.

Association of Sasang Constitutional Type with Sarcopenia.

Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) is a unique Korean traditional medicine that classifies human beings as four distinct types named Sasang constitutional types (SCTs), based on physiologic, physical, and psychological traits. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that specific constitutional types are associated with chronic diseases, but no study has investigated the relationship between SCTs and sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to examine the association in a large population-based study. Data from 1,204 participants who completed questionnaires for life style, anthropometric evaluation, and biochemical analysis were analyzed. Classification of the SCTs was done using an integrated diagnostic method. Sarcopenia was defined as appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height2 less than one standard deviation below the gender-specific normal mean of a younger group. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess whole body composition. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 8.6% in the Tae-eum (TE) type, 44.7% in the So-eum (SE) type, and 20.7% in the So-yang (SY) type. Multivariate analysis revealed that the SE and SY types had 9.22 (5.06–16.81; P < 0.0001) and 2.90 (1.76–4.76; P < 0.0001) greater odds of sarcopenia compared to the TE type, respectively. Our results show that the SE and SY types are significantly associated with increased prevalence of sarcopenia.

Thermoregulatory Responses to Graded Exercise Differ among Sasang Types.

We compared sweat rate and variables such as workload (W e), metabolic heat production (H prod), and temperature increment load (T inc) across Sasang types. 304 apparently healthy participants aged 20–49 years with their Sasang type determined were enrolled. Local sweat rates on the chest (LSRchest) and back (LSRback) were measured using a perspiration meter during a maximum treadmill exercise test. Oxygen uptake was measured continuously using a breath-by-breath mode indirect calorimeter. The TaeEum (TE) type had a larger body size, a higher percent body fat, and a lower body area surface area (BSA) to body mass compared with the other Sasang types, particularly the SoEum (SE) type. The TE type tended to have a shorter exercise time to exhaustion and lower maximal oxygen uptake (mL·kg−1·min−1) than the other types. LSRchest in TE types was greater than that of the SE and SoYang (SY) types in men, whereas LSRback was higher in the TE type than that of the other types in women. After normalizing LSR for W e, H prod, T inc, and BSA, this tendency still remained. Our findings suggest that the thermoregulatory response to graded exercise may differ across Sasang types such that the TE type was the most susceptible to heat stress.

So-eum type as an independent risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome: a population-based study in Korea.

It has been hypothesized that Sasang constitutional types (SCTs) have a specific hypoactive organ, which can account for vulnerability to related diseases or symptoms. This study examined the relationship between SCTs and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Cross-sectional study in a population-based cohort study in Korea. 1362 individuals (705 men and 657 women) who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The participants were classified into SCTs by the integrated diagnostic model and asked about symptoms related to IBS using the Rome II criteria. The prevalence of IBS differed significantly among the SCTs, with 33 (18.3%) of the So-eum (SE) type, 74 (9.9%) of the Tae-eum (TE) type, and 57 (13.2%) of the So-yang (SY) type having IBS. Even after adjustment for possible confounders, the SE type for both sexes continued to show 1.82-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.16) excess odds of having IBS. Men with SE type had a 2.97 times (95% CI, 1.34-6.58) and a 2.50 times (95% CI, 1.15-5.47) significantly higher odds of having IBS than the TE and SY types, respectively. In analysis for the joint effect of SCT and psychological stress, the multivariate odds ratio of IBS was 3.21 (95% CI, 1.33-7.75) for the SE type and Psychological Well-Being Index-Short Form (PWI-SF) score (<27), and 5.83 (95% CI, 1.80-18.88) for the SE type and PWI-SF (≥27) compared with the TE type and PWI-SF score (<27). The SE type of SCT is an independent risk factor for IBS. The findings support the hypothesis that persons with SE type are vulnerable to gastrointestinal diseases.