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经络学说是中医学理论体系的核心组成部分，但其物质基础尚未完全阐明。近年来，随着元素组学与生物成像技术的发展，微量元素在人体经络穴位及经脉循行路径上的特异性分布规律逐渐受到关注，为揭示经络实质提供了新的科学视角。研究表明，钙、钾、钠、锌、铷等元素在穴位区域呈现特异性的不均匀分布特征，表明其可能作为经络信息传递的重要载体及穴位电化学活动的关键介质，参与经络功能的调控过程。然而，元素分布与经络循行之间的因果关系、元素成像技术的标准化应用以及跨学科整合机制等问题仍存在争议。本文系统阐释“元素-经络”假说的研究背景与重要性，梳理激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)等元素成像技术在经络研究中的应用，整合分子生物学、生物物理学与传统中医学理论，提出元素分布的不均匀性与经络功能相关联的假说。本研究旨在为经络实质的科学阐释提供新视角，并促进元素组学与经络理论的交叉融合。
Abstract：Meridian theory is a core component of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), yet its underlying material basis remains incompletely understood. In recent years, advances in elementomics and bioimaging technologies have drawn increasing attention to the specific distribution patterns of trace elements at acupuncture points and along putative meridian pathways, providing a new scientific perspective for investigating the biological basis of meridians. Existing studies have reported distinct heterogeneous distribution patterns of elements such as calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and rubidium in acupuncture-point regions, suggesting that these elements may serve as potential carriers of meridian-associated information and as key mediators of electrochemical activity at acupuncture points, thereby contributing to the regulation of meridian-related functions. However, the causal relationship between elemental distribution and meridian pathways, the standardized application of elemental imaging techniques, and the mechanisms underlying interdisciplinary integration remain subjects of debate. This review systematically discusses the research background and significance of the "Element-Meridian" hypothesis, summarizes advances in the application of elemental imaging techniques, including laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS), to meridian research, and integrates perspectives from molecular biology, biophysics, and traditional Chinese medicine to propose a testable hypothesis that the heterogeneous distribution of elements is associated with meridian-related physiological functions. This framework aims to provide a new perspective for the scientific investigation of the biological and material basis of meridians and to promote interdisciplinary research integrating elementomics with meridian theory.
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基本信息:
中图分类号:R224.1
引用信息:
[1]谢楚菲,廖夏云,赵立春.“元素-经络”假说：人体组织元素分布与经络相关生理通路之间关联的可检验框架[J].微量元素与健康研究,2026,43(05):47-60.
基金信息:
元素中药创新与高效利用贵州省科技创新领军人才工作站(黔科合平台KXJZ[2025]045); 贵州省高层次人才培养支持工程科技创新领军人才项目(黔科协KJLYRC[2026]042)
2026-09-30
2026-09-30