Background: The Jing-Mai (variously translated as the Channel, Vessel or Meridians), as described by traditional Chinese medicine, probably exists and has represented the connections between various parts of human body during embryonic development. According to the Chinese theories, there are 14 major Jing-Mai within the human body, of which four are directly connected with the Heart.
Methods: The described paths of the four Jing-Mai were compared with features of congenital syndromes involving particular types of congenital heart defects.
Results: Specific correlation seem to exist between such four Jing-Mai and known developmental mechanisms underlying various congenital heart defects: the Kidney Jing-Mai-ectomesenchymal tissue migration abnormalities; the Spleen Jing-Mai-situs and looping defects; the Heart Jing-Mai-abnormal cell death; the Small Intestine Jing-Mai (and the Heart Jing-Mai)-extracellular matrix anomalies.
Conclusions: The Chinese theories seem to provide some intriguing insights into the pathogeneses of congenital heart defects. The Jing-Mai seems to distinguish from, but nevertheless have a close relationship with the blood vessels. Utilization of the Jing-Mai will probably enable a better understanding and development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases.