1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Mechanism of Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula in Improving Unilateral Vestibular Labyrinth Destruction by Regulating Metabolism-neuroplasticity
Yu TIAN ; Hui LENG ; Rupeng QU ; Xianglong HAO ; Aiping WANG ; Lei SHI ; Zhongyuan QU ; Ye DONG ; Xiande MA ; Yangling HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):54-64
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism by which Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula improves metabolism-neuroplasticity and treats unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction by regulating the metabolic balance of glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Methods48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) adult rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, model group, Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula groups with low, medium, and high doses (9.20, 18.39, 36.78 g·kg-1), and betahistine group (1.62 mg·kg-1). A unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction (vestibular dysfunction) model was established by intratympanic injection of chloroform into the right ear, while the control group received intratympanic injection of normal saline. Drugs were administered once daily for seven consecutive days. During the period, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the behaviors of rats after unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the neuronal morphology in the medial vestibular nucleus. Golgi staining was employed to assess the number of dendritic spines of neurons in the medial vestibular nucleus. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was utilized to detect Glu/GABA. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expressions of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were applied to determine the expressions of glutamate-immunoreactive (Glu-IR), GABA, GFAP, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and GAP-43. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group presented with head deviation, balance disorder, increased tail suspension score, nuclear consolidation of medial vestibular nerve neurons, and decreased Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines in neurons and NeuN-positive cells decreased. The content of Glu decreased. The content of GABA increased (Glu/GABA decreased). The expression of GAP-43 was down-regulated, and GFAP was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PSD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA decreased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the head deviation, imbalanced behavior, and tail suspension scores in each treatment group decreased, with alleviated neuronal injury and recovered Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines of neurons increased, and the number of NeuN-positive cells rebounded. The content of Glu increased, and the content of GABA decreased (Glu/GABA increased). GFAP was down-regulated, and GAP-43 was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PMD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA increased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA decreased. The effect was more significant in the high-dose group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula can alleviate vestibular dysfunction, and its mechanism may be associated with regulating the metabolic balance of Glu/GABA, mitigating neural damage, improving synaptic plasticity (promoting GAP-43 expression and inhibiting GFAP expression), and facilitating vestibular compensation.
3.Advances in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment by Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Cellular Senescence: A Review
Qixian MA ; Shiyu HAN ; Hui HUANG ; Jing TIAN ; Xu HAN ; Qingguang CHEN ; Hao LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):322-330
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and harmful complications of type 2 diabetes. DPN's pathogenesis include high blood sugar-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors are combined to damage nerve fibers, leading to sensory issues, pain, and numbness. Through a coordinated effect, these factors trigger nerve fiber damage and lead to sensory abnormalities, pain and numbness in limbs, and other symptoms, seriously restricting patients' activities of daily living and mobility. Recent research highlights that cellular senescence plays a critical role in DPN. Cellular senescence is manifested by the loss of cell proliferation ability, and further aggravates nerve damage via oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy impairment, inflammatory reaction, and other mechanisms, accelerating DPN occurrence and progression. In terms of medical treatment, current methods focus on blood sugar control, pain relief medicine, and microcirculation improvement, while no therapy has been developed based on cellular senescence. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a unique advantage in DPN prevention and treatment via cellular senescence modulation. TCM emphasizes a holistic approach, as well as syndrome differentiation and treatment, effective in anti-aging and nerve damage repair. Recent studies show that TCM active ingredients, including puerarin, ginsenosides, and berberine, can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via signaling pathway regulation, thereby slowing cellular senescence to alleviate nerve damage. Furthermore, TCM compounds such as Buyang Huanwutang, Taohong Siwutang, and Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang exert synergistic effects on cellular senescence-related pathways to improve nerve health and reduce DPN clinical symptoms. Therefore, this paper reviews the literature related to the interaction between cellular senescence and DPN from the perspective of cellular senescence, summarizing the mechanism of DPN and TCM intervention strategies.
4.Effects of exercise intervention on intestinal flora in college students:a systematic review
Zhaozhi LIU ; Li HUANG ; Haodong TIAN ; Lan LI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yunfei TAO ; Li PENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2394-2401
BACKGROUND:The regulation of intestinal flora by exercise is closely related to human health,but intestinal flora involves many factors.Existing studies have lacked consistent evidence on the effect of exercise on the intestinal flora of college students. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of exercise on intestinal flora diversity and species composition of college students. METHODS:Through systematic search of PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Medline,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Database and VIP database,eight empirical studies were selected and included,and semi-quantitative analysis was performed on them. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In terms of the species diversity of the intestinal flora,both high-intensity interval training and Tai Chi exercise significantly enhance the species diversity of intestinal flora in college students,while aerobic exercise does not have a significant effect on the enhancement of intestinal flora diversity in college students.In terms of the species composition of the intestinal flora,all three exercise modalities significantly alter the compositional structure of the intestinal flora in college students,which can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminalococcus,Faecalis prevotelli,Blautia,and decrease the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia spp.Compared with high-intensity interval training,aerobic and Tai Chi exercise causes more elevated abundance of beneficial bacteria.In addition to changes in intestinal flora characteristics,exercise improves body composition,cardiorespiratory function,and executive function in college students,and these health benefits are closely linked to exercise-induced changes in intestinal flora that can produce health benefits for the body through metabolic regulation,barrier function,and neuromodulation.Although studies have confirmed the association between exercise and intestinal flora,the mechanism by which exercise affects intestinal flora has not yet been clarified,and at the same time,localizing the flora related to the host health is the key to targeting intestinal flora as a therapeutic target in the future,all of which are worthy of further attention and investigation.
5.Machine learning identification of LRRC15 and MICB as immunodiagnostic markers for rheumatoid arthritis
Yanhu TIAN ; Xinan HUANG ; Tongtong GUO ; Rusitanmu·Ahetanmu ; Jiangmiao LUO ; Yao XIAO ; Chao WANG ; Weishan WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2411-2420
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease.Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing disease progression and for effective treatment.Therefore,it is of significance to investigate the diagnostic characteristics and immune cell infiltration of rheumatoid arthritis. OBJECTIVE:Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,to screen potential diagnostic markers of rheumatoid arthritis using machine learning algorithms and to investigate the relationship between the diagnostic characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and immune cell infiltration in this pathology. METHODS:The gene expression datasets of synovial tissues related to rheumatoid arthritis were obtained from the GEO database.The data sets were merged using a batch effect removal method.Differential expression analysis and functional correlation analysis of genes were performed using R software.Bioinformatics analysis and three machine learning algorithms were used for the extraction of disease signature genes,and key genes related to rheumatoid arthritis were screened.Furthermore,we analyzed immune cell infiltration on all differentially expressed genes to examine the inflammatory state of rheumatoid arthritis and investigate the correlation between their diagnostic characteristics and infiltrating immune cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In both rheumatoid arthritis and normal synovial tissues,we identified 179 differentially expressed genes,with 124 genes up-regulated and 55 genes down-regulated.Enrichment analysis revealed a significant correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and immune response.Three machine learning algorithms identified LRRC15 and MICB as potential biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis.LRRC15(area under the curve=0.964,95%confidence interval:0.924-0.992)and MICB(area under the curve=0.961,95%confidence interval:0.923-0.990)demonstrated strong diagnostic performance on the validation dataset.The infiltration of 13 types of immune cells was altered,with macrophages being the most affected.In rheumatoid arthritis,the majority of proinflammatory pathways in immune cell function were activated.Immunocorrelation analysis revealed that LRRC15 and MICB had the strongest correlation with M1 macrophages.To conclude,this study identified LRRC15 and MICB as potential diagnostic markers for rheumatoid arthritis,with strong diagnostic performance and significant correlation with immune cell infiltration.Machine learning and bioinformatics analysis deepened the understanding of immune infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis and provided new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
6.Textual Research on Historic Evolution and Ancient and Modern Application of Classic Prescription Huangqintang
Yuxin LI ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Tongyi HUANG ; Hejia WAN ; Bingqi WEI ; Mengting ZHAO ; Xiaoyang TIAN ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):184-191
Huangqintang, with its accurate efficacy, is a classic formula specialized in treating dysentery recommended and promoted by medical experts from successive generations, and it was included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (the Second Batch, Han Chinese medicine prescriptions) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinses Medicine (TCM) in 2023. The method of bibliometrics was applied in this study to conduct textual research on the classic formula Huangqintang and provide a literature reference for the development of modern preparations of Huangqintang. A total of 2 026 pieces of ancient literature were searched with "Huangqintang" as the key word, and 23 pieces of effective data were selected, involving 15 ancient TCM books. The historic evolution, composition, dosage, origin, processing methods, preparation and decocting methods, efficiency, and application of Huangqintang were carefully reviewed. The results showed that Huangqintang was first recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases written by ZHANG Zhongjing. It has the effect of clearing heat, stopping dysentery, regulating the middle, and downbearing counterflow and has become one of the classic formulas widely used in clinical practice. Because of its accurate efficacy, medical experts from later generations have modified it from its original composition. Though many prescriptions have different names, it is the manifestation of physicians' inheritance and development of the thought of ZHANG Zhongjing. Ancient literature showed this prescription had wide indications yet centered on digestive system diseases such as dysentery and abdominal pain. Modern applications of Huangqintang involve digestive, respiratory, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, gynecological, skin, musculoskeletal system, and connective tissue, and this prescription has great potential in treating ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, acute enteritis, and damp-heat dysentery. Through a systematic textual excavation and review of the ancient literature about Huangqintang, the paper has confirmed its key information, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and new drug development of classic formulas.
7.Effect of Huangling Jidu Xizhuo Granules on NLRP3, Intestinal Flora and Short-term Prognosis in Patients with Gout
Dandan TIAN ; Shanping WANG ; Li YANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Xi CHEN ; Chuanbing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):150-156
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of retention enema with Huangling Jiedu Xiezhuo granules(HJXG) on Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), intestinal flora, and short-term prognosis in patients with gout. MethodsA total of 60 patients with gout admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with febuxostat, and the observation group was treated with retention enema with HJXG on the basis of the control group. After 14 days of continuous treatment, the clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain index of the two groups were compared, and serum creatinine(SCr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), uric acid(UA), cystatin C(CysC), β2- microglobulin(β2-MG), glomerular filtration rate test(GFR), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), hypersensitive C-reactive protein,(hs-CRP), interleukin 6(IL-6), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), NLRP3 inflammasome levels, and the number of intestinal flora were detected in the two groups. The prognosis of patients was followed up within 12 weeks. COX regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of short-term prognosis. ResultsAfter treatment, TCM syndrome scores and VAS pain index in both groups were reduced (P<0.05), and TCM syndrome scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. After treatment, ESR, hs-CRP, IL-6, NLRP3, IL-18, and IL-1β were significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.01), and the levels of IL-6, ESR, NLRP3, and IL-18 were significantly improved in the observation group compared with the control group (P<0.05). BUN, SCr, UA, β2-MG, GFR indexes in both groups were significantly lower after treatment, Ccr indexes in both groups were significantly higher after treatment, and the levels of SCr, UA, CysC, and Ccr in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the intestinal flora in both groups was improved, and the observation group was significantly improved compared with the control group in terms of Lactobacillus, Proteus, Bacteroides, and Escherichia coli (P<0.05). COX regression analysis showed that retention enema with HJXG could reduce the risk of poor short-term prognosis in patients with gout compared with Western medicine alone. ConclusionThe retention enema with HJXG can improve the curative effect of patients with gout, improve the TCM syndromes, reduce inflammation, and enhance renal function, intestinal flora, and short-term prognosis.
8.Standardization of electronic medical records data in rehabilitation
Yifan TIAN ; Fang XUN ; Haiyan YE ; Ye LIU ; Yingxin ZHANG ; Yaru YANG ; Zhongyan WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Xiaoxie LIU ; Yanyan YANG ; Bin ZENG ; Mouwang ZHOU ; Yuxiao XIE ; Guangxu XU ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Mingsheng ZHANG ; Xiangming YE ; Fubiao HUANG ; Qiuchen HUANG ; Yiji WANG ; Di CHEN ; Zhuoying QIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(1):33-44
ObjectiveTo explore the data standard system of electronic medical records in the field of rehabilitation, focusing on the terminology and coding standards, data structure, and key content categories of rehabilitation electronic medical records. MethodsBased on the Administrative Norms for the Application of Electronic Medical Records issued by the National Health Commission of China, the electronic medical record standard architecture issued by the International Organization for Standardization and Health Level Seven (HL7), the framework of the World Health Organization Family of International Classifications (WHO-FICs), Basic Architecture and Data Standards of Electronic Medical Records, Basic Data Set of Electronic Medical Records, and Specifications for Sharing Documents of Electronic Medical Records, the study constructed and organized the data structure, content, and data standards of rehabilitation electronic medical records. ResultsThe data structure of rehabilitation electronic medical records should strictly follow the structure of electronic medical records, including four levels (clinical document, document section, data set and data element) and four major content areas (basic information, diagnostic information, intervention information and cost information). Rehabilitation electronic medical records further integrated information related to rehabilitation needs and characteristics, emphasizing rehabilitation treatment, into clinical information. By fully applying the WHO-FICs reference classifications, rehabilitation electronic medical records could establish a standardized framework, diagnostic criteria, functional description tools, coding tools and terminology index tools for the coding, indexing, functional description, and analysis and interpretation of diseases and health problems. The study elaborated on the data structure and content categories of rehabilitation electronic medical records in four major categories, refined the granularity of reporting rehabilitation content in electronic medical records, and provided detailed data reporting guidance for rehabilitation electronic medical records. ConclusionThe standardization of rehabilitation electronic medical records is significant for improving the quality of rehabilitation medical services and promoting the rehabilitation process of patients. The development of rehabilitation electronic medical records must be based on the national and international standards. Under the general electronic medical records data structure and standards, a rehabilitation electronic medical records data system should be constructed which incorporates core data such as disease diagnosis, functional description and assessment, and rehabilitation interventions. The standardized rehabilitation electronic medical records scheme constructed in this study can support the improvement of standardization of rehabilitation electronic medical records data information.
9.Standardization of outpatient medical record in rehabilitation setting
Ye LIU ; Qing QIN ; Haiyan YE ; Yifan TIAN ; Yingxin ZHANG ; Yaru YANG ; Zhongyan WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Xiaoxie LIU ; Yanyan YANG ; Bin ZENG ; Mouwang ZHOU ; Yuxiao XIE ; Guangxu XU ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Mingsheng ZHANG ; Xiangming YE ; Fubiao HUANG ; Qiuchen HUANG ; Yiji WANG ; Di CHEN ; Zhuoying QIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(1):45-54
ObjectiveTo analyze the data structure and standards of rehabilitation outpatient medical records, to provide data support for improving the quality of rehabilitation outpatient care and developing medical insurance payment policies. MethodsBased on the normative documents issued by the National Health Commission, Basic Standards for Medical Record Writing and Standards for Electronic Medical Record Sharing Documents, in accordance with the Quality Management Regulations for Outpatient (Emergency) Diagnosis and Treatment Information Pages (Trial), reference to the framework of the World Health Organization Family of International Classifications (WHO-FICs), the data framework and content of rehabilitation outpatient medical records were determined, and the data standards were discussed. ResultsThis study constructed a data framework for rehabilitation outpatient medical records, including four main components: patient basic information, visit process information, diagnosis and treatment information, and cost information. Three major reference classifications of WHO-FICs, International Classification of Diseases, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and International Classification of Health Interventions,were used to establish diagnostic standards and standardized terminology, as well as coding disease diagnosis, functional description, functional assessment, and rehabilitation interventions, to improve the quality of data reporting, and level of quality control in rehabilitation. ConclusionThe structuring and standardization of rehabilitation outpatient medical records are the foundation for sharing of rehabilitation data. The using of the three major classifications of WHO-FICs is valuable for the terminology and coding of disease diagnosis, functional description and assessment, and intervention in rehabilitation outpatient medical records, which is significant for sharing and interconnectivity of rehabilitation outpatient data, as well as for optimizing the quality and safety of rehabilitation medical services.
10.Structure, content and data standardization of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet
Haiyan YE ; Qing QIN ; Ye LIU ; Yifan TIAN ; Yingxin ZHANG ; Yaru YANG ; Zhongyan WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Xiaoxie LIU ; Yanyan YANG ; Bin ZENG ; Mouwang ZHOU ; Yuxiao XIE ; Guangxu XU ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Mingsheng ZHANG ; Xiangming YE ; Fubiao HUANG ; Qiuchen HUANG ; Yiji WANG ; Di CHEN ; Zhuoying QIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(1):55-66
ObjectiveTo explore the standardization of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet, encompassing its structure, content and data standards, to enhance the standardization level of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet, improve data reporting quality, and provide accurate data support for medical insurance payment, hospital performance evaluation, and rehabilitation discipline evaluation. MethodsBased on the relevant specifications of the National Health Commission's Basic Norms for Medical Record Writing, Specifications for Sharing Documents of Electronic Medical Records, and Quality Management and Control Indicators for Inpatient Medical Record Summary Sheet (2016 Edition), this study analyzed the structure and content of the inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet. The study systematically applied the three major reference classifications of the World Health Organization Family of International Classifications, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10/ICD-11, ICD-9-CM-3), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI Beta-3), for disease diagnosis, functional description and assessment, and rehabilitation intervention, forming a standardized terminology system and coding methods. ResultsThe inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet covered four major sections: inpatient information, hospitalization information, diagnosis and treatment information, and cost information. ICD-10/ICD-11 were the standards and coding tools for admission and discharge diagnoses in the inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet. The three functional assessment tools recommended by ICD-11, the 36-item version of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, Brief Model Disability Survey and Generic Functioning domains, as well as ICF, were used for rehabilitation functioning assessment and the coding of outcomes. ICHI Beta-3 and ICD-9-CM-3 were used for coding surgical procedures and operations in the medical record summary sheet, and also for coding rehabilitation intervention items. ConclusionThe inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet is a summary of the relevant content of the rehabilitation medical record and a tool for reporting inpatient rehabilitation data. It needs to be refined and optimized according to the characteristics of rehabilitation, with necessary data supplemented. The application of ICD-11/ICD-10, ICF and ICHI Beta-3/ICD-9-CM-3 classification standards would comprehensively promote the accuracy of inpatient diagnosis of diseases and functions. Based on ICD-11 and ICF, relevant functional assessment result data would be added, and ICHI Beta-3/ICD-9-CM-3 should be used to code rehabilitation interventions. Improving the quality of rehabilitation medical records and inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet is an important part of rehabilitation quality control, and also lays an evidence-based data foundation for the analysis and application of inpatient rehabilitation medical record summary sheet.

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