1.Exploration on the Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Strategies for Inflammation-Cancer Transformation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on the Theory of Cold Qi-Induced Accumulation
Jiahe WU ; Muyao CUI ; Xue CHEN ; Bingwei YANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Chenglei WANG ; Ying WU ; Weidong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1489-1494
It is proposed that cold qi-induced accumulation encapsulates the core pathogenesis of the inflammation-cancer transformation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cold pathogens may serve as the initiating factor. When first invading the intestines, cold pathogens obstruct the flow of qi; over time, the lingering cold impairs the middle jiao (焦), eventually leading to the accumulation of cold-phlegm and blood stasis. Based on the progressive nature of this transformation, the process can be divided into three stages, active stage, remission stage, and carcinogenic stage. In the active stage, the main pathogenesis involves stagnation of cold qi and accumulation of damp-heat in the intestines; in the remission stage, cold qi impairs the spleen, disrupting its transport and transformation functions; and in the carcinogenic stage, the mechanisms include cold-induced accumulation, phlegm accumulation from cold, and stagnation of cold and blood stasis. Accordingly, the treatment strategies are proposed.In the active stage, regulating qi, relieving stagnation, and harmonizing cold and heat; in the remission stage, warming yang, dispersing cold, tonifying qi, and strengthening the spleen; and in the carcinogenic stage, promoting qi circulation, dispersing cold, resolving phlegm, activating yang, and eliminating stasis to remove accumulation. These approaches aim to interrupt the transformation of IBD into colorectal cancer.