Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment Principles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Spleen-mitochondria Correlation
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20251992
- VernacularTitle:基于脾-线粒体相关性探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病发病机制及治疗原则
- Author:
Shiyi WANG
1
;
Miao YU
1
;
Xinyao HE
1
;
Zi WANG
1
;
Haijun LUAN
1
;
Yibo SUN
1
;
Haotong WANG
1
;
Linlin WANG
2
;
Lijian PANG
2
Author Information
1. Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM），Shenyang 110847，China
2. Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of TCM，Shenyang 110000，China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
spleen;
mitochondria;
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）;
Qi-blood-body fluid theory;
oxidative stress
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2026;32(3):258-264
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
According to the Qi-blood-body fluid theory and the association between the spleen in visceral manifestation theory of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and mitochondria in modern cellular biology， it is proposed that the role of the spleen in generating and transforming Qi and blood is analogous to the energy-producing function of mitochondria—both serving as fundamental power sources for vital activities of the human body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation， playing a critical role in energy metabolism and the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Similarly， mitochondria are vital for maintaining physiological functions such as cellular energy supply， cell survival， and overall human metabolism. Furthermore， spleen deficiency is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly， mitochondrial energy conversion and substance metabolism are regarded as the microscopic essence of the spleen's function in transportation and transformation. Spleen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the formation of pathological products such as phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis. This aligns with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）， with Qi deficiency as the root cause and phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis as the manifestations. Therefore， the integrative treatment of COPD should follow the therapeutic principle of invigorating the spleen and reinforcing healthy Qi， while also resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to address both root cause and manifestations. This approach can improve the mitochondrial function， regulate energy metabolism， and reduce oxidative stress levels to alleviate COPD symptoms， slow down disease progression， and improve prognosis. By integrating the holistic concept of TCM with molecular mechanisms of modern medicine， this paper explores the pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of COPD from the spleen-mitochondria correlation. It not only provides a new direction for the modern development of TCM and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine but also offers a theoretical foundation for the integrated treatment of chronic， complex age-related diseases.
