1.Inheritance and Current Research Status of Major Spleen-Stomach Theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ling HU ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yunkai DAI ; Xu CHEN ; Shiqi LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):87-94
This paper systematically reviews the core concepts and lines of theoretical inheritance of major spleen-stomach theories in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including spleen deficiency theory, spleen-stomach damp-heat theory, and liver-spleen disharmony theory. It is found that these theories have all undergone a developmental trajectory characterized by classical foundation, refinement of therapeutic methods, systematization of pathogenesis, and modern innovation. The evolution of spleen-stomach theory has achieved a shift from a singular focus on tonifying the spleen to regulating dynamic middle-jiao (焦) balance, and from localized spleen-stomach regulation to the circular movement of qi involving all five zang organs. In terms of modern disease-syndrome integrative research, spleen deficiency syndrome is shown to be closely associated with impairment of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, metabolic disorders, and gene polymorphisms related to Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases. Spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome is closely linked to hyperactive energy metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, and abnormal expression of aquaporins. Liver-spleen disharmony syndrome is mainly associated with dysregulation of the brain-gut axis and microbiota-related metabolic disorders. It is proposed that future research on spleen-stomach diseases and syndromes should further elucidate their potential multidimensional differential biological characteristics, thereby promoting the modernization of the TCM discipline of spleen-stomach studies.
2.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
3.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
4.Development of Electrospinning Setup for Vascular Tissue-Engineering Application with Thick-Hierarchical Fiber Alignment
Shen CHEN ; Chao XIE ; Xiaoxi LONG ; Xianwei WANG ; Xudong LI ; Peng LIU ; Jiabin LIU ; Zuyong WANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2025;22(2):195-210
BACKGROUND:
Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge.
METHODS:
A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility.
RESULTS:
The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.
5.Status and influencing factors of elevated blood pressure among manufacturing workers in Foshan City
Zhiheng XU ; Qinghua ZHONG ; Xudong LI ; Wei XU ; Fu CHEN ; Wanxia CHEN ; Qiang TAN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(6):637-642
Objective To analyze the elevated blood pressure status and its influencing factors among manufacturing workers in Foshan City. Methods A total of 565 795 manufacturing workers who underwent occupational medical examinations in Foshan City from 2017 to 2023 were included. Data of workers were obtained from the Guangdong Provincial Key Occupational Disease Monitoring and Management Platform. The influencing factors of elevated blood pressure were analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. Results A total of 89 526 cases of elevated blood pressure were detected among the 565 795 workers, with a detection rate of 15.82%. From 2017 to 2023, the annual detection rate of elevated blood pressure was 14.11%, 15.00%, 14.69%, 15.94%, 17.00%, 16.90%, and 16.68%, respectively, showing an overall upward trend (P<0.01). The top three industries with the highest detection rates of elevated blood pressure were instrument and meter manufacturing; wood processing and the manufacture of wood, bamboo, rattan, palm, and straw products; as well as agricultural and sideline food processing. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that male workers had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure than female workers (P<0.01). The risk of elevated blood pressure in workers increased with age, years of occupational hazard exposure, and duration of dust exposure (all P<0.05). Workers exposed to noise for more than three years had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure than those without noise exposure (P<0.05). The risk of elevated blood pressure among workers in Nanhai, Shunde, and Gaoming districts was higher than that in Chancheng District (all P<0.01). Workers originating from Northeast and Northwest China had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure than those from North China (all P<0.05). Workers from smaller-scale enterprises had higher risk of elevated blood pressure (all P<0.01). Conclusion Targeted blood pressure health interventions in Foshan City should be strengthened for male manufacturing workers who are older, have longer working years, and originate from Northeast and Northwest China. The development of exemplary health enterprises should be promoted, particularly among micro- and small-sized enterprises and key industries. Enhanced occupational health management is especially needed for positions with high intensity noise exposure and high concentration dust exposure.
6.Pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial function as novel strategies for treating intestinal inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer
Boya WANG ; Xinrui GUO ; Lanhui QIN ; Liheng HE ; Jingnan LI ; Xudong JIN ; Dapeng CHEN ; Guangbo GE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):679-688
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic and recurrent intestinal disease,and has become a major global health issue.Individuals with IBD face an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer(CRC),and recent studies have indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both IBD and CRC.This review covers the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC,focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction,and explores pharmacological targets and strategies for addressing both conditions by modulating mitochondrial function.Additionally,recent advancements in the phar-macological modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction for treating IBD and CRC,encompassing mitochondrial damage,release of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA),and impairment of mitophagy,are thoroughly summarized.The review also provides a systematic overview of natural compounds(such as flavonoids,alkaloids,and diterpenoids),Chinese medicines,and intestinal microbiota,which can alleviate IBD and attenuate the progression of CRC by modulating mitochondrial function.In the future,it will be imperative to develop more practical methodologies for real-time monitoring and accurate detection of mitochondrial function,which will greatly aid scientists in identifying more effective agents for treating IBD and CRC through modulation of mitochondrial function.
7.Study on Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of the Potential Suitable Habitats for Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus Based on Maximum Entropy Model Combined with Geographical Detector
Shaoyang XI ; Gonghan TU ; Huaqian GONG ; Fei CHEN ; Xudong GUO ; Ling JIN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):7-13
Objective To analyze the spatial distribution patterns of the potential suitable habitats for Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus,including Cremastra appendiculata(D.Don)Makino,Pleione bulbocodioides(Franch.)Rolfe and Pleione yunnanensis Rolfe under current climatic conditions,and the factors influencing the spatial differentiation of their habitats.Methods Based on the maximum entropy(MaxEnt)model,a species distribution model was established using the screened species distribution data and environmental variable data.The factor detection and interaction detection of geographical detector were applied to quantify the factors influencing the spatial differentiation of the suitable areas.By overlaying the suitable areas with land cover types,the distribution characteristics of forest land and arable land in the potential suitable areas were quantified.Results Under the current climatic scenario,environmental variables such as solar radiation intensity,precipitation and temperature were closely related to the spatial distribution of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus.The potential suitable areas for Cremastra appendiculata(D.Don)Makino,Pleione bulbocodioides(Franch.)Rolfe and Pleione yunnanensis Rolfe were 2.20×106 km2,2.75×106 km2 and 7.22×105 km2,respectively.Considering land cover types,the actual possible suitable areas for Cremastra appendiculata(D.Don)Makino,Pleione bulbocodioides(Franch.)Rolfe and Pleione yunnanensis Rolfe were 1.86×106 km2,2.20×106 km2 and 5.77×105 km2,respectively.Among these,the area of forest land was 1.17×106 km2,1.34×106 km2 and 3.67×105 km2,respectively,and the area of arable land was 6.95×105 km2,8.64×105 km2 and 2.10×105 km2,respectively.Conclusion This study can provide a basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of wild resources of the original plant materials of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus.
8.Predictive value of serum Hcy combined SDF-1 for early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke after thrombolysis
Luhan CHEN ; Dandan XU ; Xudong LU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(2):46-49,53
Objective To explore the predictive value of serum homocysteine(Hcy)and stromal cell-derived factor(SDF)-1 levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)for early neurological deterioration(EDN)after thrombolysis.Methods From April 2023 to July 2024,134 AIS patients treated in Jiaxing Second Hospital were selected as subjects.According to the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)evaluation 24 hours after thrombolysis,they were divided into EDN group(n=45)and non EDN group(n=89).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was applied to detect serum Hcy and SDF-1 levels.Pearson method was applied to analyze correlation.Logistic regression was applied to analyze and test the influencing factors.The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of indicators for EDN.Results The serum Hcy,SDF-1 levels,admission to puncture time,and baseline NIHSS score in EDN group were higher than those in non EDN group(P<0.05).The levels of serum Hcy and SDF-1 in AIS patients were positively correlated with admission to puncture time and baseline NIHSS score(P<0.05).Hcy and SDF-1 were independent influencing factors for EDN in AIS patients after thrombolysis(P<0.05).The area under the curve of Hcy and SDF-1 combination for predicting EDN was 0.963,with sensitivities of 88.98%,and specificities of 94.43%,respectively.The prediction critical values of Hcy and SDF-1 were 25.31μmol/L and 159.10μg/L.Conclusion Serum Hcy and SDF-1 levels increase in AIS patients with EDN after thrombolysis.The combination of the two has important clinical predictive value for EDN.
9.Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Suitable Habitats of Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.Based on Maximum Entropy Modeling and Geographical Detector
Shaoyang XI ; Gonghan TU ; Huaqian GONG ; Fei CHEN ; Xudong GUO ; Ling JIN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):1-6
Objective To investigate the spatial distribution pattern of the suitable habitats for Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.and the factors influencing the spatial differentiation of its habitat under current climatic conditions in China.Methods Based on maximum entropy(MaxEnt)model,a species distribution model was established with filtered species occurrence data and environmental variable data.The geographical detector was applied to quantify the factors influencing the spatial differentiation of the suitable areas,employing both factor detection and interaction detection functionalities.Additionally,an overlay analysis with land cover types was conducted to quantify the distribution characteristics of arable land and forest land within the potential suitable areas for Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf..Results Based on the contribution rate of environmental factors and the Jackknife method,average solar radiation intensity in December,precipitation in July,and highest temperature in December were identified as key environmental factors affecting the suitability of Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.habitats,which were further validated by the geographical detector.The total suitable area for Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.in China under current climatic conditions was approximately 4.46×106 km2,with the areas of high,moderate,and low suitability being 1.08×106 km2,1.70×106 km2,and 1.68×106 km2,respectively.After overlaying with arable and forest lands,the potentially suitable total forest area for Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.was 1.55×106 km2,and the arable land area was 1.63×106 km2.Conclusion This study provides reference for the optimization of cultivation areas for Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.and the conservation of its wild resources.
10.Health economic analysis and medical cost analysis of children with severe hepatitis B in China: A retrospective study from 2016 to 2022
Qijun SHAN ; Xudong MA ; Yujie CHEN ; Guanghua ZHOU ; Sifa GAO ; Jialu SUN ; Fuping GUO ; Feng ZHANG ; Dandan MA ; Guoqiang SUN ; Wen ZHU ; Xiaoyang MENG ; Guiren RUAN ; Yuelun ZHANG ; Xutong TAN ; Dawei LIU ; Yi WANG ; Chang YIN ; Xiang ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(5):562-567
Background::Hepatitis B poses a heavy burden for children in China, however, the national studies on the distributional characteristics and health care costs of children with severe hepatitis B is still lacking. This study aimed to analyze the disease characteristics, health economic effects, and medical cost for children with severe hepatitis B in China.Methods::Based on patient information in the Hospital Quality Monitoring System, cases with severe hepatitis B were divided into four groups according to age, and the etiology and symptoms of each group were quantified. The cost of hospitalization was calculated for cases with different disease processes, and severity of disease. The spatial aggregation of cases and the relationship with health economic factors were analyzed by Moran’s I analysis. Results::The total number of children discharged with hepatitis B from January 2016 to April 2022 was 1603, with an average age of 10.5 years. Liver failure cases accounted for 43.48% (697/1603) of total cases and cirrhosis cases accounted for 11.23% (180/1603). According to the grouping of disease progression, there were 1292 cases without associated complications, and the median hospitalization cost was $818.12. According to the spatial analysis, the aggregation of cases was statistically significant at the prefectural and provincial levels in 2019, 2020, and 2021 (all P <0.05). The number of severe cases was negatively correlated with gross domestic product (Moran’s I <0) and percentage of urban population (Moran’s I <0), and positively correlated with the number of pediatric beds per million population (Moran’s I >0). Conclusion::The number of severe hepatitis B cases is low in areas with high gross domestic product levels and high urban population ratios, and health care costs have been declining over the years.

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