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.Current Research Status,Challenges,Differentiation and Treatment Strategies of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Fengyun WANG ; Mi LYU ; Bingduo ZHOU ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yi WANG ; Tingting XU ; Cong HE ; Xiaokang WANG ; Xin LIU ; Yang WANG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Lusi XU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):392-396
This article systematically reviews the current research status as well as diagnosis and treatment strategies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Studies demonstrate that TCM, based on the "disease-syndrome combination" approach, exhibits multi-target advantages in alleviating symptoms of various GERD subtypes, promoting mucosal repair, regulating emotions, and facilitating the reduction of western medication. To address clinical challenges such as symptom overlap and limited therapeutic efficacy, strategies have been proposed including "treating different diseases with the same method" and integrated regulation based on viscera correlation. Future efforts should focus on elucidating the mechanisms of compound prescriptions, promoting TCM drug development under the "three-combination" evaluation framework that integrates TCM theory, human experience and clinical trial evidence, and optimizing integrated traditional and western medicine models to enhance GERD management.
3.Current Status and Prospective of Research on Disease-Syndrome Integrated Animal Models of Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Lihui FANG ; Yongtian WEN ; Shan LIU ; Zhuo SHI ; Xintong WANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Meiling SHE ; Lanshuo HU ; Yangxi FU ; Zheng WANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):510-516
Animal model research on spleen and stomach diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance for elucidating the nature of diseases and syndromes and for revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicinals. At present, studies on classical TCM syndrome models of spleen and stomach diseases mainly focus on spleen deficiency syndrome, liver constraint syndrome, and damp-heat syndrome. Model construction is mostly based on the etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of syndrome, and model evaluation primarily involves macroscopic manifestations and physicochemical indicators. This paper summarizes the current research status of animal models integrating disease and syndrome for seven common spleen and stomach diseases, including chronic gastritis and gastric precancerous lesions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea. The modeling methods and characteristics of disease-syndrome combined animal models for each disease are analyzed. It is proposed that future research on disease-syndrome integration in spleen and stomach diseases should move toward syste-matic, precise, and integrative development, and that interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research approaches should be adopted to enhance the predictive value and application efficiency of disease-syndrome combined animal models.
4.Pathogenesis Evolution Characteristics and Intervention Strategies for Alternation Between Active and Remission Phases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:Based on the Theory of "Grease-Turbidity-Heat Toxin"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xyudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1664-1668
Based on the theoretical framework of "grease-turbidity-heat toxin", this paper elucidates the patholo-gical evolution pattern underlying the alternation between active and remission phases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is proposed that the active phase of IBD represents a progressive and explosive process characterized by internal accumulation of grease turbidity, constraint transforming into heat, and exuberant heat generating toxin. During the remission phase, the pathogenic process manifests as subsidence of heat toxin, depletion of qi and yin, latent retention of residual turbidity, and a state of coexistence between deficiency of healthy qi and lingering pathogenic factors. Accordingly, a staged therapeutic strategy with dynamic intervention and targeted modulation has been established. During the active phase, treatment follows the sequential principle of unblocking, clearing, and resolving pathogenic factors. In the early stage, the therapeutic approach focuses on regulating qi movement, fortifying the spleen, and resolving turbidity, using Tongxie Essential Formula (痛泻要方) and Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to regulate qi and fortify spleen. In the middle stage, the strategy emphasizes clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and dispersing pathogenic accumulation through downward and outward pathways, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤) combined with Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) is used to clear and resolve damp-heat. In the late stage, treatment aims to resolve toxin, restrain sore, cool blood, and stabilize collaterals, using Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤), Shaoyao Decoction (芍药汤), and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to eliminate toxins and cool blood. During the remission phase, the principle of reinforcing, consolidating, and penetrating is adopted to restore internal balance and clear the source, using Sishen Pills (四神丸) and Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) to reinforce healthy qi and venting pathogens.
5.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome:Based on the Theory of "Zi Wu Liu Zhu (子午流注)"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1728-1733
Based on the theory of Zi Wu Liu Zhu (子午流注, the ebb and flow of midnight and midday) and the clinical characteristics of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) that its symptoms mainly occur during chou (丑) period (01:00—03:00), mao (卯) period (5:00—7:00), and si (巳) period (9:00—11:00), this paper proposes a temporal pathogenesis chain of "liver constraint during chou period, intestinal stagnation during mao period, and spleen deficiency during si period". Within this chain, liver constraint serves as the initiating factor, and intestinal stagnation manifests as the branch, while spleen deficiency constitutes the root of the disease. Accordingly, a chronotherapeutic principle of "soothing the liver, regulating the intestines, and fortifying the spleen" is proposed, establishing a corresponding time-based syndrome differentiation and treatment system. During chou period, the treatment should focus on soothing the liver to relieve constraint and calming the mind to tranquilize the spirit, thereby blocking the mechanism of liver constraint overacting on the spleen. During mao period, the focus is regulating qi to resolve dampness and harmonizing the intestine to alleviate the branch symptoms of morning abdominal pain and diarrhea. During si period, the suggested method is fortifying the spleen and supplementing qi to drain dampness and stop diarrhea, thereby restoring the pivot of spleen-stomach transportation and transformation. These methods are complemented by strategies to optimize medication compliance, thereby providing a new chronotherapeutic approach for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBS-D.
6.Pathogenesis Evolution Characteristics and Intervention Strategies for Alternation Between Active and Remission Phases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:Based on the Theory of "Grease-Turbidity-Heat Toxin"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xyudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1664-1668
Based on the theoretical framework of "grease-turbidity-heat toxin", this paper elucidates the patholo-gical evolution pattern underlying the alternation between active and remission phases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is proposed that the active phase of IBD represents a progressive and explosive process characterized by internal accumulation of grease turbidity, constraint transforming into heat, and exuberant heat generating toxin. During the remission phase, the pathogenic process manifests as subsidence of heat toxin, depletion of qi and yin, latent retention of residual turbidity, and a state of coexistence between deficiency of healthy qi and lingering pathogenic factors. Accordingly, a staged therapeutic strategy with dynamic intervention and targeted modulation has been established. During the active phase, treatment follows the sequential principle of unblocking, clearing, and resolving pathogenic factors. In the early stage, the therapeutic approach focuses on regulating qi movement, fortifying the spleen, and resolving turbidity, using Tongxie Essential Formula (痛泻要方) and Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to regulate qi and fortify spleen. In the middle stage, the strategy emphasizes clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and dispersing pathogenic accumulation through downward and outward pathways, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤) combined with Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) is used to clear and resolve damp-heat. In the late stage, treatment aims to resolve toxin, restrain sore, cool blood, and stabilize collaterals, using Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤), Shaoyao Decoction (芍药汤), and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to eliminate toxins and cool blood. During the remission phase, the principle of reinforcing, consolidating, and penetrating is adopted to restore internal balance and clear the source, using Sishen Pills (四神丸) and Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) to reinforce healthy qi and venting pathogens.
7.Depression among middle school students in Jiading District
WANG Haiqi ; ZHANG Hanxiao ; YANG Fengyun ; GUO Xianli ; FAN Shengrong ; ZHANG Lifeng ; JIANG Hong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):832-836
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of depression among middle school students in Jiading District, Shanghai Municipality, so as to provide the evidence for developing mental health intervention strategies among middle school students.
Methods:
Students from 3 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in Jiading District were selected from June 2022 to June 2023 using a stratified random cluster sampling method. Basic information including gender and educational stage was collected through questionnaire surveys. Depression, mental health literacy, cognitive emotion regulation, family cohesion, school climate, stress, and life satisfaction were assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory, the Mental Health Literacy Assessment Scale, the Chinese version of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, the Perceived School Climate Scale, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale, and the Life Satisfaction Scale, respectively. Factors affecting depression among middle school students were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
There were 1 117 boys (53.94%) and 954 girls (46.06%), with a mean age of (15.20±1.77) years. There were 1 193 (57.61%) junior high school students and 878 (42.39%) senior high school students. Depression was detected in 577 students, with a prevalence of 27.86%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified gender (boy, OR=0.652, 95%CI: 0.512-0.832), educational stage (senior high school, OR=2.519, 95%CI: 1.584-4.008), mental health literacy (OR=0.958, 95%CI: 0.951-0.966), cognitive emotion regulation (adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, OR=0.970, 95%CI: 0.958-0.982; maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, OR=1.103, 95%CI: 1.084-1.123), family cohesion (OR=0.910, 95%CI: 0.899-0.921), school climate (OR=0.720, 95%CI: 0.694-0.747), stress (OR=1.127, 95%CI: 1.104-1.150), life satisfaction (OR=0.817, 95%CI: 0.799-0.836) as factors affecting depression among middle school students.
Conclusions
Depression among middle school students in Jiading District is associated with gender, educational stage, mental health literacy, cognitive emotion regulation, family cohesion, school climate, stress, and life satisfaction. It is recommended that targeted measures be taken from the perspectives of individuals, families, schools, and society to promote the mental health of middle school students.
8.Compatibility and comfort assessment of school desks and chairs in three cities in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):321-324
Objective:
To understand the subjective and objective comfort evaluations of students from different age groups on desks and chairs, so as to provide reference for standardized allocation and use of desks and chairs.
Methods:
From January to April 2024, a total of 2 446 students were selected from 26 schools in 13 districts (counties/cities) in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Wuxi from Jiangsu Province by using cluster random method, including students in kindergartens, primary schools, junior high schools,senior high schools, colleges and universities. Standardized procedures were used to measure the height and weight of participants, and the matching desks and chairs models were selected according to the height. The subjective comfort of students on matching desks and chairs was investigated, and their objective comfort was evaluated by using a self designed questionnaire. The χ 2 test was used to analyze the differences of subjective perception and objective evaluation in comfort between different types of desks and chairs.
Results:
About 84.1% of the students subjectively thought that large desks and small chairs were very comfortable or relatively comfortable, followed by large desks and chairs (75.7%), and the proportion of small desks and chairs was the lowest among the three types (46.2%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=722.46, P <0.01). The reporting rates of primary school, junior high school and senior high school students who subjectively considered large desks and chairs to be very comfortable/relatively comfortable were higher than that of other types of desks and chairs, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=297.49, 252.82, 343.67, P <0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the subjective comfort evaluation of different types of desks and chairs among kindergarten children ( χ 2=3.21, P >0.05), and 66.3% of the students in colleges and universities felt very comfortable/relatively comfortable when they used the matching standard desks and chairs. The objective evaluation results of the comfort for the three types of desks and chairs were consistent with the subjective evaluation, but the proportions of the objective evaluation as very comfortable/relatively comfortable were higher than that of the subjective evaluation ( χ 2=20.76- 813.47, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Large desks and chairs, as well as large desks with small chairs are perceived comfortable, while small desks and chairs are perceived less comfortable. It is recommended to match the large desks and chairs or large desks and small chairs that are suitable for them according to the "standard", to promote physical and mental health of students.
9.Comfort assessment of school desks and chairs ergonomics among students with different body types
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):325-329
Objective:
To investigate the differences in the comfort of desks and chairs furniture among students with different body types according to the standard, so as to provide a reference for guiding students with overweight and obesity to choose the correct study furniture and revising the standards.
Methods:
From January to April 2024, 2 443 students from 26 schools in 13 districts (counties/cities) in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Jiangsu Province were selected by the cluster random sampling method to conduct physical examination. The subjective and objective evaluations of the comfort of height matched desks and chairs were investigated. The students were divided into non overweight, overweight, and obesity groups according to relevant criteria, and stratified analysis was performed. The χ 2 test was used to analyze differences in the comfort evaluations of desks and chairs among students with different body types.
Results:
Among the 2 443 students surveyed, 16.7% and 12.6% were respectively classified as overweight and obese. All students assigned the highest comfort ratings to large desks and small chairs (84.1%), and consistency was observed between students subjective and objective evaluations. The reporting rate of samll desks and chairs of obesity students subjective evaluation was lower (36.8%) than that of overweight and non overweight/obesity students (52.1%, 48.0%) ( χ 2=14.63, P <0.01). The overweight and obese group of primary school students had a worse evaluation of the comfort of large desks and chairs and small desks and chairs than those of the non overweight and obese groups( χ 2=15.78, 7.63, P <0.05). Among high school students, the overweight and obese group had worse evaluation of the comfort of large desks and chairs, as well as large desks and small chairs, than those of the non-overweight and obese groups( χ 2=9.62, 11.77, P <0.05). The objective evaluations revealed low compliance ratings on the posture of the thighs and calves for naturally forming an angle greater than 90° (55.6%), and headroom height under the table (50.3%) with small desks and chairs ( χ 2=94.05, 166.47, P <0.05).
Conclusions
Compared with non overweight/obese students, students with overweight and obese students report poor comfort evaluations of height matched desks and chairs. Revision of the standard should consider the body types of students, and evaluations of the comfort of desks and chairs furniture by students with overweight and obesity should be improved.
10.Effect of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction (加味葛根芩连汤) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier and Intestinal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation in Ulcerative Colitis Model Mice
Jinke HUANG ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):941-947
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction (加味葛根芩连汤, MGQD) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on intestinal mucus barrier. MethodsThirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and a MGQD group with 10 mice in each. Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS) was used to construct the UC model in all groups except for the control group. Meanwhile, mice in the MGQD group were given 20 g/kg of MGQD decoction by gavage according to their body weight, while those in the control group and model group were given 0.2 ml/20 g of pure water by gavage, once a day for 7 consecutive days. On the day following the last gavage, the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, spleen weight, and colon length were compared. The pathological changes of the intestinal mucosal tissues were observed by HE staining; the protein expression levels of mucin 2 (MUC2) and leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in the intestinal mucosal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence; the cuprocytes in the intestinal mucosal tissues were detected by AB/PAS staining; and the expression level of Ki67 in the intestinal mucosal tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. ResultsHE staining showed that the colon mucosal tissue of the mice in the control group was intact. In the model group, the colon mucosal epithelial structure was severely damaged, with a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration in the mucosal propria. In the MGQD group, the mucosal tissue structure was partially lost, with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.The body weight and colon length of mice in the model group decreased significantly compared to those in the control group, while DAI scores and spleen weight increased, and the levels of MUC2, Ki67, Lgr5 proteins, and the number of goblet cells were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the MGQD group had increased body weight of mice, colon length, and decreased DAI scores and spleen weight; the levels of MUC2, Ki67, Lgr5 proteins, and the number of goblet cells were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionMGQD has a favorable ameliorative effect on UC-related symptoms and pathological tissue damage, and its mechanism of action may be related to the restoration of the prolife-ration and differentiation of intestinal stem cells into goblet cells, thereby promoting the repair of the intestinal mucus barrier.


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