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.

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.

As a neglected tropical disease, schistosomiasis remains a major public health challenge in underdeveloped areas, notably Africa. Currently, the national schistosomiasis control programmes in Africa mainly depend on foreign aids; however, conventional international aid models have multiple limitations. To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of global schistosomiasis control programmes, this article proposes a trinity collaboration model based on international rules, China’s experiences and local needs, which is explained with China aid project of schistosomiasis control in Zanzibar as an example. Based on the successful experiences from the national schistosomiasis control programme in China, this model emphasizes the compliance with World Health Organization guidelines and fully considers local actual needs to promote the effectiveness and sustainability of the schistosomiasis control programme through integrating international resources and promoting China’s experience to meet local needs. The successful practice of the China aid project of schistosomiasis control in Zanzibar provides strong evidence that the model is of great theoretical significance and practical value to improve the efficiency of multilateral collaboration and promote global health governance.

Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in alleviating hyperlipidemia in a rat model by modulating mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)-mediated lipophagy in hepatocytes.Methods A total of 30 SD rats were randomly divided into blank(n=6)and modeling groups(n=24)using the random number table method.A hyperlipidemic rat model was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet(feeding for 8 weeks).After successful modeling,the modeling group was randomly divided into the model,electroacupuncture,mTORC1 inhibitor,and electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist groups,with six rats in each group.Except for the blank group,all other rats were fed with high fat diet.Rats in the electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist groups received electroacupuncture intervention at bilateral"Fenglong"(ST40)acupoints(dilatational wave 2 Hz/100 Hz,current intensity 1 mA)for 30 min once daily.Rats in the mTORC1 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the mTORC1 inhibitor,rapamycin(2 mg/kg),once daily.Rats in the electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist group received intraperitoneal injections of the mTORC1 agonist MHY1485(10 mg/kg)once daily.The interventions were administered for five consecutive days per week for 4 weeks.Upon completion of the intervention,the following analyses were performed:serum contents of total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TAG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),free fatty acids(FFA),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer.Hepatic histopathological changes and lipid deposition were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining.The liver condition was observed and the liver index was calculated.Hepatic TC and TAG levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The ultrastructure of the liver tissue was observed using transmission electron microscopy,and the mean fluorescence intensity of perilipin 2(PLIN2)and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)-Ⅱ in the liver tissue was detected using immunofluorescence.Protein expression of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR)/mTOR,and mTORC1 in liver tissue was detected using Western blotting.Results Compared to the blank group,the model group rats showed increased serum TC,TAG,LDL-C,ALT,AST,and FFA levels,along with decreased HDL-C levels(P<0.05).The liver index and hepatic TC and TAG levels were also elevated(P<0.05).Histological examination of liver tissue revealed substantial lipid accumulation,numerous lipid droplets within hepatocytes,abnormal mitochondrial morphology,and scarce autophagic vacuole.The mean fluorescence intensity of PLIN2 increased,whereas that of LC3-Ⅱ decreased(P<0.05).Additionally,the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio was reduced,whereas the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio and mTORC1 protein expression were increased(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,rats in the mTORC1 inhibitor and electroacupuncture groups exhibited decreased serum TC,TAG,LDL-C,ALT,AST,and FFA levels(P<0.05),along with a reduced liver index and hepatic TC and TAG levels(P<0.05).Histological examination showed markedly attenuated lipid accumulation and visible autophagic vacuole in the hepatocytes.The mean fluorescence intensity of PLIN2 decreased,whereas that of LC3-Ⅱ increased(P<0.05).Moreover,the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio increased,whereas the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio and mTORC1 protein expression decreased(P<0.05).In comparison with both the electroacupuncture and mTORC1 inhibitor groups,the electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist group demonstrated increased serum TAG,TC,LDL-C,ALT,AST,and FFA levels(P<0.05)as well as elevated liver index and hepatic TC and TAG levels(P<0.05).Liver tissues exhibited aggravated lipid deposition and absence of autophagic vacuole in liver cells.The mean fluorescence intensity of PLIN2 was enhanced,whereas that of LC3-Ⅱ was reduced(P<0.05).Furthermore,the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio decreased,and the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio and mTORC1 protein expression increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fenglong"(ST40)may improve blood lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats by inhibiting mTORC1 and promoting hepatocyte lipophagy.

Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in alleviating hyperlipidemia in a rat model by modulating mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)-mediated lipophagy in hepatocytes.Methods A total of 30 SD rats were randomly divided into blank(n=6)and modeling groups(n=24)using the random number table method.A hyperlipidemic rat model was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet(feeding for 8 weeks).After successful modeling,the modeling group was randomly divided into the model,electroacupuncture,mTORC1 inhibitor,and electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist groups,with six rats in each group.Except for the blank group,all other rats were fed with high fat diet.Rats in the electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist groups received electroacupuncture intervention at bilateral"Fenglong"(ST40)acupoints(dilatational wave 2 Hz/100 Hz,current intensity 1 mA)for 30 min once daily.Rats in the mTORC1 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the mTORC1 inhibitor,rapamycin(2 mg/kg),once daily.Rats in the electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist group received intraperitoneal injections of the mTORC1 agonist MHY1485(10 mg/kg)once daily.The interventions were administered for five consecutive days per week for 4 weeks.Upon completion of the intervention,the following analyses were performed:serum contents of total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TAG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),free fatty acids(FFA),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer.Hepatic histopathological changes and lipid deposition were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining.The liver condition was observed and the liver index was calculated.Hepatic TC and TAG levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The ultrastructure of the liver tissue was observed using transmission electron microscopy,and the mean fluorescence intensity of perilipin 2(PLIN2)and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)-Ⅱ in the liver tissue was detected using immunofluorescence.Protein expression of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR)/mTOR,and mTORC1 in liver tissue was detected using Western blotting.Results Compared to the blank group,the model group rats showed increased serum TC,TAG,LDL-C,ALT,AST,and FFA levels,along with decreased HDL-C levels(P<0.05).The liver index and hepatic TC and TAG levels were also elevated(P<0.05).Histological examination of liver tissue revealed substantial lipid accumulation,numerous lipid droplets within hepatocytes,abnormal mitochondrial morphology,and scarce autophagic vacuole.The mean fluorescence intensity of PLIN2 increased,whereas that of LC3-Ⅱ decreased(P<0.05).Additionally,the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio was reduced,whereas the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio and mTORC1 protein expression were increased(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,rats in the mTORC1 inhibitor and electroacupuncture groups exhibited decreased serum TC,TAG,LDL-C,ALT,AST,and FFA levels(P<0.05),along with a reduced liver index and hepatic TC and TAG levels(P<0.05).Histological examination showed markedly attenuated lipid accumulation and visible autophagic vacuole in the hepatocytes.The mean fluorescence intensity of PLIN2 decreased,whereas that of LC3-Ⅱ increased(P<0.05).Moreover,the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio increased,whereas the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio and mTORC1 protein expression decreased(P<0.05).In comparison with both the electroacupuncture and mTORC1 inhibitor groups,the electroacupuncture+mTORC1 agonist group demonstrated increased serum TAG,TC,LDL-C,ALT,AST,and FFA levels(P<0.05)as well as elevated liver index and hepatic TC and TAG levels(P<0.05).Liver tissues exhibited aggravated lipid deposition and absence of autophagic vacuole in liver cells.The mean fluorescence intensity of PLIN2 was enhanced,whereas that of LC3-Ⅱ was reduced(P<0.05).Furthermore,the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio decreased,and the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio and mTORC1 protein expression increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fenglong"(ST40)may improve blood lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats by inhibiting mTORC1 and promoting hepatocyte lipophagy.

Objective:To explore the effects of maternal exposure to Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOO) during lactation on the Sprague-Dawley (SD) maternal rats and their offspring's growth and development. Methods:Seventy-two female rats with a surviving litter size of ≥ 6 were divided into the excipients control group, MOO low-dose group (50 mg/kg), MOO medium-dose group (160 mg/kg), and MOO high-dose group (500 mg/kg) using a snake-shaped grouping based on body weight, with 18 rats per group. The rats were gavage fed once daily until 20 days of delivery. The response of maternal rats after MOO exposure during lactation, as well as the appearance, response, gross anatomical abnormalities of their F1 and F2 offspring were observed. The body weight and food intake of maternal rats during lactation and those of their offspring before and after weaning were measured. The behavior (central nervous system function) of the F1 and F2 offspring was evaluated using functional observation battery (FOB). The learning and memory function of the F1 offspring was evaluated using Y-maze test. The male and female F1 offspring in the same dose group were mated when they were raised to 10-12 weeks in order to observe the reproductive function of F1 female rats.Results:Compared with the excipients control group, no abnormality was found in the clinical observation of maternal rats in the 3 MOO exposure groups during lactation, and there was no significant differences in their body weight and daily food intake during lactation (all P>0.05). No significant effects were found on the appearance, clinical symptoms, gross anatomy, body weight, and food intake of the F1 and F2 offspring after maternal rats receiving MOO exposure during lactation. In the FOB of the F1 and F2 offspring and the Y-maze test of F1 offspring, few differences in MOO exposure groups were observed and lack of significant dose-response relationship. After pregnancy, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of corpus luteum, implantation number, birth index, delivery index, survival index, and weaning index in F1 female offspring of maternal rats exposed to MOO at different doses during lactation compared with those of the excipients control group (all P>0.05). Conclusions:There were no obvious toxic reactions in maternal rats after exposure to different doses of MOO during lactation, nor in the growth and development, nervous system, learning and memory, and reproductive function of their offspring.

Objective:To explore the effects of maternal exposure to Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOO) during lactation on the Sprague-Dawley (SD) maternal rats and their offspring's growth and development. Methods:Seventy-two female rats with a surviving litter size of ≥ 6 were divided into the excipients control group, MOO low-dose group (50 mg/kg), MOO medium-dose group (160 mg/kg), and MOO high-dose group (500 mg/kg) using a snake-shaped grouping based on body weight, with 18 rats per group. The rats were gavage fed once daily until 20 days of delivery. The response of maternal rats after MOO exposure during lactation, as well as the appearance, response, gross anatomical abnormalities of their F1 and F2 offspring were observed. The body weight and food intake of maternal rats during lactation and those of their offspring before and after weaning were measured. The behavior (central nervous system function) of the F1 and F2 offspring was evaluated using functional observation battery (FOB). The learning and memory function of the F1 offspring was evaluated using Y-maze test. The male and female F1 offspring in the same dose group were mated when they were raised to 10-12 weeks in order to observe the reproductive function of F1 female rats.Results:Compared with the excipients control group, no abnormality was found in the clinical observation of maternal rats in the 3 MOO exposure groups during lactation, and there was no significant differences in their body weight and daily food intake during lactation (all P>0.05). No significant effects were found on the appearance, clinical symptoms, gross anatomy, body weight, and food intake of the F1 and F2 offspring after maternal rats receiving MOO exposure during lactation. In the FOB of the F1 and F2 offspring and the Y-maze test of F1 offspring, few differences in MOO exposure groups were observed and lack of significant dose-response relationship. After pregnancy, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of corpus luteum, implantation number, birth index, delivery index, survival index, and weaning index in F1 female offspring of maternal rats exposed to MOO at different doses during lactation compared with those of the excipients control group (all P>0.05). Conclusions:There were no obvious toxic reactions in maternal rats after exposure to different doses of MOO during lactation, nor in the growth and development, nervous system, learning and memory, and reproductive function of their offspring.

The pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome （SS） was considered to involve external dryness， internal injured essence and blood， yin-deficiency endowment， and abnormal emotion and spirit， and it was believed that SS has the characteristics of dryness and impassability， and the pathogenesis of deficiency-excess in complexity. According to the theory “upper dryness treats qi， and lower dryness treats blood” in YE Gui's monograph “Medical Records for Clinical Guidance”， the dryness was divided into upper dryness and lower dryness syndromes to be differentiated and treated. When treating dryness syndrome， the patient should follow the characteristics of the five zang organs， using soft and cool medicines， avoiding warm and dry medicines， and valuing the animal products. The upper dryness could be treated with Sangxiang Decoction （桑杏汤） to clear the qi and moisten the dryness， Qiaohe Decoction （翘荷汤） to clear the upper with pungent-cool， and Shashen Maidong Decoction （沙参麦冬汤） to nourish yin and promote the production of body fluid. The lower dryness could be treated with Fumai Decoction （复脉汤） to enrich and nourish the five kinds of fluid. Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸） to nourish the kidneys and supplement essence， and Wuren Pill （五仁丸） to moisten the dryness and nourish the blood， which provided a new way of thinking for differentiation of the dryness syndrome.

Objective:To explore the risk factors of thyroid nodules in diabetic patients and its correlation with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution.Methods:A Total of 213 cases of diabetic patients in Guang’anmen Hospital and Tangshan Hospital from January 2019 to August 2020 were choosen to do the questionnaire, with containly symptom and constitution. The patients were divided into diabetes with thyroid nodules group and diabetes without thyroid nodules group according to whether thyroid nodules were combined. We compared the clinical data characteristics of 2 groups, and used multi-factor logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors of diabetic patients with thyroid nodules and their correlation with TCM constitutions. Results:Diabetes patients aged from 50-80 years old [ OR=2.949, 95% CI (1.266-6.714)], females [ OR=3.736, 95% CI (1.823-1.541)], diabetes duration≥15 years [ OR=1.558, 95% CI (1.623-1.585)], elevated HbA1c [ OR=5.862, 95% CI (1.418-23.629)], elevated VLDL [ OR=2.851, 95% CI (1.597-6.824)], frequent insomnia [ OR=1.970, 95% CI (1.315-3.395)], Qi stagnation [ OR=4.357, 95% CI (2.634-8.377)], blood stasis [ OR=4.420, 95% CI (1.874-15.258)] are more likely to suffer from thyroid nodules ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Diabetic patients aged from 50-80 years old, females, diabetes duration≥15 years, elevated HbA1c, family history of thyroid nodules, frequent insomnia, and mood swings are more likely to develop thyroid nodules; qi stagnation and blood stasis are dangerous constitutions for diabetic patients with thyroid nodules.

Understanding the effect of immunosuppressive agents on intestinal microbiota is important to reduce the mortality and morbidity from orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We investigated the relationship between the commonly used immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine A (CSA) and the intestinal microbial variation in an OLT model. The rat samples were divided as follows: (1) N group (normal control); (2) I group (isograft LT, Brown Norway [BN] rat to BN); (3) R group (allograft LT, Lewis to BN rat); and (4) CSA group (R group treated with CSA). The intestinal microbiota was assayed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles and by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The liver histopathology and the alanine/aspartate aminotransferase ratio after LT were both ameliorated by CSA. In the CSA group, the numbers of rDNA gene copies of Clostridium cluster I, Clostridium cluster XIV, and Enterobacteriaceae decreased, whereas those of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii increased compared with the R group. Cluster analysis indicated that the samples from the N, I, and CSA groups were clustered, whereas the other clusters contained the samples from the R group. Hence, CSA ameliorates hepatic graft injury and partially restores gut microbiota following LT, and these may benefit hepatic graft rejection.