1.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Qi-regulating and Phlegm-removing Method(Liu Junzitang Combined with Linggang Wuwei Jiangxintang) in Treating AECOPD with Increased EOS
Renjie HUANG ; Wangqin YU ; Wuyinuo TANG ; Hong SONG ; Lyuyuan HE ; Wenbo LIN ; Guanyi WU ; Hang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):149-156
ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of the Qi-regulating and phlegm-removing method(Liu Junzitang Combined with Linggang Wuwei Jiangxintang) for treating acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with increased eosinophils (EOS). MethodsSixty-eight AECOPD patients with increased EOS who were hospitalized in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases of Jinhua Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to April 2024 were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups received conventional Western medicine, with the EG additionally receiving Liujunzitang and Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang. The therapeutic efficacy indicators were measured after the treatment. The main therapeutic efficacy indicators included partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The secondary efficacy indicators included the TCM symptom scores, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale score, and the length of hospital stay. The indicators were measured at baseline and on days 3 and 7 of intervention. The safety was evaluated based on the adverse events. ResultsBaseline characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. Compared with CG, EG showed no significant difference in PaO2 (P=0.773), PaCO2 (P=0.632) and or CAT score (P=0.336) at on day 3 but better PaO2 (P=0.004), PaCO2 (P=0.008), and CAT score (P=0.013) were significantly better at on day 7. Compared with CGAfter treatment, EG had lower TCM syndrome scores of than CG EG on day 3 (P=0.005) and day 7 were significantly decreased (P0.001). There was no significant difference in mMRC score between the two groups on day 3 (P=0.514) and day 7 (P=0.176) as wasor the length of hospital stay (P=0.915). The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) showed that compared with CG, EG had significant improvements over time in PaO2, PaCO2, TCM syndrome symptom scores, CAT score, and mMRC score. ConclusionRegulating qi Qi and removing phlegm combined with conventional Western medicine can significantly alleviateimprove the clinical symptoms and improve the lung function of AECOPD patients with increased EOS increased AECOPDwhich has and demonstrates good safety.
3.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
4.Clinical Efficacy of Qi-regulating and Phlegm-removing Method(Liu Junzitang Combined with Linggang Wuwei Jiangxintang) in Treating AECOPD with Increased EOS
Renjie HUANG ; Wangqin YU ; Wuyinuo TANG ; Hong SONG ; Lyuyuan HE ; Wenbo LIN ; Guanyi WU ; Hang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):149-156
ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of the Qi-regulating and phlegm-removing method(Liu Junzitang Combined with Linggang Wuwei Jiangxintang) for treating acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with increased eosinophils (EOS). MethodsSixty-eight AECOPD patients with increased EOS who were hospitalized in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases of Jinhua Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to April 2024 were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups received conventional Western medicine, with the EG additionally receiving Liujunzitang and Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang. The therapeutic efficacy indicators were measured after the treatment. The main therapeutic efficacy indicators included partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The secondary efficacy indicators included the TCM symptom scores, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale score, and the length of hospital stay. The indicators were measured at baseline and on days 3 and 7 of intervention. The safety was evaluated based on the adverse events. ResultsBaseline characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. Compared with CG, EG showed no significant difference in PaO2 (P=0.773), PaCO2 (P=0.632) and or CAT score (P=0.336) at on day 3 but better PaO2 (P=0.004), PaCO2 (P=0.008), and CAT score (P=0.013) were significantly better at on day 7. Compared with CGAfter treatment, EG had lower TCM syndrome scores of than CG EG on day 3 (P=0.005) and day 7 were significantly decreased (P0.001). There was no significant difference in mMRC score between the two groups on day 3 (P=0.514) and day 7 (P=0.176) as wasor the length of hospital stay (P=0.915). The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) showed that compared with CG, EG had significant improvements over time in PaO2, PaCO2, TCM syndrome symptom scores, CAT score, and mMRC score. ConclusionRegulating qi Qi and removing phlegm combined with conventional Western medicine can significantly alleviateimprove the clinical symptoms and improve the lung function of AECOPD patients with increased EOS increased AECOPDwhich has and demonstrates good safety.
5.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.
6.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.
7.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
8.Current Status and Strategies of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Xuezhi ZHANG ; Xia DING ; Zhen LIU ; Hui YE ; Xiaofen JIA ; Hong CHENG ; Zhenyu WU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):111-116
This paper systematically reviews the current status of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, as well as recent progress in clinical and basic research both in China and internationally. It summarizes the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Hp infection management, including improving Hp eradication rates, enhancing antibiotic sensitivity, reducing antimicrobial resistance, decreasing drug-related adverse effects, and ameliorating gastric mucosal lesions. These advantages are particularly evident in patients who are intolerant to bismuth-containing regimens, those with refractory Hp infection, and individuals with precancerous gastric lesions. An integrated, whole-process management approach and individualized, staged comprehensive treatment strategies combining TCM and western medicine are proposed for Hp infection. Future prevention and control of Hp infection should adopt an integrative Chinese-western medical strategy, emphasizing prevention, strengthening primary care, implementing proactive long-term monitoring, optimizing screening strategies, and advancing the development of novel technologies and mechanistic studies of Chinese herbal interventions. These efforts aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical pathways for the establishment and improvement of Hp infection prevention and control systems.
9.The role and clinical application progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation
Huan TANG ; Zeping GUI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):44-50
Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal failure, and antibody-mediated rejection remains the leading cause of late allograft loss. Macrophages, as central effectors of innate immunity, play a crucial role in the initiation, progression and tissue damage of antibody-mediated rejection. This article reviews the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution of macrophage polarization status in different stages of antibody-mediated rejection, the fine regulation of key signaling pathways for macrophage polarization, macrophage related molecules and the application prospects of targeted macrophage therapy. In depth analysis of the research progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection, aiming to provide important theoretical basis for the development of precision diagnostic tools based on macrophages and novel immune intervention targets for antibody mediated rejection, ultimately promoting the improvement of long-term prognosis in kidney transplantation.
10.Construction and application of the standardized management index system for traditional Chinese medicine reserved in the department of medical institutions
He TANG ; Longlong TANG ; Xiaoyu JU ; Youquan TANG ; Huiling GUO ; Shengjiang GUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):1-5
OBJECTIVE To establish a whole-process quality management index system for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) reserved in the department of medical institutions, providing a reference for standardized management. METHODS An initial indicator framework was determined by collecting and analyzing relevant laws, regulations, policy documents, group standards, and literature on TCM management. Two rounds of Delphi expert consultation involving 20 experts were conducted to refine and optimize the indicator system. The analytic hierarchy process was used to construct judgment matrices and convert the indicator weights into a percentage-based system; an assessment was conducted on 14 departments with reserved TCM among the affiliated units of the Quality Management and Control Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hebei Province. RESULTS The response rate for both rounds of consultation was 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.89. The final quality management system of TCM reserved in the department included four first-level indicators: management (composite weight: 0.366 3), processing (composite weight: 0.119 7), storage (composite weight: 0.291 7) and usage (composite weight: 0.222 3), and twenty-four second-level indicators, such as establishing an organizational structure for hospital drug quality management and having dedicated regulations for backup drugs in clinical departments. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance confirmed consistency across all levels of indicators. Based on the application of the indicator system for evaluation, the average score for the standardized management of reserved TCM in the department of medical institutions increased from 67.01 points to 85.15 points over three months. CONCLUSIONS The constructed indicator system meets the standardized management requirements for reserved TCM, enabling closed-loop management across the entire process of management, processing, storage and usage. It provides a reference for medical institutions to enhance the precision and standardization of reserved TCM management.

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