1.Key Issues and Research Ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine Anti-aging Guided by Essence-Qi-spirit Theory of Qiluo Doctrine
Peipei JIN ; Liping CHANG ; Cong WEI ; Mengnan LI ; Hui QI ; Hongrong LI ; Yunlong HOU ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):240-246
Aging has emerged as a cutting edge and hotspot in global life science field, with anti-aging and geriatric disease prevention and treatment becoming critical issues urgently demanding solutions in international medical communities. In the face of the challenge of accelerating global population aging, in-depth exploration of aging mechanisms and the development of effective intervention strategies hold significant scientific and clinical value. This study supported by the national key research and development program of China, employed the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine as its guiding framework, focusing on the key scientific issue of the core traditional Chinese pathogenesis of aging, namely "depletion of kidney essence, deficiency of primordial Qi, and impairment of body and spirit". The treatment principle of "tonifying the kidney to replenish essence, harmonizing Yin and Yang, warming and invigorating primordial Qi, and nourishing the body and spirit" was established. Centered on holistic aging, systemic aging, and aging-related diseases, the research integrated multidisciplinary research approaches to construct multi-modal aging models and a multi-dimensional evaluation system, and it utilized multi-omics technologies to deeply analyze aging mechanisms. By systematically reviewing historical kidney-tonifying and anti-aging formulas and combining big data with artificial intelligence technologies, an information database of anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine substance was developed to reveal the differences and synergistic effects of various treatment methods and formulas on anti-aging. Based on this treatment method, the research integrated two millennia of kidney-tonifying medicinal experience to develop the innovative anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine, namely Bazhi Bushen capsules. It was validated that this capsule can delay holistic and systemic aging through multiple targets and mechanisms, thereby elucidating the scientific connotation of the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine in guiding anti-aging research from multiple dimensions and providing robust support for leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine to occupy the commanding heights of international anti-aging research.
2.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Patterns in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Guided by the Theory of Lung Collateral Disease
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):736-740
This paper explores the transmission patterns of "qi collaterals-qi airways-blood (vessels) collaterals" in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on the syndrome differentiation and treatment theory of lung collateral disease. Lung qi collaterals carry original qi, pectoral qi and defensive qi, primarily responsible for regulation and nourishment. The lung's airway serves as the pathway for the ascending and descending of qi. The lung's blood (vessel) collaterals circulate ying (营)-blood to nourish and infiltrate. Those three work synergistically to complete the core function of the lung, including governing qi, controlling respiration, and facilitating "qi exchange and blood transformation", with their functions converging in the "minute collateral-sweat pores". The occurrence and development of COPD follow the transmission pattern of "qi collaterals-qi airways-blood (vessels) collaterals". Initially, the condition is rooted in qi stagnation caused by deficiency (pectoral qi deficiency and sink), which leads to airway obstruction and difficulty in ventilation. Ultimately, disorder of qi affects the function of blood, resulting in a state of vessel collaterals obstruction characterized as "phlegm complicated by blood stasis hindering qi causes disease" .
3.The role of pulmonary vascular endothelial cell injury in COPD and its targeted therapeutic strategies
Jingjing XIN ; Ningxin HAN ; Liping CHANG ; Zhenhua JIA
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):199-209
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and structural airway obstruction that is not fully reversible, leading to shortness of breath caused by air trapping and increased physical exertion. Over the past few decades, the incidence of COPD has continued to rise. Although commonly used therapeutic agents, such as glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, have demonstrated significant symptomatic relief, they primarily target symptoms rather than halting disease progression. Therefore, further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of COPD and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for its prevention and management. Early studies on the pathogenesis of COPD primarily focused on airway epithelial cell injury, while relatively less attention was given to pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs). However, recent evidence indicates that COPD is not only an airway and systemic inflammatory disorder but also a vascular disease, with PVECs playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. PVECs are among the main cellular targets damaged in COPD and are involved in mediating its initiation and progression. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence that highlights the close association between PVEC injury and COPD pathogenesis. We also explore the roles and mechanisms of various therapeutic interventions targeting PVECs, including chemical agents and traditional Chinese medicine, in the treatment of COPD.
4.The role of pulmonary vascular endothelial cell injury in COPD and its targeted therapeutic strategies
Xin JINGJING ; Han NINGXIN ; Chang LIPING ; Jia ZHENHUA
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):199-209
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a common disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate.It is charac-terized by chronic inflammation and structural airway obstruction that is not fully reversible,leading to shortness of breath caused by air trapping and increased physical exertion.Over the past few decades,the incidence of COPD has continued to rise.Although commonly used therapeutic agents,such as glucocorticoids and bronchodilators,have demonstrated significant symptomatic relief,they primarily target symptoms rather than halting disease progression.Therefore,further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of COPD and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for its prevention and management.Early studies on the pathogenesis of COPD primarily focused on airway epithelial cell injury,while relatively less attention was given to pulmonary vascular endothelial cells(PVECs).However,recent evidence indicates that COPD is not only an airway and systemic inflammatory disorder but also a vascular disease,with PVECs playing a critical role in its pathogenesis.PVECs are among the main cellular targets damaged in COPD and are involved in mediating its initiation and progression.In this review,we summarize emerging evidence that highlights the close association between PVEC injury and COPD pathogenesis.We also explore the roles and mechanisms of various therapeutic interventions targeting PVECs,including chemical agents and traditional Chinese medicine,in the treatment of COPD.
5.Mechanism of astaxanthin improving renal damage in diabetic mice by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Zhenhua WU ; Lihua WU ; Jia TIAN ; Hongling LIU ; Yikun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):357-362
Objective:To explore the mechanism of astaxanthin improving renal damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:C57BL/6J adult male mice (8 weeks, 22-24 g) were provided by Nanjing Junke Biological Co.,Ltd. The mice were divided into control group (mice raised under normal conditions and given phosphate buffered saline injection, n=15), model group (DN mouse model established as mentioned above, n=15), and astaxanthin group (on the basis of model mice,10 mg/kg body weight dose of astaxanthin was given, n=15). The serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24 h urine protein levels of mice were detected by biochemical kits. The levels of serum inflammatory factors in mice were detected by ELISA. Mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis in mice were observed by renal histological analysis. Glomerular podocytes were analyzed by TUNEL detection and immunohistochemical staining. Nephrin and CD2AP expression were analyzed by Western blot.The expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot. Results:The levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), but the levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), while the levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group mainly showed different degrees of pancreatic islet lesions and vacuolar degeneration under light microscope ( P<0.05). HE staining showed glomerular sclerosis and dilatation, capillary lumen shrinkage, diffuse mesangial matrix dilatation, and peripheral capillary thickening and hardening ( P<0.05). PAS staining showed an increase in PAS-positive substances (purple plaques) in the model group of mice ( P<0.05), indicating glycogen accumulation in diabetic glomeruli. Masson staining showed accumulation of type Ⅳ collagen and increased fibrosis (blue stained area) in the kidney of the model group ( P<0.05). Astaxanthin treatment can significantly improve these diabetic induced histopathological changes ( P<0.05). Compared with control group,mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis were increased in model group ( P<0.05), and decreased in astaxanthin group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate of podocyte in model group was increased ( P<0.05) ,while that in astaxanthin group was decreased ( P<0.05). The number of WT-1 positive podocytes in model group was lower than that in model group ( P<0.05), and the number of WT-1 positive podocytes in astaxanthin group was higher than that in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in the model group were decreased ( P<0.05), and the expressions of Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in astaxanthin group were increased ( P<0.05). The protein expressions of p85, p-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in model group were increased compared with those in control group ( P<0.05), while the protein expressions of p85, P-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in astaxanthin group were decreased compared with those in model group ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Astaxanthin significantly improves kidney damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which manifests as inhibiting renal cell lesions and reducing inflammation.
6.Lineage tracing for mammary stem cells using Hopx reporter mice
Jianyun SHI ; Wenjing LI ; Ying PENG ; Zhenhua JIA ; Shujin ZHANG ; Lulu TAN ; Yitong YUAN ; Ruochen DU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(13):2720-2727
BACKGROUND:Mammary stem cells are vital for the development and homeostasis of mammary gland tissue.The occurrence of breast cancer has a close relationship with the mammary stem cells.Recent studies have shown that Hopx,as an important transcriptional regulator of morphogenesis and cell differentiation,has been confirmed to be expressed in a variety of adult stem cells such as nerves,intestines,hair follicles and lungs.However,its role in mammary stem cells has not been reported so far.OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether Hopx expression marks mammary stem cells.METHODS:(1) Female Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected to detect the background expression of Hopx in breast tissue by β-galactosidase staining.(2) Female wild-type mice at 4,6,and 8 weeks of age and 14.5 days of gestation were selected for whole-tissue magenta staining and K14 and K8 immunofluorescence staining,respectively.(3) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks and 17.5 days of gestation were selected and stained with breast β-galactosidase.(4) The 4-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 weeks after injection.The 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 and 10 weeks after the last injection.(5) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times).Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were pregnant 2 weeks after injection.The mammary tissue of mice at 17.5 days of the first pregnancy and 17.5 days of the third pregnancy was stained with β-galactosidase.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that the mammary ducts of Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age did contain Hopx-positive cells and were located in the basal epithelia,with a small number.(2) Whole-mount staining of mammary glands and immunofluorescence staining results exhibited that the mammary glands of mice had different characteristics with corresponding developmental stages such as puberty,maturity,and pregnancy,and underwent a series of complex epithelial remodeling processes.(3) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary duct of Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 17.5 days of gestation increased compared with female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age.(4) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that the Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of 4-and 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice after tamoxifen injection were located in the basal epithelium with a small number.(5) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of mice at 17.5 days of the first and third gestation were located in the basal epithelia around the alveoli,and the number of Hopx-labeled positive cells at 17.5 days of the third gestation was more.(6) In conclusion,Hopx reporter-marked basal epithelial cells belong to dormant mammary stem cells,which are responsible for the growth of the mammary glands during pregnancy and contribute to acinar formation.
7.The Proposal of the Concept of "New Pathogen Invading the Collaterals" and Its Value
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):775-779
In the Qing Dynasty, YE Gui proposed the pathogenesis of "chronic diseases entering the collaterals" as a rule for collateral diseases. In the context of viral respiratory diseases, the course of the disease is considered a relative concept. A systematic review of historical literature reveals that "new pathogens" belong to the category of "new diseases". It identifies that "new diseases" include types where the pathogenic qi initially invades without harming the righteous qi, where old diseases relapse while not being completely cured, and where chronic diseases suddenly flare up. These are not limited to exogenous diseases. "New pathogens" refer to diseases caused by the invasion of warm-heat pathogens, the six excesses, and epidemic qi, differing from the modern traditional Chinese medicine term "new warm diseases" related to latent heat diseases. Based on the "collaterals-meridians-collaterals" transformation pathway described in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》) and the pathogenesis of external pathogens entering the zang-fu organs via the meridians as described in Treatise on Febrile Disease (《伤寒论》), as well as the external warm diseases' transformation rule explained by YE Gui from the perspective of collaterals, the concept of "new pathogen invading the collaterals" is proposed. Further analysis indicates that this concept aligns with the transmission and pathogenesis patterns of viral respiratory diseases. The treatment method of "clearing epidemic pathogens, detoxifying, and spreading the lung to relieve heat" is considered important for the prevention and control of viral respiratory infectious diseases.
8.Analysis of Medication Patterns for Ancient Epidemic Treatment Based on Data Mining
Peipei JIN ; Tongxing WANG ; Liping CHANG ; Bin HOU ; Ningxin HAN ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):287-294
ObjectiveExploring the formula rules of commonly used traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) for epidemic treatment from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Qing dynasty through data mining, providing reference for the prevention and control of contemporary epidemics. MethodsThe articles on epidemic treatment in the electronic database of Chinese Medical Code V5.0 were systematically searched, and the contents such as source, dynasty, author, diagnosis, formula name, therapeutic method and efficacy, and composition of medicines from each article that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Then, an Excel standardized database was established, and Python programs were used for data mining to summarize the frequency of commonly used medicines and perform hierarchical cluster analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and association rule analysis. ResultsA total of 1 595 formulas were included, involving 558 TCMs. The efficacy of these medicines could be classified into two categories, namely, expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi. According to the frequency deconstruction analysis, high-frequency medicines were mainly detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, aromatization and promoting blood circulation, followed by the medicines with the effect of treating the lungs, such as clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm, clearing heat and purging the lungs, relieving cough and asthma, and purging the lungs and relieving asthma. And the proportions of acrid-warm herbs and acrid-cold herbs varied in different periods. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis both suggested TCMs for expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi often formed stable combinations with high association degrees. Association rule analysis showed that the core acrid-warm herb was mainly Ephedrae Herba, and the core acrid-cold herb was mainly Forsythiae Fructus, resulting in the core formulas of Maxing Shigantang and Yinqiaosan. ConclusionThroughout history, the prevention and control of epidemics have been based on the principle of "preserving healthy Qi and avoiding toxic Qi", focusing on the treatment of the causes and characteristics of epidemics through detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, and aromatization, emphasizing the use of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and other herbs to dredge Fu-organ, eliminate toxins and pathogens, and playing the role of actively intervene with symptomatic medication. And based on the external manifestations of the body's struggle between evil and righteousness, diagnose and treatment according to syndrome differentiation was performed.
9.Analysis of Medication Patterns for Ancient Epidemic Treatment Based on Data Mining
Peipei JIN ; Tongxing WANG ; Liping CHANG ; Bin HOU ; Ningxin HAN ; Xiaoqi WANG ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):287-294
ObjectiveExploring the formula rules of commonly used traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) for epidemic treatment from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Qing dynasty through data mining, providing reference for the prevention and control of contemporary epidemics. MethodsThe articles on epidemic treatment in the electronic database of Chinese Medical Code V5.0 were systematically searched, and the contents such as source, dynasty, author, diagnosis, formula name, therapeutic method and efficacy, and composition of medicines from each article that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Then, an Excel standardized database was established, and Python programs were used for data mining to summarize the frequency of commonly used medicines and perform hierarchical cluster analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and association rule analysis. ResultsA total of 1 595 formulas were included, involving 558 TCMs. The efficacy of these medicines could be classified into two categories, namely, expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi. According to the frequency deconstruction analysis, high-frequency medicines were mainly detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, aromatization and promoting blood circulation, followed by the medicines with the effect of treating the lungs, such as clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm, clearing heat and purging the lungs, relieving cough and asthma, and purging the lungs and relieving asthma. And the proportions of acrid-warm herbs and acrid-cold herbs varied in different periods. Hierarchical clustering and correlation analysis both suggested TCMs for expeling pathogenic factors and reinforcing healthy Qi often formed stable combinations with high association degrees. Association rule analysis showed that the core acrid-warm herb was mainly Ephedrae Herba, and the core acrid-cold herb was mainly Forsythiae Fructus, resulting in the core formulas of Maxing Shigantang and Yinqiaosan. ConclusionThroughout history, the prevention and control of epidemics have been based on the principle of "preserving healthy Qi and avoiding toxic Qi", focusing on the treatment of the causes and characteristics of epidemics through detoxification, Fu-organ dredging, and aromatization, emphasizing the use of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and other herbs to dredge Fu-organ, eliminate toxins and pathogens, and playing the role of actively intervene with symptomatic medication. And based on the external manifestations of the body's struggle between evil and righteousness, diagnose and treatment according to syndrome differentiation was performed.
10.Theoretical Exploration of Diabetic Retinopathy Guided by Luobing Theory
Liping CHANG ; Jing MA ; Kun MA ; Zhenhua JIA ; Cong WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):253-258
Diabetic retinopathy(DR), as one of the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, seriously threatens human health, and belongs to "Xiaoke eye diseases" in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which has been richly experienced by medical practitioners through the ages, but is mostly recorded in a piecemeal manner and has not been systematically researched. This disease is featured by long course and repeated attack, and is refractory, which belongs to the research category of "persistent illness entering collaterals". Systematic establishment of TCM collateral disease theory for guiding prevention and treatment of DR has important clinical value. On the basis of close correlation between tertiary collaterals at the terminal of collaterals and capillaries and microcirculation, the concept of "tertiary collaterals-microvascular" is proposed. It is pointed out that DR falls within the scope of "tertiary collaterals-microvascular" diseases, and presents four types of micro-pathological characteristics, including stasis, insufficiency, growth and bleeding of tertiary collaterals. It is concluded that "deficiency of both Qi and Yin" is the basic pathogenesis of DR, and "blood stasis and collateral obstruction" is the important pathogenesis and key factor. Thus, the treatment method of "dispersing blood stasis, dredging collateral, tonifying Qi and Yin, stopping hemorrhage and improving eyesight" is determined, and the formula of Tongluo Mingmu capsules is developed. The article tightly focuses on the pathological changes such as stasis, growth, insufficiency and bleeding of collaterals, addresses both symptoms and root causes, and plays a synergistic role of both dispersing stasis and stopping bleeding. In this way, it can realize the purpose of tonifying Qi and Yin to replenish the essence, dispersing stasis and dredging collaterals to meet the requirement, as well as stopping hemorrhage and improving eyesight to deal with changes. Fundamental researches demonstrate that Tongluo Mingmu capsules has synergy effects of protecting both retinal capillaries and retinal cells. Phase-Ⅲ clinical trial of new drug has proven definite clinical efficacy and good safety, which provides a new drug choice for enhancing clinical effect of DR, and further supports the scientific value of Luobing theory in preventing and treating DR and other clinically significant diseases.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail