1.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
2.A Preliminary Discussion on TONG Xiaolin's "Eight-Dimensional Materia Medica Framework" Theory
Dongsen HU ; Linhua ZHAO ; Lili ZHANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):360-364
This paper introduces the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework" theory proposed by Professor TONG Xiaolin and, in light of his academic perspectives and clinical experience, explores its inheritance and innovation of the concept of "four pillars of medicinals" by ZHANG Jiebin of Ming-dynasty from multiple angles. Building upon the four foundational medicinals, Renshen (Panax ginseng), Shudihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa Praeparata), Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii Praeparata), and Dahuang (Rheum palmatum), as the "four pillars of medicinals", and using eight-principle pattern differentiation framework, this theory expands the representative medicinals to eight. It establishes the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework", i.e. exterior-Mahuang (Ephedra sinica), interior-Rougui (Cinnamomum cassia), cold-Huanglian (Coptis chinensis), heat-Ganjiang (Zingiber officinale), deficiency-Renshen (Panax ginseng), excess-Dahuang (Rheum palmatum), yin-Shudihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa Praeparata), and yang-Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii Praeparata). This framework highlights the pivotal roles of these eight medicinals in the treatment of exterior and interior patterns, cold and heat syndromes, deficiency and excess conditions, as well as yin deficiency and yang deficiency. Integrated with the state-target differentiation and treatment theory, this approach enriches the traditional actions of the eight representative medicinals by incorporating findings from modern pharmacological research, achieving a transition from macroscopic regulation of pathological states to microscopic target-oriented intervention. Furthermore, through investigations into dose-effect relationships and the expansion of principles for herbal compatibility, the clinical practicality of the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework" is further demonstrated, promoting the integrative development of Chinese and western medicine at the level of clinical application of Chinese materia medica.
3.Treatment of Infection-Related Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus from the Perspective of Latent Pathogen and Dryness Disorder
Zhaobo WANG ; Yingying YANG ; Jia WANG ; Linhua ZHAO ; Xiaolin TONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1329-1333
Infection is an important trigger for the initiation of pancreatic islet autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). From the perspective of latent pathogen and dryness disorder, this study analyzes the core pathogenesis and dynamic evolution of T1DM in the subclinical and clinical stages. Combined with the T1DM "constraint, heat, deficiency, damage" state and target differentiation and treatment theory, the course of infection-induced T1DM is divided into three stages, including latent dryness, dry-heat and collateral damage. The "latent dryness" stage corresponds to the subclinical phase of T1DM, while the "dry-heat" stage corresponds to the clinical phase, and the "collateral damage" stage corresponds to the phase in which chronic complications develop. Treatment principles include supplementing deficiency and dispelling pathogen during the "latent dryness" stage, clearing heat and moistening dryness in the "dry-heat" stage, and dissolving stasis and unblocking collaterals in the "collateral damage" stage. Furthermore, syndrome-targeted and target-directed therapeutic modifications were made according to T1DM-related autoimmune activity, metabolic comorbidities, and vascular comorbidities, providing a reference for clinical management of T1DM.
4.Connotation of the Theory of Spirit Collaterals and Its Clinical Application in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Top Jiao (焦) Diseases
Dongsen HU ; Linhua ZHAO ; Jianwen GUO ; Bing XIA ; Juexian SONG ; Xiaolin TONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1925-1930
psychiatric disorders (PD) and neurological disorders (ND) are currently major public health issues. The "four jiao (焦) and eight systems" theory categorizes them respectively into "spirit-system diseases" and "marrow-system diseases", collectively attributing to "top jiao diseases". In the prevention and treatment of these diseases, deficiencies still exist in treating only the physical form while neglecting the spirit, or treating only the spirit while neglecting the physical form, lacking theoretical basis that integrates both form and spirit. Accordingly, the theory of spirit collaterals is proposed, aiming to expand the scope of collateral disease theory based on the concept of the unity of form and spirit, thereby providing a reference for the differentiation and treatment of top jiao diseases. By clarifying the relationships between concepts such as spirit, collaterals, marrow, brain spirit, the five spirit organs, brain orifices, clear orifices and spirit collaterals, and combining modern medical research on neurovascular units and neurovascular bundles, the connotations of spirit collaterals are elucidated from the perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine. It is also demonstrated that spirit collaterals takes top jiao as its center, spreads throughout the body, and possesses the attributes of qi collaterals, blood collaterals, and fluid collaterals, achieving the unity of physical structure and functional regulation. Based on the spirit collaterals theory, the core pathogenesis of top jiao diseases is proposed as collateral stasis and failure of spirit mechanism, with an evolutionary pattern of "collateral stagnation-collateral stasis-collateral block". In the clinical differentiation and treatment of top jiao diseases, unblocking and regulating the spirit collaterals is taken as the core therapeutic method. Basic formulas are formulated respectively for spirit-system diseases and marrow-system diseases, and a modification strategy is formed that takes into account the three collaterals, regulates qi and treats the spirit, and performs precise treatment according to the disease location.
5.Connotation and Application of the Theory of "Gout is Not Bi (痹) Syndrome"
Huifang GUAN ; Linhua ZHAO ; Jiaxing TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):987-991
Gout in modern medicine is often attributed to "Li Jie Disease (历节病)", "Bai Hu Wind" (白虎风), and "Bi (痹) Syndrome" categories in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly because its joint pain often presents as wandering attacks, and the clinical symptoms are similar to those caused by wind. However, the essence of gout is actually dietary disorders caused by internal injuries, so it should not be classified as Bi (痹) syndrome due to wind, cold, dampness. Focusing on the theory of "gout is not Bi syndrome" proposed by TONG Xiaolin, combining ancient and modern medical literature and modern clinical research, this article analyzes the underlying etiology of gout, which originates from dietary irregularities and accumulation of turbid toxins, as well as the disease mechanism of "toxicity hurts joints and accumulation of toxins impairs the kidneys", in order to clarify the essential difference between gout and impediment syndrome. Using the theory of "state-targeted diagnosis and treatment", gout is classified into two categories: dampness-heat and deficiency-cold, and the treatment strategy of lowering the turbid toxin, facilitating the joints, and preserving the kidneys was proposed in order to guide the clinical practice.
6.Connotation and Clinical Application of "The Nature of Cold and Heat Complex Syndrome is Cold": from the Perspective of Zang-Fu (脏腑) Wind-Damp Theory
Tong LIN ; Yingying YANG ; Linhua ZHAO ; Lili ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):795-799
According to zang-fu (脏腑) wind-damp theory, it is believed that wind, cold, and dampness are internal pathogenic factors that, when stagnated, transform into heat and invade the zang-fu organs, leading to chronic conditions. Heat is seen as a manifestation, while cold is considered the root cause. When external factors trigger these latent pathogens, the disease of the zang-fu organs exacerbates or relapses, often presenting with a complex syndrome of cold and heat. Based on this theory, the viewpoint of "for complex syndrome of cold and heat, cold is the root" is proposed. It suggests that for diseases with a complex cold-heat syndrome, external invasion of wind, cold, and dampness are the initiating factors. During the acute phase, treatment should focus on dispelling and eliminating the pathogens to promote the expulsion of the latent wind, cold, and dampness. During the remission phase, the focus shifts to reinforcing the healthy qi and tonifying the root, allowing the cold and dampness to be cleared. Internal dampness originates from the spleen; therefore, regulating the spleen and stomach, and dispersing cold and removing dampness is the key to treating wind-damp disorders of zang-fu organs. Cold and dampness are both yin pathogens, which damage yang qi, and repeated invasions of wind, cold, and dampness obstruct the qi flow of the zang-fu organs, progressively weakening yang qi. Hence, it is necessary to protect yang qi, and thereafter dispelling cold and dampness by warming yang. The theory that "for complex syndrome of cold and heat, cold is the root" provides guidance for the clinical application and the treatment of complex and difficult diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.
7.The Impact of "Two Reconstructions" Theoretical Framework on Improving the Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dongsen HU ; Linhua ZHAO ; Pengfei XIE ; Rumeng TANG ; Xing HANG ; Ling ZHOU ; Xiangyuan ZHANG ; Lili ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2401-2405
By reconstructing the integrated Chinese and western medicine diagnostic and treatment system, the "Two Reconstructions" theoretical framework establishes a standardized pathway of "classification-staging-syndrome differentiation", which improves the accuracy of disease identification and strengthens the capacity for full-course intervention; in addition, by reconstructing the modern materia medica system, it innovatively integrates the traditional properties and efficacy of Chinese herbal medicinals with modern pharmacological mechanisms, forming a "state-target co-regulation" precise medication model, and builds a dose-effect theoretical system for prescriptions and medicinals, thereby enhancing both the targeting accuracy and dosage precision of therapeutic interventions. The "Two Reconstructions" theorecitcal framework is a key strategy for enhancing clinical efficacy. It can precisely identify "states" and "targets" for directed intervention, shift the focus of prevention and treatment earlier to enable full-cycle management, establish standardized paradigms for reproducible and evaluable efficacy, and expand the scope of clinical practice to address conditions without typical syndromes and critical illnesses. As a systematic pathway for innovation in TCM, this theoretical framework provides valuable insights and references for promoting the high-quality development of integrative Chinese and western medicine.
8.Construction of a Modern TCM Epidemic Diagnosis and Treatment System
Yingying YANG ; Jinli LUO ; Qingwei LI ; Chuanxi TIAN ; Qiang WANG ; Han WANG ; Linhua ZHAO ; Xiaolin TONG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(11):1407-1413
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has rich experience in the diagnosis and treatment of epidemics,but the basic con-cepts and diagnosis and treatment strategies of TCM for epidemics have not yet formed a common understanding.This paper preliminar-ily constructs a diagnosis and treatment system of TCM epidemics from the perspective of"type differentiation-stage differentiation-syndrome differentiation"by combing the basic concepts of the etiology,pathogenesis,and identification of epidemics,taking state-target differentiation and treatment as the general principle.First,the epidemics are divided into five types:cold epidemics,warm epi-demics,cold-damp epidemics,damp epidemics,and miscellaneous epidemics;then,according to the overall course of the epidemics,they are divided into four stages:"initial stage-peak stage-extreme stage-relapse stage",the initial stage is the stage of exterior syn-dromes,the peak stage is the stage of heat peak,the extreme stage is the stage of internal closure and external loss,and the relapse stage is the stage of recovery of the healthy qi and retreat of the evil qi;finally,on the basis of staging,combined with the syndrome char-acteristics of various epidemics(five types of background diseases)at different stages,the syndromes are divided demonstratively.Through the construction of a modern diagnosis and treatment system of TCM epidemics,the basic theoretical concepts and basic diag-nosis and treatment strategies of epidemics can be clarified,various new and emerging infectious diseases can be actively responded to,and a diagnosis and treatment plan for a new and emerging infectious disease can be quickly constructed.
9.A study on the congenital hypodysfibrinogenemia family and its pathogenic mechanism
Jiawei ZHENG ; Xiaomei LU ; Lixia HAO ; Linna LU ; Jia YANG ; Lidong ZHAO ; Dongyan FU ; Duanyang WANG ; Gang WANG ; Linhua YANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(6):571-574
The proband was a 32-year-old female patient who sought medical attention for over 9 months of pregnancy, reduced fetal movement, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. The proband and her father had normal activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, decreased fibrinogen activity and antigen levels, and prolonged thrombin time, whereas the test results of her mother were normal. Ultrasonography showed intermuscular vein thrombosis in the left calf of the proband. Peripheral blood DNA was extracted from the proband and her parents, and Sanger sequencing was performed to detect the base sequences of the FGA, FGB, and FGG genes. The proband and her father had heterozygous missense mutations in exon 6 c.615A > C (p. Leu205Phe) and exon 8 c.1121A > C (p. Tyr374Ser) of the FGG gene. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the two gene mutations may be the pathogenic mechanism of this congenital hypodysfibrinogenemia family.
10.Rustic Opinion on"Reverse Spread to the Pericardium"
Jinli LUO ; Yayun WANG ; Yingying YANG ; Qingwei LI ; Ling ZHOU ; Ye MIN ; Linhua ZHAO ; Xiaolin TONG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(4):421-424
"When warm evil is received,it first attacks the lungs and then spread to the pericardium reversely"is the general rule of warm diseases.Doctors of different dynasties have different views on the phrase"reverse spread to the pericardium",especially the word"reverse".Professor Tong Xiaolin proposed that the heart governs the mind,the pericardium and the heart are connected in qi,and when the heart is affected by evil,the pericardium instead suffers from the evil.The"reverse spread to the pericardium"proposed by Ye Tianshi is actually the spread of warm evil to the brain.Taking meningococcal meningitis as the basic disease,it can be matched one by one with the typical stages of the transmission of Wei-Qi-Ying-Xue.Combined with the theory of Dingjiao,it is believed that the function of"the heart governing the mind"focuses more on the brain in the modern anatomical sense.Combining traditional Chinese medicine's ideas on diagnosis and treatment of warm diseases with modern medicine,revealing the essence of the disease,grasping the core of the pathogenesis,analyzing the word"reverse"from a new perspective,and exploring its true meaning,is of great significance for clarifying its connotation,exploring the development laws of warm diseases,and guiding the diagnosis and treatment of warm disea-ses.

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