1.Research Advances of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease:Overview and Prospects
Liang DAI ; Guang JI ; Xianbo WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Hanchen XU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):386-391
The pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is fundamentally rooted in spleen deficiency and is closely associated with phlegm turbidity, damp-heat and blood stasis. Clinically, liver constraint with spleen deficiency and internal retention of damp turbidity represent the predominant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome patterns. Researches have indicated intrinsic connections between the syndrome patterns and biological indicators such as gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. Regarding treatment, classical famous formulas, modern empirical formulas, and newly developed TCM drugs show positive effects in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, and alleviating metabolic inflammation, exhibiting multi-target mechanisms of action; acupuncture and other external therapies also provide adjunctive value. Nevertheless, current researches still have limitations such as the lack of high-quality clinical evidence and insufficient systematic elucidation of the uncerlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on conducting high-quality TCM clinical trials with hard endpoint outcomes such as hepatic histology outcomes, and utilizing modern technologies like multi-omics to elucidate TCM's mechanisms of action, thereby advancing the position of TCM as a first-line therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
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,Strategies and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yandong WEN ; Zhi YANG ; Shaogang HUANG ; Zhongyu LI ; Xiangxue MA ; Qing XU ; Liqing DU ; Bochao YUAN ; Yibing TIAN ; Wentong GE ; Xiaofan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):404-409
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment, including syndrome distribution, development of TCM formulas, clinical efficacy evaluation, external therapies, and psychosocial regulation. However, it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria, and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment, combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion and acupoint application), and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas, so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
4.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
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.BHB inhibits phagocytic function of CD14+monocytes in dairy cows via ROS-NL-RP3 pathway
Wantong CHENG ; Yang CHI ; Xudong SUN ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1493-1501
The aim of this study was to investigate whether β-hydroxybutyric acid(BHB)inhibits the phagocytic function of CD14+monocytes in dairy cows through the ROS(reactive oxygen spe-cies)-NLRP3(NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3)pathway.CD14+monocytes in the blood of postpartum healthy cows were extracted,and 3 mmol/L BHB was added after transfection of small interfering RNA targeting NLRP3(si-NLRP3).Monocytes were pre-treated with 10 nmol/L NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950(CP-456773)or 10 mmol/L ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine(NAC),and then was treated with 3 mmol/L BHB for 24 h.The protein abundance of NLRP3 was detected by Western blot and the phagocytosis of monocytes was determined by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.The results showed that compared with the si-Control+BHB group,the phagocytic function of monocytes in the si-NLRP3+BHB treatment group was significantly increased,while the protein abundance of NLRP3 was significantly decreased.Com-pared with DMSO+BHB group,the phagocytic function of monocytes in MCC950+BHB group was significantly increased.In addition,compared with DMSO+BHB group,the protein abundance of NLRP3 in monocytes was significantly decreased in MCC950+BHB group.Compared with the PBS+BHB group,the phagocytosis of monocytes was significantly increased after the addition of ROS scavenger NAC,while the protein abundance of NLRP3 was significantly decreased.These results indicated that BHB inhibited the phagocytosis of CD14+monocytes in cows via the ROS-NLRP3 pathway.Therefore,regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may be an effective method to improve the decrease of monocyte phagocytosis in perinatal dairy cows.
7.Analysis on Characteristics of Peripheral Blood Recovery in Treatment of Aplastic Anemia with Bushen Shengxue Method and Yiqi Yangxue Method Combined with Western Medicine
Yaoyin ZHANG ; Jiaqi HE ; Chaochang ZHANG ; Wenru WANG ; Yubin DING ; Jinhuan WANG ; Ruirong XU ; Haixia DI ; Jiangwei WAN ; Qifeng LIU ; Haixia WANG ; Antao SUN ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(1):151-157
Objective To investigate the characteristics of peripheral blood in the treatment of aplastic anemia(AA)with Bushen Shengxue Method and Yiqi Yangxue Method combined with Western medicine.Methods Totally 492 AA patients who were treated in 19 centers including Xiyuan Hospital China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from September 2018 to March 2021 were selected,and were randomized into three groups:161 cases in the Bushen Shengxue group,164 cases in the Yiqi Yangxue group,and 167 cases in the control group.All three groups were orally administered cyclosporine and androgens.Bushen Shengxue group was given Bushen Shengxue Granules,Yiqi Yangxue group was given Yiqi Yangxue Granules,and the control group was given placebo(half dosage of Bushen Shengxue granules).The general data,overall efficacy,and peripheral blood at the 1st month,the 4th month,and 6th month after treatment were analyzed.Results The total effective rate of Bushen Shengxue group was 98.8%(159/161),which was significantly higher than that of Yiqi Yangxue group(79.9%)and the control group(61.7%),with statistical significance(P<0.001);The total effective rate of Yiqi Yangxue group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.001).Compared with before treatment,the hemoglobin(HGB)levels of all three groups of patients significantly increased after treatment(P<0.001,P<0.01),and the platelet levels of Bushen Shengxue group and the control group significantly increased after treatment(P<0.001);after treatment,the HGB levels in the three groups were ranked from high to low as the Bushen Shengxue group,Yiqi Yangxue group and the control group(P<0.01).25%of patients had HGB levels exceeding 20%of baseline values,Bushen Shengxue group took 1 month,while Yiqi Yangxue group and control group took 4 months;25%of patients had an increase in HGB levels exceeding 50%of the baseline value,Bushen Shengxue group took 6 months,while Yiqi Yangxue group and control group took more than 6 months.At 6 months,the number of patients with HGB elevation exceeding 20%and 50%of baseline values in Bushen Shengxue group was higher than that in Yiqi Yangxue group and the control group(P<0.05,P<0.001).25%of patients had white blood cell elevation exceeding 50%of the baseline value,Bushen Shengxue group took 4 months,Yiqi Yangxue group took 6 months,and the control group took more than 6 months.25%of patients showed an increase in platelet levels exceeding 100%of the baseline value,Bushen Shengxue group took 4 months,while Yiqi Yangxue group and control group took 6 months;at 6 months,the number of patients in Bushen Shengxue group and Yiqi Yangxue group with platelet elevation exceeding 20%of the baseline value was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Bushen Shengxue method combined with Western medicine intreating AA is better than the method of Yiqi Yangxue method combined with Western medicine.In terms of improving HGB,it is reflected in shortening the recovery time and increasing the number of beneficiaries,and the dosage can affect the recovery time and the number of beneficiaries at the same time;in terms of improving white blood cell and platelet,it is reflected in shortening the recovery time,and the dosage can affect the recovery time.
8.Effects of tributyrin on oxidative stress and immune function in dairy cows with negative energy balance
Miaomiao SUN ; Yingying DUAN ; Xudong SUN ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1769-1775
The objective of this study was to examine the effects of tributyrin(TB)on energy me-tabolism,oxidative stress and immune function in dairy cows with negative energy balance(NEB).In this study,25 perinatal Holstein cows from a dairy farm in Heilongjiang Province were selected.Five healthy cows were designated as the control group,and 20 cows with NEB were randomly di-vided into NEB control group,Propylene glycol(PG)group(300 mL PG),TB group(37.5 g TB)and PG+TB group(300 mL PG+37.5 g TB)with 5 cows in each group,and were continuously fed for 14 days.Blood samples were collected at 0,7,14 and 21 days.The indexes of oxidative stress,energy metabolism and immune function in the serum of dairy cows were quantified using commercially available kits.The results showed that compared with the NEB group,the contents of T-AOC,GSH-Px,CAT and SOD in the TB group were significantly increased,whereas the content of MDA was significantly decreased.These results indicated that TB can effectively alleviate the oxidative stress of cows with NEB.The contents of BHB,NEFA and BUN in the TB group were significantly decreased,indicating that TB can regulate energy metabolism disorders in cows with NEB.The contents of IL1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-21,MIP-1 and IP-10 in the TB group were significantly decreased,while the contents of IgA,IgM and IgG were significantly increased.These results sug-gest that TB has shown significant effects in inhibiting inflammatory response and improving im-mune function.Furthermore,compared with the PG group,the contents of T-AOC,GSH-Px,CAT,SOD,IgA,IgM and IgG in the TB group and the PG+TB group were significantly in-creased,whereas the contents of MDA,BHB,NEFA,BUN,IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-21,MIP-1 and IP-10 were significantly decreased.These results indicated that feeding TB alone was effective in alle-viating oxidative stress,improving energy metabolism and inhibiting inflammation in dairy cows compared to feeding the traditional drug PG,and the effect of feeding a mixture of PG and TB was particularly significant.This study provides a new theoretical basis for the prevention and treat-ment of oxidative stress and immune function decline caused by perinatal cows with NEB.
9.β-hydroxybutyrate impaired mitochondrial function in dairy cow monocytes through the PGC-1α pathway
Yang CHI ; Wantong CHENG ; Xudong SUN ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1763-1768
The aim of this study is to investigate whether β-hydroxybutyrate(BHB)impaired the mitochondrial function of dairy cow monocytes through the peroxisome proliferator-activated re-ceptor γ coactivator 1 alpha(PGC-1α)signaling pathway.According to the clinical symptoms and the concentration of BHB in whole blood,the tail vein blood of 12 healthy cows(BHB<1.2 mmol/L)and 12 clinical ketotic cows(CK,BHB>3.0 mmol/L)was collected.In vivo,after isolation and purification of CD14+monocytes,the intracellular mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by flow cytometry.The protein abundance of oxidative phosphorylation complex cytochrome c oxi-dase subunit Ⅰ(CO Ⅰ),CO Ⅱ,CO Ⅲ,COⅣ,CO Ⅴ,PGC-1 α,mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM)and nuclear respiratory factor 1(NFR1)were determined by Western blot.In vitro,CD14+monocytes were co-cultured with 3.0 mmol/L BHB for 0,6,12,24 h.Flow cytometry was applied for intracellular mitochondrial membrane potential detection,and determination the protein abundance of PGC-1α,TFAM and NFR1 by Western blot.The results showed that compared with control group,the mitochondrial membrane potential in CD14+monocytes of ketotic cows was sig-nificantly increased,and the protein abundance of CO Ⅰ,CO Ⅱ,CO Ⅲ,CO Ⅳ,CO Ⅴ PGC-1α,TFAM,and NRF1 in CD14+monocytes of ketotic cows were significantly decreased.Compared with 0 h,the mitochondrial membrane potential of CD14+monocytes was significantly increased after BHB treatment for 6,12,24 h,and the protein abundance of PGC-1α,TFAM and NRF1 were significantly decreased.The results indicated that BHB induced mitochondrial dysfunction in CD14+monocytes of ketotic cows by inhibiting PGC-1α signaling pathway.Therefore,the PGC-1αsignaling pathway may be a preventive and therapeutic target to the mitochondrial dysfunction of monocytes in ketotic cows caused by BHB.
10.Special dietary food improves exercise-induced myocardial injury in mice
Xu FENG ; Mantian MI ; Long YI ; Wei WANG ; Dagui CHEN ; Xudong YU ; Song CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(13):1413-1419
Objective To investigate the protective effects of Qiji Special Dietary Food on exercise-induced myocardial injury in mice.Methods An exercise-induced myocardial injury model was established using a treadmill running protocol,and at the same time,the modeled mice were administered Qiji Special Dietary Food via oral gavage,followed by a 4-week treadmill exhaustion test.Serum levels of cardiac troponin T(cTnT),creatine kinase(CK),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were measured.Myocardial tissues were analyzed for superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)content.Histopathological alterations and ultrastructural changes in myocardial tissue were evaluated using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Results After 4 weeks of exhaustive training,compared to the control group,the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum cTnT,CK,and myocardial MDA levels(P<0.01),along with reduced myocardial SOD activity(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,high-,medium-,and low-dose treatment significantly attenuated the exhaustive exercise-induced increases in serum cTnT level and myocardial MDA content(P<0.01),restoring these indicators to the levels comparable to those of the normal control group(P<0.05).Additionally,all treatment groups had markedly increased myocardial SOD activity,with no significant difference from the normal group.Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses revealed markedly alleviated myocardial damage in the treatment groups,with the medium-dose group exhibiting the most pronounced protective effects.Conclusion Qiji Special Dietary Food demonstrates significant protective effects against exercise-induced myocardial injury in mice,which maybe associated with its antioxidant activity and mitigation of oxidative stress.

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