Cardiac aging is a key factor in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Investigating the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of cardiac aging is of great importance for curbing the common phenomenon of the heart aging faster than the body and implementing the national strategy in response to population aging. Essence （Jing）， Qi， and spirit （Shen） are the origin， driving force， and manifestation of life， respectively. The Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine delineates the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of aging. This framework identifies kidney essence deficiency as the fundamental cause of aging， with primordial Qi depletion as a key factor and the consumption of body and spirit as its manifestations. Corresponding treatment principles involve tonifying the kidney to replenish essence， warming and supporting primordial Qi， and nourishing the body and spirit. During the process of tonifying the kidney， regulating Yin and Yang remains essential. Relevant studies indicate that this theoretical system provides significant guidance for anti-aging research in TCM. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine， this paper posits that kidney essence constitutes the material foundation for cardiac development， and primordial Qi acts as the fundamental driver of cardiac function. Physical form and spirit together provide the structural carrier and functional manifestation of the heart. We further propose the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles for cardiac aging. The fundamental pathogenesis lies in the deficiency and decline of kidney essence， leading to malnourishment of the heart. The key pathogenesis is the deficiency of primordial Qi， resulting in obstruction of the heart collateral. The manifestation involves the accumulation in the collateral and the dysfunction of the heart spirit. The corresponding treatment principles are tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence to nourish the heart， warming and reinforcing primordial Qi to unblock the heart collateral， and fortifying the physical form to invigorate the spirit mechanism. Existing studies demonstrate that Bazi Bushen Capsules， with the effects of tonifying the kidney， replenishing essence， warming primordial Qi， and fortifying the physical form and spirit， can delay cardiac aging. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine， these findings support the development of effective herbal formulas to intervene in cardiac aging.

Cardiac aging is a key factor in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Investigating the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of cardiac aging is of great importance for curbing the common phenomenon of the heart aging faster than the body and implementing the national strategy in response to population aging. Essence （Jing）， Qi， and spirit （Shen） are the origin， driving force， and manifestation of life， respectively. The Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine delineates the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of aging. This framework identifies kidney essence deficiency as the fundamental cause of aging， with primordial Qi depletion as a key factor and the consumption of body and spirit as its manifestations. Corresponding treatment principles involve tonifying the kidney to replenish essence， warming and supporting primordial Qi， and nourishing the body and spirit. During the process of tonifying the kidney， regulating Yin and Yang remains essential. Relevant studies indicate that this theoretical system provides significant guidance for anti-aging research in TCM. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine， this paper posits that kidney essence constitutes the material foundation for cardiac development， and primordial Qi acts as the fundamental driver of cardiac function. Physical form and spirit together provide the structural carrier and functional manifestation of the heart. We further propose the core pathogenesis and therapeutic principles for cardiac aging. The fundamental pathogenesis lies in the deficiency and decline of kidney essence， leading to malnourishment of the heart. The key pathogenesis is the deficiency of primordial Qi， resulting in obstruction of the heart collateral. The manifestation involves the accumulation in the collateral and the dysfunction of the heart spirit. The corresponding treatment principles are tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence to nourish the heart， warming and reinforcing primordial Qi to unblock the heart collateral， and fortifying the physical form to invigorate the spirit mechanism. Existing studies demonstrate that Bazi Bushen Capsules， with the effects of tonifying the kidney， replenishing essence， warming primordial Qi， and fortifying the physical form and spirit， can delay cardiac aging. Guided by the Essence-Qi-spirit theory within the Qi-collateral doctrine， these findings support the development of effective herbal formulas to intervene in cardiac aging.

BACKGROUND:Buqi Huoxue Compounds have significant clinical efficacy in treating ischemic stroke with Qi deficiency and phlegm stasis;however,the exact mechanism of action is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of Buqi Huoxue Compounds on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor and autophagy related protein Beclin1 and p62 in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group and autophagy inhibitor group,with 10 rats in each group.In the latter three groups,a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established.The Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion;the autophagy inhibitor group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion and intraperitoneally given 3-methyladenine 2 hours before gavage and at days 1-3 of gavage.The sham operation group and model group were given equal amounts of saline by gavage for 7 consecutive days.Neurological function,cerebral infarct volume,brain tissue morphology and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor and autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and p62 in the ischemic cortical region of rats were detected at 24 hours after the final administration. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Zea-Longa scoring results showed that the neurological function of rats was severely damaged after modeling and neurological deficit of rats in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was less than that in the model group and the autophagy inhibitor group(P＜0.05).TTC staining showed that cerebral infarct foci were observed in the model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,and autophagy inhibitor group,and the cerebral infarct volume in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was lower than that in the model group and the autophagy inhibitor group(P＜0.05).The results of hematoxylin-eosin staining in ischemic brain tissues showed that there were large gaps between nerve cells in the model group and cell arrangement was not neat,and cytoplasmic agglutination and pyknosis were observed.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that vascular endothelial growth factor was mostly expressed in neuronal cells,glial cells and capillary endothelium;basic fibroblast growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were mostly expressed in neuronal cells and glial cells;and there was no significant difference in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor among the four groups(P＞0.05).The results of western blot assay showed that compared with the sham operation group,Beclin1 protein expression was decreased(P＜0.05)and p62 protein expression was elevated(P＜0.05)in the model group;compared with the model group,Beclin1 protein expression was increased(P＜0.05)and p62 protein expression was reduced(P＜0.05)in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group;compared with the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,Beclin1 protein expression was decreased(P＜0.05)and p62 protein expression was elevated(P＜0.05)in the autophagy inhibitor group.To conclude,Buqi Huoxue Compounds attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by promoting autophagy.

[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (SPThuLEP) with "open tunnel" and transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in order to provide reference for the treatment options of BPH. [Methods] The clinical data of 112 BPH patients treated in our hospital during Jan.2023 and Jul.2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 treated with SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" and 57 with HoLEP.The operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, postoperative bladder irrigation, catheter indwelling time, hospitalization time and complications were compared between the two groups.The changes of maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), postvoid residual (PVR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were compared between the two groups before operation and one month after operation. [Results] All operations were successful without conversion to open or transurethral plasmakinetic resection.The postoperative decrease of hemoglobin in SPThuLEP group was lower than that in HoLEP group [(13.12±6.72) g/L vs. (21.02±6.51) g/L], with statistical difference (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time [(63.35±15.73) min vs.(61.02±17.55) min], postoperative bladder irrigation time [(1.07±0.45) d vs. (1.06±0.36) d], catheter indwelling time [(2.98±0.56) d vs. (3.01±0.63) d] and hospitalization time [(3.63±0.61) d vs.(3.79±0.76) d] between the two groups (P>0.05). No blood transfusion, secondary bleeding or unplanned hospitalization occurred, and there were no serious complications such as transurethral electroresection syndrome (TURS), urethral stricture and urinary incontinence.One month after operation, the Qmax, IPSS, QoL, PVR and PSA of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). [Conclusion] SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" has comparable efficacy as HoLEP in the treatment of BPH.With advantages of small amount of bleeding and high safety, this minimally invasive technique can be widely popularized in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND:Buqi Huoxue Compounds have shown significant clinical effects on the treatment of ischemic stroke due to qi deficiency and phlegm stasis,but its specific mechanism of action needs to be further clarified.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Buqi Huoxue Compounds on the neurological function,p-Akt and serum exosome expression in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.METHODS:Forty adult male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats,6 weeks old,were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group,with 10 rats in each group.In the latter three groups,a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established using thread technique.The sham operation group was given incision and separation without inserting a suture.The Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion;the GW4869+Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion and intraperitoneally given GW4869[2.5 mg/(kg·d)]2 hours before gavage with 3 days after modeling.Both the sham operation group and model group received equal amounts of saline via gavage,three times a day,for 7 consecutive days.Neurological function,cerebral infarct volume,brain tissue morphology,characterization of serum exosome,p-Akt in the cortical area and CD63 and TSG101 in serum exosome were detected after 7 days of administration.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After modeling,compared with the sham operation group,the neurological function scores of the model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group were significantly increased(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05).After 7 days of intervention,the neurological function scores of the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group were significantly lower than those of the model group and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group(all P＜0.01).(2)The results of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining showed that cerebral infarct foci were observed in the model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group,and the cerebral infarct volume in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was smaller than that in the model group and the Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group(P＜0.01).(3)The results of hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the morphological and structural abnormalities of nerve cells in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group were less severe than those in the model group,but some cells still exhibited cytoplasmic agglutination and pyknosis in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group.(4)NanoSight analysis showed that the diameters of the isolated particles ranged from 60 nm to 300 nm,consistent with the characteristic size of exosomes.(5)Western blot results showed that the expression of p-Akt in the infarct zone and expression of CD63 and TSG101 in serum exosomes were significantly lower in the model group compared with the sham operation group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the expression of p-Akt in the infarct zone and expression of CD63 and TSG101 in serum exosomes were significantly higher in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group than in the model group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).However,the p-Akt expression in the infarct zone and CD63 expression in serum exosomes decreased significantly in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group(P＜0.05),while TSG101 expression decreased without significant difference after the addition of GW4869.(6)To conclude,Buqi Huoxue Compounds attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and increase the expression of p-Akt in rats by promoting exosome secretion.

Objective:This study analyzes the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of early-stage gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (G-MANEC), which is an exceedingly rare malignancy, in an effort to provide evidence-based insights for clinical decision-making.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted using the clinical data of 36 patients with early-stage G-MANEC who underwent surgical resection at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from July 2014 to May 2022. The observed indicators included clinicopathological data and follow-up information on recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival (OS).Results:Among the 36 patients there were 21 males and 15 females, aged 32-84 (65±11) years. The most common initial symptoms were abdominal pain and distension (19/36, 52.8%), followed by incidental findings during physical examinations (7/36, 19.4%). Tumors were located in the proximal stomach in 13 cases (36.1%), the middle stomach in 4 cases (11.1%), and the distal stomach in 19 cases (52.8%). Average tumor diameter was (2.48±1.18) cm. Gross morphology included elevated type in 12 cases (33.3%), flat type in 20 cases (55.6%), and depressed type in 4 cases (11.1%). Ulceration was present in 12 cases (33.3%). There were 11 cases (30.6%) at T1a stage and 25 cases (69.4%) at T1b stage. Lymph node metastasis was positive in 10 cases (27.8%), and the differentiation grades of the adenocarcinoma component were Grade I, II, and III in 3 (8.3%), 10 (27.8%), and 23 (63.9%) cases, respectively. Furthermore, the proportion of neuroendocrine carcinoma component was ≥50% in 18 cases (50.0%) and <50% in 18 cases (50.0%). Lymphovascular or perineural invasion was present in 18 cases (50.0%). Lauren classification included mixed type in 10 cases (27.8%), intestinal type in 19 cases (52.8%), and diffuse type in 7 cases (19.4%), and chromogranin A (CgA) positivity was found in 20 cases (55.6%). Additionally, the Ki-67 index positivity was found in 26 cases (72.2%). Total gastrectomy was performed in 12 cases (33.3%) and partial gastrectomy in 24 cases (66.7%), with a median follow-up duration of 77.5 months. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 88.89% and 79.67%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, gross morphology, ulceration, proportion of neuroendocrine carcinoma component, lymphovascular or perineural invasion, and chromogranin A (CgA) positivity showed statistical significance in their association with OS ( P<0.10). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further identified ulceration (HR=7.74, 95%CI: 1.24-48.30, P=0.028) and CgA positivity (HR=21.76, 95%CI: 1.86-53.97, P=0.014) as independent risk factors of OS. Conclusions:Patients with early-stage G-MANEC are typically asymptomatic, and those with ulceration or positive CgA immunohistochemical staining tend to have a poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND:Buqi Huoxue Compounds have shown significant clinical effects on the treatment of ischemic stroke due to qi deficiency and phlegm stasis,but its specific mechanism of action needs to be further clarified.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Buqi Huoxue Compounds on the neurological function,p-Akt and serum exosome expression in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.METHODS:Forty adult male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats,6 weeks old,were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group,with 10 rats in each group.In the latter three groups,a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established using thread technique.The sham operation group was given incision and separation without inserting a suture.The Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion;the GW4869+Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion and intraperitoneally given GW4869[2.5 mg/(kg·d)]2 hours before gavage with 3 days after modeling.Both the sham operation group and model group received equal amounts of saline via gavage,three times a day,for 7 consecutive days.Neurological function,cerebral infarct volume,brain tissue morphology,characterization of serum exosome,p-Akt in the cortical area and CD63 and TSG101 in serum exosome were detected after 7 days of administration.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After modeling,compared with the sham operation group,the neurological function scores of the model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group were significantly increased(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05).After 7 days of intervention,the neurological function scores of the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group were significantly lower than those of the model group and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group(all P＜0.01).(2)The results of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining showed that cerebral infarct foci were observed in the model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group,and the cerebral infarct volume in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was smaller than that in the model group and the Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group(P＜0.01).(3)The results of hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the morphological and structural abnormalities of nerve cells in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group were less severe than those in the model group,but some cells still exhibited cytoplasmic agglutination and pyknosis in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group and Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group.(4)NanoSight analysis showed that the diameters of the isolated particles ranged from 60 nm to 300 nm,consistent with the characteristic size of exosomes.(5)Western blot results showed that the expression of p-Akt in the infarct zone and expression of CD63 and TSG101 in serum exosomes were significantly lower in the model group compared with the sham operation group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the expression of p-Akt in the infarct zone and expression of CD63 and TSG101 in serum exosomes were significantly higher in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group than in the model group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).However,the p-Akt expression in the infarct zone and CD63 expression in serum exosomes decreased significantly in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds+GW4869 group(P＜0.05),while TSG101 expression decreased without significant difference after the addition of GW4869.(6)To conclude,Buqi Huoxue Compounds attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and increase the expression of p-Akt in rats by promoting exosome secretion.

Objective:This study analyzes the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of early-stage gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (G-MANEC), which is an exceedingly rare malignancy, in an effort to provide evidence-based insights for clinical decision-making.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted using the clinical data of 36 patients with early-stage G-MANEC who underwent surgical resection at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from July 2014 to May 2022. The observed indicators included clinicopathological data and follow-up information on recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival (OS).Results:Among the 36 patients there were 21 males and 15 females, aged 32-84 (65±11) years. The most common initial symptoms were abdominal pain and distension (19/36, 52.8%), followed by incidental findings during physical examinations (7/36, 19.4%). Tumors were located in the proximal stomach in 13 cases (36.1%), the middle stomach in 4 cases (11.1%), and the distal stomach in 19 cases (52.8%). Average tumor diameter was (2.48±1.18) cm. Gross morphology included elevated type in 12 cases (33.3%), flat type in 20 cases (55.6%), and depressed type in 4 cases (11.1%). Ulceration was present in 12 cases (33.3%). There were 11 cases (30.6%) at T1a stage and 25 cases (69.4%) at T1b stage. Lymph node metastasis was positive in 10 cases (27.8%), and the differentiation grades of the adenocarcinoma component were Grade I, II, and III in 3 (8.3%), 10 (27.8%), and 23 (63.9%) cases, respectively. Furthermore, the proportion of neuroendocrine carcinoma component was ≥50% in 18 cases (50.0%) and <50% in 18 cases (50.0%). Lymphovascular or perineural invasion was present in 18 cases (50.0%). Lauren classification included mixed type in 10 cases (27.8%), intestinal type in 19 cases (52.8%), and diffuse type in 7 cases (19.4%), and chromogranin A (CgA) positivity was found in 20 cases (55.6%). Additionally, the Ki-67 index positivity was found in 26 cases (72.2%). Total gastrectomy was performed in 12 cases (33.3%) and partial gastrectomy in 24 cases (66.7%), with a median follow-up duration of 77.5 months. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 88.89% and 79.67%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, gross morphology, ulceration, proportion of neuroendocrine carcinoma component, lymphovascular or perineural invasion, and chromogranin A (CgA) positivity showed statistical significance in their association with OS ( P<0.10). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further identified ulceration (HR=7.74, 95%CI: 1.24-48.30, P=0.028) and CgA positivity (HR=21.76, 95%CI: 1.86-53.97, P=0.014) as independent risk factors of OS. Conclusions:Patients with early-stage G-MANEC are typically asymptomatic, and those with ulceration or positive CgA immunohistochemical staining tend to have a poor prognosis.

Although immunotherapy has made a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer,the emergence of drug resistance has limited be-nefits in most patients,and reversing immunotherapy resistance remains a hotly debated and unresolved issue.The tumor microenviron-ment(TME)comprises a large number of T lymphocytes.During the biological processes of proliferation,activation,and the effect of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs),TILs face severe local metabolic stress,resulting in metabolic reprogramming to meet the markedly increased energy demand and biosynthesis requirements.This process of adaptive changes in the metabolic pattern is closely related to the pheno-type and function of TILs,affecting immunotherapy efficacy and mediating immunotherapy resistance.In recent years,with the study of TIL metabolism and the search for specific metabolic regulatory points,targeting the TIL metabolic pathway could restore the tumor-killing func-tion and reverse immunotherapy resistance.This review explores the relationship between the metabolic reprogramming of TILs and im-mune resistance,and provides a new strategy for reversing immune resistance.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer and establish a model for prediction of risk.Methods:The cohort of this retrospective observational study comprised 1096 patients who had undergone radical gastric cancer surgery combined with standard D1 lymphadenectomy and been diagnosed with early gastric cancer by postoperative pathology in Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University from January 2016 to July 2022. The patients were allocated to groups with and without lymph node metastases. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between the two groups and multi-factor logistic regression analysis used to identify independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer. Indications for endoscopic resection in the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association (JGCA) guideline were also incorporated into construction of the model. The patient cohort was divided into training and validation sets in a 6:4 ratio. The identified independent risk factors were used to construct a predictive nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted separately and the difference between them in predictive efficacy was compared using the area under the curve (AUC).Results:A total of 1,096 patients with early gastric cancer were included, with 750 males and 346 females. Their average age was (61.4±10.9) years old, and the mean tumor diameter was (23.8±11.4) mm. Among them, 188 patients (17.2%) had positive lymph node metastasis, with 109 cases in N1 stage, 42 cases in N2 stage, and 37 cases in N3 stage. Additionally, 462 patients were in T1a stage, while 634 patients were in T1b stage. Univariate analysis showed that tumor diameter, location, Lauren classification, gross morphology, histological type, intravascular invasion, ulceration, differentiation type and tumor T stage were associated with lymph node metastasis after radical gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (all P<0.05). Multifactorial analysis showed that the presence of intravascular invasion (OR=14.822, 95%CI: 9.323–23.572, P<0.001), undifferentiated type (OR=3.095, 95%CI: 1.649–5.811, P<0.001), tumor T1b (OR=1.798, 95%CI: 1.053–3.079, P=0.032), and tumor diameter ≥2 cm (OR=1.229, 95%CI: 1.031–1.469, P=0.022) were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. The baseline data of the training set and validation set were consistent in terms of balance (all P>0.05). We used the above variables to establish a predictive nomogram for lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer. The AUC values obtained from the validation of the model in the training and validation sets were 0.880 (95%CI: 0.849–0.911) and 0.881 (95%CI: 0.841–0.921), respectively, and were significantly better than the predictive efficacy based on the JGCA guideline (AUC=0.777, 95%CI: 0.746–0.809, P<0.001). Conclusions:Patients with early gastric cancer and intravascular invasion, undifferentiated tumors, tumor T1b, and diameter ≥2 cm are at higher risk of postoperative lymph node metastasis than other patients. The predictive model developed in this study more accurately predicts lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer than previously proposed methods.