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A comparative study on the clinical differences in traditional Chinese medicine pattern in ulcerative colitis
Xingyao Lu1,2, Yichuan Xv2, Enjia Guo2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Medicine
|July 30, 2026
Summary
The dampness-heat in the large intestine (DCSR) pattern in ulcerative colitis (UC) shows more severe inflammation and neutrophil activation than the spleen deficiency with dampness accumulation (PXSY) pattern. This research supports personalized UC treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a rising autoimmune disease, especially in Asia.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers pattern differentiation for effective UC treatment.
- This study compares two common TCM patterns: dampness-heat in the large intestine (DCSR) and spleen deficiency with dampness accumulation (PXSY).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical differences between DCSR and PXSY patterns in UC patients.
- To reveal the biological basis of TCM pattern differentiation in UC.
- To provide evidence for personalized UC treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- 180 UC patients (90 DCSR, 90 PXSY) were analyzed.
- Peripheral inflammatory markers, endoscopic features, and histological injury (Robarts Histopathology Index) were assessed.
- Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence detected CD4, myeloperoxidase (MPO), NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), CD11b, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
Main Results:
- DCSR patients had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-to-albumin ratio.
- Endoscopic and histological analyses revealed more severe inflammation and mucosal damage in DCSR patients, with ulcer formation as a key differentiator.
- Increased expression of MPO, NOX2, CD11b, and NETs was observed in the colons of DCSR patients.
Conclusions:
- The DCSR pattern is associated with severe systemic and local inflammation and elevated neutrophil activation in UC.
- The PXSY pattern reflects a milder, chronic inflammatory state.
- Multidimensional biomarkers validate TCM pattern differentiation and support personalized UC management.
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