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Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics ›› 2026, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (5): 675-682.doi: 10.12092/j.issn.1009-2501.2026.05.012

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Research progress on the prevention and treatment of high-altitude diseases by traditional Chinese medicine based on the "lung-brain axis"

Mina GAO1,3(), Liya YANG1,2, Shangying DUAN1,4, Xinlu CHEN1,2, Xiaoya LI1,2, Bo QIAO1,2, Yueying WU1,2,*()   

  1. 1. Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
    2. Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
    3. Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
    4. Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Materia Medica, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
  • Received:2025-03-27 Revised:2025-06-03 Online:2026-05-26 Published:2026-06-02
  • Contact: Yueying WU E-mail:hhg042802231015@foxmail.com;wuyueying@ynucm.edu.cn

Abstract:

The hypoxic environment at high altitudes is inextricably linked to the onset and progression of both acute and chronic high-altitude diseases (such as pulmonary edema and cerebral edema) through the "lung-brain axis." Leveraging the holistic perspective of "harmony between humanity and nature" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which intervenes in pathophysiological processes through multi-target and multi-pathway approaches, represents an effective strategy for the clinical prevention and treatment of high-altitude diseases. Based on this, our review aims to systematically elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which TCM regulates the "lung-brain axis" in clinical practice, starting from the biological foundations of this axis. We hope to provide the theoretical basis for high-altitude residents, workers, and military garrisons, strengthen military-civilian integration, and promote the translational application of TCM in scenarios such as high-altitude garrisoning and disaster relief.

Key words: lung-brain axis, traditional Chinese medicine, high-altitude hypoxia, inflammation, oxidative stress

CLC Number: