Rat model for study of the essence of spleen deficiency and dampness in Chinese medicine

To explore the essence of spleen deficiency and dampness in Chinese medicine by successfully constructing a rat model with this syndrome. Methods: Rat models with the syndrome of dampness and spleen deficiency were established with the use of a high-fat, low-protein diet and excessive fatigue induced by loaded swimming. A total of 25 common clinical serological markers were tested. The T test, rank test, and partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Total protein, albumin, motilin, interferon-γ, interleukin-2, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and complement 3 levels in the model rats were lower than those in the control group (P = 0.029, P = 0.032, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The serum creatinine, total cholesterol, aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone, gastrin, interleukin-4, somatostatin, atrial natriuretic peptide, and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels in the model group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001, P = 0.015, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, globulin, albumin/globulin, blood urea nitrogen, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. The model animal syndrome used two important variables in analysis with partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis. At the same time, the two dimensions were difficult to distinguish for each biological index. Conclusion: Spleen deficiency is often associated with dampness. The index that represents spleen deficiency can also represent dampness. Cytokines, immunoglobulins, and gastrointestinal hormones play a major causative role in both spleen deficiency and dampness.