To investigate the impact of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprehensive therapy, grounded in the theoretical framework of lung, spleen, and kidney treatment, on the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and airway remodeling in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A total of 180 patients with stable COPD who attended the hospital between March 2023 and December 2024 were selected as study participants. A total of 180 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were treated at our hospital between January 2022 and September 2023 were recruited as research participants. These patients were allocated into four groups: the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group (n = 60), which received basic Western medicine treatment combined with a TCM formula for replenishing qi, dredging collaterals, strengthening the spleen, and tonifying the kidney; the Acupoint group (n = 60), which received basic Western medicine treatment combined with acupoint application therapy; the Combined group (n = 60), which received basic Western medicine treatment combined with both the TCM formula and acupoint application therapy. Data collection included pulmonary function indices [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)], COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, modified British Medical Research Council dyspnea questionnaire (mMRC) scores, serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels. Additionally, the study evaluated the ratio of airway wall thickness to external diameter (T/D), the percentage of airway wall thickness relative to total airway diameter (WA%), airway smooth muscle area (ASM%), emphysema index (LAA%), and the incidence of adverse reactions.

The total efficacy rate in the combined treatment group was 100.00% (60/60), which was significantly higher than that in the TCM group (86.67%, 52/60) and the acupoint therapy group (88.33%, 53/60) (86.67%) and the acupoint therapy group (88.33%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the total clinical effective rate between the Chinese Medicine group and the Acupoint Therapy group (P > 0.05). After 9 months of treatment, there were no significant differences in serum IFN-γ, IL-4 levels or the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio between the Chinese medicine group and the acupoint therapy group (P >0.05). At the 9-month mark, serum IFN-γ levels and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in the Combined Therapy group were significantly higher than those in both the Chinese Medicine group and the Acupoint Therapy group (P < 0.05). At the 9-month mark, serum IL-4 levels in the Combined Therapy group were significantly lower than those in both the Chinese Medicine group and the Acupoint Therapy group (P < 0.05). At 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment, the T/D, WA, ASM, and LAA values in the combined treatment group were significantly lower than those in the Chinese medicine group and the acupoint therapy group (P <0.05). At 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment, there were no significant differences in T/D, WA, ASM, or LAA values between the Chinese medicine group and the acupoint therapy group (P >0.05). No significant difference in clinical efficacy was observed between the TCM group and the acupoint therapy group (P >0.05). Post-treatment analysis revealed no significant differences in serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels, the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, as well as T/D, WA, ASM, and LAA values between the TCM group and the acupoint therapy group (P > 0.05). In contrast, the combined treatment group exhibited significantly higher post-treatment serum IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios compared to both the TCM and acupoint therapy groups (P <0.05). Additionally, the combined treatment group demonstrated significantly lower post-treatment serum IL-4 levels and T/D, WA, ASM, and LAA values compared to the TCM and acupoint therapy groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the three groups was 15.00%, 16.67%, and 5.00%, respectively, with no statistically significant differences observed among the groups (P > 0.05).

Traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive therapy, grounded in the theoretical framework of lung, spleen, and kidney treatment, can regulate the Th1/Th2 immune balance via multiple targets and inhibit airway remodeling. This approach effectively enhances lung function and alleviates clinical symptoms in patients with stable COPD. It demonstrates significant advantages in terms of efficacy stability and safety, thereby exhibiting high application value.