Translating Western Animal Models into TCM

Abstract

To translate western animal models into TCM means to combine TCM aetiological characteristics and pathobiology of western medicine to establish animal models. Translating western animal models into TCM does provide us with a new approach which will be able to help TCM diagnose diseases on more objective basis and quantitative basis. Traditionally, animal models of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are not easily reproducible, where syndromes are mostly appreciated. Most duplicated animal models could hardly reflect the natures and whole pictures of diseases. In addition, the modeling method based on disease syndromes could only reflect single aspect of a disease, since different diseases may most probably share the same syndromes. On the opposite side, western models appreciate diseases as the first priority. Anyhow, both separate the relationship between diseases and syndromes. Translating the animal models of western medicine into the experimental research of traditional Chinese medicines has the advantages of reliable results and high degree of recognition. The diseases-and-syndrome-combined animal models are more reliable and stable, allowing consistent and dynamic observation on macro and micro variations happened on such models, so as to very closely simulate clinical experiences.