The research and development of new traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) drugs have progressively established a novel system founded on the integration of TCM theory, human experience, and clinical trials (termed the "Three Combinations"). However, considering TCM's distinctive features of "syndrome differentiation and treatment" and "multicomponent formulations and complex mechanisms", current TCM drug development faces challenges such as insufficient understanding of the material basis and the overall mechanism of action and an incomplete evidence chain system. Moreover, significant obstacles persist in gathering human experience data, evaluating clinical efficacy, and controlling the quality of active ingredients, which impede the innovation process in TCM drug development. Network pharmacology, centered on the "network targets" theory, transcends the limitations of the conventional "single target" reductionist research model. It emphasizes the comprehensive effects of disease or syndrome biological networks as targets to elucidate the overall regulatory mechanism of TCM prescriptions. This approach aligns with the holistic perspective of TCM, offering a novel method consistent with TCM's holistic view for investigating the complex mechanisms of TCM and developing new TCM drugs. It is internationally recognized as a "next-generation drug research model". To advance the research of new tools, methods, and standards for TCM evaluation and to overcome fundamental, critical, and cutting-edge technical challenges in TCM regulation, this consensus aims to explore the characteristics, progress, challenges, applicable pathways, and specific applications of network pharmacology as a new theory, method, and tool in TCM drug development. The goal is to enhance the quality of TCM drug research and development and accelerate the efficiency of developing new TCM products.
Humans ; Consensus ; Drug Development/standards* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Network Pharmacology/standards* ; Guidelines as Topic

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates distinctive advantages in disease prevention and treatment. However, analyzing its biological mechanisms through the modern medical research paradigm of "single drug, single target" presents significant challenges due to its holistic approach. Network pharmacology and its core theory of network targets connect drugs and diseases from a holistic and systematic perspective based on biological networks, overcoming the limitations of reductionist research models and showing considerable value in TCM research. Recent integration of network target computational and experimental methods with artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-modal multi-omics technologies has substantially enhanced network pharmacology methodology. The advancement in computational and experimental techniques provides complementary support for network target theory in decoding TCM principles. This review, centered on network targets, examines the progress of network target methods combined with AI in predicting disease molecular mechanisms and drug-target relationships, alongside the application of multi-modal multi-omics technologies in analyzing TCM formulae, syndromes, and toxicity. Looking forward, network target theory is expected to incorporate emerging technologies while developing novel approaches aligned with its unique characteristics, potentially leading to significant breakthroughs in TCM research and advancing scientific understanding and innovation in TCM.
Artificial Intelligence ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Humans ; Network Pharmacology/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Multiomics

Objective·To analyze the influencing factors of left ventricular mass index(LVMI)in patients with essential hypertension,and explore the relationship between aldosterone levels and left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH).Methods·A total of 155 patients with essential hypertension,hospitalized in the Hypertension Department of the Northern Campus of Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2013 to December 2019,and excluded from primary aldosteronism by saline load test(post-saline suppression plasma aldosterone<60 pg/mL),were enrolled.General clinical data(age,gender,smoking status,duration of hypertension,etc.),physical examination data(blood pressure and body mass index),blood biochemistry(renal function,electrolytes,fasting blood glucose,and lipids),urinary sodium,and relevant hormones(basal and activated aldosterone,basal and activated renin,urinary aldosterone,post-saline suppression aldosterone,etc.)were collected.LVMI was evaluated by echocardiography.Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the linear association between LVMI and each variable.Binary Logistic regression models were applied to screen independent risk factors for LVH.Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the impact of variables on LVMI.Results·The mean age of the 155 patients was(46.85±11.08)years,with 51.6%being male.Pearson correlation analysis showed that LVMI was significantly positively correlated with post-saline suppression aldosterone(r=0.334,P<0.001),age(r=0.184,P=0.032),duration of hypertension(r=0.241,P=0.005),systolic blood pressure(r=0.280,P=0.001),and pulse pressure(r=0.339,P<0.001).No significant correlations were found with diastolic blood pressure,body mass index,fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,urinary sodium,basal aldosterone,activated aldosterone,or urinary aldosterone.After adjusting for confounders,including gender,smoking history,age,duration of hypertension,body mass index,pulse pressure,systolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,and total cholesterol,binary Logistic regression showed that each 1 pg/mL increase in post-saline suppression aldosterone was associated with a 5.1%increased risk of LVH(OR=1.051,95%CI 1.016?1.088,P=0.004).Multiple linear regression identified suppressed aldosterone(β=0.359,P<0.001),duration of hypertension(β=0.168,P=0.046),and pulse pressure(β=0.226,P=0.008)as independent influencing factors for LVMI.Conclusion·Suppressed aldosterone is an independent influencing factor for LVH in patients with essential hypertension.

Objective:To investigate the effects of ascites grading and the application of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) on the 1-year prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).Methods:1 386 ascitic cases with ACLF were graded and followed up for one year. The 1-year prognostic effect of ascites grade and NSBBs was analyzed on ACLF by the Kaplan Meier Log-rank test, Cox stepwise regression, and multivariate regression.The t-test, Mann-Whitney U, or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for intergroup comparison of measurement data. The χ2 test was used for intergroup comparison of numerical data. Results:The incidence rate of ascites at admission was 77.56% in 1 386 ACLF cases. The Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) of the 1-year survival curve test for 1 386 ACLF patients with ascites grade was 21.384, P<0.01. Multivariate regression and Cox stepwise regression analysis showed that ascites grade, age, gastrointestinal bleeding, pulmonary infection, acute kidney injury, prothrombin activity (PTA), urea, MELD-Na score, and the use of NSBBs were closely related to the 1-year prognosis of ACLF. The log rank (Mantel-Cox) of NSBBs treatment in the grade 2/3 ascites group was 6.113, P=0.013, and the difference was statistically significant, suggesting that NSBBs treatment can help improve the 1-year survival rate in ACLF patients with grade 2 and 3 ascites. Conclusions:Ascites grading and the use of NSBBs affect the prognostic factor of ACLF at one year. NSBBs may be beneficial for the long-term prognosis of ACLF, and treatment can be continued in patients who have already received NSBBs prior to the onset of ACLF.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on ferroptosis in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） and explore the underlying mechanism based on the nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）/glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） signaling pathway. MethodsThe sixty SD rats were randomly grouped as follows： control， model， Yishanfu （0.144 g·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （2.44， 4.88， and 9.76 g·kg^-1， respectively） Danggui Shaoyaosan. A high-fat diet was used to establish the rat model of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of modeling， rats were treated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks. Then， the body weight and liver weight were measured， and the liver index was calculated. At the same time， serum and liver samples were collected. The levels or activities of total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and Fe²⁺ in the serum and TC， TG， free fatty acids （FFA）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GPX）， and Fe²⁺ in the liver were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the reactive oxygen species （ROS） content in the liver. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， GPX4， transferrin receptor 1 （TFR1）， and divalent metal transporter 1 （DMT1） in the liver were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group showed increases in the body weight， liver weight， liver index， levels or activities of TC， TG， ALT， AST， and Fe²⁺ in the serum， levels of TC， TG， FFA， MDA， Fe²⁺， and ROS in the liver， and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver （P<0.01）， and decreases in the activities of SOD， GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the liver （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the liver tissue in the model group presented steatosis， iron deposition， mitochondrial shrinkage， and blurred or swollen mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group， all doses of Danggui Shaoyaosan reduced the body weight， liver weight， liver index， levels or activities of TC， TG， ALT， AST， and Fe²⁺ in the serum， levels of TC， TG， FFA， MDA， Fe²⁺， and ROS in the liver， and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver （P<0.01）， while increasing the activities of SOD and GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， and GPX4 in the liver （P<0.01）. Furthermore， Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviated steatosis， iron deposition， and mitochondrial damage in the liver. ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway to treat NAFLD.

Objective·To analyze the influencing factors of left ventricular mass index(LVMI)in patients with essential hypertension,and explore the relationship between aldosterone levels and left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH).Methods·A total of 155 patients with essential hypertension,hospitalized in the Hypertension Department of the Northern Campus of Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2013 to December 2019,and excluded from primary aldosteronism by saline load test(post-saline suppression plasma aldosterone<60 pg/mL),were enrolled.General clinical data(age,gender,smoking status,duration of hypertension,etc.),physical examination data(blood pressure and body mass index),blood biochemistry(renal function,electrolytes,fasting blood glucose,and lipids),urinary sodium,and relevant hormones(basal and activated aldosterone,basal and activated renin,urinary aldosterone,post-saline suppression aldosterone,etc.)were collected.LVMI was evaluated by echocardiography.Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the linear association between LVMI and each variable.Binary Logistic regression models were applied to screen independent risk factors for LVH.Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the impact of variables on LVMI.Results·The mean age of the 155 patients was(46.85±11.08)years,with 51.6%being male.Pearson correlation analysis showed that LVMI was significantly positively correlated with post-saline suppression aldosterone(r=0.334,P<0.001),age(r=0.184,P=0.032),duration of hypertension(r=0.241,P=0.005),systolic blood pressure(r=0.280,P=0.001),and pulse pressure(r=0.339,P<0.001).No significant correlations were found with diastolic blood pressure,body mass index,fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,urinary sodium,basal aldosterone,activated aldosterone,or urinary aldosterone.After adjusting for confounders,including gender,smoking history,age,duration of hypertension,body mass index,pulse pressure,systolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,and total cholesterol,binary Logistic regression showed that each 1 pg/mL increase in post-saline suppression aldosterone was associated with a 5.1%increased risk of LVH(OR=1.051,95%CI 1.016?1.088,P=0.004).Multiple linear regression identified suppressed aldosterone(β=0.359,P<0.001),duration of hypertension(β=0.168,P=0.046),and pulse pressure(β=0.226,P=0.008)as independent influencing factors for LVMI.Conclusion·Suppressed aldosterone is an independent influencing factor for LVH in patients with essential hypertension.

In October 2023, a patient with locally advanced breast cancer was treated in the Department of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital. Radical mastectomy for breast cancer was performed, and the huge soft tissue defect (40.0 cm×22.0 cm) was reconstructed by a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAMF) combined with a free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEPF) and a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF). The size of the lower abdominal flap was 28.0 cm×11.0 cm, and the size of ALTPF was 30.0 cm×11.0 cm. All flaps survived well with soft texture. Scores of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were significantly improved at 1 month after the surgery. The patient refused chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other comprehensive treatments at the time. A local cancer recurrence in chest wall was found at 9 months after surgery, the patient was currently under chemotherapy and other comprehensive therapies.

In October 2023, a patient with locally advanced breast cancer was treated in the Department of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital. Radical mastectomy for breast cancer was performed, and the huge soft tissue defect (40.0 cm×22.0 cm) was reconstructed by a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAMF) combined with a free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEPF) and a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF). The size of the lower abdominal flap was 28.0 cm×11.0 cm, and the size of ALTPF was 30.0 cm×11.0 cm. All flaps survived well with soft texture. Scores of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were significantly improved at 1 month after the surgery. The patient refused chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other comprehensive treatments at the time. A local cancer recurrence in chest wall was found at 9 months after surgery, the patient was currently under chemotherapy and other comprehensive therapies.

Objective:To investigate the effects of ascites grading and the application of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) on the 1-year prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).Methods:1 386 ascitic cases with ACLF were graded and followed up for one year. The 1-year prognostic effect of ascites grade and NSBBs was analyzed on ACLF by the Kaplan Meier Log-rank test, Cox stepwise regression, and multivariate regression.The t-test, Mann-Whitney U, or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for intergroup comparison of measurement data. The χ2 test was used for intergroup comparison of numerical data. Results:The incidence rate of ascites at admission was 77.56% in 1 386 ACLF cases. The Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) of the 1-year survival curve test for 1 386 ACLF patients with ascites grade was 21.384, P<0.01. Multivariate regression and Cox stepwise regression analysis showed that ascites grade, age, gastrointestinal bleeding, pulmonary infection, acute kidney injury, prothrombin activity (PTA), urea, MELD-Na score, and the use of NSBBs were closely related to the 1-year prognosis of ACLF. The log rank (Mantel-Cox) of NSBBs treatment in the grade 2/3 ascites group was 6.113, P=0.013, and the difference was statistically significant, suggesting that NSBBs treatment can help improve the 1-year survival rate in ACLF patients with grade 2 and 3 ascites. Conclusions:Ascites grading and the use of NSBBs affect the prognostic factor of ACLF at one year. NSBBs may be beneficial for the long-term prognosis of ACLF, and treatment can be continued in patients who have already received NSBBs prior to the onset of ACLF.

Background::Liver cancer remains the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, causing a heavy burden globally. An updated assessment of the global epidemiology of the liver cancer burden that addresses geographical disparities is necessary to better understand and promote healthcare delivery.Methods::Data were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, including the number, crude, and age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality at the global, country, continent, and human development index (HDI) regional levels. Age-standardized rates (incidence and mortality) per 100,000 person-years were adjusted based on the Segi-Doll World standard population. The mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) for each region and country were calculated. The HDI and gross national income (GNI) for 2022 were obtained, and a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted with the incidence, mortality, and MIR.Results::In 2022, approximately 866,136 new liver cancer cases and 758,725 related deaths were recorded worldwide, with a global MIR of 0.86. Males had a disproportionately higher burden than females across all levels, and the highest burden was observed in the elderly population. Geographically, the regions with the highest incidence rates included Micronesia, Eastern Asia, and Northern Africa, and the regions with the highest mortality rates included Northern Africa, Southeastern Asia, Eastern Asia, and Micronesia. Notably, Mongolia had a strikingly high burden compared to other countries. The highest MIR was observed in North America and the lowest in Africa. Negative associations of HDI and GNI with liver cancer mortality and MIR were identified, irrespective of sex.Conclusions::The current liver cancer burden underscores the presence of remarkable geographic heterogeneity, which is particularly evident across countries with varying HDI levels, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize health accessibility and availability to achieve health inequities.