1.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
2.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
3.Danhong Injection Regulates Ventricular Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Blood Stasis Syndrome via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Jiahao YE ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Junyu ZHANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):149-159
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) with heart-blood stasis syndrome, as well as the intervention effect of Danhong injection. MethodsIn vivo experiment: SPF-grade male SD rats were assigned via the random number table method into 4 groups: Sham operation, model, captopril (8.8 mg·kg-1), and Danhong injection (6.0 mL·kg-1). The model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome was established by abdominal aortic constriction, and the sham operation group only underwent laparotomy without constriction. All the groups were treated continuously for 15 days. The tongue color of rats was observed. Echocardiography, hemorheology, heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of the myocardial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Creactive protein (CRP) in the serum, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to quantify the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue. In vitro experiment: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 AngⅡ to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were allocated into normal, model, inhibitor + Danhong injection, Danhong injection (20 mL·L-1), and inhibitor (SB203580, 5 μmol·L-1) groups. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin staining was used to reveal the area of cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Western blot was used to assess the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. ResultsIn vivo experiment: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed purplish-dark tongue with decreased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.01), increased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.01), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd) (P<0.01), raised LVMI and HMI (P<0.01), and elevated levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The HE and Masson staining of the myocardial tissue showed compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Additionally, the model group presented up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed increased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined LVMI and HMI (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). HE and Masson staining showed alleviated compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, and decreased expression of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: When the concentration of Danhong injection reached 20 mL·L-1, the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was the highest (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), increased relative cell surface area (P<0.01), and raised protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), reduced relative cell surface area (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhong injection can regulate ventricular remodeling through the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the rat model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome.
4.Differences in chemical components and quality analysis of Gardenia jasminoides before and after processing with ginger
Lihua TANG ; Yu WU ; Xuedi HUANG ; Xiaolian HU ; Yi TANG ; Zilong CHEN ; Xiaofan XIAO ; Xide YE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):168-173
OBJECTIVE To analyze the differences in chemical components of Gardenia jasminoides before and after processing with ginger, and to evaluate the quality differences among different producing areas. METHODS Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the compositional differences of G. jasminoides before and after processing with ginger. The water content, total ash, and ethanol-soluble extract content of ginger- processed G. jasminoides were determined according to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. High performance liquid chromatography was adopted to determine the contents of genipin gentiobioside, geniposide, crocin Ⅰ and crocin Ⅱ in ginger- processed G. jasminoides. RESULTS A total of 49 chemical components were identified from raw G. jasminoides and ginger- processed G. jasminoides, including 14 flavonoids, 15 iridoids, 10 organic acids, 2 alkaloids and 8 other compounds. Among them, 42 components were detected in raw G. jasminoides, 28 in ginger-processed G. jasminoides, and 21 components were common to both. After processing with ginger, raw G. jasminoides lost 21 components (including iridoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others), while 7 chemical components were added (including coumarins, organic acids, organic acid esters, and flavonoids). For the 15 batches of ginger-processed G. jasminoides, the water content ranged from 5.64% to 7.11%, total ash from 2.92% to 4.87%, and ethanol-soluble extract from 40.61% to 58.02%. The average contents of genipin gentiobioside, geniposide, crocin Ⅰ and crocin Ⅱ were 0.108 7, 0.542 2, 0.565 0, and 0.012 5 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS After processing with ginger, G. jasminoides loses 21 components, while 7 new components are added. Differences are observed in the water content, total ash, ethanol-soluble extract, and the contents of genipin gentiobioside, geniposide, crocin Ⅰ, and crocin Ⅱ of ginger-processed G. jasminoides from different producing areas. Notably, samples from Fujian exhibit high contents of genipin gentiobioside and ethanol-soluble extract, while samples from Jiangxi have a high content of crocin Ⅰ.
5.Mechanism of pachymic acid in ameliorating renal injury in pregnancy induced hypertension rats by regulating the Sirt1/PGC‑1α pathway
Junjiang ZHU ; Jincheng LIN ; Jiajian WU ; Yi ZENG ; Jun HU ; Min LI ; Hongying LIU ; Jinfen LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):186-191
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of pachymic acid on renal injury in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) rats by regulating the silent information regulator transcript 1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (Sirt1/PGC-1α) pathway. METHODS Pregnant SD rats were prepared by co-caging and PIH model was induced using N-nitro-L- arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) method. PIH rats were randomly divided into model group, L-pachymic acid (low-dose pachymic acid, 10 mg/kg) group, H-pachymic acid (high-dose pachymic acid, 20 mg/kg) group, and H-pachymic acid+EX527 (20 mg/kg pachymic acid+10 mg/kg EX527) group, with 6 rats in each group. Another 6 normal pregnant rats were selected as blank group. Each group was given relevant medicine or solvent intragastrically or intraperitoneally daily, once a day, for 28 consecutive days. After the last administration, 24 h urinary protein and tail artery systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured in pregnant rats from each group, along with the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN),uric acid (UA), and cystatin C (Cys-C). The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in renal tissue, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α, were also determined. Meanwhile, renal histopathological changes in rats from each group were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. RESULTS Compared with model group, L-pachymic acid group and H-pachymic acid group exhibited significant decreases in 24 h urine protein quantification, tail artery SBP, Scr, BUN, UA, Cys-C levels, glomerulosclerosis index score of renal tissue, renal tubular injury score, the percentage of PAS positive area, MDA and 8-OHdG (P<0.05). Conversely, the contents of SOD and GSH-Px, along with the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α, were significantly increased (P<0.05). Moreover, these improvements were more pronounced in H-pachymic acid group (P<0.05). Compared with H-pachymic acid group, the aforementioned indicators in pregnant rats from the H-pachymic acid+EX527 group showed significant reversal (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Pachymic acid significantly ameliorates renal injury induced by PIH in rats, potentially through activation of the Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway.
6.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
7.Correlation between driver gene mutation and environmental exposure factors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in Xi'an City
Yang HU ; Qianrong WANG ; Mengxue WANG ; Na CHENG ; Meijuan WU ; Xianna WU ; Juanhua SUN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):114-117
Objective To understand the driver gene mutation status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Xi'an City, and to analyze the association with environmental exposure factors. Methods A total of 305 NSCLC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from January 2019 to December 2023 were included. The driver gene mutation status was observed, and the relationship with environmental exposure factors was analyzed. Results The driver gene mutation rate of 305 patients was 46.89%, with EGFR gene mutation accounting for the highest proportion, and 4 cases of gene co-mutations were detected. There was a difference in gender among patients with different single drive gene mutations (P<0.05), and the proportion of EGFR in women was significantly higher (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistical differences in family history, smoking history, long-term cooking history, and fried smoked food intake between patients with driver gene mutation and patients without driver gene mutation (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that long-term cooking history (OR=2.392), and fried smoked food intake (OR=2.849) were the environmental exposure factors affecting EGFR gene mutation (P<0.05), and smoking history (OR=1.377) was an environmental exposure factor of KRAS gene mutation (P<0.05). Conclusion EGFR gene mutation accounts for the highest proportion of NSCLC patients in Xi'an City, and is mainly female. Long-term cooking history, and fried smoked food intake are related to EGFR gene mutation. There is a certain association between smoking history and KRAS gene mutation.
8.Protective effect of Shenfu injection against neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury by inhibiting the ferroptosis
Xiaotong Zhang ; Meng Zhang ; Gang Li ; Yang Hu ; Yajing Xun ; Hui Ding ; Donglin Shen ; Ming Wu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):31-40
Objective :
To observe the brain tissue injury during hypoxia-ischemia, as well as the pathological changes and the expression of ferroptosis-related factors after the use of Shenfu injection(SFI), and to explore the protective effect of SFI on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury(HIBD) by inhibiting ferroptosis.
Methods :
An animal model of HIBD in SD rats was constructed and intervened with SFI. Pathologic changes in brain tissue were observed by HE staining methods. Nissen staining was used to observe neuron survival. Glutathione Peroxidase 4(GPX4) and Divalent Metal Transporter 1(DMT1) expression were detected in brain tissue by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Reduced Glutathione(GSH), Lactate Dehydrogenase(LDH), Malondialdehyde(MDA), Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and tissue iron content were determined with the kits. BV-2 microglial cell line(BV2) cells were culturedin vitroand divided into control group(Ctrl group), oxygen-glucose deprivation group(OGD group), iron ferroptosis-inducing group(Erastin group), iron ferroptosis-inhibiting group(Fer-1 group), Shenfu injection group(SFI group), and Erastin+Shenfu injection group(Erastin+SFI group). 2′,7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) reactive oxygen species(ROS) fluorescent probe was used to detect the ROS release level; Immunofluorescence was used to observe intracellular GPX4, DMT1 expression.
Results :
Compared with the Sham group, rats in the HIBD group showed significant neuronal cell damage in brain tissue, decreased GPX4 expression(P<0.01), increased DMT1 expression(P<0.01), decreased GSH and SOD levels(P<0.01), and increased LDH, MDA and tissue iron levels(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01). In contrast, after the intervention of SFI, GPX4 expression was elevated(P<0.01), DMT1 expression decreased(P<0.01), GSH and SOD levels were elevated(P<0.01), and LDH, MDA, and tissue iron levels decreased(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01). The cells experiments showed that compared with the Ctrl group, the OGD group had a significantly higher ROS content and a decrease in the expression of GPX4 fluorescence intensity, and an increase in the fluorescence intensity of DMT1(P<0.01), compared with the OGD group, the ROS content was reduced in the SFI group, while the expression of GPX4 was elevated and the expression of DMT1 was reduced(P<0.01).
Conclusion
Hippocampal and cortical regions are severely damaged after HIBD in neonatal rats, and their brain tissues show decreased expression of GPX4 and increased expression of DMT1. The above suggests that ferroptosis is involved in HIBD brain injury in neonatal rats. In contrast, Shenfu injection has a protective effect on HIBD experimental animal model and BV2 cell injury model by reducing iron aggregation and ROS production.
9.In Vitro and in vivo Component Analysis of Total Phenolic Acids from Gei Herba and Its Effect on Promoting Acute Wound Healing and Inhibiting Scar Formation
Xixian KONG ; Guanghuan TIAN ; Tong WU ; Shaowei HU ; Jie ZHAO ; Fuzhu PAN ; Jingtong LIU ; Yong DENG ; Yi OUYANG ; Hongwei WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):156-167
ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), to identify the in vivo and in vitro chemical components of total phenolic acids in Gei Herba(TPAGH), and to clarify the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of the effective part in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify the chemical components of TPAGH and ingredients absorbed in vivo after topical administration. A total of 120 ICR mice were randomly divided into the model group, recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF) group(4 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of TPAGH(3.5, 7, 14 mg·kg-1), with 24 mice in each group. A full-thickness skin excision model was constructed, and each administration group was coated with the drug at the wound site, and the model group was treated with an equal volume of normal saline, the treatment was continued for 30 days, during which 8 mice from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 12, and 30. The healing of the wounds in the mice was observed, and histopathological changes in the skin tissues were dynamically observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to dynamically measure the contents of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3 and MMP-9 in skin tissues. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets related to the promotion of acute wound healing and the inhibition of scar formation by TPAGH, and molecular docking of key components and targets was performed. Gene Ontology(GO) biological process analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for the related targets, so as to construct a network diagram of herbal material-compound-target-pathway-pharmacological effect-disease for further exploring its potential mechanisms. ResultsA total of 146 compounds were identified in TPAGH, including 28 phenylpropanoids, 31 tannins, 23 triterpenes, 49 flavonoids, and 15 others, and 16 prototype components were found in the serum of mice. Pharmacodynamic results showed that, compared with the model group, the TPAGH groups showed a significant increase in relative wound healing rate and relative scar inhibition rate(P<0.05), and the number of new capillaries, number of fibroblasts, number of new skin appendages, epidermal regeneration rate, collagen deposition ratio, and Ⅲ/Ⅰ collagen ratio in the tissue were significantly improved(P<0.05, 0.01), the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the skin tissues were reduced to different degrees, while the level of VEGFA was increased. Network pharmacology analysis screened 10 core targets, including tumor protein 53(TP53), sarcoma receptor coactivator(SRC), protein kinase B(Akt)1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and so on, participating in 75 signaling pathways such as advanced glycation end-products(AGE)-receptor for AGE(AGE/RAGE) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed that the key components genistein, geraniin, and casuariin had good binding ability to TP53, SRC, Akt1, STAT3 and EGFR. ConclusionThis study comprehensively reflects the chemical composition of TPAGH and the absorbed components after topical administration through UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. TPAGH significantly regulates key indicators of skin healing and tissue reconstruction, thereby clarifying its role in promoting acute wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. By combining in vitro and in vivo component identification with network pharmacology, the study explores how key components may bind to targets such as TP53, Akt1 and EGFR, exerting therapeutic effects through related pathways such as immune inflammation and vascular regeneration.
10.Horticultural Therapy Combined with Intradermal Needling for Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder of Liver Depression Transforming into Fire Syndrome Under Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Psychological Therapy:Clinical Observation of 60 Cases
Wanyun ZHANG ; Jiayi YAN ; Qingyi QIU ; Yumei PENG ; Xiaoling ZHONG ; Jinwen ZHANG ; Rundong TANG ; Miao WU ; Dan HU ; Guang SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):50-58
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness of horticultural therapy involving the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs (mint and lily potted plants) combined with intradermal needling therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, and to explore the possible mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 180 patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome were randomly divided into three groups, horticultural therapy group, intradermal needling group, and horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, with 60 patients in each. All groups received basic treatment including basic psychological therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The horticultural therapy group received horticultural therapy in addition to the basic treatment; the intradermal needling group received intradermal needling therapy once a week for 8 weeks in addition to the basic treatment; the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group received both horticultural therapy and intradermal needling therapy, following the same procedures and duration. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were measured before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment. Motor-evoked potential (MEP) baseline levels were recorded before treatment, and MEP amplitude ratios were compared after 1 week and 8 weeks of treatment. Clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between serum ACTH and CORT levels, MEP amplitude, and anxiety. ResultsIn the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group, HAMA, SAS and PSQI scores after 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment were lower than baseline scores (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, these scores showed a significant decline starting after 2 weeks treatment and continuing through 8 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). The HAMA, SAS, and PSQI scores in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks treatment (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, serum CORT and ACTH levels in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than baseline levels (P<0.05) and were also lower than those in the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group at the same time point (P<0.01). When comparing the level after 8 weeks treatment to that after 1 week treatment, under PAS10 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the intradermal needling group decreased at 30 minutes, while in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio decreased at all time points (P<0.05 or P<0.001); under PAS25 stimulation, the MEP amplitude ratio in the horticultural therapy group increased at 20 minutes, and in the intradermal needle group at 10 minutes (P<0.05). In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group, the MEP amplitude ratio increased significantly at all time points after treatment (P<0.001). The cure rate in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group (74.14%, 43/58) was significantly higher than that in the horticultural therapy group (30.00%, 18/60) and the intradermal needling group (48.28%, 28/58, P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that serum ACTH and CORT levels were positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.488, P<0.01; r = 0.428, P<0.01). Following PAS10 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was positively correlated with HAMA scores (r = 0.458, P<0.01), whereas after PAS25 intervention, the MEP amplitude ratio was negatively correlated with HAMA scores (r = -0.562, P<0.01). ConclusionHorticultural therapy combined with intradermal needling treatment, under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy, demonstrates significant clinical effectiveness in patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the reduction of cortical excitability.


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