Traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF) represents a fundamental component of Chinese medical practice, incorporating medical knowledge and practices from both Han Chinese and various ethnic minorities, while providing comprehensive insights into health and disease. The foundation of TCMF lies in its holistic approach, manifested through herbal compatibility theory, which has emerged from extensive clinical experience and evolved into a highly refined knowledge system. Within this framework, Chinese herbal medicines exhibit intricated characteristics, including multi-component interactions, diverse target sites, and varied biological pathways. These complexities pose significant challenges for understanding their molecular mechanisms. Contemporary advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offering immense potential to transform our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TCMFs. This review explores the application of AI in uncovering these mechanisms, highlighting its role in compound absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) prediction, molecular target identification, compound and target synergy recognition, pharmacological mechanisms exploration, and herbal formula optimization. Furthermore, the review discusses the challenges and opportunities in AI-assisted research on TCMF molecular mechanisms, promoting the modernization and globalization of TCM.
Artificial Intelligence ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Animals

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of endoscopic-laparoscopic regional gastric resection combined with sentinel lymph node basin dissection in patients with early-stage gastric cancer.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Data of 17 consecutive early gastric cancer patients from a prospective cohort at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University were analyzed between August 2023 and August 2024. Sixteen cases were from the department of general surgery and 1 from the department of gastroenterology. The cohort included 9 males and 8 females,with a mean age of 61.4 years (range: 46 to 79 years). Clinical data,including demographics,pathological features,surgical procedures,and follow-up outcomes,were collected through medical records and databases. All patients were followed for over 3 months,with follow-up ending on December 5,2024.Results:A total of 17 patients were involved. Among them, 5 patients underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) combined with laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection (LSBD),and another 3 patients who underwent complete ESD resection received LSBD due to pathological stage meeting the expanded indications. 6 patients who underwent non-curative ESD resection received laparoscopic gastric regional resection (LRG) combined with LSBD,and another 3 patients directly received LRG combined with LSBD. The average number of sentinel lymph nodes dissected before surgery ( M(IQR)) was 8.9 (4.5) (range: 4 to 21),and the detection rate and accuracy rate were both 100%. Postoperative pathology confirmed that there was no metastasis in the sentinel lymph nodes of 5 patients who underwent ESD combined with LSBD and 3 patients who underwent LSBD after complete ESD resection. The vertical and horizontal margins of ESD were all negative. One patient was an absolute indication for ESD. For the 6 patients who underwent non-curative ESD resection combined with LRG and LSBD,the horizontal margins were all negative. Two patients showed 1 metastasis in each of the 21 and 9 sentinel lymph nodes during the operation,and additional distal gastrectomy was performed during the operation. Postoperatively,73 and 39 lymph nodes were retrieved respectively. The former had 1 additional metastasis,while the latter had no metastasis. Among the 3 patients who underwent direct LRG combined with LSBD,the horizontal margins were negative. One patient was confirmed as an absolute indication for ESD by postoperative pathology,and one patient had 1 metastasis in 8 sentinel lymph nodes during the operation,and additional distal gastrectomy was performed. Postoperatively,there was no metastasis in 54 lymph nodes. All patients had no complications such as infection,bleeding,perforation,or death after surgery. Among the 14 patients who did not receive additional radical surgery,they were able to pass gas and defecate within 3 days after surgery,with an average hospital stay of 6 days. The nutritional indicators and gastric radionuclide emptying imaging half-emptying time were similar to those before surgery at 3 months after surgery. Conclusions:Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative regional gastrectomy with sentinel lymph node basin dissection has the advantages of minimal invasiveness,preservation of gastric function,and precise treatment. It maybe suitable for patients with early-stage gastric cancer at high risk of lymph node metastasis and has good short-term efficacy.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of changes in blood uric acid(UA)and detection rate of hyperuricemia(HUA)among officers and soldiers during long-term maritime missions,as well as their related influencing factors.Methods A total of 100 servicemen were randomly selected from 240 officers and soldiers who will participate in a long-distance voyage mission.Their general information,including age,education level,administrative position,years of service on board,and department,was surveyed.Their annual data of physical examination were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the results of another 335 shore-based servicemen during the same period.On mission day 10(D10)and day 50(D50),the venous blood samples were collected from the participants to synchronously measure blood UA level and body composition indicators(body fat mass,BMI,fat percentage,fat mass,muscle mass,and muscle percentage).Additionally,on D50,Self-Rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS)and Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90)were employed to survey their conditions.Seventy service members were randomly selected from the 100 participants to engage in aerobic exercise.The changes in UA level and detection rate of HUA among the mission personnel were analyzed,along with their influencing factors.Results The UA level and HUA detection rate in long-term navigation personnel during concurrent annual physical examinations were significantly lower than those in shore-based personnel(P<0.01).Compared to pre-voyage physical examination results,the UA level and HUA detection rate in long-term navigation personnel were significantly increased from mission day D10(P<0.001).Compared to the values at D10,the UA level and HUA detection rate at D50 showed significant decreases(P<0.05),and then essentially returned to pre-mission examination levels(P>0.05).Aged<32 years was an independent risk factor for new-onset HUA at mission D10(P<0.05).<32 years old and aerobic exercise during the voyage were independent influencing factors for HUA outcome(P<0.05).Conclusion Serum UA level and HUA detection rate among officers and soldiers participating in long-term maritime missions are relatively low before departure,but in significant increases during the early stages of the mission,particularly among those aged<32 years.Scientific aerobic exercise during the mission period helps reduce UA level and HUA detection rate,playing a crucial role in guaranteeing physical and mental health.

Objective:To investigate the effects of berberine on the proliferation,apoptosis,inflammation,and osteogenic differen-tiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells(hPDLSCs)induced by lipopolysaccharide through regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.Methods:HPDLSCs with good growth status were separated into a blank group(without any treatment),a lipopolysaccharide group(1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide,A group),a low concentration berberine(berberine-L)group(1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide+25 μmol/L berberine,B group),a medium concentration berberine(berberine-M)group(1 μg/mL lipopolysac-charide+50 μmol/L berberine,C group),a high concentration berberine(berberine-H)group(1 μg/mL+100 μmol/L berberine,D group),and a berberine-H+Prostratin group(1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide+100 μmol/L berberine+1 μmol/L Prostratin,E group).Subsequently,the cell proliferation,levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the supernatant,cell apoptosis,osteogenic differentiation ability,expression of osteogenic differentiation related genes[RUNX family transcription fac-tor 2(Runx2),osteopontin(OPN),osteocalcin(OCN)],and expression levels of NF-κB and NLRP3 mRNA were detected.Results:The number of mineralized nodules,cell proliferation rate,ALP content,OPN,OCN,and Runx2 protein expression in the lipopolysac-charide group were greatly reduced compared to the blank group,however,the levels of IL-1 β,IL-6,and TNF-α,apoptosis rate,NF-κB,and NLRP3 mRNA expression in the supernatant were greatly increased(P＜0.05).After treating cells with different doses of berberine,the number of mineralized nodules,proliferation rate,ALP content,OPN,OCN,and Runx2 protein expression were greatly increased,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,apoptosis rate,NF-κB,and NLRP3 mRNA expression in the supernatant were greatly reduced,and the berberine-H group was the most great(P＜0.05).After treatment with berberine-H combined with Prostratin,the number of mineralized nodules,proliferation rate,ALP content,OPN,OCN and Runx2 protein expression were greatly reduced compared to single berberine-H treatment,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α,apoptosis rate,NF-κB,and NLRP3 mRNA expression in the supernatant were greatly increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Berberine enhances lipopolysaccharide induced proliferation of hPDLSCs,inhibits apoptosis and inflammation,and promotes osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To assess the predictive value of the percentage of Gleason pattern 4 (G4%) in prostate biopsy for adverse pathology and biochemical recurrence.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in our institution between January 2019 and December 2023, and included those who were diagnosed with ISUP 2-3 cancer at biopsy. A total of 109 patients were included in this study. The average age of patients was (67.40±6.11) years, and the average BMI of patients was (25.36±2.97) kg/m 2. 49 Cases (45.0%) had a PI-RADS score of 5, and the median prostate volume was 32.60 (24.57, 45.63) ml. The median of most recent tPSA before biopsy was 9.76 (6.89, 12.95) ng/ml, the median PSAD was 0.28 (0.17, 0.44) ng/ml 2, and the median f/tPSA was 0.11 (0.08, 0.16). Clinical T 2b or higher stage was found in 84 cases (77.1%). The total biopsy core length was (22.91±5.18) cm, with a median of 24 (20, 24) biopsy cores and a median of 6 (4, 9) positive cores. Gleason score 3+ 4 was found in 52 cases (47.7%), and Gleason score 4+ 3 in 57 cases (52.3%). Cribriform was present in 30 cases (27.5%). G4% was calculated based on the proportion of Gleason grade 4 tumor relative to total tumor, tumor proportion relative to total tissue, and tissue length. Patients were divided into high-G4% (≥2.45%) and low-G4% (<2.45%) groups based on the median G4% value, with 55 and 54 cases, respectively. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the two groups ( P>0.05). The main risk factor of adverse pathology was analyzed by logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) were performed. Patients were further stratified by the G4% cutoff value from ROC, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to compare biochemical recurrence free survival (BCRFS) between groups. The main risk factor affecting BCRFS was analyzed by Cox regression. Adverse pathology was defined as postoperative Gleason score ≥4+ 3 or pathological stage ≥T 3a. Results:Adverse pathology occurred in 44 (80.0%) high-G4% and 16 (29.6%) low-G4% patients ( P<0.01). Multivariate analysis identified G4% as an independent risk factor for adverse pathology ( OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.50, P=0.033). The highest ROC AUC value was seen for G4% (0.799), significantly outperforming Gleason score (0.799 vs. 0.641, P=0.003), tPSA (0.799 vs. 0.615, P=0.003), PSAD (0.799 vs. 0.679, P=0.038), positive cores (0.799 vs. 0.677, P=0.009), clinical T stage (0.799 vs. 0.607, P=0.001) and cribriform (0.799 vs. 0.639, P=0.001). The G4% cutoff value for predicting biochemical recurrence was 10.97%. The median BCRFS was significantly higher in the low G4% (<10.97%) group than that in the high G4% (≥10.97%) group (55 vs. 28 months, P=0.002). Cumulative recurrence free survival rates at 1 and 3 years were 94.6% vs. 74.1% and 78.0% vs. 47.6%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicates that G4% was an independent risk factor affecting BCRFS ( HR=1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.23, P=0.041). Conclusions:For patients with ISUP 2-3 nmPCa, a higher G4% in biopsy specimens demonstrates strong predictive ability for adverse pathology and biochemical recurrence, outperforming traditional clinical indicators such as Gleason score and PSA.

Objective To investigate the cIinicopathological features and immunohistochemical expression of gastric hyperplastic polyps(GHPs)with dysplasia/adenocarcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis of 24 cases(44 polyps)that were diagnosed as GHPs with dysplasia/adenocarcinoma in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2024 was reviewed,and clinical,histomorphological,immunophenotypic and follow-up data were analyzed.Results There were 20 female and 4 male cases,with a mean age of(65.5±7.9)(range 56～76)years.Among 44 polyps,3 occurred in the antrum of the stomach,1 in the gastric horn,and 40 in the fundus/body.Among the polyps,32 cases were diagnosed as high-grade dysplasia,4 cases as low-grade dysplasia,4 cases as coexistence of low-grade+high-grade dysplasia,2 cases as mucinous adenocarcinoma,1 cases as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma,and 1 cases as signet-ring cell carcinoma.The histological manifestations of 23 cases of background mucosa were autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis(AMAG).the P53 of 8 polyps showed a mutant expression pattern.Through MUC5/MUC6/MUC2/CD10 joint examination,33 cases showed gastric type(25 cases of which were foveal epithelium type),4 cases were intestinal type,5 cases were mixed gastrointestinal type,and 2 cases were non-gastrointestinal type.Conclusion The neoplastic transformation of GHPs is closely related to AMAG.It is necessary for clinicians and pathologists to strengthen their evaluation of background mucosa,to achieve early detection,early diagnosis and early treatment.

Objective To investigate the cIinicopathological features and immunohistochemical expression of gastric hyperplastic polyps(GHPs)with dysplasia/adenocarcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis of 24 cases(44 polyps)that were diagnosed as GHPs with dysplasia/adenocarcinoma in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2024 was reviewed,and clinical,histomorphological,immunophenotypic and follow-up data were analyzed.Results There were 20 female and 4 male cases,with a mean age of(65.5±7.9)(range 56～76)years.Among 44 polyps,3 occurred in the antrum of the stomach,1 in the gastric horn,and 40 in the fundus/body.Among the polyps,32 cases were diagnosed as high-grade dysplasia,4 cases as low-grade dysplasia,4 cases as coexistence of low-grade+high-grade dysplasia,2 cases as mucinous adenocarcinoma,1 cases as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma,and 1 cases as signet-ring cell carcinoma.The histological manifestations of 23 cases of background mucosa were autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis(AMAG).the P53 of 8 polyps showed a mutant expression pattern.Through MUC5/MUC6/MUC2/CD10 joint examination,33 cases showed gastric type(25 cases of which were foveal epithelium type),4 cases were intestinal type,5 cases were mixed gastrointestinal type,and 2 cases were non-gastrointestinal type.Conclusion The neoplastic transformation of GHPs is closely related to AMAG.It is necessary for clinicians and pathologists to strengthen their evaluation of background mucosa,to achieve early detection,early diagnosis and early treatment.

Objective:To investigate the effects of berberine on the proliferation,apoptosis,inflammation,and osteogenic differen-tiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells(hPDLSCs)induced by lipopolysaccharide through regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.Methods:HPDLSCs with good growth status were separated into a blank group(without any treatment),a lipopolysaccharide group(1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide,A group),a low concentration berberine(berberine-L)group(1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide+25 μmol/L berberine,B group),a medium concentration berberine(berberine-M)group(1 μg/mL lipopolysac-charide+50 μmol/L berberine,C group),a high concentration berberine(berberine-H)group(1 μg/mL+100 μmol/L berberine,D group),and a berberine-H+Prostratin group(1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide+100 μmol/L berberine+1 μmol/L Prostratin,E group).Subsequently,the cell proliferation,levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the supernatant,cell apoptosis,osteogenic differentiation ability,expression of osteogenic differentiation related genes[RUNX family transcription fac-tor 2(Runx2),osteopontin(OPN),osteocalcin(OCN)],and expression levels of NF-κB and NLRP3 mRNA were detected.Results:The number of mineralized nodules,cell proliferation rate,ALP content,OPN,OCN,and Runx2 protein expression in the lipopolysac-charide group were greatly reduced compared to the blank group,however,the levels of IL-1 β,IL-6,and TNF-α,apoptosis rate,NF-κB,and NLRP3 mRNA expression in the supernatant were greatly increased(P＜0.05).After treating cells with different doses of berberine,the number of mineralized nodules,proliferation rate,ALP content,OPN,OCN,and Runx2 protein expression were greatly increased,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,apoptosis rate,NF-κB,and NLRP3 mRNA expression in the supernatant were greatly reduced,and the berberine-H group was the most great(P＜0.05).After treatment with berberine-H combined with Prostratin,the number of mineralized nodules,proliferation rate,ALP content,OPN,OCN and Runx2 protein expression were greatly reduced compared to single berberine-H treatment,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α,apoptosis rate,NF-κB,and NLRP3 mRNA expression in the supernatant were greatly increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Berberine enhances lipopolysaccharide induced proliferation of hPDLSCs,inhibits apoptosis and inflammation,and promotes osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To assess the predictive value of the percentage of Gleason pattern 4 (G4%) in prostate biopsy for adverse pathology and biochemical recurrence.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in our institution between January 2019 and December 2023, and included those who were diagnosed with ISUP 2-3 cancer at biopsy. A total of 109 patients were included in this study. The average age of patients was (67.40±6.11) years, and the average BMI of patients was (25.36±2.97) kg/m 2. 49 Cases (45.0%) had a PI-RADS score of 5, and the median prostate volume was 32.60 (24.57, 45.63) ml. The median of most recent tPSA before biopsy was 9.76 (6.89, 12.95) ng/ml, the median PSAD was 0.28 (0.17, 0.44) ng/ml 2, and the median f/tPSA was 0.11 (0.08, 0.16). Clinical T 2b or higher stage was found in 84 cases (77.1%). The total biopsy core length was (22.91±5.18) cm, with a median of 24 (20, 24) biopsy cores and a median of 6 (4, 9) positive cores. Gleason score 3+ 4 was found in 52 cases (47.7%), and Gleason score 4+ 3 in 57 cases (52.3%). Cribriform was present in 30 cases (27.5%). G4% was calculated based on the proportion of Gleason grade 4 tumor relative to total tumor, tumor proportion relative to total tissue, and tissue length. Patients were divided into high-G4% (≥2.45%) and low-G4% (<2.45%) groups based on the median G4% value, with 55 and 54 cases, respectively. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the two groups ( P>0.05). The main risk factor of adverse pathology was analyzed by logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) were performed. Patients were further stratified by the G4% cutoff value from ROC, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to compare biochemical recurrence free survival (BCRFS) between groups. The main risk factor affecting BCRFS was analyzed by Cox regression. Adverse pathology was defined as postoperative Gleason score ≥4+ 3 or pathological stage ≥T 3a. Results:Adverse pathology occurred in 44 (80.0%) high-G4% and 16 (29.6%) low-G4% patients ( P<0.01). Multivariate analysis identified G4% as an independent risk factor for adverse pathology ( OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.50, P=0.033). The highest ROC AUC value was seen for G4% (0.799), significantly outperforming Gleason score (0.799 vs. 0.641, P=0.003), tPSA (0.799 vs. 0.615, P=0.003), PSAD (0.799 vs. 0.679, P=0.038), positive cores (0.799 vs. 0.677, P=0.009), clinical T stage (0.799 vs. 0.607, P=0.001) and cribriform (0.799 vs. 0.639, P=0.001). The G4% cutoff value for predicting biochemical recurrence was 10.97%. The median BCRFS was significantly higher in the low G4% (<10.97%) group than that in the high G4% (≥10.97%) group (55 vs. 28 months, P=0.002). Cumulative recurrence free survival rates at 1 and 3 years were 94.6% vs. 74.1% and 78.0% vs. 47.6%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicates that G4% was an independent risk factor affecting BCRFS ( HR=1.11, 95% CI 1.00-1.23, P=0.041). Conclusions:For patients with ISUP 2-3 nmPCa, a higher G4% in biopsy specimens demonstrates strong predictive ability for adverse pathology and biochemical recurrence, outperforming traditional clinical indicators such as Gleason score and PSA.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of endoscopic-laparoscopic regional gastric resection combined with sentinel lymph node basin dissection in patients with early-stage gastric cancer.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Data of 17 consecutive early gastric cancer patients from a prospective cohort at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University were analyzed between August 2023 and August 2024. Sixteen cases were from the department of general surgery and 1 from the department of gastroenterology. The cohort included 9 males and 8 females,with a mean age of 61.4 years (range: 46 to 79 years). Clinical data,including demographics,pathological features,surgical procedures,and follow-up outcomes,were collected through medical records and databases. All patients were followed for over 3 months,with follow-up ending on December 5,2024.Results:A total of 17 patients were involved. Among them, 5 patients underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) combined with laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection (LSBD),and another 3 patients who underwent complete ESD resection received LSBD due to pathological stage meeting the expanded indications. 6 patients who underwent non-curative ESD resection received laparoscopic gastric regional resection (LRG) combined with LSBD,and another 3 patients directly received LRG combined with LSBD. The average number of sentinel lymph nodes dissected before surgery ( M(IQR)) was 8.9 (4.5) (range: 4 to 21),and the detection rate and accuracy rate were both 100%. Postoperative pathology confirmed that there was no metastasis in the sentinel lymph nodes of 5 patients who underwent ESD combined with LSBD and 3 patients who underwent LSBD after complete ESD resection. The vertical and horizontal margins of ESD were all negative. One patient was an absolute indication for ESD. For the 6 patients who underwent non-curative ESD resection combined with LRG and LSBD,the horizontal margins were all negative. Two patients showed 1 metastasis in each of the 21 and 9 sentinel lymph nodes during the operation,and additional distal gastrectomy was performed during the operation. Postoperatively,73 and 39 lymph nodes were retrieved respectively. The former had 1 additional metastasis,while the latter had no metastasis. Among the 3 patients who underwent direct LRG combined with LSBD,the horizontal margins were negative. One patient was confirmed as an absolute indication for ESD by postoperative pathology,and one patient had 1 metastasis in 8 sentinel lymph nodes during the operation,and additional distal gastrectomy was performed. Postoperatively,there was no metastasis in 54 lymph nodes. All patients had no complications such as infection,bleeding,perforation,or death after surgery. Among the 14 patients who did not receive additional radical surgery,they were able to pass gas and defecate within 3 days after surgery,with an average hospital stay of 6 days. The nutritional indicators and gastric radionuclide emptying imaging half-emptying time were similar to those before surgery at 3 months after surgery. Conclusions:Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative regional gastrectomy with sentinel lymph node basin dissection has the advantages of minimal invasiveness,preservation of gastric function,and precise treatment. It maybe suitable for patients with early-stage gastric cancer at high risk of lymph node metastasis and has good short-term efficacy.