1.Association between the incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and meteorological factors in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019
Liangqiang LIN ; Dongfeng KONG ; Lanbin XIANG ; Zhigao CHEN ; Yanmin QIN ; Yuefa ZHUANG ; Yang LIU ; Jianfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):194-199
Objective To examine the association between epidemiological characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and meteorological factors in Shenzhen City during the period from 2012 to 2019. Methods Average atmospheric pressure, average air temperature, average relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and sunshine duration were captured from Meteorological Bureau of Shenzhen City each month from 2012 to 2019. The average monthly rodent densities in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019 were acquired from the Vector Surveillance Management System of Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the monthly HFRS incidence was retrieved from Shenzhen Municipal Disease Surveillance System from 2012 to 2019. The correlation between meteorological factors and the monthly incidence of HFRS was examined us ing Spearman’s rank correlation in Shenzhen City, and the temporal trends in monthly HFRS incidence and the degrees of freedom for the rodent density were determined in Shenzhen City with a generalized additive model. The optimal lag time was identified using excess risk (ER) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), and univariate and multivariate models were fitted to evaluate the impact of meteorological factors on HFRS incidence in Shenzhen City. Results The median number of incident HFRS cases was 3.00 (interquartile range, 3.25) in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019, with an average air temperature of (23.44 ± 4.91) °C, average relative humidity of (76.05 ± 7.61)%, median precipitation of 4.10 (interquartile range, 6.83) mm, average wind speed of (1.97 ± 0.26) m/s, average sunshine duration of (5.17 ± 1.64) h, and median monthly rodent density of 1.74% (interquartile range, 2.52%). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that the average air temperature positively correlated with average relative humidity (rs = 0.420, P < 0.05), precipitation (rs = 0.658, P < 0.05) and sunshine duration (rs = 0.633, P < 0.05), and the atmospheric pressure negatively correlated with average air temperature (rs = −0.925, P < 0.05), relative humidity (rs = −0.614, P < 0.05), precipitation (rs = −0.789, P < 0.05) and sunshine duration (rs = −0.437, P < 0.05), while the average relative humidity correlated positively with precipitation (rs = 0.724, P < 0.05) and negatively with sunshine duration (rs = −0.218, P < 0.05). Univariate modeling analysis showed that the ERs and their 95% CI were 0.639% (0.540%, 0.737%) for average atmospheric pressure, −7.157% (−8.113%, −6.190%) for average air temperature, −3.603% (−4.219%, −2.985%) for average relative humidity, −5.889% (−7.085%, −4.669%) forprecipitation,21.881% (−5.149%, 56.612%) for average wind speed, and −13.877% (−16.641%, −11.022%) for sunshine duation (all P values < 0.05). Multivariate modeling analysis showed that in the ensemble model combining average atmospheric pressure and precipitation, the highest ER (6.686%) was caused by increased average atmospheric pressure, and the highest absolute ER values for average air temperature (6.615%), average relative humidity (3.107%) and precipitation (5.386%) were seen after adjustment only for sunshine duration (all P values < 0.05), while the highest absolute ER for sunshine duration (11.875%) was found after adjustment for precipitation (P < 0.05). Conclusions An increase in average air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and sunshine duration resulted in a reduced incidence rate of HFRS in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2019, and an increase in average atmospheric pressure increased the incidence of HFRS. Meteorological factors are important determinants affecting HFRS incidence in Shenzhen City.
2.Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Pre-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Baichuan XU ; Yang XIE ; Yiting LI ; Tao CHEN ; Jiansheng LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1284-1288
By systematically reviewing the concept evolution of pre-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (pre-COPD) and the research status of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as well as considering the clinical practice, this paper puts forward the strategies for the prevention and treatment of pre-COPD with TCM. These strategies include identifying high-risk groups by combining TCM syndrome and constitution, advocating the principle of "treating disease before it arises" and promoting the combination of syndrome differentiation and constitution evaluation to achieve individualized intervention, promoting collaboration between TCM and western medicine, supported by digital and intelligent technologies, to establish a whole-process management mode of "hospital-community-family". The aim is to realize the early diagnosis, early intervention and whole-process management of pre-COPD, thereby helping reduce the incidence of COPD.
3.Incentive and constraint factors and optimization strategies for artificial intelligence application in pharmacy based on TAM-TOE-DOI integrated framework
Jian YANG ; Zhichu LI ; Weili ZHAO ; Xiaoyi YU ; Ming XU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1478-1484
OBJECTIVE Identify the incentive and constraint factors of artificial intelligence (AI) application in the pharmaceutical field, and promote the application of AI in the field of pharmacy. METHODS Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, and diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), a TAM-TOE-DOI integrated framework was constructed through a four-stage research process of “theoretical review → dimension mapping → mechanism integration → proposition development”. Combining the analytical pathways of the above three theories in AI application in pharmacy with the integration mechanisms and core propositions of the TAM-TOE-DOI, literature review and deductive reasoning were employed to systematically identify the incentive and constraint factors of AI application in pharmacy from three levels:micro (TAM), meso (TOE), and macro (DOI), and to propose optimization strategies. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS At the micro level, the efficiency transformation and quality improvement brought by AI technology were the main incentive factors for perceived usefulness, while technological complexity and algorithmic opacity were the main constraint factors for perceived ease of use. At the meso level, the completeness of technological infrastructure, the strength of top management support and innovation climate, as well as external institutional pressure and competitive driving forces were the core incentive factors, whereas scarcity of organizational resources and talent shortage were the main constraint factors. At the macro level, relative advantage and observability were typical incentive factors, while technological complexity was a typical constraint factor. China’s health administration, medical insurance authorities, and other relevant departments should coordinate efforts at the macro, meso, and micro levels to advance AI application in pharmacy: optimizing human-computer interaction and implementing tiered training programs at the micro level; reinforcing organizational support systems and capacity building at the meso level; dismantling data barriers and building social trust at the macro level. Differentiated implementation pathways should be developed for medical institutions at different tiers.
4.Intravitreal Conbercept for macular edema secondary to non-ischemic retinal vein occlusion
Min YANG ; Shanshan LI ; Shuang LIU ; Dawei ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1147-1151
AIM:To observe the clinical efficacy of intravitreal injection of conbercept in the treatment of macular edema secondary to non-ischemic retinal vein occlusion(RVO).METHODS: Single center retrospective study. ME patients secondary to non-ischemic RVO admitted to the hospital from January 2023 to March 2024 were selected, and were divided into central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO)group and branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO)group according to the location of obstruction. All patients were treated with intravitreal injection of conbercept once a month for 3 mo. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), macular foveal thickness(CMT), superficial capillary density(SVD), deep capillary density(DVD), and foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area were recorded before and after treatment(with 3 injections per course)at 1, 3, and 6 mo.RESULTS:This study included a total of 120 ME secondary to non-ischemic RVO patients(128 eyes), who were divided into CRVO group(51 cases, 56 eyes, 31 males, 20 females, mean age 61.39±10.32 y)and BRVO group(69 cases, 72 eyes, 41 males, 28 females, mean age 61.48±10.41 y)based on the location of obstruction. There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups before treatment(both P>0.05). After 1, 3, and 6 mo of treatment, both groups showed improvement in BCVA, CMT, SVD, and DVD compared to before treatment(all P<0.05). BCVA in the BRVO group was better than that in the CRVO group at all time points after treatment(all P<0.05), while there was no difference in CMT, SVD, and DVD between the two groups(all P>0.05); There was no significant difference in FAZ area between the two groups before and after treatment(both P>0.05). Follow up for 6 mo showed no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups of patients(both P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in the recurrence rate(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The first intravitreal injection of conbercept is effective in treating macular edema caused by non-ischemic CRVO and BRVO, improving visual function, reducing macular edema, and repairing retinal structure and blood flow perfusion. Notably, the recovery of visual function and improvement of capillary density are more significant in BRVO patients.
5.Peripheral microstructure designed spectacles for myopia control in children
Min YANG ; Zaihong HUANG ; Liwen LI ; Sihao YANG ; Weiqi MOU ; Xiuping TANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1293-1298
AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of three types of spectacle lenses with different peripheral microstructure designs in controlling myopia progression among children.METHODS: Retrospective case analysis was conducted. Children diagnosed with myopia aged 6 to 12 y who were received initial spectacle fitting and completed 1-year follow-up at the Optometry Clinic of Suining Central Hospital between January 2023 and August 2024 were enrolled. Only right eye data of all subjects were included for analysis. Based on the type of spectacle lenses independently selected by the children and their parents/guardians, they were divided into four groups: diffusion optics technology(DOT), cylindrical annular refractive element(CARE), highly aspherical lenslets(HAL), and single-vision lenses(SVL). Changes in axial length(AL)and spherical equivalent(SE)from baseline were observed after 1-year lens wear in four groups. Variations between three peripheral microstructure-designed spectacles and single-vision spectacles were compared. The effects of different lens designs on spherical power, astigmatism, corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous cavity depth were analyzed.RESULTS:In this retrospective study, a total of 118 eyes from 118 myopic children were included. There were 28 eyes in 28 children in DOT group [16 males and 12 females, age 10(9, 12)y]. CARE group contained 26 eyes in 26 children, [12 males and 14 females, age 11(9, 12)y]. HAL group had 26 eyes in 26 children [16 males and 10 females, age 10(9, 11)y]. SVL group included 38 eyes in 38 children [20 males and 18 females, age 11(9, 12)y]. There were no significant differences in age, gender, baseline AL, or SE among the four groups(all P>0.05). After 1-year wearing, no increase and slight regression were observed in AL and SE in the DOT group, with no significant differences compared with baseline(all P>0.05). AL and SE increased to varying degrees in the CARE, HAL and SVL groups(all P<0.01). Significant inter-group differences were found in the changes of AL and SE(F=22.820, 30.949, both P<0.001). The mean changes in AL and SE for the DOT group(-0.034±0.180 mm, 0.040±0.243 D)were significantly smaller than those in the CARE group(0.225±0.174 mm, -0.375±0.308 D)and the HAL group(0.147±0.130 mm, -0.255±0.256 D). The changes of AL and SE in the three groups were significantly lower than those in the SVL group(0.355±0.240 mm, -0.891±0.592 D)(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: In children, short-term wear of spectacles with peripheral microstructural design demonstrates better myopia control efficacy compared to single-vision spectacles. DOT lenses show superior short-term efficacy compared with CARE and HAL lenses.
6.Wisdom Inheritance of Distinguished Physicians' Experience Through Integration of Multimodal Data and AIGC: A Case Study on Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer with Phlegm-dampness and Blood Stasis Syndrome by Distinguished Traditional Chinese Medicine Physicians of Sichuan School
Yang YU ; Yadong MU ; Wenping LIU ; Chongcheng XI ; Li ZHANG ; Yan GAO ; Cen JIANG ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):14-25
Lung cancer, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates, remains a significant global health challenge. By taking the study on the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School as an example, the diagnosis and treatment system for lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome, which was formed in response to the humid and foggy environment of the Sichuan Basin, possesses unique value. However, traditional inheritance modes face challenges such as fragmentation, lack of standardization, and insufficient quantification, which hinder the promotion and application of this experience. This research focused on how to leverage multimodal data and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) to achieve precise analysis, intelligent inheritance, and clinical innovation of the experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer with phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome by distinguished traditional Chinese medicine physicians of the Sichuan School. By integrating multimodal data (encompassing four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, modern medical imaging, clinical laboratory tests, molecular biology, and regional environmental information), a precise diagnosis and treatment system integrating macro and micro perspectives for the "disease, syndrome, and pathogenesis" was constructed. The research yielded the following results: (1) In precise syndrome differentiation, the objective quantification of the phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndrome was achieved. By constructing a "four diagnostic methods, imaging, and molecule" correlation model, the study revealed intrinsic links between tongue and pulse parameters and the tumor microenvironment, as well as between regional climatic factors and syndrome characteristics, enabling real-time dynamic monitoring of efficacy. (2) In elucidating patterns, the study systematically explored the syndrome differentiation thoughts of Sichuan School physicians, such as the timing of purgation and tonification. A "pathogenesis, syndrome complex, and prescriptions and herb" network model was constructed, which accurately elucidated the synergistic action mechanisms of core herb pairs and quantified the dynamic compatibility patterns of reinforcing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. (3) In intelligent empowerment, an auxiliary system integrating intelligent syndrome differentiation, treatment plan generation, and efficacy evaluation was built. This system can fuse regional characteristics with individual data, dynamically generate and optimize personalized prescriptions aligned with the experience of Sichuan School, and predict efficacy trends and potential adverse reactions. The integration of multimodal data and AIGC can effectively facilitate the structured inheritance and clinical translation of distinguished physicians' experience. The established intelligent diagnosis and treatment model integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine demonstrates clear potential in prolonging patients' progression-free survival, alleviating symptoms, and reducing adverse reactions to treatment. This study provides a referential methodological framework for the traditional Chinese medicine experience in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, especially the empirical inheritance and modernized development of regional academic schools. It contributes to advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment toward greater precision and personalization.
7.Guizhi Fulingwan Alleviate Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulating mtDNA/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Yu TANG ; Xuli YANG ; Qiang YANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yongxiang GAO ; Xueping LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) against hepatic fibrosis, focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=7): control, model, low/medium/high-dose (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) GFW (GFW-L, GFW-M, GFW-H), and Dahuang Zhechong pills (DZW, 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight (P<0.01), an increase in liver index (P<0.01), elevations in serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.01), and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition, the model group showed decreased ΔΨm (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 (P<0.01) and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01) in the liver tissue, and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the body weight increased in GFW-L, GFW-M, and DZW groups (P<0.05) and markedly increased in the GFW-H group (P<0.01). The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group (P<0.01). The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group (P<0.05), and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees, and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy, mitochondrial swelling, and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨm increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group (P<0.01). The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage, inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation, and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
8.Action of Immune Microenvironment and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on "Deficiency of Healthy Qi and Stasis Toxins"
Xia LI ; Jiexiong YANG ; Xiyang LIU ; Wenjun WU ; Cen JIANG ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):100-109
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignancy with high mortality, exhibits poor survival rates and prognosis. The profound suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the abnormal hyperactivity of metabolic reprogramming (MR) are the two primary factors driving HCC progression. Traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated significant efficacy in HCC treatment. The team proposed that "deficiency of healthy Qi and stasis toxins" was the core pathogenesis of HCC, closely associated with TIME suppression and MR hyperactivity. This paper proposed that a suppressed state of the TIME was the biological manifestation of "deficiency of healthy Qi", where the functional exhaustion of effector T lymphocytes and natural killer cells reflected the decline of "healthy Qi" in eliminating pathogens. Conversely, the expansion and activation of immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAM-M2), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) , represent the dysfunction of "healthy Qi" in maintaining homeostasis. MR serves as the material basis of "stasis toxins". Stasis toxins exhibit heat stagnation, manifested by abnormal hyperactivity of glycolysis and lipid synthesis. They demonstrate migratory propensity, as toxic metabolites like lactic acid and prostaglandin E2 promote tumor invasion and metastasis. They display a consumptive nature, reflected in the functional suppression of immune cells. The vicious cycle between TIME and MR is the biopathological reflection of "deficiency of healthy Qi intertwined with stasis toxins". Immunosuppression exacerbates MR, while toxic metabolites further impair immune function, establishing a pathogenic chain of "deficiency leading to stasis, and stasis toxins damaging healthy Qi". The primary therapeutic approach is reinforcing healthy Qi, resolving stasis, and removing toxins, which can reinforce and tonify healthy Qi to regulate pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4/ C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCR4/CXCL12), and toll-like receptor 4/ nuclear factor-kappa B/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/STAT3), adjust T lymphocyte ratios, inhibit Tregs/TAM-M2 function, and downregulate immune checkpoints, including programmed death ligand 1/programmed death 1(PD-L1/PD-1), and reshape TIME. It is also involved in resolving stasis and removing toxins to modulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathways, suppress key enzymes in glycolysis and lipid synthesis, and block toxic metabolite production. Thus, this therapy synergistically regulates the immune and metabolic network, breaks the vicious cycle of "deficiency in healthy Qi and stasis toxins", and offers a novel strategy for integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in HCC treatment.
9.Analysis on Theoretical Model and Pharmacological Mechanism of Staged Treatment of Severe Acute Pancreatitis with "Strengthening Healthy Qi to Eliminate Pathogenic Factors"
Wei JIN ; Quanyu DU ; Yang SONG ; Yong CHEN ; Junfeng MO ; Xiaochuan PAN ; Chunrun LI ; Peishu LAN ; Shaohong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):195-204
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is closely related to dysfunction of the spleen-stomach ascent and descent. Due to the influence of modern lifestyle and dietary factors, Qi deficiency in the spleen and stomach has become the pathological basis of SAP. Its pathogenesis is characterized by dampness, heat, pathogenic factors, stasis, stagnation, obstruction, Fu-organs Qi obstruction, pathogenic excess, and healthy Qi deficiency. At different stages of the disease course of SAP, there is a focus on both pathogenic excess and healthy Qi deficiency. It is specifically manifested as Fu-organs stagnation and heat accumulation, as well as pathogenic excess and healthy Qi deficiency, during the systemic inflammatory response phase, intermingling of blood stasis and pathogenic factors, as well as Qi deficiency and blood stasis, during the infection period, and weakness of the spleen and stomach, as well as healthy Qi deficiency and lingering pathogenic factors, during the residual infection period. Based on the theory that "the spleen and stomach are the acquired foundation", a staged treatment method centered on the core principle of "strengthening healthy Qi to eliminate pathogenic factors" was developed. The staged treatment method included "clearing the Fu-organs to expel turbidity, replenishing Qi to harmonize the stomach, activating blood circulation to expel pathogenic factors, replenishing Qi to relieve pain, promoting digestion to stimulate appetite, and replenishing Qi to invigorate the spleen". In clinical practice, Hewei Tongxie mixture, Yikang mixture, and Shiwei Jianpi Xiaoshi powder were selected for staged treatment of SAP. This article systematically summarized the theoretical basis of traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine foundation, modern pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical application experience of the staged treatment of SAP with "strengthening the healthy Qi to eliminate pathogenic factors", providing new ideas for the treatment of SAP with traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Exploring Mechanism of Action of Tuoli Xiaodu San in Treating Ulcerative Colitis Based on Integrated Pharmacology and Transcriptomics
Longke MA ; Linzhen LI ; Haimei YANG ; Juan WANG ; Xudong WEN ; Yihan MA ; Xiaoxiang WANG ; Fating LU ; Qiaobo YE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):205-215
ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis and mechanism of action of Tuoli Xiaodu San in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by integrating transcriptomics, network pharmacology, and experimental validation. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was initially employed to screen the active components and potential mechanisms of Tuoli Xiaodu San for treating UC. A UC mouse model was established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction. The mice were divided into the following groups: normal, model, high-dose (11.3 g·kg-1) Tuoli Xiaodu San, low-dose (5.7 g·kg-1) Tuoli Xiaodu San, and positive control (mesalazine, 0.4 g·kg-1). Intragastric administration commenced on day 1 of modeling and continued for 7 consecutive days. The disease activity index (DAI) was assessed daily. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe colonic pathological changes. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptome sequencing was performed on mouse colonic tissues, and the results were integrated with network pharmacology findings for in-depth analysis of Tuoli Xiaodu San's potential mechanisms in treating UC. Finally, the expression of key genes and proteins in the identified signaling pathways were detected using Western blot and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsThe combined analysis of network pharmacology and transcriptomics results showed that the multi-pathway network with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway as its core was the key mechanism of Tuoli Xiaodu San in the treatment of UC. Tuoli Xiaodu San administration significantly ameliorated weight loss, diarrhea, and bloody stools in UC mice, reduced the DAI scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the colonic histopathological scores (P<0.01), alleviated colon shortening (P<0.01), and downregulated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Molecular biology experiments confirmed that Tuoli Xiaodu San significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression, as well as the phosphorylation levels, of PI3K, Akt, and p65 in colonic tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionTuoli Xiaodu San can regulate the multi-pathway network with PI3K/Akt as its core through multi-component synergy, thereby reducing colonic inflammatory damage and exerting a therapeutic effect on UC.

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