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  • Changyong LUO, Zhi LIU, He YU, Yurou YAN, Junhong WANG, Bing HE, Xiaohong GU
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 14-17.
    Objective

    This study aimed to construct a deep learning model for the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections by using pre-training transfer learning methods.

    Method

    Firstly,a large number of medical case data from Professor LI Suqing’s tutor was used as the source domain knowledge data. Based on the Sequence to Sequence(seq2seq)Algorithm of Long Short-Term Memory Network(LSTM),It combined the two attention mechanisms of symptom and drug attention to pre-train the model. Then,Professor LI Suqing's typical medical cases were used as target domain knowledge data for transfer learning training.

    Result

    The Turing Test results showed that the error rate of participating traditional Chinese medicine doctors exceeded 30%,with the lowest error rate among those who had long-term follow-ups with Professor LI Suqing. Further qualitative and quantitative evaluation showed that the average score of the model using transfer learning method was 6.14,which was very close to the score of Professor LI Suqing's original prescription model of 6.50,while the score of the simple LSTM model was lower.

    Conclusion

    Pre-training transfer learning method performed well in simulating the prescription patterns of famous traditional Chinese medicine doctors,providing an effective solution for the artificial intelligence-assisted decision-making system of traditional Chinese medicine,and demonstrating the great potential of deep learning in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

  • Chang HE, Ran ZHAO, Wen ZHANG, Zedan ZHANG, Xiaoxiao WEN, Xinyi GU, Huiying ZHUANG, Bin WANG
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 18-25.

    Blockchain and secure multi-party computation(SMPC)are feasible ways to solve security and privacy issues of data sharing. Blockchain ensures the traceability of computing processes and prevents malicious computing party to modify its upload data. The secure multi-party computation protocols can integrate untrustworthy users as participants to establish safe and trusted cooperation mechanism. The design of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical data algorithm based on blockchain and secure multi-party computing protocols can integrate the multiparty clinical data,expand the research sample size,solve the problem of“being unwilling,afraid and unable”to share TCM clinical data and promote the development of TCM real-world study. This article creatively integrated frequency analysis and descriptive statistics into SMPC protocols,integrated blockchain technology to enhance the security and transparency of data sharing,so as to design a set of efficient and privacy-protecting distributed computation scheme for TCM clinical data. This article not only analyzed the advantages of this scheme in data security and privacy protection compared with centralized computation,but also designed experiments to prove the accuracy and feasibility of this scheme in calculating real TCM clinical data. The scheme creates a new direction for TCM data sharing,which not only guarantees patient privacy,but also realizes effective aggregation of clinical data,and accelerates the modernization and scientific process of TCM.

  • Xing CHEN, Peiwei CONG, Wei SUN, Hongquan GUAN, Xinhong LI, Xizi WANG, Diandong HOU, Jing TIAN
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 26-32.
    Objective

    To treat the rat model of chronic eczema by Sanzi Granules(三子颗粒)and explore its mechanism of external treatment for chronic eczema.

    Methods

    Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Sanzi Granules group and Qingpeng Ointment(青鹏软膏)group,with 10 rats in each group. The rat models of chronic eczema were prepared by sensitization with dinitrochlorophenylacetone solution. The model group was given wet compress with normal saline,the Sanzi Granules group was given wet compress with Sanzi Granules lotion,and the Qingpeng Ointment group was externally applied with Qingpeng Ointment. Skin lesion score was used to evaluate the curative effect. HE staining method was used to observe the morphological changes of the skin tissue. The expressions of interferon gamma(IFN-γ)and interleukin-4(IL-4)in skin lesions were detected by immunohistochemical technique. The protein levels of interleukin-17(IL-17),forkhead transcription factor 3(Foxp3),phosphorylated-p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(p-p38MAPK),p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(p38MAPK),phosphorylated-nuclear factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)and nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65)in skin lesions were detected by Western blot.

    Results

    The model group rats showed hyperkeratosis and dyskeratosis,with significant thickening of both the granular and spinous layers,and coarser collagen fibers. In the model group,the number of mast cells was significantly increased,the protein expressions of IFN-γ and Foxp3 were decreased,and the protein expressions of IL-4,IL-17,p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 were increased. Compared with those of the model group,the skin lesion scores of the Sanzi Granules group was significantly reduced on the 6th,8th and 10th day. The alleviated pathological changes and the protein expressions of IFN-γ and Foxp3 significantly increased(P<0.01),the protein expressions of IL-4,p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expression of IL-17 decreased,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).

    Conclusion

    Sanzi Granules can inhibit hyperplasia of mast cells,up-regulate the protein levels of IFN-γ and Foxp3,and reduce protein levels of IL-4,IL-17,p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,and play a therapeutic role in chronic eczema. These results preliminarily reveal the mechanism of Sanzi Granules treating chronic eczema.

  • Yanting GONG, Renchun HU, Xiaoqiang YUE
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 33-37.

    Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)is the root of Dangshen[Codonopsis pilosula(Franch.)Nannf.]. Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)and Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)were abundantly produced in the Shangdang area in ancient times,and there was a more common phenomenon of mixing the two in history. In this paper,the historical origin of Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)was sorted out and examined,and it is pointed out that due to the extinction of Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)in Shangdang,Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)began to be used in large quantities as a substitute for Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)after the Ming Dynasty and began to be included in materia medica books separately in the late Qing Dynasty. It is neutral in nature and taste and enters spleen and lung meridians,and can benefit lung Qi,harmonize spleen and stomach and nourish blood and generate body fluids. The characteristics of“lion's head”and“spreading and not opposite leaves”are obvious differences from those of Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma),which grows straight up from one stem and has three branches and five leaves,which are opposite to each other. As it is widely used,there are different names for Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma),such as“Shangdangshen”“Shitoushen”“Shangdang Renshen”,etc. To this day,Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)as a large variety of traditional Chinese medicine is widely distributed in China,forming the main production areas in Shanxi,Sichuan and Gansu,with Ludangshen from Shanxi,Taidangshen from Sichuan,Jingdangshen and Wendangshen from Gansu being the most famous ones. Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)is rich in sugar,alkyne and other chemical components,with immunity regulation,memory improvement,anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,anti-ulcer,antioxidant and anti-aging pharmacological effects. Traditional Chinese medicine is believed to be able to strengthen spleen and benefit lung,nourish blood and promote the production of fluids,in particular,to tonify Qi and nourish blood for its strengths,clinically used in the immune,digestive,respiratory,circulatory and other systemic diseases,as well as the treatment of health care in the daily life. Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)and Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)both have the functions of tonifying spleen,benefiting lung and generating body fluid,and they can replace each other in many aspects,but Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)has a strong tonifying Qi power and is especially good at tonifying the vital energy,whereas Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix)is good at tonifying blood,which is the main clinical difference between the two. This study provided a reference for the proper origin and further clinical application of Dangshen(Codonopsis Radix).

  • Ruiqin JIAO, Yuting BO, Xiaoxiao WANG, Yu ZHANG
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 37-40.
    Objective

    To observe the effect of Modified Zuogui Pill(左归丸加减)combined with moxibustion in the treatment of kidney Yin deficiency type of diminished ovarian reserve,and to explore whether moxibustion combined with medicine can improve the therapeutic effect of kidney Yin deficiency type of diminished ovarian reserve.

    Methods

    A total of 60 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for kidney Yin deficiency type of diminished ovarian reserve in the gynecological outpatient department of Huaibei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Anhui Province from January 2022 to December 2022 were collected as research subjects,and were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,with 30 patients in each group. The control group received moxibustion treatment,and the treatment group received Modified Zuogui Pill and moxibustion treatment. Both groups were treated for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. The levels of serum estradiol(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)of the two groups were measured before and after treatment. Basal sinus follicle count and endometrial thickness were monitored before and after treatment,and TCM syndrome scores of the two groups were recorded before and after treatment.

    Results

    The total effective rate of the treatment group and the control group was 93.33% and 73.33%,respectively(P<0.05). After treatment,the level of E2,endometrial thickness and sinus follicle count in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group,and the levels of FSH,LH and the scores of small abdominal pain during menstruation,delayed menstruation and dark color or purple were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    Zuogui Pill combined with moxibustion has significant curative effect in the treatment of kidney Yin deficiency type of diminished ovarian reserve,symptoms and hormone levels are significantly improved,which is suitable for popularization and application.

  • Xiubao CHEN, Fei XU, Xi YIN, Weida CHEN, Xiujuan LIU, Xing CUI, Zetao CHEN
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 41-45.
    Objective

    To observe the effect of Danggui Buxue Decoction(当归补血汤)on bone marrow hematopoietic function in mice with aplastic anemia(AA),and explore the balance of Th17/Treg cells and the role of related inflammatory factors.

    Method

    A mouse model of AA was prepared by combining radiation irradiation with allogeneic mouse lymphocyte infusion. After successful modeling,the participants were randomly divided into a model control group,Huangqi(Astragali Radix)-Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix)1∶1 group,Huangqi(Astragali Radix)-Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix)3∶1 group and Huangqi(Astragali Radix)-Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix)5∶1 group. A normal control group was set up,and each group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage once a day for 28 days. The general condition,body weight,spleen index and basic hematological parameters of peripheral blood in mice were observed,and the pathological changes of bone marrow tissue were observed through HE staining. ELSIA method was used to detect the expression levels of inflammatory factor proteins such as interleukin-17A(IL-17A),interleukin-6(IL-6),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and interleukin-10(IL-10). Flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of Danggui Buxue Decoction on the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells and the balance of Th17/Treg cells in mouse bone marrow.

    Result

    After the intervention of Danggui Buxue Decoction,in the Danggui Buxue Decoction treatment groups,the general symptoms of the mice improved,the food and water intake increased,the body weight and spleen index significantly increased,the peripheral blood red blood cell,white blood cell,platelet count and hemoglobin concentration significantly elevated(P<0.05),the bone marrow hematopoietic function improved,and the hematopoietic tissue proliferation increased(P<0.05). The protein expressions of IL-17A and IL-6 were significantly down-regulated,while the protein expressions of TGF-β1 and IL-10 were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The proportion of Th17 cells in bone marrow decreased significantly,while the proportion of Treg cells increased significantly. The Th17/Treg cell ratio decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01),with the Huangqi(Astragali Radix)-Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix)5∶1 group showing the best effect.

    Conclusion

    Danggui Buxue Decoction can improve the bone marrow hematopoietic function in mice with AA,and its mechanism of action may be related to regulating the ratios of Th17 and Treg cells,intervening the balance of Th17/Treg cells,and regulating the inflammatory factor levels such as IL-17A,IL-6,TGF-β1 and IL-10.

  • Lingling LI, Xiaoyao WANG, Jijun WANG, Wei XIONG, Lei LI, Ying CUI
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 46-51.
    Objective

    By observing the effect of Taoren(Persicae Semen)on cough variant asthma(CVA)model rats,it discussed the effect and mechanism of Taoren(Persicae Semen)in relieving cough and asthma.

    Methods

    Smoke combined with ovalbumin(OVA)-aluminium hydroxide sensitisation and nebulisation of OVA sensitising solution method was used to establish a CVA rat model to evaluate the efficacy of Taoren(Persicae Semen)in relieving cough and calming asthma by observing the general morphology of the rats,determining the incubation period of cough,the number of coughs and lung function and observing the pathological changes in the lung tissues of the rats with the HE staining method. Masson staining was used to measure collagen deposition in rat lung tissues. HE staining was used to measure airway morphological parameters of bronchial tubes. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to measure the levels of interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-5(IL-5),interleukin-13(IL-13),nerve growth factor(NGF)in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),and immunohistochemistry method forα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression,to explore the mechanism of action of Taoren(Persicae Semen)in relieving cough and asthma.

    Results

    After 2 weeks of continuous administration,compared with those of the CVA model group,the general morphology of rats in each dose group of Taoren(Persicae Semen)could be improved to different degrees. The body weight of rats was significantly increased(P<0.05). The incubation period of cough was significantly prolonged(P<0.01)and the number of cough was significantly decreased(P<0.01). The lung function of rats could be improved in different degrees in each administration group. The infiltrated area of inflammatory cells in lung tissue was reduced to different degrees,and the alveolar cavity became wider. The exfoliation of trachea epithelial cells,inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular congestion were improved to a certain extent. In addition,IFN-γ/IL-4 levels were significantly increased in each administration group(P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of IL-5 and IL-13 were decreased in different degrees,the collagen area around trachea was decreased,the ratios of Wat/Pbm and Wam/Pbm were decreased,andα-SMA expression was down-regulated.

    Conclusion

    Taoren(Persicae Semen)can improve the symptoms of cough and asthma in CVA rats,and have relieving cough and asthma effects. The mechanism may be as follows.①It corrects the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and reduce the infiltration of Eos,thereby reducing airway inflammation.②It decreases IL-13 concentration and reduces Wat/Pbm and Wam/Pbm to inhibit AHR.③It down-regulatesα-SMA expression and inhibits airway smooth muscle thickening and collagen deposition to slow down airway remodeling.

  • Chengcheng FAN, Xinyu ZHANG, Ao WANG, Shengpeng WANG, Mengyue SUN, Zhe WANG, Jidong LIU
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 52-58.

    Ferroptosis,a pattern of cell apoptosis driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation,plays an important role in the complex pathological process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This type of injury usually occurs during the recovery of blood flowing after cerebral ischemia,when the brain tissue undergoes a more severe secondary injury. In a series of complex physiological reactions,multiple mechanisms such as oxidative stress,excessive intracellular calcium concentration and inflammation work together,ferroptosis is a part of them which cannot be ignored. Recent studies have shown that certain LncRNAs can significantly affect the process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by influencing the expressions of ferroptosis-related genes. Some LncRNAs play a role in the process of apoptosis after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the expression of genes related to autophagy. The research on how LncRNA affects ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury is still in its initial stage,but the research value and application potential in this field have already emerged. In the future,we can further explore the mechanisms by which LncRNAs regulate ferroptosis and strive to discover more LncRNAs related to ferroptosis,in order to find new methods and ways for treating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

  • Jianheng HAO, Jia REN, Boya CHANG, Zhen GAO, Haijun WANG, Laixi JI
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 59-65.
    Objective

    To investigate the protective effect of acupuncture on the reproductive function of mice by observing the effect of the“Zhibian(BL54)-to-Shuidao(ST28)”acupuncture method on key factors in the death receptor pathway of testicular tissue in asthenospermia mice.

    Methods

    Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group and an acupuncture group(n=10). The blank group was given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage,while the model group and acupuncture group were given intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide(50 mg·kg-1·d-1)for 5 days. After the completion of modeling,the acupuncture group were given continuous acupuncture treatment with“Zhibian(BL54)-to-Shuidao(ST28)”for 2 weeks,once a day,20 minutes for each time. The other two groups were only fixed,and the samples were taken the next day after treatment. In daily observations,the general condition of mice was assessed,and the changes in body weight and testicular and epididymal indices were recorded. The sperm quality of the mice was evaluated. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA)was used to measure the levels of testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)in the serum. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)staining was employed to examine the pathological morphology of testicular tissue. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining was used to observe cell apoptosis in testicular tissue. Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and Western blot were employed to assess changes in the mRNA and protein expressions of Fas cell surface death receptor(Fas),Fas ligand(FasL),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),TNF receptor 1(TNFR1),tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL),death receptor 5(DR5),Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 in testicular tissue. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect the positive expressions of cleaved Caspase-3 and PARPin testicular tissue.

    Results

    Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight of male mice(P<0.01),a decrease in testicular and epididymal mass and coefficients(P<0.01),a decrease in total sperm count,sperm motility and sperm viability(P<0.01),a decrease in serum levels of testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)(P<0.01),deterioration in the pathological morphology of testicular and epididymal tissues,an increase in the number of positively stained apoptotic cells(P<0.01),an increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FasL,Fas,TNF-α,TNFR1,FADD,Caspase-8 and Caspase-3(P<0.01,P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of TRAIL,DR5 mRNA or protein(P>0.05),and an increase in the expressions of cleaved Caspase-3 and PARP(P<0.01). Compared to the model group,the acupuncture group showed no significant change in body weight after treatment(P>0.05). There was an increase in testicular and epididymal mass and coefficients(P<0.01). The levels of total sperm count,sperm motility and sperm viability increased(P<0.01). The serum levels of testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)increased(P<0.01). There was an improvement in the pathological morphology of testicular and epididymal tissues,a decrease in the number of positively stained apoptotic cells(P<0.01),a decrease in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FasL,Fas,TNF-α,TNFR1,FADD,Caspase-8 and Caspase-3(P<0.01,P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of TRAIL,DR5 mRNA and protein(P>0.05)or decrease in the expression of cleaved Caspase-3 and PARP(P<0.01).

    Conclusion

    The“Zhibian(BL54)-to-Shuidao(ST28)”technique can improve spermatogenic cell apoptosis in oligospermia mice and enhance reproductive function,and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of key factors in the testicular tissue death receptor apoptosis pathway.

  • Lu WANG, Nan SUI
    Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2025, 43(4): 66-71.
    Objective

    To observe the clinical efficacy of Zhuyang Tongbian Decoction(助阳通便汤)on patients with functional constipation(spleen and kidney Yang deficiency)and the effects of serum substance P(SP)and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)as well as its effects on the histopathology of the colon and the expression of VIPin the constipation model mice.

    Methods

    (1)Sixty-six patients who met the diagnosis of functional constipation and whose TCM syndrome was spleen and kidney Yang deficiency were grouped by randomized numerical table method,including the treatment group(33 cases)and the control group(33 cases). The treatment group was given Zhuyang Tongbian Decoction(130 mL)orally twice a day,and the control group was given Lactulose(15 mL)orally twice a day. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The constipation symptom scores,fecal character score,traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and contents of serum SPand VIPbefore and after the use of drugs in the two groups were compared.(2)Eighteen BALB/c mice were divided into KB group(blank control group),MX group(model group)and ZY group(Zhuyang Tongbian Decoction group)according to the randomized numerical table method,6 mice in each group were modeled by gavage with 80 mg/kg of diphenoxylate tablets suspension,and ZY group was given Zhuyang Tongbian Decoction(0.2 mL/10 g)for two weeks,and then samples were taken out to observe the histopathology of colon and VIP immunohistochemical expressions of each group. Colonic histopathology and VIPimmunohistochemical expressions were observed in each group.

    Results

    (1)The scores of constipation symptoms and fecal character of patients in both groups after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05). There was a significant difference in TCM symptom scores in the treatment group(P<0.05). The serum SP content of patients in the treatment group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the serum VIPcontent was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05). The effective rate was 90.0% in the treatment group and 73.3% in the control group(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the mice in the model group(MX group),the distribution of VIP-positively expressing cells was relatively denser and the number of positive cells was higher in the colonic tissues of the mice in the ZY group(P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    The clinical symptoms and traditional Chinese medicine symptoms of patients with functional constipation(spleen and kidney Yang deficiency)were improved by Zhuyang Tongbian Decoction,and it also had an intervention effect on the contents of serum SPand VIPof the patients. The modulation of VIPcontent in the colon tissue of mice with constipation by Zhuyang Tongbian Decoction is one of its mechanisms of action in the treatment of functional constipation.