During the 2022 Annual National Terahertz Biophysics Conference, the hypothesis was proposed that bio frequency electromagnetic fields sensitive points, akin to acupuncture points, exist in the human body. This development has prompted numerous researchers to apply terahertz technology to the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In recent years, terahertz technology has achieved notable progress in the field of TCM, particularly concerning the meridian-collateral system. This review systematically presents the advancements in terahertz technology and its implications on TCM theory from a biophysical perspective. Additionally, it summarizes the utilization of terahertz waves in elucidating aspects of TCM, particularly focusing on the scientific connotation of Qi, the theoretical foundation of the meridian-collateral system, and moxibustion in diagnosing and treating diseases. We aimed to explore the innovative applications and distinct advantages of terahertz technology in TCM and its feasibility as a pioneering technological tool for the modernization of TCM.

Chronic wound healing is a significant challenge in diabetes. Puerarin is an active compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Pueraria lobata. Puerarin has been used in the treatment of diabetes and derives benefits from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pro-angiogenesis properties, but its efficacy is hampered by poor water solubility and bioavailability. In this study, we designed a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–borax–puerarin (BP) hydrogel system that self-assembled via boronic ester bonds. The BP hydrogel exhibited exceptional physical characteristics, including adaptability, injectability, plasticity, self-healing capabilities, and robust compressive strength, as well as good biocompatibility. In the chronic wound diabetic rats model, the BP hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing, as evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, as well as Masson and picrosirius red (PSR) staining. RNA–sequencing and multiple immunohistochemistry (mIHC) analyses revealed that the BP hydrogel exerts a therapeutic effect by modulating macrophage polarization, promoting angiogenesis, and regulating collagen remodeling. Our findings suggest that the BP hydrogel represents a promising wound dressing and holds great potential for clinical applications in acute and chronic wound management.

Background: Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by osteoarticular and cutaneous manifestations. While tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors such as adalimumab are increasingly used for refractory cases, some patients exhibit inadequate response. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as a potential alternative, but data on the selective JAK1 inhibitor upadacitinib in SAPHO syndrome are lacking. Case summary: An 18-year-old male presented with a 7-year history of recurrent facial acne since 2016. Whole-body bone scintigraphy revealed focally increased radiotracer uptake in the right clavicle, consistent with SAPHO syndrome. Initial treatment of acne with adapalene gel combined with oral minocycline failed to improve skin symptoms, leading to the decision to ultimately pursue biologic therapy. After four months of adalimumab therapy, the patient initially showed improvement in chest pain and dermatitis but subsequently experienced paradoxical worsening of facial acne accompanied by erythema and pruritus. No improvement was observed after an additional four weeks of continued adalimumab treatment. Following a transition to upadacitinib, facial lesions improved within 4 weeks and achieved marked resolution by 8 weeks. Conclusion: This report of upadacitinib in SAPHO syndrome demonstrates its rapid and substantial efficacy in a patient refractory to adalimumab. Upadacitinib may represent a promising treatment option for difficult-to-treat SAPHO syndrome, particularly in cases with inadequate response to TNF-α inhibition.

We appreciate Wang et al¹ for their interest in our article² and for highlighting the pathogenic role of cytokine dysregulation in SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome. The authors also address the possible mechanism of secukinumab in the treatment of SAPHO syndrome: blocking the expression of Th17 cell–related cytokines.

SAPHO syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disorder with osteoarticular and cutaneous involvement. Paradoxical skin lesions have been reported during treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors. We describe a 42-year-old man with a 6-year history of SAPHO syndrome presenting with chronic sternoclavicular and lumbosacral pain and sterile pustules on the lower extremities. Conventional therapy with etoricoxib and methotrexate improved musculoskeletal symptoms but failed to resolve skin lesions, while adalimumab treatment led to progressive worsening of cutaneous manifestations. Following a switch to upadacitinib (15 mg once daily), rapid improvement of skin lesions and sustained control of musculoskeletal symptoms were achieved without adverse events. This case suggests that Janus kinase inhibition may represent a therapeutic option for TNF-α inhibitor–induced paradoxical skin lesions in SAPHO syndrome.