Objective To explore the
biological basis of TCM
syndromes from a biomolecules network perspective with
qi deficiency syndrome as the breakthrough point.
Methods A data
dictionary of neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) related
genes and
qi deficiency syndrome characterization terminology
thesaurus were established.
Literature about
qi deficiency syndrome characterization was retrieved by using Genclip, to excavate the characteristic NEI
gene, thereby to explore different bioactive substances of
syndromes. Results The
analysis of the genetic data, showed
qi deficiency related cluster with the relevance of endocrine,
signal transduction, hematopoietic
cell and immune deficiencies etc. It is confirmed that the intrinsic
biological features of TCM
syndrome can effectively identify in the NEI level. Conclusion
Literature mining method as a new way to discover
syndromes biological indicators has certain feasibility, and it is recommended to be further expanded into other studies on
syndromes to validate the
universality and reliability of this
method.