Study on the Mechanism of Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang in Alleviating Tourette Syndrome Via Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and the DA-MAPK-BDNF Pathway

Tourette Syndrome (TS) children were administered Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang treatment. The differences in gut microbiota composition, peripheral blood stress hormones, oxidative stress markers, cytokines, neurotransmitters, and hair cortisol concentrations were observed before and after treatment. Combined with the differences in tic-like behavioral indicators, the therapeutic efficacy of Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang was evaluated. Additionally, TS children underwent two fNIRS examinations before and after treatment to quantitatively describe the activation of brain function by Pei Tu Ning Feng Tang and to investigate its neural mechanisms against tics. Scores were assessed before and after treatment using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score Sheet for Pediatric Tourette Syndrome (Spleen Deficiency and Liver Hyperactivity Type) to observe the efficacy of the medication.

Inclusion Criteria:① Meet the diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Tic Disorder (Spleen Deficiency and Liver Hyperactivity Type) in both traditional Chinese and Western medicine; ② Aged between 4 and 15 years; ③ Guardians provide informed consent, sign the informed consent form, and are able to adhere to the treatment; ④ No visual impairments such as color blindness or color weakness, and no cognitive impairment disorders. Exclusion Criteria:① Failure to meet the diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Tic Disorder (Spleen Deficiency and Liver Hyperactivity Type) in both traditional Chinese and Western medicine; ② Presence of involuntary movements caused by other diseases, such as Huntington's chorea, hepatolenticular degeneration, myoclonus, epilepsy, etc.; ③ Allergy to any component of the trial medication; ④ Accompanied by severe conditions such as cardiac, hepatic, renal insufficiency, or hematological system disorders.