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Hyperterpenoid A (1) and B (2), two pairs of enantiomers, with an unprecedented 6/6/4/6/6 polycyclic skeleton, along with one known compoud hypermonone A (3) were isolated from Hypericum beanii. The racemate (±)-1 and (±)-2 were successfully separated into the two optically pure enantiomers (ee ≥ 99%) using a preparative HPLC system. Their absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The related plausible biogenetic pathways were presented. Compound 1-3 showed significant neuroprotective activity and potential anti-inflammatory activity. The result that (+)-2 and (-)-2 presented different anti-inflammatory properties, may lead us to new discovery of structure activity relationship between racemates, enantiomers, and diastereomers, as well as further research regarding the binding of drugs to target proteins.

A full set of 8,4'-oxy-8'-phenylneolignans with four chiral carbons, named (+)/(-)-leptolepisols D1‒D2 and (+)/(-)-sophorols A‒F, were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep., including 14 previously undescribed stereoisomers, along with 2 known leptolepisol D diastereomers. Their planar structures and relative configurations were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis (HRESIMS and NMR). Based on a highly accurate conformer filtering protocol at low computational cost, the absolute configurations of full set 8,4'-oxy-8'-phenylneolignans were completely assigned by TDDFT calculations of ECD spectra for the first time. Furthermore, (+)/(-)-sophorol A, (-)-sophorol B, and (-)-sophorol E could moderately suppress the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in murine macrophages at 10 μM, with inhibitory ratios of 48.4-52.9%.

Two new prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids, and three known analogues, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the gum resin of

Three previously unidentified polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) derivatives, hypseudohenrins I-K (

Two new hydroxylated ethacrylic acid derivatives (compounds

Three new diterpenoids (1–3) and three new esterifying lignans (4–6) were isolated from the leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD method). At 10 μmol/L, compounds 4–6 showed moderate inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in LPS-induced macrophages with inhibitory rate >80%.

Illisimonin A, an unprecedented sesquiterpenoid with a tricyclo[5.2.1.0

Nine 14,15-secopregnane-type C

ZnO nanobelts, hollow microspheres, and urchins have been prepared on copper foil via a simply low temperature evaporation route. The microstructure, morphologies, and photoluminescence of the ZnO nanostructures were studied with X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectra. The width of the nanobelts was about 500 nm and the length was longer than 10 μm. The diameter of the hollow microspheres was between 5 and 10 μm. A possible growth mechanism of the nanobelts, microspheres and urchins was proposed. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibited strong deep level energy emissions and a weak near band edge emission. These ZnO nanostructures on a copper substrate have the advantages of naturally good adhesion and electrical connection between the ZnO nanostructures and the conductive substrate.

High density ZnO nanostructures were fabricated on Au coated Si and quartz substrates through once and the same oxidative evaporation of pure zinc powder. The coated side of the substrate was intentionally positioned in two directions of face and back to the zinc sources. Structure, morphology and optical properties of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and room temperature photoluminescence measurements. The results showed that the samples on the different substrates with different directions have three different morphologies, including film-, rod- and comb-like nanostructures. Photoluminescence spectra of the samples showed the various bands centered in UV (380-390 nm), blue (470-490 nm), green (500-550 nm) and orange (610-620 nm) region. It demonstrates that the substrate material and the direction of substrate significantly affect the growth of ZnO nanostructures.

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an ubiquitous and important transcription factor. It regulates antioxidant response elements (AREs)-mediated expression of antioxidant enzyme and cytoprotective proteins. A large body of research showed that Nrf2-Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, Keap 1)-ARE signaling pathway is involved in the endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms. Nrf2 increases the expression of a number of cytoprotective genes, protects cells and tissues from the injury of a variety of toxicants and carcinogens. As a result, Nrf2 enhances the expression of glutathione and antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase, and subsequently scavenging free radicals. Air pollution especially from PM2.5 particles, is associated with an increasing morbidity of inflammatory pulmonary diseases and their deterioration. More and more studies demonstrated that Nrf2 was a novel signaling molecule in the modulation of inflammatory responses in these inflammatory respiratory diseases, such as asthma, acute lung injury (ALI) and COPD. Therefore, Nrf2 targeting might be a therapeutic target, which will provide clinical benefit by reducing both oxidative stress and inflammation in asthma, acute lung injury (ALI) and COPD. This review focused on the relationship between Nrf2 and inflammatory respiratory diseases and oxidative stress.