Peroxynitrite-activated fluorescent probe with two reaction triggers for pathological diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of inflammation.

Excessive peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is closely related to the occurrence and progression of inflammation. Therefore, the development of an efficacious ONOO- activatable probe holds great potential for the early diagnosis of pathological inflammation, and the direct evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of active protectants. In this work, a new ONOO--activated fluorescent probe (SZP) which greatly improved the specificity and sensitivity (LOD = 8.03 nM) with large Stokes shift (150 nm) through introducing two reaction triggers (diphenyl phosphinate moiety, CC unsaturated bond) was rationally designed for rapid detecting ONOO- (within 2 min). The excellent properties of probe SZP enable it to realize the fluorescence-guided diagnosis of inflammation. More importantly, probe SZP has also been utilized to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) active ingredients for the remediation of inflammation by monitoring ONOO- fluctuation for the first time.

Five new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa.

Five undescribed eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes, remophilanetriols E-I (1-5), along with seven known compounds (6-12) were isolated from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa. Their structures were characterized by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and their absolute configurations were determined by comparing their calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and experimental ECD spectra. The anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities of all compounds were evaluated in vitro by MTT methods, and compounds 2, 8, 10, and 12 exhibited excellent anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities. In addition, compound 2 can reduce the levels of ROS and apoptosis in TGF-ß1-induced BEAS-2B cells.

Substrate-free dissolving microneedles with barbed shape to increase adhesion and drug-delivery efficiency to skin.

Microneedle drug delivery has recently emerged as a clinical method, and dissolving microneedles (DMNs) offer exclusive simplicity and efficiency, compared to the other kinds of microneedles. The tips of most currently available DMNs are cone/house-shaped to result in a lower penetration force. Penetration of the needle tips into the skin relies mainly on the back tape or external pressure, and their adhesion to the skin is relatively low. In addition, only the drug in the part of tips that are pierced into the dermis can be dissolved, resulting in drug waste. Inspired from the barbed structure of the honeybee stinger, we reported substrate-free DMNs with a barbed structure by a dual-molding process, which is suitable for mass production. Those DMNs showed 3-fold greater adhesion force between the needle tips and the skin, better dissolution and deeper penetration than house-shaped DMNs in vivo under the same conditions. For the in situ treatment of psoriasis in mice, the barbed DMNs required only the half dose of house-shaped DMNs to achieve similar efficacy.

DNA nanotechnology-based nucleic acid delivery systems for bioimaging and disease treatment.

Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, have been considered as powerful and functional biomaterials owing to their programmable structure, good biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis. However, traditional nucleic acid-based probes have always suffered from inherent limitations, including restricted cell internalization efficiency and structural instability. In recent years, DNA nanotechnology has shown great promise for the applications of bioimaging and drug delivery. The attractive superiorities of DNA nanostructures, such as precise geometries, spatial addressability, and improved biostability, have enabled them to be a novel category of nucleic acid delivery systems for biomedical applications. In this review, we introduce the development of DNA nanotechnology, and highlight recent advances of DNA nanostructure-based delivery systems for cellular imaging and therapeutic applications. Finally, we propose the challenges as well as opportunities for the future development of DNA nanotechnology in biomedical research.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract and Przewalskin ameliorate Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibition of apoptosis, oxidative stress and collagen deposition via the TGF-ß1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae) (DS) is a key part of the traditional Chinese medicine, whose roots are used to remove blood stasis, relieve pain, eliminate carbuncle and calm the nerves. Our research team found that the DS extract could significantly reverse LPS-induced lung injury, and five new diterpenoid quinones in DS extract with excellent lung protective activity for the first time. However, the material basis and mechanism of DS on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) needs to be explored in depth. OBJECTIVE: Bleomycin (BLM) was employed to establish the PF model, and Transcriptome and Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ligand fishing technology were used to explore the material basis and mechanism of DS on PF, and provided theoretical research for clinical treatment of PF. METHODS: DS extract (24.58 or 49.16 mg/kg, i.g.) was administered daily from Day 8 to Day 28, followed by intratracheal BLM drip (5 mg/kg) to induce PF. Data about the influences of DS on PF were collected by transcriptome sequencing technology. Pulmonary ultrasound, airway responsiveness, lung damage, collagen deposition, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, apoptosis, oxidative stress (OS), immune cells, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, E-Cadherin and Collage Ⅰ were examined. The affinity component (Przewalskin) in DS extract targeted by TGF-ß1 was fished by SPR ligand fishing technology. Furthermore, an in vivo PF mouse model and an in vitro TGF-ß1 induced BEAS-2B cell model were established, to explore the mechanism of Przewalskin on PF from the apoptosis, OS and epithelial mesenchymal transformation pathway. RESULTS: DS extract improved pulmonary ultrasound, reduced lung damage and collagen deposition, downregulated TNF-α, IL-1ß, apoptosis, OS, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, E-Cadherin and Collage Ⅰ, transformed immune cells following Bleomycin challenge. Furthermore, affinity component (Przewalskin) also improved pulmonary ultrasound and airway responsiveness, reduced lung damage and collagen deposition, downregulated TNF-α, IL-1ß, apoptosis, OS in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: Analysis using a mouse model revealed that DS extract and Przewalskin can relieve clinical symptoms of PF, reduce lung injury and improve lung function. Meanwhile, DS extract and Przewalskin can improve BLM-induced PF by inhibition of, OS, apoptosis and collagen deposition might via the TGF-ß1 pathway. This study provides references to identification of novel therapeutic targets, thereby facilitating drug development for PF.

Six New Compounds from the Herbaceous Stems of Ephedra intermedia Schrenket C. A. Meyer and Their Lung-Protective Activity.

Six new compounds, (7R,8S,8'R)-balanophorone (1), (7'S,8'R,8R)-yunnanensin A (2), (3S)-thunberginol C (3), (8R,8'R)-maninsigin B (4), (7S,8R)-4,7,8-dihydroxy-9,9-dimethyl-chroman (5), and 4-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)butan-1-one (6), along with eight known compounds (7-14), were isolated from the herbaceous stems of Ephedra intermedia Schrenket C. A. Meyer. Their structures were elucidated based on their spectroscopic (MS, NMR, IR, and UV) data, and their absolute configurations were determined by comparing their calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra. Moreover, compounds 1 and 3-6 were evaluated for their ability to protect human pulmonary epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) from injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. The results showed that compound 6 exhibited a significant protective effect against LPS-induced injury in BEAS-2B, and compound 5 exhibited a slightly protective effect at the concentration of 10 µM.

Wireless facial biosensing system for monitoring facial palsy with flexible microneedle electrode arrays.

Facial palsy (FP) profoundly influences interpersonal communication and emotional expression, necessitating precise diagnostic and monitoring tools for optimal care. However, current electromyography (EMG) systems are limited by their bulky nature, complex setups, and dependence on skilled technicians. Here we report an innovative biosensing approach that utilizes a PEDOT:PSS-modified flexible microneedle electrode array (P-FMNEA) to overcome the limitations of existing EMG devices. Supple system-level mechanics ensure excellent conformality to the facial curvilinear regions, enabling the detection of targeted muscular ensemble movements for facial paralysis assessment. Moreover, our apparatus adeptly captures each electrical impulse in response to real-time direct nerve stimulation during neurosurgical procedures. The wireless conveyance of EMG signals to medical facilities via a server augments access to patient follow-up evaluation data, fostering prompt treatment suggestions and enabling the access of multiple facial EMG datasets during typical 6-month follow-ups. Furthermore, the device's soft mechanics alleviate issues of spatial intricacy, diminish pain, and minimize soft tissue hematomas associated with traditional needle electrode positioning. This groundbreaking biosensing strategy has the potential to transform FP management by providing an efficient, user-friendly, and less invasive alternative to the prevailing EMG devices. This pioneering technology enables more informed decision-making in FP-management and therapeutic intervention.

Intranasal immunisation with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii uridine phosphorylase confers resistance against acute toxoplasmosis in mice.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Currently, control measures for T. gondii infection are insufficient due to the lack of effective medications or vaccines. In this paper, recombinant T. gondii uridine phosphorylase (rTgUPase) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified via Ni2+-NTA agarose. rTgUPase was inoculated intranasally into BALB/c mice, and the induced immune responses were evaluated by mucosal and humoral antibody and cytokine assays and lymphoproliferative measurements. Moreover, the protective effect against the T. gondii RH strain infection was assessed by calculating the burdens of tachyzoites in the liver and brain and by recording the survival rate and time. Our results revealed that mice immunised with 30 µg rTgUPase produced significantly higher levels of secretory IgA (sIgA) in nasal, intestinal, vaginal and vesical washes and synthesised higher levels of total IgG, IgG1 and, in particular, IgG2a in their blood sera. rTgUPase immunisation increased the production of IFN-gamma, interleukin IL-2 and IL-4, but not IL-10 from isolated mouse spleen cells and enhanced splenocyte proliferation in vitro. rTgUPase-inoculated mice were effectively protected against infection with the T. gondii RH strain, showing considerable reduction of tachyzoite burdens in liver and brain tissues after 30 days of infection, and a 44.29% increase in survival rate during an acute challenge. The above findings show that intranasal inoculation with rTgUPase provoked mucosal, humoral and cellular immune responses and indicate that rTgUPase might serve as a promising vaccine candidate for protecting against toxoplasmosis.

Title: L'immunisation intranasale avec l'uridine phosphorylase recombinante de Toxoplasma gondii confère une résistance contre la toxoplasmose aiguë chez la souris. Abstract: La toxoplasmose est causée par Toxoplasma gondii, qui infecte tous les animaux à sang chaud, y compris les humains. Actuellement, les mesures de contrôle de l'infection à T. gondii sont insuffisantes en raison du manque de médicaments ou de vaccins efficaces. Dans cet article, l'uridine phosphorylase recombinante de T. gondii (rTgUPase) a été exprimée dans Escherichia coli et purifiée via de l'agarose Ni2+-NTA. La rTgUPase a été inoculée par voie intranasale à des souris BALB/c et les réponses immunitaires induites ont été évaluées par des dosages d'anticorps et de cytokines muqueuses et humorales et par des mesures de lymphoprolifération. De plus, l'effet protecteur contre l'infection par la souche RH de T. gondii a été évalué en calculant la charge de tachyzoïtes dans le foie et le cerveau et en enregistrant le taux et la durée de survie. Nos résultats ont révélé que les souris immunisées avec 30 µg de rTgUPase produisaient des taux significativement plus élevés d'IgA sécrétoires (sIgA) dans les lavages nasaux, intestinaux, vaginaux et vésicaux et synthétisaient des taux plus élevés d'IgG totales, d'IgG1 et, en particulier, d'IgG2a dans leur sérum sanguin. L'immunisation par la rTgUPase a augmenté la production d'IFN-gamma, d'interleukine IL-2 et IL-4, mais pas d'IL-10 à partir de cellules de rate de souris isolées et a amélioré la prolifération des splénocytes in vitro. Les souris inoculées par la rTgUPase ont été efficacement protégées contre l'infection par la souche RH de T. gondii, montrant une réduction considérable de la charge de tachyzoïtes dans les tissus hépatiques et cérébraux après 30 jours d'infection et une augmentation de 44,29 % du taux de survie lors d'une épreuve aiguë. Les résultats ci-dessus montrent que l'inoculation intranasale de rTgUPase provoque des réponses immunitaires muqueuses, humorales et cellulaires et indiquent que la rTgUPase pourrait servir de candidat vaccin prometteur pour la protection contre la toxoplasmose.

Diarylpentanoids and phenylpropanoids from the roots of Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm.

Three pairs of undescribed diarylpentanoid enantiomers (1-3) and five undescribed phenylpropanoids (4-8), along with seven known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Anthriscus sylvestris. The structures of compounds (1-8) were determined by analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectra, HRESIMS, and electronic circular dichroism. In addition, the inhibitory activities against hypoxia-stimulated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells abnormal proliferation were evaluated by MTT assay. The mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2, BAX, Caspase3, and IL-6 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that compounds (-)-1, (+)-1, (-)-2, (+)-3, 4, 8-10, 14, and 15 inhibited the abnormal proliferation of PASMCs by regulating the levels of apoptosis and inflammatory factors.

Salviamilthone A-O, diterpenoid quinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Fifteen undescribed diterpenoid quinones salviamilthone A-O (1-15), together with three known diterpenoid quinones (16-18), were isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR data, while the relative and absolute configurations were confirmed by NOESY correlations and comparison between experimental and calculated ECD spectra. In the evaluation of bioactivities, salviamilthone J (10), salviamone (18) (10 µM) significantly increased cell viability and decreased the expression of IL-1ß in lipopolysaccharide-induced BEAS-2B cells. These data provide the molecular justification for the usage of Salvia miltiorrhiza in treating acute lung injury.

Customized flexible hollow microneedles for psoriasis treatment with reduced-dose drug.

Microneedles, especially hollow microneedles (HMNs), play an important role in drug delivery, but most of the current HMNs are manufactured based on silicon microfabrication (lithography, etching, etc.), which are slightly conservative due to the lack of low-cost, batch-scale and customized preparation approach, especially for the HMNs with flexible substrate. For the first time, we propose the use of a high-precision 3D printed master mold followed by a dual-molding process for the preparation of HMNs with different shapes, heights, and inner and outer diameters to satisfy different drug delivery needs. The 3D printed master mold and negative mold can be reused, thereby significantly reducing the cost. HMNs are based on biocompatible materials, such as heat-curing polymers or light-curing resins. The thickness and rigidity/flexibility characteristics of the substrate can be customized for different applications. The drug delivery efficiency of the fabricated HMNs was verified by the in situ treatment of psoriasis on the backs of mice, which required only a 0.1-fold oral dose to achieve similar efficacy, and the associated side effects and drug toxicity were reduced. Thus, this dual-molding process can reinvigorate HMNs development.

A new species of Trychosis Förster (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), with a key to the species known from China.

A new species of Ichneumonidae, Trychosisnaolihense Meng & Ren, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. Specimens were collected from Naolihe National Natural Reserve, Heilongjiang Province, China. A key to the currently known species from China is provided.

Diterpenoid quinones from the Salvia miltiorrhiza and their lung protective activity.

Seven new diterpenoids quinones (1-6), together with five known ones (7-11), were isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Their structures were elucidated by using 1D and 2D NMR data, while the relative and absolute configurations were confirmed by interpretations of the NOESY correlations and comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. In the evaluation of bioactivities, salviamilthiza C (3), significantly increased cell viability and decreased the expression of IL-1ß in LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells.

A Low-Cost Flexible Perforated Respiratory Sensor Based on Platinum for Continuous Respiratory Monitoring.

Monitoring sleep conditions is of importance for sleep quality evaluation and sleep disease diagnosis. Accurate respiration detection provides key information about sleep conditions. Here, we propose a perforated temperature sensor that can be worn below the nasal cavity to monitor breath. The sensing system consists of two perforated temperature sensors, signal conditioning circuits, a transmission module, and a supporting analysis algorithm. The perforated structure effectively enhances the sensitivity of the system and shortens the response time. The sensor's response time is 0.07 s in air and sensitivity is 1.4‱°C-1. The device can achieve a monitoring respiratory temperature range between normal room temperature and 40 °C. The simple and standard micromachining process ensures low cost and high reproducibility. We achieved the monitoring of different breathing patterns, such as normal breathing, panting, and apnea, which can be applied to sleep breath monitoring and exercise information recording.

A sesquiterpene isolated from the stems and leaves of Dioscorea opposita thunb. Transforms the composition of immune cells through ERß in a mouse model of LPS-induced lung injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common critical disease with a high mortality rate. Natural products have marked efficacy in the prevention and treatment of ALI, in addition, estrogen and its receptors are involved in the pathogenesis and development of lung injury. Our previous research shows that sesquiterpenes isolated from the stems and leaves of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. have anti-inflammatory and estrogenic-like activity. In the present study, sesquiterpene (A1) is a natural extract from the stems and leaves of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. with a view to determining whether A1 can improve lung function in a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI and exploring the involvement of the estrogen receptor ß (ERß) pathway. A1 (20 or 40 mg/kg, i. g., 2 times/day) was administered for 3 d, followed by the induction of ALI via an intratracheal LPS drip (5 mg/kg/2 h). The lung function and levels of inflammation, immune cells, apoptosis, and ERß expression were examined. The antagonistic activity of specific ERß blocker (THC, 1 µM) against A1 (20 µM) in co-cultured BEAS-2B cells and splenic lymphocytes induced with LPS (1 µg/mL, 24 h) was also investigated to assess whether the observed effects of A1 were mediated by ERß. A1 improved lung function, regulated the immune system, and decreased inflammation and apoptosis. Moreover, A1 increased the expression of ERß in LPS-induced mice, and antagonism of ERß decreased the protective effects of A1 in a co-culture system. A1 had anti-ALI effects that might partially mediated through ERß signaling. Our data provide molecular justification for the use of A1 in the treatment of ALI.

Ionones and lignans from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa.

Nine undescribed compounds, together with 21 known components, were isolated from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analysis, and the absolute configurations of undescribed compounds were determined by comparison of their calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra and interpretation of their optical rotation data. The α-glucosidase inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds were investigated and all of them exhibited slightly inhibitory activities.

Salvianolactone acid A isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by regulating PPAR-γ.

BACKGROUND: Severe inflammation of the lungs results from acute lung injury (ALI), a common life-threatening lung disease with a high mortality rate. The ligand-activated transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ plays essential roles in diverse biological processes including inflammation, metabolism, development, and immune response. Salvianolactone acid A (SA) is a terpenoid derived from the herb Salvia miltiorrhiza. However, there is a scarcity of experimental evidence indicating whether the effect of SA on ALI occurs via PPAR-γ. METHODS: SA (20 or 40 mg/kg, i.g., 1 time/day) was administered to mice for 3 d, followed by the induction of ALI by intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg). The lung function and levels of inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), immune cells, apoptosis, and PPAR-γ were examined. The antagonistic activity of GW9662 (GW, 1 µM, specific PPAR-γ blocker) and PPAR-γ transfection silencing against SA (10 µM) in BEAS-2B cells induced by LPS (10 µg/ml, 24 h) was also investigated to assess whether the observed effects caused by SA were mediated by PPAR-γ. RESULTS: The results showed that lung histopathological injury, the B-line, the fluorescence intensity of live small animal, and the biomarkers in BALF or lung in the treatment of SA could regulate significantly. In addition, SA obviously decreased the levels of ROS and apoptosis in the primary lung cells, and MDA, increased the levels of GSH-Px and SOD. SA reduced levels of macrophages and neutrophils. Furthermore, SA reduced the protein levels of Keap-1, Cleaved-caspase-3, Cleaved-caspase-9, p-p65/p65, NLRP3, IL-1ß, and upregulated the levels of p-Nrf2/Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2/Bax, PPAR-γ, p-AMPK/AMPK in lung tissue. In addition, silencing and inhibition of PPAR-γ effectively decreased the protective effects of SA in BEAS-2B cells induced by LPS, which might indicate that the active molecules of SA regulate ALI via mediation by PPAR-γ, which exhibited that the effect of SA related to PPAR-γ. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-ALI effects of SA were partially mediated through PPAR-γ signaling. These data provide the molecular justification for the usage of SA in treating ALI and can assist in increasing the comprehensive utilization rate of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Chemical Constituents from the Flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. and Their Lung Protective Activity.

A new flavonoid, saffloflavanside (1), a new sesquiterpene, safflomegastigside (2), and a new amide, saffloamide (3), together with twenty-two known compounds (4-25), were isolated from the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. Their structures were determined based on interpretation of their spectroscopic data and comparison with those reported in the literature. The protective effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated damage on human normal lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells of the compounds were evaluated using MTT assay and cellular immunofluorescence assay. The results showed that compounds 2-3, 8-11, and 15-19 exhibited protective effects against LPS-induced damage to BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, compounds 2-3, 8-11, and 15-19 can significantly downregulate the level of nuclear translocation of NF-κB p-p65. In summary, this study revealed chemical constituents with lung protective activity from C. tinctorius, which may be developed as a drug for the treatment of lung injury.

High-Performance Flexible Microneedle Array as a Low-Impedance Surface Biopotential Dry Electrode for Wearable Electrophysiological Recording and Polysomnography.

HIGHLIGHTS: Polyimide-based flexible microneedle array (PI-MNA) electrodes realize high electrical/mechanical performance and are compatible with wearable wireless recording systems. The normalized electrode-skin interface impedance (EII) of the PI-MNA electrodes reaches 0.98 kΩ cm2 at 1 kHz and 1.50 kΩ cm2 at 10 Hz, approximately 1/250 of clinical standard electrodes. This is the first report on the clinical study of microneedle electrodes. The PI-MNA electrodes are applied to clinical long-term continuous monitoring for polysomnography. Microneedle array (MNA) electrodes are an effective solution to achieve high-quality surface biopotential recording without the coordination of conductive gel and are thus very suitable for long-term wearable applications. Existing schemes are limited by flexibility, biosafety, and manufacturing costs, which create large barriers for wider applications. Here, we present a novel flexible MNA electrode that can simultaneously achieve flexibility of the substrate to fit a curved body surface, robustness of microneedles to penetrate the skin without fracture, and a simplified process to allow mass production. The compatibility with wearable wireless systems and the short preparation time of the electrodes significantly improves the comfort and convenience of electrophysiological recording. The normalized electrode-skin contact impedance reaches 0.98 kΩ cm2 at 1 kHz and 1.50 kΩ cm2 at 10 Hz, a record low value compared to previous reports and approximately 1/250 of the standard electrodes. The morphology, biosafety, and electrical/mechanical properties are fully characterized, and wearable recordings with a high signal-to-noise ratio and low motion artifacts are realized. The first reported clinical study of microneedle electrodes for surface electrophysiological monitoring was conducted in tens of healthy and sleep-disordered subjects with 44 nights of recording (over 8 h per night), providing substantial evidence that the electrodes can be leveraged to substitute for clinical standard electrodes.

Ten undescribed diterpenoid quinones derived from the Salvia miltiorrhiza.

This study aimed to report the structure elucidation of the compounds isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, and their biological evaluations. Ten undescribed diterpenoid quinones and 10 known analogues were isolated from the dried roots of S. miltiorrhiza. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution mass spectra, and ultraviolet and infrared spectra. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. In the evaluation of bioactivities, Salvianolactone acid I, epi-danshenspiroketallactone F, danshinspiroketallactone, grandifolia G, and 2H-Naphtho [1,8-bc]furan (10 µM) significantly increased cell viability and decreased the nuclear transport of p-P65 in lipopolysaccharide-induced bronchial epithelial cells. It was concluded that the diterpenoid quinones might belong to potent targeted lung-protective agents.