Diabetes mellitus is the most serious and prevalent metabolic disorders worldwide, complications of which can decrease significantly the quality of life and contribute to premature death. Resistance to insulin is a predominant pathophysiological factor of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an important negative factor of insulin signal and a potent therapeutic target in T2D patients. This review highlights recent advances (2012–2015) in research related to the role of PTP1B in signal transduction processes implicated in pathophysiology of T2D, and novel PTP1B inhibitors with an emphasis on their chemical structures and modes of action.

This review highlights the recent advances in research related to the role of IDO in immune escape in cancer and novel small-molecule IDO inhibitors with an emphasis on their chemical structures and modes of action.

Alkaloids are the most basic organic compounds involved in crucial physiological activities and are widely found in plants, animals and microorganisms. Due to the anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, bacteriostatic, and analgesic effects of alkaloids, previous research primarily focused on their medical utilization. In recent years, research regarding alkaloids in botanical pesticides has gradually intensified due to their low toxicity, easy degradation, and environmental friendliness, compared with traditional chemical pesticides, while also exhibiting higher activity after certain structural modifications. This article reviewed recent studies involving the use of alkaloids as effective compounds in insecticidal, acaricidal, fungicidal, antiviral, and herbicidal pesticides, aiming to develop alkaloid pesticides that are more agriculturally active during future research.