In order to search for novel inhibitors of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform-1 (NHE-1), nine feruloylagmatine analogues were designed and synthesized from ferulic acid and agmatine. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra, among which compounds 5f-5i were novel compounds. The results of preliminary pharmacological test showed that some of the compounds possessed strong NHE-1 inhibitory activity, among which compounds 5a, 5b and 6c were more potent than cariporide in NHE-1 inhibition.

Objective To establish a fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for rapid, sensitive and specific determination of -88/-123 polymorphisms in Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) gene promoter so as to provide molecular biology tool for optimized interferon-a treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotyping,serum HBV DNA level,and- 88/- 123 polymorphisms in MxA gene promoter of patients who had been treated with interferon-α were detected. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS software to understand the relationship between MxA gene polymorphisms and interferon-α treatment. Afterwards, an optimal fluorescent PCR system was established to determine -88/-123 polymorphisms in MxA gene promoter. The sensitivity and the specificity of this system were confirmed by DNA sequencing. P-value of chi square test, odds ratios of regression analysis and 95% confidence intervals were employed. Results Patients with- 88 G/T and - 123 C/A in the interferon-stimulated response element in MxA gene promoter were interferon-α sensitive, while patients with - 88 GIG and - 123 C/C were not interferon-α sensitive. The coincidence rate of this system was 99.65% in comparison with DNA sequencing.Conclusion MxA gene polymorphisms could be rapidly and sensitively determined by this fluorescent PCR system.