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Objective:To study the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activity and its clinical characteristics in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Methods:From January 2016 to August 2017, patients with HFRS who were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were routinely tested by EBV serology, and were divided into two groups according to their presence or absence of EBV infection, namely EBV active group and non-EBV active group. The clinical data between the two groups were compared and analyzed by SPSS 18.0.Results:A total of 188 HFRS patients were enrolled, including 73 cases in EBV active group and 115 cases in non-EBV active group. The EBV active rate of HFRS patients was 38.83% (73/188). The incidences of lumbago [57.53% (42/73) vs 42.61% (49/115)], abdominal pain [42.47% (31/73) vs 20.00% (23/115)], skin and mucosa congestion [57.53% (42/73) vs 39.13% (45/115)], and conjunctiva edema [50.68% (37/73) vs 28.70% (33/115)] in EBV active group were significantly higher than those in non-EBV active group (χ 2 = 3.983, 11.008, 6.083, 9.239, P < 0.05). There were 10, 7 and 43 patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) stage 1, 2 and 3 in EBV active group and 5, 13 and 53 patients in non-EBV active group. Degree of AKI in EBV active group was higher than that in non-EBV active group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 12.615, P < 0.05). In EBV active group, the proportion of patients whose renal function recovery over 15 days [23.29% (17/73)] and white blood cell count [11.26 (3.39 ~ 54.23) × 10 9/L] were significantly higher than those in non-EBV active group [6.96% (8/115), 10.03 (2.91 ~ 66.99) × 10 9/L], and the differences were statistically significant (χ 2 = 10.330, Z = - 2.003, P < 0.05). Conclusion:HFRS patients may cause latent EBV activity, complicate their clinical features, cause severe renal damage and prolong the recovery time of renal function.
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Objective@#To evaluate the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) alone or in combination with colistin (COL) against clinically isolated extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR-PA).@*Methods@#Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 clinical XDR-PA isolates was determined by broth dilution method and chessboard design when CAZ-AVI and COL were used alone or in combination, then the combined inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated. Class A [Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase β-lactamase (blaKPC), Guiana extended-spectrum β-lactamase (blaGES)], Class B [imipenemase β-lactamase (blaIMP), Verona-Integronmetallo β-lactamase (blaVIM), New Delhi metallo β-lactamase (blaNDM), German imipenemase β-lactamase (blaGIM), Sao Paulo metallo -β- lactamase (blaSPM)], Class C [AmpC β-lactamase (blaAmpC)], Class D [oxacillinase β-lactamase (blaOXA)] β- lactamase-related resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Drug-resistant mutation frequencies of each strain were determined on a drug-containing plate. The time kill curves of three XDR-PA were plotted by colony counting method. A biofilm model was established in vitro, and the synergistic effect of CAZ-AVI and COL on biofilm inhibition was detected by methythiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT).@*Results@#The MICs of 16 XDR-PA for CAZ-AVI ranged from 1 mg/L to 128 mg/L, and three of the isolates showed resistance (MIC > 8 mg/L). The FICI range of CAZ-AVI combined with COL was 0.312-1.000. Four isolates were synergistic, while the other 12 isolates were additive. Three isolates resistant to CAZ-AVI contained Class B resistance genes such as blaIMP and blaVIM, while 13 susceptible isolates carried resistance genes belonging to Class A, C or D. The logarithm values of mutation frequencies of drug resistance in CAZ-AVI group, COL group and combination group were -4.81±0.88, -7.06±0.69 and -9.70 (-9.78, -9.53), respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups (H = 33.601, P < 0.001), and between every two groups (adjusted P < 0.05). In time kill curves, the phytoplankton load of three XDR-PA decreased more than 6 log CFU/L when these two drugs were used together, and number of PA1819 planktonic bacteria decreased more than 5.1 log CFU/L compared with monotherapy group. Viable quantity in biofilm (A490) of normal saline group, CAZ-AVI group, COL group and CAZ-AVI-COL group were 0.665±0.068, 0.540±0.072, 0.494±0.642 and 0.317±0.080, respectively. There was significant difference between the other two groups (all P < 0.001), except for that between CAZ-AVI group and COL group (P = 0.109).@*Conclusions@#CAZ-AVI combined with COL can effectively improve the bactericidal effect of each drug alone on XDR-PA. The regimen can also reduce the production of drug-resistant bacteria and inhibit the formation of biofilm. Therefore, it is a potential treatment for XDR-PA infection.
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Objective To evaluate the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) alone or in combination with colistin (COL) against clinically isolated extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR-PA). Methods Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 clinical XDR-PA isolates was determined by broth dilution method and chessboard design when CAZ-AVI and COL were used alone or in combination, then the combined inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated. Class A [Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase β-lactamase (blaKPC), Guiana extended-spectrum β-lactamase (blaGES)], Class B [imipenemase β-lactamase (blaIMP), Verona-Integronmetallo β-lactamase (blaVIM), New Delhi metallo β-lactamase (blaNDM), German imipenemase β-lactamase (blaGIM), Sao Paulo metallo -β- lactamase (blaSPM)], Class C [AmpC β-lactamase (blaAmpC)], Class D [oxacillinase β-lactamase (blaOXA)] β- lactamase-related resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Drug-resistant mutation frequencies of each strain were determined on a drug-containing plate. The time kill curves of three XDR-PA were plotted by colony counting method. A biofilm model was established in vitro, and the synergistic effect of CAZ-AVI and COL on biofilm inhibition was detected by methythiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT). Results The MICs of 16 XDR-PA for CAZ-AVI ranged from 1 mg/L to 128 mg/L, and three of the isolates showed resistance (MIC > 8 mg/L). The FICI range of CAZ-AVI combined with COL was 0.312-1.000. Four isolates were synergistic, while the other 12 isolates were additive. Three isolates resistant to CAZ-AVI contained Class B resistance genes such as blaIMP and blaVIM, while 13 susceptible isolates carried resistance genes belonging to Class A, C or D. The logarithm values of mutation frequencies of drug resistance in CAZ-AVI group, COL group and combination group were -4.81±0.88, -7.06±0.69 and -9.70 (-9.78, -9.53), respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups (H = 33.601, P < 0.001), and between every two groups (adjusted P < 0.05). In time kill curves, the phytoplankton load of three XDR-PA decreased more than 6 log CFU/L when these two drugs were used together, and number of PA1819 planktonic bacteria decreased more than 5.1 log CFU/L compared with monotherapy group. Viable quantity in biofilm (A490) of normal saline group, CAZ-AVI group, COL group and CAZ-AVI-COL group were 0.665±0.068, 0.540±0.072, 0.494±0.642 and 0.317±0.080, respectively. There was significant difference between the other two groups (all P < 0.001), except for that between CAZ-AVI group and COL group (P = 0.109). Conclusions CAZ-AVI combined with COL can effectively improve the bactericidal effect of each drug alone on XDR-PA. The regimen can also reduce the production of drug-resistant bacteria and inhibit the formation of biofilm. Therefore, it is a potential treatment for XDR-PA infection.
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Objective To evaluate the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) alone or in combination with colistin (COL) against clinically isolated extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR-PA). Methods Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 clinical XDR-PA isolates was determined by broth dilution method and chessboard design when CAZ-AVI and COL were used alone or in combination, then the combined inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated. Class A [Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase β-lactamase (blaKPC), Guiana extended-spectrum β-lactamase (blaGES)], Class B [imipenemase β-lactamase (blaIMP), Verona-Integronmetallo β-lactamase (blaVIM), New Delhi metallo β-lactamase (blaNDM), German imipenemase β-lactamase (blaGIM), Sao Paulo metallo -β- lactamase (blaSPM)], Class C [AmpC β-lactamase (blaAmpC)], Class D [oxacillinase β-lactamase (blaOXA)] β- lactamase-related resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Drug-resistant mutation frequencies of each strain were determined on a drug-containing plate. The time kill curves of three XDR-PA were plotted by colony counting method. A biofilm model was established in vitro, and the synergistic effect of CAZ-AVI and COL on biofilm inhibition was detected by methythiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT). Results The MICs of 16 XDR-PA for CAZ-AVI ranged from 1 mg/L to 128 mg/L, and three of the isolates showed resistance (MIC > 8 mg/L). The FICI range of CAZ-AVI combined with COL was 0.312-1.000. Four isolates were synergistic, while the other 12 isolates were additive. Three isolates resistant to CAZ-AVI contained Class B resistance genes such as blaIMP and blaVIM, while 13 susceptible isolates carried resistance genes belonging to Class A, C or D. The logarithm values of mutation frequencies of drug resistance in CAZ-AVI group, COL group and combination group were -4.81±0.88, -7.06±0.69 and -9.70 (-9.78, -9.53), respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups (H = 33.601, P < 0.001), and between every two groups (adjusted P < 0.05). In time kill curves, the phytoplankton load of three XDR-PA decreased more than 6 log CFU/L when these two drugs were used together, and number of PA1819 planktonic bacteria decreased more than 5.1 log CFU/L compared with monotherapy group. Viable quantity in biofilm (A490) of normal saline group, CAZ-AVI group, COL group and CAZ-AVI-COL group were 0.665±0.068, 0.540±0.072, 0.494±0.642 and 0.317±0.080, respectively. There was significant difference between the other two groups (all P < 0.001), except for that between CAZ-AVI group and COL group (P = 0.109). Conclusions CAZ-AVI combined with COL can effectively improve the bactericidal effect of each drug alone on XDR-PA. The regimen can also reduce the production of drug-resistant bacteria and inhibit the formation of biofilm. Therefore, it is a potential treatment for XDR-PA infection.
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Objective To explore the effect of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA)antiviral treatment on the pathological differentiation of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)and the prognostic factors of HCC.Methods Totally 127 patients with HBV-related HCC who were hospitalized and received partial hepatectomy in First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from March 2007 to November 2013 were included in this study.Sixteen cases received antiviral treatment before operation and the remaining 111 cases had no history of NA treatment.The differences of histopathological grading were compared between the two groups.Twenty-nine patients received antiviral treatment for the first time after surgery,and the rest 82 patients did not.All these patients were followed up for survival and recurrence.Multivariate analysis was used to explore the prognostic factors for HCC.The categorical variables were analyzed byχ2 test or Fisher exact test.Survival rate was compared with Log-rank test. Univariate or multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of survival. Results The proportions of well-,moderately- or poorly-differentiated HCC in patients with antiviral treatment before surgery were 18.75 %,68.75 % and 12.5 %,respectively.Whereas the proportions in those without treatment were 16.22%,66.67% and 17.11 %,respectively.There was no significant difference in histopathological grading of HCC between the two groups (χ2=0.224,P =0.885 ).The overall median survival time was 39 months.The 6-month,1-and 2-year survival rates were 91 .7%, 77.5 % and 59.3%,respectively.The 6-month,1- and 2-year survival rate of postoperative antiviral treatment were 96.3%,92.4% and 78.5 %,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of no antiviral treatment group (85 .9%,70.0% and 48.5 %,respectively;χ2= 6.967,P = 0.008 ). Univariate analysis showed that tumor number,size,portal vein transfer,AFP level,postoperative antiviral treatment,histopathological grading,TNM staging,BCLC staging,γ-GT and PTA were prognostic factors for postoperative HCC survival.Multivariate analysis showed that AFP level (HR=1 , 95 %CI :1 .0004—1 .002,P =0.004),postoperative antiviral treatment (HR =0.38,95 %CI :0.38—0.15 ,P =0.04)and BCLC stage (B vs A:HR=1 .55 ,95 %CI :0.76—3.18;C vs A:HR=3.63,95 %CI :1 .31 —10.09,P =0.04)were independent prognostic factors.Conclusions Preoperative antiviral treatment has no impact on the histopathological grading of HCC. BCLC stage, AFP level and postoperative antiviral treatment are independent prognostic factors for HBV-related HCC.
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Objective To compare the effect of insulin pump continuous subcutaneous insulin (CSII) and multiple subcutaneous insulin (short-acting insulin before meals + glargine,MSII) for the short duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Methods Fifty-two newly diagnosed T2DM patients were randomly divided into CSII(n =29) and MSII(n =23) group.Patients in CSII group were given insulin pump continuous subcutaneous plus metformin.And patients in MSII group were given insulin by multiple subcutaneous insulin injection plus metformin.The treating periods was 2 weeks and followed up one month.Results The periods from point of insulin injection to blood glucose back to normal level in CSII group was (4.70 ±2.01) d,shorter than that in MSII group(6.90 ± 1.50) d,and the difference was significant(t =2.056,P ＜0.05).The levels of C peptide in two hours postprandial before and after treatment in CSII group were (4.24 ± 0.25) ng/L,(6.29 ± 0.56) ng/L,and (3.20 ±0.11) ng/L and (7.33 ±0.41) ng/L respectively in MSII group.The levels of C peptide in two hours postprandial after treatment were higher than that of before treatment in two groups (t =2.018,2.436 respectively,P ＜0.05),but there were no significant differences between two groups(t =0.985,P ＞ 0.05).Nineteen cases (65.5％) in CSII group were off insulin treatment in one month,and 9 cases (39.1％) in MSII group.There were significant differences in two groups(x2 =5.11,P ＜0.05).Conclusion The two treatment plans can make the improvement in terms of glucose control.However,CSII plan showed more effective than MSII.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in thrombin-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) release by human lung fibroblasts (HLF-1).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cultured human lung fibroblasts HLF-1 were incubated with different concentrations of PKC inhibitors before by thrombin stimulation. MCP-l protein levels in the supernatants were assessed using ELISA, and MCP-1 mRNA levels in the cell lysate were measured by quantitative real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The broad spectrum PKC inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide I and RO-31-8220 obviously inhibited thrombin-induced MCP-l mRNA and protein expressions in HLF-1 cells, whereas Ca(2+)-dependent PKC inhibitor Go 6976 had no such effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ca(2+)-independent PKC mediates thrombin-induced MCP-1 release in cultured HLF-1 cells.</p>
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Humans , Cell Line , Cells, Cultured , Chemokine CCL2 , Metabolism , Fibroblasts , Metabolism , Indoles , Pharmacology , Lung , Cell Biology , Metabolism , Protein Kinase C , Thrombin , PharmacologyABSTRACT
Objective To study the change and the correlation of serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecuh-1(sVCAM-1)level with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods 60 type 2 diabetic patients were selected for the study through the examination of ophthalmoscope and/or fundus fluorescence angiography by ophthalmologist.Diabetic patients were divided into three main groups:No signs of diabetic retinopathy(NDR)(n=20);Background DR(BDR)(n=20)Proliferative DR(PDR)(n=20).Healthy individuals matching sex and age of the patients were used as controls(n=20);Serum sVCAM-1 level was measured by ELISA,compared in diabetes without DR,with BDR,with PDR.These levels were compared with those of 20 controls.Results The serum level of sVCAM-1 in the DM patients with PDR or BDR and those without DR were significantly higher than those in healthy controls(all P＜0.001);Serum level of sVCAM-1 in PDR groups were higherthan those in DM patients with BDR or patients without DR(all P＜0.001);There was no difference between the patients with BDR and those without DR (P＞0.05).(4)In the DM patients,there was a positive correlation between serum sVCAM-1 and the course of diseases(r=0.338,P＜0.05),but no relationship with HbA1C,FBG,CHO,TG,LDL and INS.Conclusion Increased serum level of sVCAM-1 in different stage of DR patients suggested that they hagbe play an important role in the development of DR,and may assess the severity of diabetic retinopathy.The measuremem of serum sVCAM-1 levels in type 2 diabetic patients could be clinically useful for early diagnosis or treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
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Objective The aim of this study is to clone and characterize a novel Trichomonas vaginalis Rabl-like geue (TvRabl-like) with a small intron. Methods The eDNA clone of TvRabl-like gene was isolated from a cDNA expression library and sequenced. Sequence analysis was performed using BLASTP, RPS-BLAST ClustalW programs.Phylogenetic analysis was carried out by MEGA3 program. The genomic DNA and mRNA of TvRab1-like gene were amplified using PCR and RT-PCR techniques respectively and also sequenced. Results The eDNA sequence of TvRab1-like gene had a length of 705 base pairs with an open reading frame of 603 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence from the open reading frame possessed 200 residuals corresponding to a putative M.W. 22532.2 and an estimated pl of 7.4. Sequence analysis demonstrated that TvRab1-like gene showed the highest homology to T. vaginalis Rabla (63% identity and 79% similarity) and the Rabl subfamily of other species, suggesting that the deduced amino acid sequence from this cDNA clone was a Rabl isoform. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TvRab1-like gene was clustered with T.vaginalis Rab1 subfamily in the phylogenetic tree. Sequencing of the PCR product of genomic DNA revealed that the genomic DNA possessed a 25 bp intron which contained canonical 5' GT-AG-3' and branch site motifs as those larger introns found in T.vaginalis and other eukaryotes. The analysis of RT-PCR products demonstrated the presence of the unspliced mRNA and spliced mRNA, indicating that there was a intron. Conclusion These data suggest that TvRabl-like gene belongs to T.vaginalis Rabl subfamily. TvRabl-like gene possesses a 25 bp splieeosomal intron which is the smallest one of the introns identified in this deepest-branching protist and might be the shortest intron of eukaryotes. Study of those introns might provide more insights into the intron evolution of eukaryotes.
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Objective To screen cell growth and senescence-related genes of the parasitic pmtist Trichomonas vaginalis,we launched an EST program and isolated two cDNA clones from a T.vaginalis cDNA library,which showed high homology in deduced amino acid sequences to yeast Sir2 and designated as TvSir2 and TvSir2-like.Method The cDNA sequence of TvSIR2 had a length of 1034 base pairs (bp) with an open reading frame of 915 bp,and TvSIR2-like,1214 bp with an open reading frame of 1116 bp.Result The two deduced amino acid sequences shared all the three conserved cole domains with yeast Sir2 and its homologues,suggesting that the two clones were Sir2 homologues. A cDNA fragment from each cDNA clone was subvloned into the expression vector pET-41a.The expression of the fusion proteins in E.coli BL21 stains was induced by isopropylthio-β-D-galactoside (IPTG).Two anti-sera were prepared by immunizing two guinea pigs with the purified fusion proteins, Western-blot analysis demonstrated that each anti-serum reacted with the corresponding recombinant protein and detected a clear band (TvSir2,34 000 Mr;TvSir2-like,42 000 Mr)in protein extracts of the protist.Immunofluolescence techniques showed that TvSir2 and TvSir2-like proteins were both localized in the legions of perinuelear (ER) and Golgi complex.Conclusion Our data suggest that TvSir2 and TvSir2-like were two members of Sir2 family.Their biological functions in the protist would be further studied.
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Objective Rab11 GTPases play an essential role in regulating membrane trafficking pathways in eukaryotic cells. Nonetheless, there has been little work done on characterizing the transport machinery of Trichomonas. The aim of this study is to clone and characterize a Rab11 gene of Trichomonas vaginalis.Methods A cDNA expression library was constructed with T. vaginalis total RNA. A cDNA clone, which showed a high degree of homology with Rab proteins of different species, was isolated and sequenced. Sequence analysis was performed using BLASTP, RPS-BLAST and ClustalW programs. The genomic DNA corresponding to the cDNA sequence was amplified using PCR techniques and following by sequencing. Results cDNA with a length of 710 base pairs and an open reading frame of 636 bp was obtained. The deduced amino acid sequence from the open reading frame was found to possess 211 residuals. Sequence analysis demonstrated that this cDNA clone was homologous to the Rab11 subfamily of different species (60% identity and 79% similarity with Arabidopsis thaliana Rab11c, 58% identity and 78% similarity with human Rab11b), and that the amino acid sequence contains all the well known conserved sequence elements of Rab family. Specific Rab motifs were also detected in the deduced amino acid sequence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that its closest homologues are Rab11 proteins from other species. Sequencing of the PCR product of genomic DNA revealed that the genomic DNA sequence encompassing the putative 5'-ATG and 3'-stop codon is identical to the cDNA sequence.Conclusion A cDNA clone corresponding to the T. vaginalis Rab11 gene was obtained.The function of this gene in regulating membrane trafficking pathways of the parasitic protist is still under investigation.
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LA G1 was identified as a gene that is differentially expressed during the yeast replicative life span and was shown to play a role in determining yeast longevity. The cDNA of rat LASS1, the mammalian homolog of yeast LA G1, was cloned from rat cerebral cortex and sequenced, which is different to the predicted sequence in the GenBank. Sequence analysis revealed that this cDNA clone contains an open reading frame of 1 053 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence has 350 residues and shares a predicted Laglp motif and a TLC domain conserved in Lag1 proteins. Total RNAs were isolated from rat cerebral cortices at varying ages: newborn, one month, six months, twelve months, and twenty-four months. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis were performed to analyze the LASS1 expression level in rat cerebral cortex tissues at varying ages. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity was firstly used as a biomarker for assessing senescence in rat neurons. The results showed that LASS1 expression was upregulated from newborn to adult rats (1～6 month) and declined in aged cortex. SA-β-gal staining positive neurons significantly increased in the aged cerebral cortex. The age-related expression alternation of LASS1 in rat cerebral cortex provides an important clue in exploring the role of LASS1 in mammalian neuron aging.
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AIM:To investigate the relevance of the proliferation of megakaryocytic cell line-HEL stimulated by the recombinant human interleukin-13 (IL-13) to the expression of pro-oncogene c-mpl in HEL cells. METHODS: MTT colorimetric assay and reverse transcrition polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are separately used in this study to observe the effect on the proliferation of HEL cells and the expression of c-mpl mRNA in HEL cells by rhIL-13. RESULTS: RhIL-13 stimulated the proliferation of HEL cells and upregulated the expression of c-mpl mRNA in HEL cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that rhIL-13 stimulated the proliferation of HEL cells and provide the evidence that its mechanism is partly because of increasing the pro-oncogene c-mpl expression in HEL cells.
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Objective To clone and characterize a RRas-like gene from Trichomonas vaginalis for studying cellular signal transduction pathways in the organism. Methods A cDNA clone, which showed homology with RRas proteins of human being, was isolated and sequenced from a cDNA expression library of T. vaginalis. The genomic DNA corresponding to the cDNA sequence was amplified using PCR technique and sequenced. Sequence analysis was per-formed using BLASTP, RPS-BLAST and ClustalW programs. Phylogenetic tree was constructed and bootstrapped with 1 050 replicates using the software MEGA3. Results The cDNA sequence showed a length of 705 bp with an open reading frame of 615 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence from the open reading frame possesses 205 residuals. Sequencing of the PCR product of genomic DNA revealed that the genomic DNA sequence encompassing the putative 5′-ATG and 3′-stop codons was identical to the cDNA sequence. Sequence analysis demonstrated that this gene was most homologous to the RRas members of Homo sapiens and Mus musculus (both having 51% identity and 70% similarity), and the amino acid sequence contains highly conserved GTP-binding domains and a fully conserved effector domain of human RRas member. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TvRRas clustered with RAS oncoprotein branch and RRAS branch of human. Conclusion The encoding protein probably belongs to a RRas family of T. vaginalis.