Presence of CRISPR CAS-Like Sequences as a Proposed Mechanism for Horizontal Genetic Exchanges between Trichomonas vaginalis and Its Associated Virus: A Comparative Genomic Analysis with the First Report of a Putative CRISPR CAS Structures in Eukaryotic Cells

Introduction

Trichomonas vaginalis genome is among the largest genome size and coding capacities. Combinations of gene duplications, transposon, repeated sequences, and lateral gene transfers (LGTs) have contributed to the unexpected large genomic size and diversity. This study is aimed at investigating genomic exchange and seeking for presence of the CRISPR CAS system as one of the possible mechanisms for some level of genetic exchange. Material and Methods. In this comparative analysis, 398 publicly available Trichomonas vaginalis complete genomes were investigated for the presence of CRISPR CAS. Spacer sequences were also analyzed for their origin using BLAST.

Results

We identified a CRISPR CAS (Cas3). CRISPR spacers are highly similar to transposable genetic elements such as viruses of protozoan parasites, especially megavirals, some transposons, and, interestingly, papillomavirus and HIV-1 in a few cases. Discussion. There is a striking similarity between the prokaryotes/Archaean CRISPR and what we find as eukaryotic CRISPR. About 5-10% of the 398 T. vaginalis possess a CRISPR structure.

Conclusion

According to sequences and their organization, we assume that these repeated sequences and spacer, along with their mentioned features, could be the eukaryotic homolog of prokaryotes and Archaean CRISPR systems and may involve in a process similar to the CRISPR function.

Potential Role of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium for Preventing Kidney Stones

BACKGROUND

A probiotic is a living microorganism that promotes host health when grown under appropriate conditions. Kidney stones are one of the universal agonizing diseases that have increased dramatically in recent years. One of the causes of this disease is hyperoxaluria (HOU), which is known to be an important factor in the formation of oxalate stones and is manifested by high levels of oxalate in the urine. In addition, about 80% of kidney stones contain oxalate, and decomposition of this material by microbes is one way to dispose of it.

METHODS

Therefore, we examined a bacterial mixture containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum to prevent of oxalate production in Wistar rats with kidney stones. We divided the rats into 6 groups defined in the method.

RESULTS

The results of this study clearly show a decrease in urinary oxalate levels by exogenous means by L. plantarum, L. casei, L. acidophilus, and B. longum at the beginning of the experiment. Therefore, these bacteria can be used to control and prevent the formation of kidney stones.

CONCLUSIONS

However, further studies should be conducted on the effects of these bacteria, and it is recommended to identify the gene responsible for the degradation of oxalate in order to develop a new probiotic.

Anti-biofilm Properties of Peganum harmala against Candida albicans

Objectives

Vaginitis still remains as a health issue in women. It is notable that Candida albicans producing biofilm is considered a microorganism responsible for vaginitis with hard to treat. Also, Peganum harmala was applied as an anti fungal in treatment for many infections in Iran. Therefore, this study goal to investigate the role of P. harmala in inhibition of biofilm formation in C. albicans.

Methods

So, 27 C. albicans collected from women with Vaginitis, then subjected for biofilm formation assay. P. harmala was applied as antibiofilm formation in C. albicans.

Results

Our results demonstrated that P. harmala in concentration of 12 μg/ml easily inhibited strong biofilm formation; while the concentrations of 10 and 6 μg/ml inhibited biofilm formation in moderate and weak biofilm formation C. albicans strains, respectively.

Conclusion

Hence, the current study presented P. harmala as antibiofilm herbal medicine for C. albicans; but in vivo study suggested to be performed to confirm its effectiveness.