1
|
Manis C, Manca A, Murgia A, Uras G, Caboni P, Congiu T, Faa G, Pantaleo A, Cao G. Understanding the Behaviour of Human Cell Types under Simulated Microgravity Conditions: The Case of Erythrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126876. [PMID: 35743319 PMCID: PMC9224527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythrocytes are highly specialized cells in human body, and their main function is to ensure the gas exchanges, O2 and CO2, within the body. The exposure to microgravity environment leads to several health risks such as those affecting red blood cells. In this work, we investigated the changes that occur in the structure and function of red blood cells under simulated microgravity, compared to terrestrial conditions, at different time points using biochemical and biophysical techniques. Erythrocytes exposed to simulated microgravity showed morphological changes, a constant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), a significant reduction in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), a remarkable and constant decrease in total glutathione (GSH) concentration, and an augmentation in malondialdehyde (MDA) at increasing times. Moreover, experiments were performed to evaluate the lipid profile of erythrocyte membranes which showed an upregulation in the following membrane phosphocholines (PC): PC16:0_16:0, PC 33:5, PC18:2_18:2, PC 15:1_20:4 and SM d42:1. Thus, remarkable changes in erythrocyte cytoskeletal architecture and membrane stiffness due to oxidative damage have been found under microgravity conditions, in addition to factors that contribute to the plasticity of the red blood cells (RBCs) including shape, size, cell viscosity and membrane rigidity. This study represents our first investigation into the effects of microgravity on erythrocytes and will be followed by other experiments towards understanding the behaviour of different human cell types in microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Manis
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (P.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Antonio Murgia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Uras
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University of College London, London NW3 2PF, UK;
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato’s Campus, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (T.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato’s Campus, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (T.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Center of Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Loc. Piscina Manna, Building 1, 09050 Pula, Italy
- Sardinia AeroSpace District (DASS), at Sardegna Ricerche, Via G. Carbonazzi 14, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fais G, Manca A, Bolognesi F, Borselli M, Concas A, Busutti M, Broggi G, Sanna P, Castillo-Aleman YM, Rivero-Jiménez RA, Bencomo-Hernandez AA, Ventura-Carmenate Y, Altea M, Pantaleo A, Gabrielli G, Biglioli F, Cao G, Giannaccare G. Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050299. [PMID: 35621951 PMCID: PMC9143897 DOI: 10.3390/md20050299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fais
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Alessia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Federico Bolognesi
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Borselli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Busutti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Broggi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, University of Milan, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Columbus Clinic Center, Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 48, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Pierdanilo Sanna
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yandy Marx Castillo-Aleman
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - René Antonio Rivero-Jiménez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yendry Ventura-Carmenate
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Michela Altea
- TOLO Green, Via San Damiano 2, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Federico Biglioli
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Loc. Piscina Manna, Building 1, 09050 Pula, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3317186201
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yan J, Liu Y, Zhao Q, Li J, Mao A, Li H, Di C, Zhang H. 56Fe irradiation-induced cognitive deficits through oxidative stress in mice. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:1672-1679. [PMID: 30090466 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00282j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid growth of manned space flight results in more concerns about health risks and an urgent need for health assessment for space travel. The cosmic environment is complicated and full of radiation. Because of their strong biological effects, heavy ions such as 56Fe ions are considered to be an important component of these lethal galactic rays. Due to the importance of brain function to astronauts, we explored the long-term effects and potential mechanisms of 56Fe ion radiation on mice brains containing the hippocampus. In our study, radiation doses were carried out with 0.5 Gy, 1 Gy or 2 Gy. One month after whole-body 56Fe ion exposure, the Morris water maze test was performed to assess the ability of spatial learning and memory. A histological study was used for pathology analysis of the hippocampus. Alteration of oxidative stress was reflected by MDA and GSH and oxidative DNA damage marked by 8-OHdG was detected by biochemical and immunofluorescence methods. In our results, irradiated groups exhibited significant changes in behavioral performance and also showed loose and edematous arrangement in the pathological characteristics. Furthermore, whole brain levels of MDA, GSH and 8-OHdG increased in the irradiated groups. In addition, increased expression of 8-OHdG can also be detected by immunofluorescence in the hippocampus. Our findings revealed a linkage between radiation-induced oxidative stress and behavioral deficits. This may suggest an underlying mechanism of brain tissue protection and risk assessment in manned space flight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Yan
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100039 , PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Qiuyue Zhao
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100039 , PR China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Stomatology , Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Aihong Mao
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100039 , PR China.,Institute of Gansu Medical Science Research , Lanzhou 730050 , PR China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Cuixia Di
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Buonanno M, De Toledo SM, Howell RW, Azzam EI. Low-dose energetic protons induce adaptive and bystander effects that protect human cells against DNA damage caused by a subsequent exposure to energetic iron ions. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2015; 56:502-8. [PMID: 25805407 PMCID: PMC4426929 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
During interplanetary missions, astronauts are exposed to mixed types of ionizing radiation. The low 'flux' of the high atomic number and high energy (HZE) radiations relative to the higher 'flux' of low linear energy transfer (LET) protons makes it highly probable that for any given cell in the body, proton events will precede any HZE event. Whereas progress has been made in our understanding of the biological effects of low-LET protons and high-LET HZE particles, the interplay between the biochemical processes modulated by these radiations is unclear. Here we show that exposure of normal human fibroblasts to a low mean absorbed dose of 20 cGy of 0.05 or 1-GeV protons (LET ∼ 1.25 or 0.2 keV/μm, respectively) protects the irradiated cells (P < 0.0001) against chromosomal damage induced by a subsequent exposure to a mean absorbed dose of 50 cGy from 1 GeV/u iron ions (LET ∼ 151 keV/μm). Surprisingly, unirradiated (i.e. bystander) cells with which the proton-irradiated cells were co-cultured were also significantly protected from the DNA-damaging effects of the challenge dose. The mitigating effect persisted for at least 24 h. These results highlight the interactions of biological effects due to direct cellular traversal by radiation with those due to bystander effects in cell populations exposed to mixed radiation fields. They show that protective adaptive responses can spread from cells targeted by low-LET space radiation to bystander cells in their vicinity. The findings are relevant to understanding the health hazards of space travel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Buonanno
- Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Rutgers University, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA Present address: Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sonia M De Toledo
- Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Rutgers University, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Roger W Howell
- Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Rutgers University, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Edouard I Azzam
- Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Rutgers University, 205 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li M, Gonon G, Buonanno M, Autsavapromporn N, de Toledo SM, Pain D, Azzam EI. Health risks of space exploration: targeted and nontargeted oxidative injury by high-charge and high-energy particles. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 20:1501-23. [PMID: 24111926 PMCID: PMC3936510 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE During deep space travel, astronauts are often exposed to high atomic number (Z) and high-energy (E) (high charge and high energy [HZE]) particles. On interaction with cells, these particles cause severe oxidative injury and result in unique biological responses. When cell populations are exposed to low fluences of HZE particles, a significant fraction of the cells are not traversed by a primary radiation track, and yet, oxidative stress induced in the targeted cells may spread to nearby bystander cells. The long-term effects are more complex because the oxidative effects persist in progeny of the targeted and affected bystander cells, which promote genomic instability and may increase the risk of age-related cancer and degenerative diseases. RECENT ADVANCES Greater understanding of the spatial and temporal features of reactive oxygen species bursts along the tracks of HZE particles, and the availability of facilities that can simulate exposure to space radiations have supported the characterization of oxidative stress from targeted and nontargeted effects. CRITICAL ISSUES The significance of secondary radiations generated from the interaction of the primary HZE particles with biological material and the mitigating effects of antioxidants on various cellular injuries are central to understanding nontargeted effects and alleviating tissue injury. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the cellular responses to HZE particles, particularly under reduced gravity and situations of exposure to additional radiations, such as protons, should be useful in reducing the uncertainty associated with current models for predicting long-term health risks of space radiation. These studies are also relevant to hadron therapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- 1 Department of Radiology, Cancer Center, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School , Newark, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
|
7
|
Koike Y, Frey MA, Sahiar F, Dodge R, Mohler S. Effects of HZE particle on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in a future Mars mission. ACTA ASTRONAUTICA 2005; 56:367-378. [PMID: 15754475 DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2004.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Because of long duration travel outside the Earth's magnetic field, the effect of iron-rich high charge and energy (HZE) particles in Galactic Cosmic Rays on human body is the major concern in radiation protection. Recently attention has been directed to effects on the central nervous system in addition to mutagenic effects. In particular, a reduction in striatal dopamine content on nigrostriatal dopaminergic system has been reported by investigators using accelerated iron ions in ground-based mammalian studies. In addition, studies of the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease demonstrated that excess iron cause a reduction in the dopamine content in the substantia nigra. This suggests an intriguing possibility to explain the selective detrimental effects of HZE particles on the dopaminergic system. Should these particles have biochemical effects, possible options for countermeasures are: (1) nutritional prevention, (2) medication, and (3) surgical placement of a stimulator electrode at a specific anatomic site in the basal ganglia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Koike
- Space Medicine Group, Human Space Technology and Astronaut Department, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lenarczyk M, Ueno A, Vannais DB, Kraemer S, Kronenberg A, Roberts JC, Tatsumi K, Hei TK, Waldren CA. The “Pro-drug” RibCys Decreases the Mutagenicity of High-LET Radiation in Cultured Mammalian Cells. Radiat Res 2003; 160:579-83. [PMID: 14565824 DOI: 10.1667/3065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We are carrying out studies aimed at reducing the mutagenic effects of high-LET 56Fe ions and 12C ions (56Fe ions, 143 keV/microm; 12C ions, 100 keV/microm) with certain drugs, including RibCys [2-(R,S)-D-ribo-(1',2',3',4'-tetrahydroxybutyl)-thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid]. RibCys, formed by condensation of L-cysteine with D-ribose, is designed so that the sulfhydryl amino acid L-cysteine is released intracellularly through nonenzymatic ring opening and hydrolysis leading to increased levels of glutathione (GSH). RibCys (4 or 10 mM), which was present during irradiation and for a few hours after, significantly decreased the yield of CD59- mutants induced by radiation in AL human-hamster hybrid cells. RibCys did not affect the clonogenic survival of irradiated cells, nor was it mutagenic itself. These results, together with the minimal side effects reported in mice and pigs, indicate that RibCys may be useful, perhaps even when used prophylactically, in reducing the mutation load created by high-LET radiation in astronauts or other exposed individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Lenarczyk
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ballarini F, Ottolenghi A. Chromosome aberrations as biomarkers of radiation exposure: modelling basic mechanisms. ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) 2003; 31:1557-1568. [PMID: 12971411 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(03)00091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The space radiation environment is a mixed field consisting of different particles having different energies, including high charge and energy (HZE) ions. Conventional measurements of absorbed doses may not be sufficient to completely characterise the radiation field and perform reliable estimates of health risks. Biological dosimetry, based on the observation of specific radiation-induced endpoints (typically chromosome aberrations), can be a helpful approach in case of monitored exposure to space radiation or other mixed fields, as well as in case of accidental exposure. Furthermore, various ratios of aberrations (e.g. dicentric chromosomes to centric rings and complex exchanges to simple exchanges) have been suggested as possible fingerprints of radiation quality, although all of them have been subjected to some criticisms. In this context a mechanistic model and a Monte Carlo code for the simulation of chromosome aberration induction were developed. The model, able to provide dose-responses for different aberrations (e.g. dicentrics, rings, fragments, translocations, insertions and other complex exchanges), was further developed to assess the dependence of various ratios of aberrations on radiation quality. The predictions of the model were compared with available data, whose experimental conditions were faithfully reproduced. Particular attention was devoted to the scoring criteria adopted in different laboratories and to possible biases introduced by interphase death and mitotic delay. This latter aspect was investigated by taking into account both metaphase data and data obtained with Premature Chromosome Condensation (PCC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Ballarini
- Universita degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Milano, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schimmerling W, Cucinotta FA, Wilson JW. Radiation risk and human space exploration. ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) 2003; 31:27-34. [PMID: 12577903 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(02)00653-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Radiation protection is essential to enable humans to live and work safely in space. Predictions about the nature and magnitude of the risks posed by space radiation are subject to very large uncertainties. Prudent use of worst-case scenarios may impose unacceptable constraints on shielding mass for spacecraft or habitats, tours of duty of crews on Space Station, and on the radius and duration of sorties on planetary surfaces. The NASA Space Radiation Health Program has been devised to develop the knowledge required to accurately predict and to efficiently manage radiation risk. The knowledge will be acquired by means of a peer-reviewed, largely ground-based and investigator-initiated, basic science research program. The NASA Strategic Plan to accomplish these objectives in a manner consistent with the high priority assigned to the protection and health maintenance of crews will be presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Schimmerling
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC 20546, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Takahashi A, Ohnishi K, Yokota A, Kumagai T, Nakano T, Ohnishi T. Mutation frequency of plasmid DNA and Escherichia coli following long-term space flight on Mir. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2002; 43 Suppl:S137-S140. [PMID: 12793747 DOI: 10.1269/jrr.43.s137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the biological influence of space radiation, we studied the effects of long-term space flight on mutation of the bacterial ribosomal protein L gene (rpsL). We prepared dried samples of plasmid DNA and repair-deficient and wild type cells of Escherichia (E.) coli. After a 40-day space flight on board the Russian space station Mir, the mutation frequencies of the rpsL gene were estimated by transformation of E. coli and by assessment of conversion of rpsL wild type phenotype (SmS) to its mutant phenotype (SmR). The experimental findings indicate that mutation frequencies of space samples were not significantly different from those of ground control samples in plasmid DNA and both E. coli strains. It may suggest that space radiation did not influence mutation frequency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Simonsen LC, Wilson JW, Kim MH, Cucinotta FA. Radiation exposure for human Mars exploration. HEALTH PHYSICS 2000; 79:515-525. [PMID: 11045525 DOI: 10.1097/00004032-200011000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
One major obstacle to human space exploration is the possible limitations imposed by the adverse effects of long-term exposure to the space environment. Even before human space flight began, the potentially brief exposure of astronauts to the very intense random solar energetic particle events was of great concern. A new challenge appears in deep-space exploration from exposure to the low-intensity heavy-ion flux of the galactic cosmic rays since the missions are of long duration, and accumulated exposures can be high. Because cancer induction rates increase behind low to moderate thicknesses of aluminum shielding, according to available biological data on mammalian exposures to galactic cosmic ray-like ions, aluminum shield requirements for a Mars mission may be prohibitively expensive in terms of mission launch costs. Alternative materials for vehicle construction are under investigation to provide lightweight habitat structures with enhanced shielding properties. In the present paper, updated estimates for astronaut exposures on a Mars mission are presented and shielding properties of alternative materials are compared with aluminum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C Simonsen
- NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681-0001, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fukuda T, Fukuda K, Takahashi A, Ohnishi T, Nakano T, Sato M, Gunge N. Analysis of deletion mutations of the rpsL gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae detected after long-term flight on the Russian space station Mir. Mutat Res 2000; 470:125-32. [PMID: 11027966 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5742(00)00054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on board the Russian space station Mir, we studied the effects of long-term space flight on mutation of the bacterial ribosomal protein L gene (rpsL) cloned in a yeast-Escherichia coli shuttle vector. The mutation frequencies of the cloned rpsL gene on the Mir and the ground (control) yeast samples were estimated by transformation of E. coli with the plasmid DNAs recovered from yeast and by assessment of the conversion of the rpsL wild-type phenotype (Sm(S)) to its mutant phenotype (Sm(R)). After a 40-day space flight, some part of space samples gave mutation frequencies two to three times higher than those of the ground samples. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed no apparent difference in point mutation rates between the space and the ground mutant samples. However, the greater part of the Mir mutant samples were found to have a total or large deletion in the rpsL sequence, suggesting that space radiation containing high-linear energy transfer (LET) might have caused deletion-type mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Fukuda
- Kumamoto Institute of Technology, Ikeda 4-22-1, 860-0082, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|