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Rabiee S, Zaboli S, Sammak AS, Mohebbi A. Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Rat Reproductive System: Potential Benefits of Vitamin D3 Intervention. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1973-1982. [PMID: 38600415 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Gravity in space can have a negative impact on the reproductive system. Given that the reproductive system is one of vitamin D's objectives, this study will use a simulated microgravity model to evaluate its impact on the rat reproductive system.Twenty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups at random. Under microgravity circumstances, the rats were housed in both special and standard cages. Each group was then separated into two subgroups, one of which received vitamin D3 and the other did not. Blood was drawn twice to determine blood levels of vitamin D3, LH, FSH, and testosterone. Rat testes were isolated for histological analysis, as well as a piece of epididymis for sperm count and morphological examination.Microgravity had a detrimental effect on testicular tissue, resulting in lower serum levels of LH and testosterone (p-value < 0.001). Spermatogenesis was largely inhibited under microgravity. During microgravity conditions, however, vitamin D3 had a good effect on testicular structure, and the total number of sperm. Simulated microgravity affects the male reproductive system, compromising testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and hormonal balance. However, this study shows that vitamin D3 supplementation can act as a preventative strategy, minimizing the negative consequences of microgravity. The beneficial effect of vitamin D3 on testicular health and sperm quality implies that it may be useful in protecting male reproductive function in space-related situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Rabiee
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand Branch, Tehran, 3761396361, Iran
| | - Shiva Zaboli
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand Branch, Tehran, 3761396361, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Mohebbi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, 4934174515, Iran.
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Bonetto V, Magnelli V, Sabbatini M, Caprì F, van Loon JJWA, Tavella S, Masini MA. The importance of gravity vector on adult mammalian organisms: Effects of hypergravity on mouse testis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282625. [PMID: 37773950 PMCID: PMC10540970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the age of space exploration, the effect of hypergravity on human physiology is a relatively neglected topic. However, astronauts have several experiences of hypergravity during their missions. The main disturbance of altered gravity can be imputed to cell cytoskeleton alteration and physiologic homeostasis of the body. Testis has proved to be a particularly sensible organ, subject to environmental alteration and physiological disturbance. This makes testis an organ eligible for investigating the alteration following exposure to altered gravity. In our study, mice were exposed to hypergravity (3g for 14 days) in the Large Diameter Centrifuge machine (ESA, Netherland). We have observed a morphological alteration of the regular architecture of the seminiferous tubules of testis as well as an altered expression of factors involved in the junctional complexes of Sertoli cells, responsible for ensuring the morpho-functional integrity of the organ. The expression of key receptors in physiological performance, such as Androgen Receptors and Interstitial Cells Stimulating Hormone receptors, was found lower expressed. All these findings indicate the occurrence of altered physiological organ performance such as the reduction of the spermatozoa number and altered endocrine parameters following hypergravity exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bonetto
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Valeria Magnelli
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Maurizio Sabbatini
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Flavia Caprì
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Jack J. W. A. van Loon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pathology, Amsterdam Movement Sciences & Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Life Support and Physical Sciences Section (TEC-MMG), European Space Agency (ESA), European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The Netherland
| | - Sara Tavella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa (GE), Italy
| | - Maria Angela Masini
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
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Monti N, Masiello MG, Proietti S, Catizone A, Ricci G, Harrath AH, Alwasel SH, Cucina A, Bizzarri M. Survival Pathways Are Differently Affected by Microgravity in Normal and Cancerous Breast Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020862. [PMID: 33467082 PMCID: PMC7829699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metazoan living cells exposed to microgravity undergo dramatic changes in morphological and biological properties, which ultimately lead to apoptosis and phenotype reprogramming. However, apoptosis can occur at very different rates depending on the experimental model, and in some cases, cells seem to be paradoxically protected from programmed cell death during weightlessness. These controversial results can be explained by considering the notion that the behavior of adherent cells dramatically diverges in respect to that of detached cells, organized into organoids-like, floating structures. We investigated both normal (MCF10A) and cancerous (MCF-7) breast cells and found that appreciable apoptosis occurs only after 72 h in MCF-7 cells growing in organoid-like structures, in which major modifications of cytoskeleton components were observed. Indeed, preserving cell attachment to the substrate allows cells to upregulate distinct Akt- and ERK-dependent pathways in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells, respectively. These findings show that survival strategies may differ between cell types but cannot provide sufficient protection against weightlessness-induced apoptosis alone if adhesion to the substrate is perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Monti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.M.); (S.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Proietti
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.M.); (S.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Section of Histology and Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Saleh H. Alwasel
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Alessandra Cucina
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.G.M.); (S.P.); (A.C.)
- Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-4976-6606
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Guéguinou N, Jeandel J, Kaminski S, Baatout S, Ghislin S, Frippiat JP. Modulation of Iberian Ribbed Newt Complement Component C3 by Stressors Similar to those Encountered during a Stay Onboard the International Space Station. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071579. [PMID: 30934839 PMCID: PMC6479312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays an important role in inflammation, innate and acquired immunity, as well as homeostasis. Despite these functions, the effects of spaceflight conditions on the complement system have not yet been intensively studied. Consequently, we investigated the effects of five types of chronic stressors, similar to those encountered during a stay onboard the International Space Station, on C3 expression in larvae of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl. We focused on C3 because it is a critical component of this system. These studies were completed by the analysis of adult mice exposed to two models of inflight stressors. Our data show that simulating space radiation, or combining a modification of the circadian rhythm with simulated microgravity, affects the amount of C3 proteins. These results suggest that C3 expression could be modified under real spaceflight conditions, potentially increasing the risk of inflammation and associated tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Guéguinou
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Jérémy Jeandel
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Sandra Kaminski
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, SCK·CEN, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Stéphanie Ghislin
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA 7300, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, 9 avenue de la Foret de Haye, F-54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Transcriptomics, NF-κB Pathway, and Their Potential Spaceflight-Related Health Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061166. [PMID: 28561779 PMCID: PMC5485990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In space, living organisms are exposed to multiple stress factors including microgravity and space radiation. For humans, these harmful environmental factors have been known to cause negative health impacts such as bone loss and immune dysfunction. Understanding the mechanisms by which spaceflight impacts human health at the molecular level is critical not only for accurately assessing the risks associated with spaceflight, but also for developing effective countermeasures. Over the years, a number of studies have been conducted under real or simulated space conditions. RNA and protein levels in cellular and animal models have been targeted in order to identify pathways affected by spaceflight. Of the many pathways responsive to the space environment, the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) network appears to commonly be affected across many different cell types under the true or simulated spaceflight conditions. NF-κB is of particular interest, as it is associated with many of the spaceflight-related health consequences. This review intends to summarize the transcriptomics studies that identified NF-κB as a responsive pathway to ground-based simulated microgravity or the true spaceflight condition. These studies were carried out using either human cell or animal models. In addition, the review summarizes the studies that focused specifically on NF-κB pathway in specific cell types or organ tissues as related to the known spaceflight-related health risks including immune dysfunction, bone loss, muscle atrophy, central nerve system (CNS) dysfunction, and risks associated with space radiation. Whether the NF-κB pathway is activated or inhibited in space is dependent on the cell type, but the potential health impact appeared to be always negative. It is argued that more studies on NF-κB should be conducted to fully understand this particular pathway for the benefit of crew health in space.
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Lin SC, Gou GH, Hsia CW, Ho CW, Huang KL, Wu YF, Lee SY, Chen YH. Simulated Microgravity Disrupts Cytoskeleton Organization and Increases Apoptosis of Rat Neural Crest Stem Cells Via Upregulating CXCR4 Expression and RhoA-ROCK1-p38 MAPK-p53 Signaling. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 25:1172-93. [PMID: 27269634 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are a population of multipotent stem cells that are distributed broadly in many tissues and organs and are capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types that are dispersed throughout three germ layers. We are interested in studying the effects of simulated microgravity on the survival and self-renewal of NCSCs. NCSCs extracted from the hair follicle bulge region of the rat whisker pad were cultured in vitro, respectively, in a 2D adherent environment and a 3D suspension environment using the rotatory cell culture system (RCCS) to simulate microgravity. We found that rat NCSCs (rNCSCs) cultured in the RCCS for 24 h showed disrupted organization of filamentous actin, increased globular actin level, formation of plasma membrane blebbing and neurite-like artifact, as well as decreased levels of cortactin and vimentin. Interestingly, ∼70% of RCCS-cultured rNCSCs co-expressed cleaved (active) caspase-3 and neuronal markers microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and Tuj1 instead of NCSC markers, suggesting stress-induced formation of neurite-like artifact in rNCSCs. In addition, rNCSCs showed increased C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression, RhoA GTPase activation, Rho-associated kinase 1 (ROCK1) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, and p53 expression in the nucleus. Incubation of rNCSCs with the Gα protein inhibitor pertussis toxin or CXCR4 siRNA during RCCS-culturing prevented cytoskeleton disorganization and plasma membrane blebbing, and it suppressed apoptosis of rNCSCs. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that simulated microgravity disrupts cytoskeleton organization and increases apoptosis of rNCSCs via upregulating CXCR4 expression and the RhoA-ROCK1-p38 MAPK-p53 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shing-Chen Lin
- 1 Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Hau Gou
- 2 Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wu Hsia
- 2 Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wen Ho
- 1 Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan .,3 Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital , Longtan Township, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lun Huang
- 1 Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan .,4 Department of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Fu Wu
- 5 Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Lee
- 1 Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hui Chen
- 1 Graduate Institute of Aerospace and Undersea Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Zhang Y, Lu T, Wong M, Wang X, Stodieck L, Karouia F, Story M, Wu H. Transient gene and microRNA expression profile changes of confluent human fibroblast cells in spaceflight. FASEB J 2016; 30:2211-24. [PMID: 26917741 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201500121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity, or an altered gravity environment different from the 1 g of the Earth, has been shown to influence global gene expression patterns and protein levels in cultured cells. However, most of the reported studies that have been conducted in space or by using simulated microgravity on the ground have focused on the growth or differentiation of these cells. It has not been specifically addressed whether nonproliferating cultured cells will sense the presence of microgravity in space. In an experiment conducted onboard the International Space Station, confluent human fibroblast cells were fixed after being cultured in space for 3 and 14 d, respectively, to investigate changes in gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in these cells. Results of the experiment showed that on d 3, both the flown and ground cells were still proliferating slowly, as measured by the percentage of Ki-67(+) cells. Gene and miRNA expression data indicated activation of NF-κB and other growth-related pathways that involve hepatocyte growth factor and VEGF as well as the down-regulation of the Let-7 miRNA family. On d 14, when the cells were mostly nonproliferating, the gene and miRNA expression profile of the flight sample was indistinguishable from that of the ground sample. Comparison of gene and miRNA expressions in the d 3 samples, with respect to d 14, revealed that most of the changes observed on d 3 were related to cell growth for both the flown and ground cells. Analysis of cytoskeletal changes via immunohistochemistry staining of the cells with antibodies for α-tubulin and fibronectin showed no difference between the flown and ground samples. Taken together, our study suggests that in true nondividing human fibroblast cells in culture, microgravity experienced in space has little effect on gene and miRNA expression profiles.-Zhang, Y., Lu, T., Wong, M., Wang, X., Stodieck, L., Karouia, F., Story, M., Wu, H. Transient gene and microRNA expression profile changes of confluent human fibroblast cells in spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA; Wyle Laboratories, Houston, Texas, USA; Kennedy Space Center, NASA, Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA
| | - Tao Lu
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA; University of Houston Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Wong
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Fathi Karouia
- Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, California, USA; and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Story
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Honglu Wu
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, Texas, USA;
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Du F, Ding Y, Zou J, Li Z, Tian J, She R, Wang D, Wang H, Lv D, Chang L. Morphology and Molecular Mechanisms of Hepatic Injury in Rats under Simulated Weightlessness and the Protective Effects of Resistance Training. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127047. [PMID: 26000905 PMCID: PMC4441474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of long-term simulated weightlessness on liver morphology, enzymes, glycogen, and apoptosis related proteins by using two-month rat-tail suspension model (TS), and liver injury improvement by rat-tail suspension with resistance training model (TS&RT). Microscopically the livers of TS rats showed massive granular degeneration, chronic inflammation, and portal fibrosis. Mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum swelling and loss of membrane integrity were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The similar, but milder, morphological changes were observed in the livers of TS&RT rats. Serum biochemistry analysis revealed that the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in TS rats than in controls. The levels of ALT and AST in TS&RT rats were slightly lower than in RT rats, but they were insignificantly higher than in controls. However, both TS and TS&RT rats had significantly lower levels (p<0.05) of serum glucose and hepatic glycogen than in controls. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, and active caspase-3 were higher in TS rats than in TS&RT and control rats. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) showed that TS rats had higher mRNA levels (P < 0.05) of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and caspase-12 transcription than in control rats; whereas mRNA expressions of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were slightly higher in TS rats. TS&RT rats showed no significant differences of above 4 mRNAs compared with the control group. Our results demonstrated that long-term weightlessness caused hepatic injury, and may trigger hepatic apoptosis. Resistance training slightly improved hepatic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Du
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Ding
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zou
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhili Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Jijing Tian
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiping She
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (RS); (DW)
| | - Desheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Centre, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (RS); (DW)
| | - Huijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Dongqiang Lv
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Chang
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Impact of simulated microgravity on the normal developmental time line of an animal-bacteria symbiosis. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1340. [PMID: 23439280 PMCID: PMC3581829 DOI: 10.1038/srep01340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The microgravity environment during space flight imposes numerous adverse effects on animal and microbial physiology. It is unclear, however, how microgravity impacts those cellular interactions between mutualistic microbes and their hosts. Here, we used the symbiosis between the host squid Euprymna scolopes and its luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri as a model system. We examined the impact of simulated microgravity on the timeline of bacteria-induced development in the host light organ, the site of the symbiosis. To simulate the microgravity environment, host squid and symbiosis-competent bacteria were incubated together in high-aspect ratio rotating wall vessel bioreactors and examined throughout the early stages of the bacteria-induced morphogenesis. The host innate immune response was suppressed under simulated microgravity; however, there was an acceleration of bacteria-induced apoptosis and regression in the host tissues. These results suggest that the space flight environment may alter the cellular interactions between animal hosts and their natural healthy microbiome.
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10
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Li S, Meyer NP, Quarto N, Longaker MT. Integration of multiple signaling regulates through apoptosis the differential osteogenic potential of neural crest-derived and mesoderm-derived Osteoblasts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58610. [PMID: 23536803 PMCID: PMC3607600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest-derived (FOb) and mesoderm-derived (POb) calvarial osteoblasts are characterized by distinct differences in their osteogenic potential. We have previously demonstrated that enhanced activation of endogenous FGF and Wnt signaling confers greater osteogenic potential to FOb. Apoptosis, a key player in bone formation, is the main focus of this study. In the current work, we have investigated the apoptotic activity of FOb and POb cells during differentiation. We found that lower apoptosis, as measured by caspase-3 activity is a major feature of neural crest-derived osteoblast which also have higher osteogenic capacity. Further investigation indicated TGF-β signaling as main positive regulator of apoptosis in these two populations of calvarial osteoblasts, while BMP and canonical Wnt signaling negatively regulate the process. By either inducing or inhibiting these signaling pathways we could modulate apoptotic events and improve the osteogenic potential of POb. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that integration of multiple signaling pathways contribute to imparting greater osteogenic potential to FOb by decreasing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Li
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel P. Meyer
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Natalina Quarto
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Universita’ degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail: (NQ); (MTL)
| | - Michael T. Longaker
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NQ); (MTL)
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11
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Skrobánek P, Baranovská M, Sárniková B, Zeman M, Okuliarová M. Effect of long-term simulated microgravity on some sexual traits of male Japanese quail. Physiol Res 2012; 61:389-94. [PMID: 22670691 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term stay of Japanese quail in simulated microgravity on some sexual features of males. As a model for simulating microgravity exposure of birds in laboratory conditions was used hypodynamia. The mean left testis weight in males reared under hypodynamia from day 3 up to 180 days of age was lower than that of control (P<0.05), but the right testis weight differences between both groups were not significant. Also the area, volume and foam production of cloacal gland was not significantly decreased in hypodynamia birds at the end of experiment. By contrast, the plasma testosterone concentration of males living in hypodynamia was reduced about 50 % at 90 and 180 days of age in comparison to control (P<0.05) suggesting some negative effects on sexual development. Our results demonstrated that male quail kept under simulated microgravity conditions were sexually competent although their sexual efficiency was reduced especially in terms of plasma testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Skrobánek
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak Republic.
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Masini MA, Albi E, Barmo C, Bonfiglio T, Bruni L, Canesi L, Cataldi S, Curcio F, D'Amora M, Ferri I, Goto K, Kawano F, Lazzarini R, Loreti E, Nakai N, Ohira T, Ohira Y, Palmero S, Prato P, Ricci F, Scarabelli L, Shibaguchi T, Spelat R, Strollo F, Ambesi-Impiombato FS. The impact of long-term exposure to space environment on adult mammalian organisms: a study on mouse thyroid and testis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35418. [PMID: 22558148 PMCID: PMC3338839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormonal changes in humans during spaceflight have been demonstrated but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. To clarify this point thyroid and testis/epididymis, both regulated by anterior pituitary gland, have been analyzed on long-term space-exposed male C57BL/10 mice, either wild type or pleiotrophin transgenic, overexpressing osteoblast stimulating factor-1. Glands were submitted to morphological and functional analysis.In thyroids, volumetric ratios between thyrocytes and colloid were measured. cAMP production in 10(-7)M and 10(-8)M thyrotropin-treated samples was studied. Thyrotropin receptor and caveolin-1 were quantitized by immunoblotting and localized by immunofluorescence. In space-exposed animals, both basal and thyrotropin-stimulated cAMP production were always higher. Also, the structure of thyroid follicles appeared more organized, while thyrotropin receptor and caveolin-1 were overexpressed. Unlike the control samples, in the space samples thyrotropin receptor and caveolin-1 were both observed at the intracellular junctions, suggesting their interaction in specific cell membrane microdomains.In testes, immunofluorescent reaction for 3β- steroid dehydrogenase was performed and the relative expressions of hormone receptors and interleukin-1β were quantified by RT-PCR. Epididymal sperm number was counted. In space-exposed animals, the presence of 3β and 17β steroid dehydrogenase was reduced. Also, the expression of androgen and follicle stimulating hormone receptors increased while lutenizing hormone receptor levels were not affected. The interleukin 1 β expression was upregulated. The tubular architecture was altered and the sperm cell number was significantly reduced in spaceflight mouse epididymis (approx. -90% vs. laboratory and ground controls), indicating that the space environment may lead to degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules.Space-induced changes of structure and function of thyroid and testis/epididymis could be responsible for variations of hormone levels in human during space missions. More research, hopefully a reflight of MDS, would be needed to establish whether the space environment acts directly on the peripheral glands or induces changes in the hypotalamus-pituitary-glandular axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Lara Bruni
- DIPTERIS, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Samuela Cataldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Ivana Ferri
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Katsumasa Goto
- School of Health Sciences, Toyohashi SOZO University, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Remo Lazzarini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Loreti
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Naoya Nakai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohira
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Ohira
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Paola Prato
- DIPTERIS, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Renza Spelat
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Battista N, Meloni MA, Bari M, Mastrangelo N, Galleri G, Rapino C, Dainese E, Agrò AF, Pippia P, Maccarrone M. 5-Lipoxygenase-dependent apoptosis of human lymphocytes in the International Space Station: data from the ROALD experiment. FASEB J 2012; 26:1791-8. [PMID: 22253478 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-199406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The functional adaptation of the immune system to the surrounding environment is also a fundamental issue in space. It has been suggested that a decreased number of lymphocytes might be a cause of immunosuppression, possibly due to the induction of apoptosis. Early activation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) might play a central role in the initiation of the apoptotic program. The goal of the role of apoptosis in lymphocyte depression (ROALD) experiment, flown on the International Space Station as part of the BIO-4 mission of the European Space Agency, was to ascertain the induction of apoptosis in human lymphocytes under authentic microgravity, and to elucidate the possible involvement of 5-LOX. Our results demonstrate that exposure of human lymphocytes to microgravity for 48 h onboard the ISS remarkably increased apoptotic hallmarks such as DNA fragmentation (∼3-fold compared to ground-based controls) and cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein expression (∼3-fold), as well as mRNA levels of apoptosis-related markers such as p53 (∼3-fold) and calpain (∼4-fold); these changes were paralleled by an early increase of 5-LOX activity (∼2-fold). Our findings provide a molecular background for the immune dysfunction observed in astronauts during space missions, and reveal potential new markers to monitor health status of ISS crew members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro 45, I-64100 Teramo, Italy
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Mangala LS, Zhang Y, He Z, Emami K, Ramesh GT, Story M, Rohde LH, Wu H. Effects of simulated microgravity on expression profile of microRNA in human lymphoblastoid cells. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:32483-90. [PMID: 21775437 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.267765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the changes in expression of microRNA (miRNA) and related genes under simulated microgravity conditions. In comparison with static 1 × g, microgravity has been shown to alter global gene expression patterns and protein levels in cultured cells or animals. miRNA has recently emerged as an important regulator of gene expression, possibly regulating as many as one-third of all human genes. However, very little is known about the effect of altered gravity on miRNA expression. To test the hypothesis that the miRNA expression profile would be altered in zero gravity resulting in altered regulation of gene expression leading to metabolic or functional changes in cells, we cultured TK6 human lymphoblastoid cells in a high aspect ratio vessel (bioreactor) for 72 h either in the rotating condition to model microgravity in space or in the static condition as a control. Expression of several miRNAs was changed significantly in the simulated microgravity condition including miR-150, miR-34a, miR-423-5p, miR-22, miR-141, miR-618, and miR-222. To confirm whether this altered miRNA expression correlates with gene expression and functional changes of the cells, we performed DNA microarray and validated the related genes using quantitative RT-PCR. Expression of several transcription factors including EGR2, ETS1, and c-REL was altered in simulated microgravity conditions. Taken together, the results reported here indicate that simulated microgravity alters the expression of miRNAs and genes in TK6 cells. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report the effects of simulated microgravity on the expression of miRNA and related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingegowda S Mangala
- Radiation Biophysics Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA.
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15
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Pellegrini M, Di Siena S, Claps G, Di Cesare S, Dolci S, Rossi P, Geremia R, Grimaldi P. Microgravity promotes differentiation and meiotic entry of postnatal mouse male germ cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9064. [PMID: 20140225 PMCID: PMC2816218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical step of spermatogenesis is the entry of mitotic spermatogonia into meiosis. Progresses on these topics are hampered by the lack of an in vitro culture system allowing mouse spermatogonia differentiation and entry into meiosis. Previous studies have shown that mouse pachytene spermatocytes cultured in simulated microgravity (SM) undergo a spontaneous meiotic progression. Here we report that mouse mitotic spermatogonia cultured under SM with a rotary cell culture system (RCCS) enter into meiosis in the absence of any added exogenous factor or contact with somatic cells. We found that isolated Kit-positive spermatogonia under the RCCS condition enter into the prophase of the first meiotic division (leptotene stage), as monitored by chromosomal organization of the synaptonemal complex 3 protein (Scp3) and up-regulation of several pro-meiotic genes. SM was found to activate the phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K) pathway and to induce in Kit-positive spermatogonia the last round of DNA replication, typical of the preleptotene stage. A PI3K inhibitor abolished Scp3 induction and meiotic entry stimulated by RCCS conditions. A positive effect of SM on germ cell differentiation was also observed in undifferentiated (Kit-negative) spermatogonia, in which RCCS conditions stimulate the expression of Kit and Stra8. In conclusion, SM is an artificial environmental condition which promotes postnatal male germ cell differentiation and might provide a tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the switch from mitosis to meiosis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pellegrini
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Di Siena
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Claps
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Cesare
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Rossi
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Geremia
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grimaldi
- Department of Public Health and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Cui Y, Dong JH, Zhang M, Zhou JL, Liu ZP, Wang P, Li CL, Zhang JZ. Expression of nuclear factor-kappa B and its significance in liver tissues of rats during simulated weightlessness. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:3480-3484. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i31.3480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in liver tissus of rats under the condition of simulated weightlessness.
METHODS: Eighty-four male adult Wistar rats weighing 280-310 g were randomly assigned to simulated weightlessness group and control group, each with 7 subgroups from 1 to 7 according time sequence in day unit. Tail-suspension was used to simulate the weightlessness condition. The expression of NF-κB p65 was detected by Western blotting analysis and PV-6001 immunohistochemistry respectively.
RESULTS: The tail-suspended rats were upset at the beginning, and seemed adapted to the microgravity condition after 2 to 3 days. Tail-suspension significantly increased liver NF-κB expression in rats, as compared with the controls (F = 271.36, P < 0.01), with peak expression on day 1 and 2, followed by a gradual decline to the normal level on day 5, 6 and 7 (F = 60.68, P < 0.05). NF-κB expression stained as brown particles was mainly detected in rat hepatocytes, also in the infiltrated cells and Kupffer cells. There were three types of intracellular expression according to the location of positive NF-κB particles, i.e. cytoplasm, nucleus, and cytoplasm plus nucleus, existing alone or co-existing in rat liver.
CONCLUSION: Simulated weightlessness, especially in the early stage, acts as a kind of stress to induce the activation of NF-κB in liver tissues of rats, suggesting that NF-κB plays an important role in the cascade reactions and adaptation to the weightlessness stress.
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Li CL, Zhang M, Zhou JL, Cui Y, Yu PW. Effects of simulated gravity loss on nuclear factor kappa-B expression in rat intestinal tissues. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:3328-3331. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i29.3328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effects of simulated gravity loss on NF-κB expression in rat intestinal tissues, and its significance.
METHODS: Tail-suspension (TS) was used to simulate the physiological effects of gravity loss. Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 10 experimental groups suspended for 0.5, 1, 2, 7, 21 d respectively and their corresponding control groups. The dynamic expressions of NF-κB in intestinal tissues were seperately measured using the immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: Compared with control groups, the expression levels of NF-κB in the intestinal tissue of tail-suspension 0.5, 1, 2, 7, 21 d groups were elevated significantly (10.11% ± 3.29% vs 5.50% ± 1.92%, 22.00% ± 5.31% vs 6.50% ± 2.32%, 25.50% ± 4.11% vs 8.75% ± 6.36%, 21.50% ± 3.02% vs 6.75% ± 2.12%, 10.87% ± 2.64% vs 5.62% ± 2.13%, all P < 0.01). NF-κB expression level began to rise in 0.5 tail-suspension group, and reached the maxium level in in 2 d group, then went down gradually.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that simulated gravity loss acts as a kind of stress to elevate NF-κB expression and indicate a close link between altered intestinal NF-κB expression and tolerance of gravity loss.
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