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Waisberg E, Ong J, Paladugu P, Kamran SA, Zaman N, Tavakkoli A, Lee AG. Radiation-induced ophthalmic risks of long duration spaceflight: Current investigations and interventions. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023:11206721231221584. [PMID: 38151034 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231221584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE As the average duration of space missions increases, astronauts will experience longer periods of exposure to risks of long duration space flight including microgravity and radiation. The risks from long-term exposure to space radiation remains ill-defined. We review the current literature on the possible and known risks of radiation on the eye (including radiation retinopathy) after long duration spaceflight. METHODS A PubMed and Google Scholar search of the English language ophthalmic literature was performed from inception to July 11, 2022. The following search terms were utilized independently or in conjunction to build this manuscript: "Radiation Retinopathy", "Spaceflight", "Space Radiation", "Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome", "Microgravity", "Hypercapnia", "Radiation Shield", "Cataract", and "SANS". A concise and selective approach of references was conducted in including relevant original studies and reviews. RESULTS A total of 65 papers were reviewed and 47 papers were included in our review. CONCLUSION We discuss the potential and developing countermeasures to mitigate these radiation risks in preparation for future space exploration. Given the complex nature of space radiation, no single approach will fully reduce the risks of developing radiation maculopathy in long-duration spaceflight. Understanding and appropriately overcoming the risks of space radiation is key to becoming a multi-planetary species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Waisberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joshua Ong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Phani Paladugu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sharif Amit Kamran
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Nasif Zaman
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Alireza Tavakkoli
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryant, Texas, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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2
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Ong J, Zaman N, Waisberg E, Kamran SA, Lee AG, Tavakkoli A. Head-mounted digital metamorphopsia suppression as a countermeasure for macular-related visual distortions for prolonged spaceflight missions and terrestrial health. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 3:e26. [PMID: 38486901 PMCID: PMC10936292 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2022.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
During long-duration spaceflight, astronauts are exposed to various risks including spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, which serves as a risk to astronaut vision and a potential physiological barrier to future spaceflight. When considering exploration missions that may expose astronauts to longer periods of microgravity, radiation exposure, and natural aging processes during spaceflight, more severe changes to functional vision may occur. The macula plays a critical role in central vision and disruptions to this key area in the eye may compromise functional vision and mission performance. In this article, we describe the development of a countermeasure technique to digitally suppress monocular central visual distortion with head-mounted display technology. We report early validation studies with this noninvasive countermeasure in individuals with simulated metamorphopsia. When worn by these individuals, this emerging wearable countermeasure technology has demonstrated a suppression of monocular visual distortion. We describe the considerations and further directions of this head-mounted technology for both astronauts and aging individuals on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Ong
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nasif Zaman
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Ethan Waisberg
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharif Amit Kamran
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Andrew G. Lee
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alireza Tavakkoli
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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3
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Upadhyay M, Rajagopal M, Gill K, Li Y, Bansal S, Sridharan V, Tyburski JB, Boerma M, Cheema AK. Identification of Plasma Lipidome Changes Associated with Low Dose Space-Type Radiation Exposure in a Murine Model. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10060252. [PMID: 32560360 PMCID: PMC7345467 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10060252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term exposures to low dose space radiation may have adverse effects on human health during missions in deep space. Conventional dosimetry, monitoring of prodromal symptoms, and peripheral lymphocyte counts are of limited value as biomarkers of organ- and tissue-specific radiation injury, particularly of injuries that appear weeks or months after radiation exposure. To assess the feasibility of using plasma metabolic and lipidomic profiles as biomarkers of injury from space radiation, we used a mouse model of exposure to low doses of oxygen ions (16O) and protons (1H). Plasma profiles were compared with those of mice exposed to γ-rays as a reference set. Our results demonstrate major changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, as well as fatty acid metabolism. We also observed dyslipidemia and lipid peroxidation, suggesting an inflammatory phenotype with possible long-term consequences to overall health upon exposure to low doses of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarisha Upadhyay
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.); (M.R.); (K.G.); (Y.L.); (S.B.); (J.B.T.)
| | - Meena Rajagopal
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.); (M.R.); (K.G.); (Y.L.); (S.B.); (J.B.T.)
| | - Kirandeep Gill
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.); (M.R.); (K.G.); (Y.L.); (S.B.); (J.B.T.)
| | - Yaoxiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.); (M.R.); (K.G.); (Y.L.); (S.B.); (J.B.T.)
| | - Shivani Bansal
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.); (M.R.); (K.G.); (Y.L.); (S.B.); (J.B.T.)
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Slot 522-10, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (V.S.); (M.B.)
| | - John B. Tyburski
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.); (M.R.); (K.G.); (Y.L.); (S.B.); (J.B.T.)
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Slot 522-10, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (V.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Amrita K. Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (M.U.); (M.R.); (K.G.); (Y.L.); (S.B.); (J.B.T.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Correspondence:
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Kiffer F, Carr H, Groves T, Anderson JE, Alexander T, Wang J, Seawright JW, Sridharan V, Carter G, Boerma M, Allen AR. Effects of 1H + 16O Charged Particle Irradiation on Short-Term Memory and Hippocampal Physiology in a Murine Model. Radiat Res 2017; 189:53-63. [PMID: 29136391 DOI: 10.1667/rr14843.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) poses a significant health risk for deep-space flight crews. GCR are unique in their extremely high-energy particles. With current spacecraft shielding technology, some of the predominant particles astronauts would be exposed to are 1H + 16O. Radiation has been shown to cause cognitive deficits in mice. The hippocampus plays a key role in memory and cognitive tasks; it receives information from the cortex, undergoes dendritic-dependent processing and then relays information back to the cortex. In this study, we investigated the effects of combined 1H + 16O irradiation on cognition and dendritic structures in the hippocampus of adult male mice three months postirradiation. Six-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were irradiated first with 1H (0.5 Gy, 150 MeV/n) and 1 h later with 16O (0.1 Gy, 600 MeV/n) at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (Upton, NY). Three months after irradiation, animals were tested for hippocampus-dependent cognitive performance using the Y-maze. Upon sacrifice, molecular and morphological assessments were performed on hippocampal tissues. During Y-maze testing, the irradiated mice failed to distinguish the novel arm, spending approximately the same amount of time in all three arms during the retention trial relative to sham-treated controls. Irradiated animals also showed changes in expression of glutamate receptor subunits and synaptic density-associated proteins. 1H + 16O radiation compromised dendritic morphology in the cornu ammonis 1 and dentate gyrus within the hippocampus. These data indicate cognitive injuries due to 1H + 16O at three months postirradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Hannah Carr
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Thomas Groves
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.,c Center for Translational Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Julie E Anderson
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Tyler Alexander
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Jing Wang
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - John W Seawright
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | | | - Gwendolyn Carter
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Marjan Boerma
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Antiño R Allen
- a Division of Radiation Health.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.,c Center for Translational Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
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5
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Krause AR, Speacht TL, Zhang Y, Lang CH, Donahue HJ. Simulated space radiation sensitizes bone but not muscle to the catabolic effects of mechanical unloading. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182403. [PMID: 28767703 PMCID: PMC5540592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep space travel exposes astronauts to extended periods of space radiation and mechanical unloading, both of which may induce significant muscle and bone loss. Astronauts are exposed to space radiation from solar particle events (SPE) and background radiation referred to as galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). To explore interactions between skeletal muscle and bone under these conditions, we hypothesized that decreased mechanical load, as in the microgravity of space, would lead to increased susceptibility to space radiation-induced bone and muscle loss. We evaluated changes in bone and muscle of mice exposed to hind limb suspension (HLS) unloading alone or in addition to proton and high (H) atomic number (Z) and energy (E) (HZE) (16O) radiation. Adult male C57Bl/6J mice were randomly assigned to six groups: No radiation ± HLS, 50 cGy proton radiation ± HLS, and 50 cGy proton radiation + 10 cGy 16O radiation ± HLS. Radiation alone did not induce bone or muscle loss, whereas HLS alone resulted in both bone and muscle loss. Absolute trabecular and cortical bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was decreased 24% and 6% in HLS-no radiation vs the normally loaded no-radiation group. Trabecular thickness and mineral density also decreased with HLS. For some outcomes, such as BV/TV, trabecular number and tissue mineral density, additional bone loss was observed in the HLS+proton+HZE radiation group compared to HLS alone. In contrast, whereas HLS alone decreased muscle mass (19% gastrocnemius, 35% quadriceps), protein synthesis, and increased proteasome activity, radiation did not exacerbate these catabolic outcomes. Our results suggest that combining simulated space radiation with HLS results in additional bone loss that may not be experienced by muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R. Krause
- Department of Orthopaedics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Toni L. Speacht
- Department of Orthopaedics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Charles H. Lang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Henry J. Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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6
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Sasi SP, Yan X, Zuriaga-Herrero M, Gee H, Lee J, Mehrzad R, Song J, Onufrak J, Morgan J, Enderling H, Walsh K, Kishore R, Goukassian DA. Different Sequences of Fractionated Low-Dose Proton and Single Iron-Radiation-Induced Divergent Biological Responses in the Heart. Radiat Res 2017; 188:191-203. [PMID: 28613990 DOI: 10.1667/rr14667.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Deep-space travel presents risks of exposure to ionizing radiation composed of a spectrum of low-fluence protons (1H) and high-charge and energy (HZE) iron nuclei (e.g., 56Fe). When exposed to galactic cosmic rays, each cell in the body may be traversed by 1H every 3-4 days and HZE nuclei every 3-4 months. The effects of low-dose sequential fractionated 1H or HZE on the heart are unknown. In this animal model of simulated ionizing radiation, middle-aged (8-9 months old) male C57BL/6NT mice were exposed to radiation as follows: group 1, nonirradiated controls; group 2, three fractionated doses of 17 cGy 1H every other day (1H × 3); group 3, three fractionated doses of 17 cGy 1H every other day followed by a single low dose of 15 cGy 56Fe two days after the final 1H dose (1H × 3 + 56Fe); and group 4, a single low dose of 15 cGy 56Fe followed (after 2 days) by three fractionated doses of 17 cGy 1H every other day (56Fe + 1H × 3). A subgroup of mice from each group underwent myocardial infarction (MI) surgery at 28 days postirradiation. Cardiac structure and function were assessed in all animals at days 7, 14 and 28 after MI surgery was performed. Compared to the control animals, the treatments that groups 2 and 3 received did not induce negative effects on cardiac function or structure. However, compared to all other groups, the animals in group 4, showed depressed left ventricular (LV) functions at 1 month with concomitant enhancement in cardiac fibrosis and induction of cardiac hypertrophy signaling at 3 months. In the irradiated and MI surgery groups compared to the control group, the treatments received by groups 2 and 4 did not induce negative effects at 1 month postirradiation and MI surgery. However, in group 3 after MI surgery, there was a 24% increase in mortality, significant decreases in LV function and a 35% increase in post-infarction size. These changes were associated with significant decreases in the angiogenic and cell survival signaling pathways. These data suggest that fractionated doses of radiation induces cellular and molecular changes that result in depressed heart functions both under basal conditions and particularly after myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharath P Sasi
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xinhua Yan
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,b Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marian Zuriaga-Herrero
- f Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hannah Gee
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Juyong Lee
- c Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Raman Mehrzad
- d Steward Carney Hospital, Dorchester, Massachusetts
| | - Jin Song
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jillian Onufrak
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James Morgan
- b Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,d Steward Carney Hospital, Dorchester, Massachusetts
| | - Heiko Enderling
- e Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- f Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raj Kishore
- 7 Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David A Goukassian
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,f Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,7 Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
In space, multiple unique environmental factors, particularly microgravity and space radiation, pose constant threat to the DNA integrity of living organisms. Specifically, space radiation can cause damage to DNA directly, through the interaction of charged particles with the DNA molecules themselves, or indirectly through the production of free radicals. Although organisms have evolved strategies on Earth to confront such damage, space environmental conditions, especially microgravity, can impact DNA repair resulting in accumulation of severe DNA lesions. Ultimately these lesions, namely double strand breaks, chromosome aberrations, micronucleus formation, or mutations, can increase the risk for adverse health effects, such as cancer. How spaceflight factors affect DNA damage and the DNA damage response has been investigated since the early days of the human space program. Over the years, these experiments have been conducted either in space or using ground-based analogs. This review summarizes the evidence for DNA damage induction by space radiation and/or microgravity as well as spaceflight-related impacts on the DNA damage response. The review also discusses the conflicting results from studies aimed at addressing the question of potential synergies between microgravity and radiation with regard to DNA damage and cellular repair processes. We conclude that further experiments need to be performed in the true space environment in order to address this critical question.
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Moeller R, Raguse M, Leuko S, Berger T, Hellweg CE, Fujimori A, Okayasu R, Horneck G. STARLIFE-An International Campaign to Study the Role of Galactic Cosmic Radiation in Astrobiological Model Systems. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:101-109. [PMID: 28151691 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In-depth knowledge regarding the biological effects of the radiation field in space is required for assessing the radiation risks in space. To obtain this knowledge, a set of different astrobiological model systems has been studied within the STARLIFE radiation campaign during six irradiation campaigns (2013-2015). The STARLIFE group is an international consortium with the aim to investigate the responses of different astrobiological model systems to the different types of ionizing radiation (X-rays, γ rays, heavy ions) representing major parts of the galactic cosmic radiation spectrum. Low- and high-energy charged particle radiation experiments have been conducted at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) facility at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) in Chiba, Japan. X-rays or γ rays were used as reference radiation at the German Aerospace Center (DLR, Cologne, Germany) or Beta-Gamma-Service GmbH (BGS, Wiehl, Germany) to derive the biological efficiency of different radiation qualities. All samples were exposed under identical conditions to the same dose and qualities of ionizing radiation (i) allowing a direct comparison between the tested specimens and (ii) providing information on the impact of the space radiation environment on currently used astrobiological model organisms. Key Words: Space radiation environment-Sparsely ionizing radiation-Densely ionizing radiation-Heavy ions-Gamma radiation-Astrobiological model systems. Astrobiology 17, 101-109.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Moeller
- 1 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Marina Raguse
- 1 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Leuko
- 1 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Berger
- 1 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine Elisabeth Hellweg
- 1 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Akira Fujimori
- 2 Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) , Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Okayasu
- 2 Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) , Chiba, Japan
| | - Gerda Horneck
- 1 Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
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9
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Space Radiation: The Number One Risk to Astronaut Health beyond Low Earth Orbit. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:491-510. [PMID: 25370382 PMCID: PMC4206856 DOI: 10.3390/life4030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Projecting a vision for space radiobiological research necessitates understanding the nature of the space radiation environment and how radiation risks influence mission planning, timelines and operational decisions. Exposure to space radiation increases the risks of astronauts developing cancer, experiencing central nervous system (CNS) decrements, exhibiting degenerative tissue effects or developing acute radiation syndrome. One or more of these deleterious health effects could develop during future multi-year space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Shielding is an effective countermeasure against solar particle events (SPEs), but is ineffective in protecting crew members from the biological impacts of fast moving, highly-charged galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) nuclei. Astronauts traveling on a protracted voyage to Mars may be exposed to SPE radiation events, overlaid on a more predictable flux of GCR. Therefore, ground-based research studies employing model organisms seeking to accurately mimic the biological effects of the space radiation environment must concatenate exposures to both proton and heavy ion sources. New techniques in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other “omics” areas should also be intelligently employed and correlated with phenotypic observations. This approach will more precisely elucidate the effects of space radiation on human physiology and aid in developing personalized radiological countermeasures for astronauts.
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10
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Mertens CJ, Meier MM, Brown S, Norman RB, Xu X. NAIRAS aircraft radiation model development, dose climatology, and initial validation. SPACE WEATHER : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH & APPLICATIONS 2013; 11:603-635. [PMID: 26213513 PMCID: PMC4508919 DOI: 10.1002/swe.20100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
[1] The Nowcast of Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation for Aviation Safety (NAIRAS) is a real-time, global, physics-based model used to assess radiation exposure to commercial aircrews and passengers. The model is a free-running physics-based model in the sense that there are no adjustment factors applied to nudge the model into agreement with measurements. The model predicts dosimetric quantities in the atmosphere from both galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar energetic particles, including the response of the geomagnetic field to interplanetary dynamical processes and its subsequent influence on atmospheric dose. The focus of this paper is on atmospheric GCR exposure during geomagnetically quiet conditions, with three main objectives. First, provide detailed descriptions of the NAIRAS GCR transport and dosimetry methodologies. Second, present a climatology of effective dose and ambient dose equivalent rates at typical commercial airline altitudes representative of solar cycle maximum and solar cycle minimum conditions and spanning the full range of geomagnetic cutoff rigidities. Third, conduct an initial validation of the NAIRAS model by comparing predictions of ambient dose equivalent rates with tabulated reference measurement data and recent aircraft radiation measurements taken in 2008 during the minimum between solar cycle 23 and solar cycle 24. By applying the criterion of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) on acceptable levels of aircraft radiation dose uncertainty for ambient dose equivalent greater than or equal to an annual dose of 1 mSv, the NAIRAS model is within 25% of the measured data, which fall within the ICRU acceptable uncertainty limit of 30%. The NAIRAS model predictions of ambient dose equivalent rate are generally within 50% of the measured data for any single-point comparison. The largest differences occur at low latitudes and high cutoffs, where the radiation dose level is low. Nevertheless, analysis suggests that these single-point differences will be within 30% when a new deterministic pion-initiated electromagnetic cascade code is integrated into NAIRAS, an effort which is currently underway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias M Meier
- DLR - German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation BiologyCologne, Germany
| | - Steven Brown
- School of Physics, Astronomy and Computational Sciences, George Mason UniversityFairfax, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Xiaojing Xu
- Science Systems and Applications, Inc.Hampton, Virginia, USA
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11
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Moeller R, Reitz G, Li Z, Klein S, Nicholson WL. Multifactorial resistance of Bacillus subtilis spores to high-energy proton radiation: role of spore structural components and the homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathways. ASTROBIOLOGY 2012; 12:1069-77. [PMID: 23088412 PMCID: PMC3491616 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The space environment contains high-energy charged particles (e.g., protons, neutrons, electrons, α-particles, heavy ions) emitted by the Sun and galactic sources or trapped in the radiation belts. Protons constitute the majority (87%) of high-energy charged particles. Spores of Bacillus species are one of the model systems used for astro- and radiobiological studies. In this study, spores of different Bacillus subtilis strains were used to study the effects of high energetic proton irradiation on spore survival. Spores of the wild-type B. subtilis strain [mutants deficient in the homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathways and mutants deficient in various spore structural components such as dipicolinic acid (DPA), α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) formation, spore coats, pigmentation, or spore core water content] were irradiated as air-dried multilayers on spacecraft-qualified aluminum coupons with 218 MeV protons [with a linear energy transfer (LET) of 0.4 keV/μm] to various final doses up to 2500 Gy. Spores deficient in NHEJ- and HR-mediated DNA repair were significantly more sensitive to proton radiation than wild-type spores, indicating that both HR and NHEJ DNA repair pathways are needed for spore survival. Spores lacking DPA, α/β-type SASP, or with increased core water content were also significantly more sensitive to proton radiation, whereas the resistance of spores lacking pigmentation or spore coats was essentially identical to that of the wild-type spores. Our results indicate that α/β-type SASP, core water content, and DPA play an important role in spore resistance to high-energy proton irradiation, suggesting their essential function as radioprotectants of the spore interior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Cologne, Germany.
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Schwadron NA, Baker T, Blake B, Case AW, Cooper JF, Golightly M, Jordan A, Joyce C, Kasper J, Kozarev K, Mislinski J, Mazur J, Posner A, Rother O, Smith S, Spence HE, Townsend LW, Wilson J, Zeitlin C. Lunar radiation environment and space weathering from the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/2011je003978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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13
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Moeller R, Reitz G, Berger T, Okayasu R, Nicholson WL, Horneck G. Astrobiological aspects of the mutagenesis of cosmic radiation on bacterial spores. ASTROBIOLOGY 2010; 10:509-521. [PMID: 20624059 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2009.0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Based on their unique resistance to various space parameters, Bacillus endospores are one of the model systems used for astrobiological studies. In this study, spores of B. subtilis were used to study the effects of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) on spore survival and induced mutagenesis. In interplanetary space, outside Earth's protective magnetic field, spore-containing rocks would be exposed to bombardment by high-energy charged particle radiation from galactic sources and from the Sun, which consists of photons (X-rays, gamma rays), protons, electrons, and heavy, high-energy charged (HZE) particles. B. subtilis spores were irradiated with X-rays and accelerated heavy ions (helium, carbon, silicon and iron) in the linear energy transfer (LET) range of 2-200 keV/mum. Spore survival and the rate of the induced mutations to rifampicin resistance (Rif(R)) depended on the LET of the applied species of ions and radiation, whereas the exposure to high-energy charged particles, for example, iron ions, led to a low level of spore survival and increased frequency of mutation to Rif(R) compared to low-energy charged particles and X-rays. Twenty-one Rif(R) mutant spores were isolated from X-ray and heavy ion-irradiated samples. Nucleotide sequencing located the Rif(R) mutations in the rpoB gene encoding the beta-subunit of RNA polymerase. Most mutations were primarily found in Cluster I and were predicted to result in amino acid changes at residues Q469L, A478V, and H482P/Y. Four previously undescribed alleles in B. subtilis rpoB were isolated: L467P, R484P, and A488P in Cluster I and H507R in the spacer between Clusters I and II. The spectrum of Rif(R) mutations arising from spores exposed to components of GCR is distinctly different from those of spores exposed to simulated space vacuum and martian conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Cologne, Germany.
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Kim MHY, Cucinotta FA, Wilson JW. A temporal forecast of radiation environments for future space exploration missions. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2007; 46:95-100. [PMID: 17165049 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-006-0080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2006] [Accepted: 11/16/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of future space radiation environments is an important goal for space mission operations, design, and risk assessment. We have developed a solar cycle statistical model in which sunspot number is coupled to space-related quantities, such as the galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) deceleration potential (phi) and the mean occurrence frequency of solar particle events (SPEs). Future GCR fluxes were derived from a predictive model, in which the temporal dependence represented by phi was derived from GCR flux and ground-based Climax neutron monitor rate measurements over the last four decades. These results showed that the point dose equivalent inside a typical spacecraft in interplanetary space was influenced by solar modulation by up to a factor of three. It also has been shown that a strong relationship exists between large SPE occurrences and phi. For future space exploration missions, cumulative probabilities of SPEs at various integral fluence levels during short-period missions were defined using a database of proton fluences of past SPEs. Analytic energy spectra of SPEs at different ranks of the integral fluences for energies greater than 30 MeV were constructed over broad energy ranges extending out to GeV for the analysis of representative exposure levels at those fluences. Results will guide the design of protection systems for astronauts during future space exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Hee Y Kim
- Wyle Laboratories, Wyle/HAC/37A, 1290 Hercules Dr., Houston, TX 77058, USA.
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15
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Hellweg CE, Baumstark-Khan C. Getting ready for the manned mission to Mars: the astronauts' risk from space radiation. Naturwissenschaften 2007; 94:517-26. [PMID: 17235598 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-006-0204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2006] [Revised: 10/31/2006] [Accepted: 11/01/2006] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Space programmes are shifting towards planetary exploration and, in particular, towards missions by human beings to the Moon and to Mars. Radiation is considered to be one of the major hazards for personnel in space and has emerged as the most critical issue to be resolved for long-term missions both orbital and interplanetary. The two cosmic sources of radiation that could impact a mission outside the Earth's magnetic field are solar particle events (SPE) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Exposure to the types of ionizing radiation encountered during space travel may cause a number of health-related problems, but the primary concern is related to the increased risk of cancer induction in astronauts. Predictions of cancer risk and acceptable radiation exposure in space are extrapolated from minimal data and are subject to many uncertainties. The paper describes present-day estimates of equivalent doses from GCR and solar cosmic radiation behind various shields and radiation risks for astronauts on a mission to Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Hellweg
- DLR, Institut für Luft-und Raumfahrtmedizin, Strahlenbiologie, 51147, Cologne, Germany
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Lee K, Pinsky L, Andersen V, Zeitlin C, Cleghorn T, Cucinotta F, Saganti P, Atwell W, Turner R. Helium cosmic ray flux measurements at Mars. RADIAT MEAS 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2006.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Cramp JL, Duldig ML, Flückiger EO, Humble JE, Shea MA, Smart DF. The October 22, 1989, solar cosmic ray enhancement: An analysis of the anisotropy and spectral characteristics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1997. [DOI: 10.1029/97ja01947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Badhwar GD, O'Neill PM. Galactic cosmic radiation model and its applications. ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) 1996; 17:7-17. [PMID: 11540374 DOI: 10.1016/0273-1177(95)00507-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A model for the differential energy spectra of galactic cosmic radiation as a function of solar activity is described. It is based on the standard diffusion-convection theory of solar modulation. Estimates of the modulation potential based on fitting this theory to observed spectral measurements from 1954 to 1989 are correlated to the Climax neutron counting rates and to the sunspot numbers at earlier times taking into account the polarity of the interplanetary magnetic field at the time of observations. These regression lines then provide a method for predicting the modulation at later times. The results of this model are quantitatively compared to a similar Moscow State University (MSU) model. These model cosmic ray spectra are used to predict the linear energy transfer spectra, differential energy spectra of light (charge < or = 2) ions, and single event upset rates in memory devices. These calculations are compared to observations made aboard the Space Shuttle.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Badhwar
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
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