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Lojek NM, Williams VA, Rogers AM, Sajo E, Black BJ, Ghezzi CE. A 3D In Vitro Cortical Tissue Model Based on Dense Collagen to Study the Effects of Gamma Radiation on Neuronal Function. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301123. [PMID: 37921265 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301123] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies on gamma radiation-induced injury have long been focused on hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems, yet little is known about the effects of gamma radiation on the function of human cortical tissue. The challenge in studying radiation-induced cortical injury is, in part, due to a lack of human tissue models and physiologically relevant readouts. Here, a physiologically relevant 3D collagen-based cortical tissue model (CTM) is developed for studying the functional response of human iPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes to a sub-lethal radiation exposure (5 Gy). Cytotoxicity, DNA damage, morphology, and extracellular electrophysiology are quantified. It is reported that 5 Gy exposure significantly increases cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and astrocyte reactivity while significantly decreasing neurite length and neuronal network activity. Additionally, it is found that clinically deployed radioprotectant amifostine ameliorates the DNA damage, cytotoxicity, and astrocyte reactivity. The CTM provides a critical experimental platform to understand cell-level mechanisms by which gamma radiation (GR) affects human cortical tissue and to screen prospective radioprotectant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal M Lojek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Victoria A Williams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Andrew M Rogers
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Erno Sajo
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Bryan J Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
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2
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Sorokina SS, Malkov AE, Rozanova OM, Smirnova EN, Shemyakov AE. Behavioral performance and microglial status in mice after moderate dose of proton irradiation. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2023; 62:497-509. [PMID: 37794305 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-023-01044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a remote effect of gamma radiation treatment of malignancies. The major part of the studies on the effect of proton irradiation (a promising alternative in the treatment of radio-resistant tumors and tumors located close to critical organs) on the cognitive abilities of laboratory animals and their relation to morphological changes in the brain is rather contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive functions and the dynamics of changes in morphological parameters of hippocampal microglial cells after 7.5 Gy of proton irradiation. Two months after the cranial irradiation, 8- to 9-week-old male SHK mice were tested for total activity, spatial learning, as well as long- and short-term hippocampus-dependent memory. To estimate the morphological parameters of microglia, brain slices of control and irradiated animals each with different time after proton irradiation (24 h, 7 days, 1 month) were stained for microglial marker Iba-1. No changes in behavior or deficits in short-term and long-term hippocampus-dependent memory were found, but an impairment of episodic memory was observed. A change in the morphology of hippocampal microglial cells, which is characteristic of the transition of cells to an activated state, was detected. One day after proton exposure in the brain tissue, a slight decrease in cell density was observed, which was restored to the control level by the 30th day after treatment. The results obtained may be promising with regard to the future use of using high doses of protons per fraction in the irradiation of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Sorokina
- Laboratory of Isotope Investigations, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia.
| | - A E Malkov
- Laboratory of Neurons Systematic Organization, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - O M Rozanova
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - E N Smirnova
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - A E Shemyakov
- Theranostics and Nuclear Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
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3
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Amelchenko EM, Bezriadnov DV, Chekhov OA, Ivanova AA, Kedrov AV, Anokhin KV, Lazutkin AA, Enikolopov G. Cognitive Flexibility Is Selectively Impaired by Radiation and Is Associated with Differential Recruitment of Adult-Born Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6061-6083. [PMID: 37532464 PMCID: PMC10451007 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0161-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to elevated doses of ionizing radiation, such as those in therapeutic procedures, catastrophic accidents, or space exploration, increases the risk of cognitive dysfunction. The full range of radiation-induced cognitive deficits is unknown, partly because commonly used tests may be insufficiently sensitive or may not be adequately tuned for assessing the fine behavioral features affected by radiation. Here, we asked whether γ-radiation might affect learning, memory, and the overall ability to adapt behavior to cope with a challenging environment (cognitive/behavioral flexibility). We developed a new behavioral assay, the context discrimination Morris water maze (cdMWM) task, which is hippocampus-dependent and requires the integration of various contextual cues and the adjustment of search strategies. We exposed male mice to 1 or 5 Gy of γ rays and, at different time points after irradiation, trained them consecutively in spatial MWM, reversal MWM, and cdMWM tasks, and assessed their learning, navigational search strategies, and memory. Mice exposed to 5 Gy performed successfully in the spatial and reversal MWM tasks; however, in the cdMWM task 6 or 8 weeks (but not 3 weeks) after irradiation, they demonstrated transient learning deficit, decreased use of efficient spatially precise search strategies during learning, and, 6 weeks after irradiation, memory deficit. We also observed impaired neurogenesis after irradiation and selective activation of 12-week-old newborn neurons by specific components of cdMWM training paradigm. Thus, our new behavioral paradigm reveals the effects of γ-radiation on cognitive flexibility and indicates an extended timeframe for the functional maturation of new hippocampal neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exposure to radiation can affect cognitive performance and cognitive flexibility - the ability to adapt to changed circumstances and demands. The full range of consequences of irradiation on cognitive flexibility is unknown, partly because of a lack of suitable models. Here, we developed a new behavioral task requiring mice to combine various types of cues and strategies to find a correct solution. We show that animals exposed to γ-radiation, despite being able to successfully solve standard problems, show delayed learning, deficient memory, and diminished use of efficient navigation patterns in circumstances requiring adjustments of previously used search strategies. This new task could be applied in other settings for assessing the cognitive changes induced by aging, trauma, or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny M Amelchenko
- Center for Developmental Genetics
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Dmitri V Bezriadnov
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, 125315, Russian Federation
| | - Olga A Chekhov
- Center for Developmental Genetics
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Anna A Ivanova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, 117485, Russian Federation
- Institute for Advanced Brain Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander V Kedrov
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, 125315, Russian Federation
| | - Konstantin V Anokhin
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, 125315, Russian Federation
- Institute for Advanced Brain Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander A Lazutkin
- Center for Developmental Genetics
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, 117485, Russian Federation
| | - Grigori Enikolopov
- Center for Developmental Genetics
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
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4
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The Effects of Galactic Cosmic Rays on the Central Nervous System: From Negative to Unexpectedly Positive Effects That Astronauts May Encounter. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030400. [PMID: 36979092 PMCID: PMC10044754 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Galactic cosmic rays (GCR) pose a serious threat to astronauts’ health during deep space missions. The possible functional alterations of the central nervous system (CNS) under GCR exposure can be critical for mission success. Despite the obvious negative effects of ionizing radiation, a number of neutral or even positive effects of GCR irradiation on CNS functions were revealed in ground-based experiments with rodents and primates. This review is focused on the GCR exposure effects on emotional state and cognition, emphasizing positive effects and their potential mechanisms. We integrate these data with GCR effects on adult neurogenesis and pathological protein aggregation, forming a complete picture. We conclude that GCR exposure causes multidirectional effects on cognition, which may be associated with emotional state alterations. However, the irradiation in space-related doses either has no effect or has performance enhancing effects in solving high-level cognition tasks and tasks with a high level of motivation. We suppose the model of neurotransmission changes after irradiation, although the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon are not fully understood.
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Hinshaw RG, Schroeder MK, Ciola J, Varma C, Colletti B, Liu B, Liu GG, Shi Q, Williams JP, O’Banion MK, Caldarone BJ, Lemere CA. High-Energy, Whole-Body Proton Irradiation Differentially Alters Long-Term Brain Pathology and Behavior Dependent on Sex and Alzheimer's Disease Mutations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043615. [PMID: 36835027 PMCID: PMC9965515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-body exposure to high-energy particle radiation remains an unmitigated hazard to human health in space. Ongoing experiments at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory and elsewhere repeatedly show persistent changes in brain function long after exposure to simulations of this unique radiation environment, although, as is also the case with proton radiotherapy sequelae, how this occurs and especially how it interacts with common comorbidities is not well-understood. Here, we report modest differential changes in behavior and brain pathology between male and female Alzheimer's-like and wildtype littermate mice 7-8 months after exposure to 0, 0.5, or 2 Gy of 1 GeV proton radiation. The mice were examined with a battery of behavior tests and assayed for amyloid beta pathology, synaptic markers, microbleeds, microglial reactivity, and plasma cytokines. In general, the Alzheimer's model mice were more prone than their wildtype littermates to radiation-induced behavior changes, and hippocampal staining for amyloid beta pathology and microglial activation in these mice revealed a dose-dependent reduction in males but not in females. In summary, radiation-induced, long-term changes in behavior and pathology, although modest, appear specific to both sex and the underlying disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Hinshaw
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02129, USA
| | - Maren K. Schroeder
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jason Ciola
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Curran Varma
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brianna Colletti
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Grace Geyu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qiaoqiao Shi
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jacqueline P. Williams
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - M. Kerry O’Banion
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | | | - Cynthia A. Lemere
- Department of Neurology, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Departments of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence:
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6
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Williams MT, Sugimoto C, Regan SL, Pitzer EM, Fritz AL, Sertorio M, Mascia AE, Vatner RE, Perentesis JP, Vorhees CV. Cognitive and behavioral effects of whole brain conventional or high dose rate (FLASH) proton irradiation in a neonatal Sprague Dawley rat model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274007. [PMID: 36112695 PMCID: PMC9481014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that ultra-high dose rates of proton radiation (>40 Gy/s; FLASH) confer less toxicity to exposed healthy tissue and reduce cognitive decline compared with conventional radiation dose rates (~1 Gy/s), but further preclinical data are required to demonstrate this sparing effect. In this study, postnatal day 11 (P11) rats were treated with whole brain irradiation with protons at a total dose of 0, 5, or 8 Gy, comparing a conventional dose rate of 1 Gy/s vs. a FLASH dose rate of 100 Gy/s. Beginning on P64, rats were tested for locomotor activity, acoustic and tactile startle responses (ASR, TSR) with or without prepulses, novel object recognition (NOR; 4-object version), striatal dependent egocentric learning ([configuration A] Cincinnati water maze (CWM-A)), prefrontal dependent working memory (radial water maze (RWM)), hippocampal dependent spatial learning (Morris water maze (MWM)), amygdala dependent conditioned freezing, and the mirror image CWM [configuration B (CWM-B)]. All groups had deficits in the CWM-A procedure. Weight reductions, decreased center ambulation in the open-field, increased latency on day-1 of RWM, and deficits in CWM-B were observed in all irradiated groups, except the 5 Gy FLASH group. ASR and TSR were reduced in the 8 Gy FLASH group and day-2 latencies in the RWM were increased in the FLASH groups compared with controls. There were no effects on prepulse trials of ASR or TSR, NOR, MWM, or conditioned freezing. The results suggest striatal and prefrontal cortex are sensitive regions at P11 to proton irradiation, with reduced toxicity from FLASH at 5 Gy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Proton Therapy and Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Chiho Sugimoto
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Samantha L. Regan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Emily M. Pitzer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Adam L. Fritz
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Mathieu Sertorio
- Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Proton Therapy and Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Anthony E. Mascia
- Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Proton Therapy and Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Ralph E. Vatner
- Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Proton Therapy and Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - John P. Perentesis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Proton Therapy and Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Charles V. Vorhees
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Proton Therapy and Research Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
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7
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Simmons P, Corley C, Allen AR. Fractionated Proton Irradiation Does Not Impair Hippocampal-Dependent Short-Term or Spatial Memory in Female Mice. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10090507. [PMID: 36136472 PMCID: PMC9503909 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The environment outside the Earth's protective magnetosphere is a much more threatening and complex space environment. The dominant causes for radiation exposure, solar particle events and galactic cosmic rays, contain high-energy protons. In space, astronauts need healthy and highly functioning cognitive abilities, of which the hippocampus plays a key role. Therefore, understanding the effects of 1H exposure on hippocampal-dependent cognition is vital for developing mitigative strategies and protective countermeasures for future missions. To investigate these effects, we subjected 6-month-old female CD1 mice to 0.75 Gy fractionated 1H (250 MeV) whole-body irradiation at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. The cognitive performance of the mice was tested 3 months after irradiation using Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. Both sham-irradiated and 1H-irradiated mice significantly preferred exploration of the novel arm compared to the familiar and start arms, indicating intact spatial and short-term memory. Both groups statistically spent more time in the target quadrant, indicating spatial memory retention. There were no significant differences in neurogenic and gliogenic cell counts after irradiation. In addition, proteomic analysis revealed no significant upregulation or downregulation of proteins related to behavior, neurological disease, or neural morphology. Our data suggests 1H exposure does not impair hippocampal-dependent spatial or short-term memory in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Simmons
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Christa Corley
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Antiño R. Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-501-686-7553
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8
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Desai RI, Limoli CL, Stark CEL, Stark SM. Impact of spaceflight stressors on behavior and cognition: A molecular, neurochemical, and neurobiological perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104676. [PMID: 35461987 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The response of the human body to multiple spaceflight stressors is complex, but mounting evidence implicate risks to CNS functionality as significant, able to threaten metrics of mission success and longer-term behavioral and neurocognitive health. Prolonged exposure to microgravity, sleep disruption, social isolation, fluid shifts, and ionizing radiation have been shown to disrupt mechanisms of homeostasis and neurobiological well-being. The overarching goal of this review is to document the existing evidence of how the major spaceflight stressors, including radiation, microgravity, isolation/confinement, and sleep deprivation, alone or in combination alter molecular, neurochemical, neurobiological, and plasma metabolite/lipid signatures that may be linked to operationally-relevant behavioral and cognitive performance. While certain brain region-specific and/or systemic alterations titrated in part with neurobiological outcome, variations across model systems, study design, and the conspicuous absence of targeted studies implementing combinations of spaceflight stressors, confounded the identification of specific signatures having direct relevance to human activities in space. Summaries are provided for formulating new research directives and more predictive readouts of portending change in neurobiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev I Desai
- Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Behavioral Biology Program, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Medical Sciences I, B146B, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology of Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology of Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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9
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Tereshchenko LV, Shamsiev ID, Kadochnikova MA, Krasavin EA, Latanov AV. Early Effects of Cranial Irradiation by High Energy Protons on Visuomotor behavior in Nonhuman Primates. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350922020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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10
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Jones CB, Peiffer LB, Davis CM, Sfanos KS. Examining the Effects of 4He Exposure on the Gut-Brain Axis. Radiat Res 2021; 197:242-252. [PMID: 34752622 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00285.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Beyond low-Earth orbit, space radiation poses significant risks to astronaut health. Previous studies have shown that the microbial composition of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome changes upon exposure to high-linear energy transfer radiation. Interestingly, radiation-induced shifts in GI microbiota composition are linked to various neuropsychological disorders. Herein, we aimed to study changes in GI microbiota and behaviors of rats exposed to whole-body radiation (0, 5 or 25 cGy 4He, 250 MeV/n) at approximately 6 months of age. Fecal samples were collected 24 h prior to 4He irradiation and 24 h and 7 days postirradiation for quantitative PCR analyses to assess fecal levels of spore-forming bacteria (SFB), Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Rats were also tested in the social odor recognition memory (SORM) test at day 7 after 4He exposure. A subset of rats was euthanized 90 min after completion of the SORM test, and GI tissue from small intestine to colon were prepared for examining overall histological changes and immunohistochemical staining for serotonin (5-HT). No notable pathological changes were observed in GI tissues. Akkermansia spp. and SFB were significantly decreased in the 25 cGy group at 24 h and 7 days postirradiation compared to pre-exposure, respectively. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. showed no significant changes. 5-HT production was significantly higher in the proximal small intestine and the cecum in the 25 cGy group compared to the sham group. The 25 cGy group exhibited deficits in recognition in SORM testing at day 7 postirradiation. Taken together, these results suggest a connection between GI microbiome composition, serotonin production, and neurobehavioral performance, and that this connection may be disrupted upon exposure to 25 cGy of 4He ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carli B Jones
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lauren B Peiffer
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Catherine M Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karen S Sfanos
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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11
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Girgis M, Li Y, Jayatilake M, Gill K, Wang S, Makambi K, Sridharan V, Cheema AK. Short-term metabolic disruptions in urine of mouse models following exposure to low doses of oxygen ion radiation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:234-249. [PMID: 33902388 PMCID: PMC9757021 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1868866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Molecular alterations as a result of exposure to low doses of high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation can have deleterious short- and long-term consequences on crew members embarking on long distance space missions. Oxygen ions (16O) are among the high LET charged particles that make up the radiation environment inside a vehicle in deep space. We used mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to characterize urinary metabolic profiles of male C57BL/6J mice exposed to a single dose of 0.1, 0.25 and 1.0 Gy of 16O (600 MeV/n) at 10 and 30 days post-exposure to delineate radiation-induced metabolic alterations. We recognized a significant down regulation of several classes of metabolites including cresols and tryptophan metabolites, ketoacids and their derivatives upon exposure to 0.1 and 0.25 Gy after 10 days. While some of these changes reverted to near normal by 30 days, some metabolites including p-Cresol sulfate, oxalosuccinic acid, and indoxylsulfate remained dysregulated at 30 days, suggesting long term prognosis on metabolism. Pathway analysis revealed a long-term dysregulation in multiple pathways including tryptophan and porphyrin metabolism. These results suggest that low doses of high-LET charged particle irradiation may have long-term implications on metabolic imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Girgis
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yaoxiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Meth Jayatilake
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kirandeep Gill
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sirao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kepher Makambi
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Amrita K Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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12
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Davis CM, Allen AR, Bowles DE. Consequences of space radiation on the brain and cardiovascular system. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:180-218. [PMID: 33902387 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1891825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Staying longer in outer space will inevitably increase the health risks of astronauts due to the exposures to galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. Exposure may pose a significant hazard to space flight crews not only during the mission but also later, when slow-developing adverse effects could finally become apparent. The body of literature examining ground-based outcomes in response to high-energy charged-particle radiation suggests differential effects in response to different particles and energies. Numerous animal and cellular models have repeatedly demonstrated the negative effects of high-energy charged-particle on the brain and cognitive function. However, research on the role of space radiation in potentiating cardiovascular dysfunction is still in its early stages. This review summarizes the available data from studies using ground-based animal models to evaluate the response of the brain and heart to the high-energy charged particles of GCR and SPE, addresses potential sex differences in these effects, and aims to highlight gaps in the current literature for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dawn E Bowles
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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13
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Whole brain proton irradiation in adult Sprague Dawley rats produces dose dependent and non-dependent cognitive, behavioral, and dopaminergic effects. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21584. [PMID: 33299021 PMCID: PMC7726106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton radiotherapy causes less off-target effects than X-rays but is not without effect. To reduce adverse effects of proton radiotherapy, a model of cognitive deficits from conventional proton exposure is needed. We developed a model emphasizing multiple cognitive outcomes. Adult male rats (10/group) received a single dose of 0, 11, 14, 17, or 20 Gy irradiation (the 20 Gy group was not used because 50% died). Rats were tested once/week for 5 weeks post-irradiation for activity, coordination, and startle. Cognitive assessment began 6-weeks post-irradiation with novel object recognition (NOR), egocentric learning, allocentric learning, reference memory, and proximal cue learning. Proton exposure had the largest effect on activity and prepulse inhibition of startle 1-week post-irradiation that dissipated each week. 6-weeks post-irradiation, there were no effects on NOR, however proton exposure impaired egocentric (Cincinnati water maze) and allocentric learning and caused reference memory deficits (Morris water maze), but did not affect proximal cue learning or swimming performance. Proton groups also had reduced striatal levels of the dopamine transporter, tyrosine hydroxylase, and the dopamine receptor D1, effects consistent with egocentric learning deficits. This new model will facilitate investigations of different proton dose rates and drugs to ameliorate the cognitive sequelae of proton radiotherapy.
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14
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Shaler T, Lin H, Bakke J, Chen S, Grover A, Chang P. Particle radiation-induced dysregulation of protein homeostasis in primary human and mouse neuronal cells. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 25:9-17. [PMID: 32414496 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Space particle radiations may cause significant damage to proteins and oxidative stress in the cells within the central nervous system and pose a potential health hazard to humans in long-term manned space explorations. Dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system as evidenced by abnormal accumulation of polyubiquitin (pUb) chain linkages has been implicated in several age-related neurodegenerative disorders by mechanisms that may involve the inter-neuronal spread of toxic misfolded proteins, the induction of chronic neuroinflammation, or the inappropriate inhibition or activation of key enzymes, which could lead to dysfunction in, for example, proteolysis, or the accumulation of post-translationally-modified substrates.In this study, we employed a quantitative proteomics method to evaluate the impact of particle-radiation induced alterations in three major pUb-linked chains at lysine residues Lys-48 (K-48), Lys-63 (K-63), and Lys-11 (K-11), and probed for global proteomic changes in mouse and human neural cells that were irradiated with low doses of 250 MeV proton, 260 MeV/u silicon or 1 GeV/u iron ions. We found significant accumulation in K-48 linkage after 1 Gy protons and K-63 linkage after 0.5 Gy iron ions in human neural cells. Cells derived from different regions of the mouse brain (cortex, striatum and mesencephalon) showed differential sensitivity to particle radiation exposure. Although none of the linkages were altered after proton exposure, both K-48 and K-63 linkages in mouse striatal neuronal cells were elevated after 0.5 Gy of silicon or iron ions. Changes were also seen in proteins commonly used as markers of neural progenitor and stem cells, in DNA binding/damage repair and cellular redox pathways. In contrast, no significant changes were observed at the same time point after proton irradiation. These results suggest that the quality of the particle radiation plays a key role in the level, linkage and cell type specificity of protein homeostasis in key populations of neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Shaler
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Hua Lin
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - James Bakke
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Sophia Chen
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Amber Grover
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Polly Chang
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States.
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15
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Poletaeva II, Perepelkina OV, Ogienko NA, Tarassova AY, Lilp IG, Koshlan IV, Pavlova GV, Revishchin AV. Influence of Proton Irradiation on Solution of the Cognitive Puzzle-Box Test in Mice and Adult Neurogenesis. BIOL BULL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359019120069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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16
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Torres ERS, Hall R, Bobe G, Choi J, Impey S, Pelz C, Lindner JR, Stevens JF, Raber J. Integrated Metabolomics-DNA Methylation Analysis Reveals Significant Long-Term Tissue-Dependent Directional Alterations in Aminoacyl-tRNA Biosynthesis in the Left Ventricle of the Heart and Hippocampus Following Proton Irradiation. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:77. [PMID: 31552266 PMCID: PMC6746933 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach was used to assess the effects of proton irradiation (1 Gy of 150 MeV) on the metabolome and DNA methylation pattern in the murine hippocampus and left ventricle of the heart 22 weeks following exposure using an integrated metabolomics-DNA methylation analysis. The integrated metabolomics-DNA methylation analysis in both tissues revealed significant alterations in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, but the direction of change was tissue-dependent. Individual and total amino acid synthesis were downregulated in the left ventricle of proton-irradiated mice but were upregulated in the hippocampus of proton-irradiated mice. Amino acid tRNA synthetase methylation was mostly downregulated in the hippocampus of proton-irradiated mice, whereas no consistent methylation pattern was observed for amino acid tRNA synthetases in the left ventricle of proton-irradiated mice. Thus, proton irradiation causes long-term changes in the left ventricle and hippocampus in part through methylation-based epigenetic modifications. Integrated analysis of metabolomics and DNA methylation is a powerful approach to obtain converging evidence of pathways significantly affected. This in turn might identify biomarkers of the radiation response, help identify therapeutic targets, and assess the efficacy of mitigators directed at those targets to minimize, or even prevent detrimental long-term effects of proton irradiation on the heart and the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Ruth S Torres
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Reed Hall
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Gerd Bobe
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Animal & Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jaewoo Choi
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Soren Impey
- Oregon Stem Cell Center and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Carl Pelz
- Oregon Stem Cell Center and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jonathan R Lindner
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jan F Stevens
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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17
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Kiffer F, Boerma M, Allen A. Behavioral effects of space radiation: A comprehensive review of animal studies. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2019; 21:1-21. [PMID: 31101151 PMCID: PMC7150604 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
As NASA prepares for the first manned mission to Mars in the next 20 years, close attention has been placed on the cognitive welfare of astronauts, who will likely endure extended durations in confinement and microgravity and be subjected to the radioactive charged particles travelling at relativistic speeds in interplanetary space. The future of long-duration manned spaceflight, thus, depends on understanding the individual hazards associated with the environment beyond Earth's protective magnetosphere. Ground-based single-particle studies of exposed mice and rats have, in the last 30 years, overwhelmingly reported deficits in their cognitive behaviors. However, as particle-accelerator technologies at NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory continue to progress, more realistic representations of space radiation are materializing, including multiple-particle exposures and, eventually, at multiple energy distributions. These advancements help determine how to best mitigate possible hazards due to space radiation. However, risk models will depend on delineating which particles are most responsible for specific behavioral outcomes and whether multiple-particle exposures produce synergistic effects. Here, we review the literature on animal exposures by particle, energy, and behavioral assay to inform future mixed-field radiation studies of possible behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Antiño Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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18
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Central Nervous System Responses to Simulated Galactic Cosmic Rays. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113669. [PMID: 30463349 PMCID: PMC6275046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In preparation for lunar and Mars missions it is essential to consider the challenges to human health that are posed by long-duration deep space habitation via multiple stressors, including ionizing radiation, gravitational changes during flight and in orbit, other aspects of the space environment such as high level of carbon dioxide, and psychological stress from confined environment and social isolation. It remains unclear how these stressors individually or in combination impact the central nervous system (CNS), presenting potential obstacles for astronauts engaged in deep space travel. Although human spaceflight research only within the last decade has started to include the effects of radiation transmitted by galactic cosmic rays to the CNS, radiation is currently considered to be one of the main stressors for prolonged spaceflight and deep space exploration. Here we will review the current knowledge of CNS damage caused by simulated space radiation with an emphasis on neuronal and glial responses along with cognitive functions. Furthermore, we will present novel experimental approaches to integrate the knowledge into more comprehensive studies, including multiple stressors at once and potential translation to human functions. Finally, we will discuss the need for developing biomarkers as predictors for cognitive decline and therapeutic countermeasures to prevent CNS damage and the loss of cognitive abilities.
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19
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Kiffer F, Howe AK, Carr H, Wang J, Alexander T, Anderson JE, Groves T, Seawright JW, Sridharan V, Carter G, Boerma M, Allen AR. Late effects of 1H irradiation on hippocampal physiology. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 17:51-62. [PMID: 29753414 PMCID: PMC7063743 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
NASA's Missions to Mars and beyond will expose flight crews to potentially dangerous levels of charged-particle radiation. Of all charged nuclei, 1H is the most abundant charged particle in both the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) and solar particle event (SPE) spectra. There are currently no functional spacecraft shielding materials that are able to mitigate the charged-particle radiation encountered in space. Recent studies have demonstrated cognitive injuries due to high-dose 1H exposures in rodents. Our study investigated the effects of 1H irradiation on neuronal morphology in the hippocampus of adult male mice. 6-month-old mice received whole-body exposure to 1H at 0.5 and 1 Gy (150 MeV/n; 0.35-0.55 Gy/min) at NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory in Upton, NY. At 9-months post-irradiation, we tested each animal's open-field exploratory performance. After sacrifice, we dissected the brains along the midsagittal plane, and then either fixed or dissected further and snap-froze them. Our data showed that exposure to 0.5 Gy or 1 Gy 1H significantly increased animals' anxiety behavior in open-field testing. Our micromorphometric analyses revealed significant decreases in mushroom spine density and dendrite morphology in the Dentate Gyrus, Cornu Ammonis 3 and 1 of the hippocampus, and lowered expression of synaptic markers. Our data suggest 1H radiation significantly increased exploration anxiety and modulated the dendritic spine and dendrite morphology of hippocampal neurons at a dose of 0.5 or 1 Gy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Alexis K Howe
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Hannah Carr
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Tyler Alexander
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Julie E Anderson
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Thomas Groves
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - John W Seawright
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Gwendolyn Carter
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Division of Radiation Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Suite 441B-2, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States; Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States.
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20
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Rudobeck E, Bellone JA, Szücs A, Bonnick K, Mehrotra-Carter S, Badaut J, Nelson GA, Hartman RE, Vlkolinský R. Low-dose proton radiation effects in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease - Implications for space travel. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186168. [PMID: 29186131 PMCID: PMC5706673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Space radiation represents a significant health risk for astronauts. Ground-based animal studies indicate that space radiation affects neuronal functions such as excitability, synaptic transmission, and plasticity, and it may accelerate the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although protons represent the main constituent in the space radiation spectrum, their effects on AD-related pathology have not been tested. We irradiated 3 month-old APP/PSEN1 transgenic (TG) and wild type (WT) mice with protons (150 MeV; 0.1-1.0 Gy; whole body) and evaluated functional and biochemical hallmarks of AD. We performed behavioral tests in the water maze (WM) before irradiation and in the WM and Barnes maze at 3 and 6 months post-irradiation to evaluate spatial learning and memory. We also performed electrophysiological recordings in vitro in hippocampal slices prepared 6 and 9 months post-irradiation to evaluate excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. Next, we evaluated amyloid β (Aβ) deposition in the contralateral hippocampus and adjacent cortex using immunohistochemistry. In cortical homogenates, we analyzed the levels of the presynaptic marker synaptophysin by Western blotting and measured pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL10 and CCL2) by bead-based multiplex assay. TG mice performed significantly worse than WT mice in the WM. Irradiation of TG mice did not affect their behavioral performance, but reduced the amplitudes of population spikes and inhibited paired-pulse facilitation in CA1 neurons. These electrophysiological alterations in the TG mice were qualitatively different from those observed in WT mice, in which irradiation increased excitability and synaptic efficacy. Irradiation increased Aβ deposition in the cortex of TG mice without affecting cytokine levels and increased synaptophysin expression in WT mice (but not in the TG mice). Although irradiation with protons increased Aβ deposition, the complex functional and biochemical results indicate that irradiation effects are not synergistic to AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Rudobeck
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | - John A. Bellone
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | - Attila Szücs
- BioCircuits Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Kristine Bonnick
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | - Shalini Mehrotra-Carter
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | - Jerome Badaut
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | - Richard E. Hartman
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
| | - Roman Vlkolinský
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States of America
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21
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Impey S, Jopson T, Pelz C, Tafessu A, Fareh F, Zuloaga D, Marzulla T, Riparip LK, Stewart B, Rosi S, Turker MS, Raber J. Bi-directional and shared epigenomic signatures following proton and 56Fe irradiation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10227. [PMID: 28860502 PMCID: PMC5579159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09191-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain’s response to radiation exposure is an important concern for patients undergoing cancer therapy and astronauts on long missions in deep space. We assessed whether this response is specific and prolonged and is linked to epigenetic mechanisms. We focused on the response of the hippocampus at early (2-weeks) and late (20-week) time points following whole body proton irradiation. We examined two forms of DNA methylation, cytosine methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC). Impairments in object recognition, spatial memory retention, and network stability following proton irradiation were observed at the two-week time point and correlated with altered gene expression and 5hmC profiles that mapped to specific gene ontology pathways. Significant overlap was observed between DNA methylation changes at the 2 and 20-week time points demonstrating specificity and retention of changes in response to radiation. Moreover, a novel class of DNA methylation change was observed following an environmental challenge (i.e. space irradiation), characterized by both increased and decreased 5hmC levels along the entire gene body. These changes were mapped to genes encoding neuronal functions including postsynaptic gene ontology categories. Thus, the brain’s response to proton irradiation is both specific and prolonged and involves novel remodeling of non-random regions of the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soren Impey
- Oregon Stem Cell Center and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Timothy Jopson
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Departments of Neurological Surgery and Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Carl Pelz
- Oregon Stem Cell Center and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Amanuel Tafessu
- Oregon Stem Cell Center and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Fatema Fareh
- Oregon Stem Cell Center and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Damian Zuloaga
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Tessa Marzulla
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Lara-Kirstie Riparip
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Departments of Neurological Surgery and Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Blair Stewart
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Departments of Neurological Surgery and Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Mitchell S Turker
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences and Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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22
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Raber J, Allen AR, Sharma S, Allen B, Rosi S, Olsen RHJ, Davis MJ, Eiwaz M, Fike JR, Nelson GA. Effects of Proton and Combined Proton and 56Fe Radiation on the Hippocampus. Radiat Res 2015; 185:20-30. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14222.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Antiño R. Allen
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery,
| | - Sourabh Sharma
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery,
| | - Barrett Allen
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery,
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery,
| | | | | | | | - John R. Fike
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery,
| | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, 92350
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23
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Deficits in Sustained Attention and Changes in Dopaminergic Protein Levels following Exposure to Proton Radiation Are Related to Basal Dopaminergic Function. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144556. [PMID: 26658810 PMCID: PMC4684339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current report assessed the effects of low-level proton irradiation in inbred adult male Fischer 344 and Lewis rats performing an analog of the human Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), commonly utilized as an object risk assessment tool to quantify fatigue and sustained attention in laboratory, clinical, and operational settings. These strains were used to determine if genetic differences in dopaminergic function would impact radiation-induced deficits in sustained attention. Exposure to head-only proton irradiation (25 or 100 cGy) disrupted rPVT performance in a strain-specific manner, with 25 cGy-exposed Fischer 344 rats displaying the most severe deficits in sustained attention (i.e., decreased accuracy and increased premature responding); Lewis rats did not display behavioral deficits following radiation. Fischer 344 rats displayed greater tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter levels in the frontal cortex compared to the Lewis rats, even though radiation exposure increased both of these proteins in the Lewis rats only. Tyrosine hydroxylase was decreased in the parietal cortex of both rat strains following radiation exposure, regardless of proton dose. Strain-specific cytokine changes were also found in the frontal cortex, with the Lewis rats displaying increased levels of putative neurotrophic cytokines (e.g., CNTF). These data support the hypothesis that basal dopaminergic function impacts the severity of radiation-induced deficits in sustained attention.
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Rabin BM, Heroux NA, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Beck Z, Baxter C. Lack of reliability in the disruption of cognitive performance following exposure to protons. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2015; 54:285-95. [PMID: 25935209 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-015-0597-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A series of three replications were run to determine the reliability with which exposure to protons produces a disruption of cognitive performance, using a novel object recognition task and operant responding on an ascending fixed-ratio task. For the first two replications, rats were exposed to head-only exposures to 1000 MeV/n protons at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. For the third replication, subjects were given head-only or whole-body exposures to both 1000 and 150 MeV/n protons. The results were characterized by a lack of consistency in the effects of exposure to protons on the performance of these cognitive tasks, both within and between replications. The factors that might influence the lack of consistency and the implications for exploratory class missions are discussed.
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Bellone JA, Rudobeck E, Hartman RE, Szücs A, Vlkolinský R. A Single Low Dose of Proton Radiation Induces Long-Term Behavioral and Electrophysiological Changes in Mice. Radiat Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1667/rr13903.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Suresh Kumar MA, Peluso M, Chaudhary P, Dhawan J, Beheshti A, Manickam K, Thapar U, Pena L, Natarajan M, Hlatky L, Demple B, Naidu M. Fractionated Radiation Exposure of Rat Spinal Cords Leads to Latent Neuro-Inflammation in Brain, Cognitive Deficits, and Alterations in Apurinic Endonuclease 1. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26208353 PMCID: PMC4514622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation causes degeneration of myelin, the insulating sheaths of neuronal axons, leading to neurological impairment. As radiation research on the central nervous system has predominantly focused on neurons, with few studies addressing the role of glial cells, we have focused our present research on identifying the latent effects of single/ fractionated -low dose of low/ high energy radiation on the role of base excision repair protein Apurinic Endonuclease-1, in the rat spinal cords oligodendrocyte progenitor cells’ differentiation. Apurinic endonuclease-1 is predominantly upregulated in response to oxidative stress by low- energy radiation, and previous studies show significant induction of Apurinic Endonuclease-1 in neurons and astrocytes. Our studies show for the first time, that fractionation of protons cause latent damage to spinal cord architecture while fractionation of HZE (28Si) induce increase in APE1 with single dose, which then decreased with fractionation. The oligodendrocyte progenitor cells differentiation was skewed with increase in immature oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, which likely cause the observed decrease in white matter, increased neuro-inflammation, together leading to the observed significant cognitive defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Suresh Kumar
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Peluso
- GeneSys Research Institute/ Center for Cancer Systems Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pankaj Chaudhary
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jasbeer Dhawan
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- GeneSys Research Institute/ Center for Cancer Systems Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Krishnan Manickam
- Department of Pathology, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Upasna Thapar
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Louis Pena
- Biosciences Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York, United States of America
| | - Mohan Natarajan
- Department of Pathology, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lynn Hlatky
- GeneSys Research Institute/ Center for Cancer Systems Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bruce Demple
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Mamta Naidu
- GeneSys Research Institute/ Center for Cancer Systems Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sokolova IV, Schneider CJ, Bezaire M, Soltesz I, Vlkolinsky R, Nelson GA. Proton Radiation Alters Intrinsic and Synaptic Properties of CA1 Pyramidal Neurons of the Mouse Hippocampus. Radiat Res 2015; 183:208-18. [DOI: 10.1667/rr13785.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Sokolova
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Calvin J. Schneider
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Marianne Bezaire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Ivan Soltesz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Roman Vlkolinsky
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
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Sweet TB, Panda N, Hein AM, Das SL, Hurley SD, Olschowka JA, Williams JP, O'Banion MK. Central Nervous System Effects of Whole-Body Proton Irradiation. Radiat Res 2014; 182:18-34. [DOI: 10.1667/rr13699.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tara Beth Sweet
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Nirlipta Panda
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Amy M. Hein
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Shoshana L. Das
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Sean D. Hurley
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - John A. Olschowka
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Jacqueline P. Williams
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - M. Kerry O'Banion
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
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Davis CM, DeCicco-Skinner KL, Roma PG, Hienz RD. Individual Differences in Attentional Deficits and Dopaminergic Protein Levels following Exposure to Proton Radiation. Radiat Res 2014; 181:258-71. [DOI: 10.1667/rr13359.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Pomegranate supplementation improves affective and motor behavior in mice after radiation exposure. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:940830. [PMID: 23662154 PMCID: PMC3639646 DOI: 10.1155/2013/940830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Currently, NASA has plans for extended space travel, and previous research indicates that space radiation can have negative effects on cognitive skills as well as physical and mental health. With long-term space travel, astronauts will be exposed to greater radiation levels. Research shows that an antioxidant-enriched diet may offer some protection against the cellular effects of radiation and may provide significant neuroprotection from the effects of radiation-induced cognitive and behavioral skill deficits. Ninety-six C57BL/6 mice (48 pomegranate fed and 48 control) were irradiated with proton radiation (2 Gy), and two-month postradiation behaviors were assessed using a battery of behavioral tests to measure cognitive and motor functions. Proton irradiation was associated with depression-like behaviors in the tail suspension test, but this effect was ameliorated by the pomegranate diet. Males, in general, displayed worse coordination and balance than females on the rotarod task, and the pomegranate diet ameliorated this effect. Overall, it appears that proton irradiation, which may be encountered in space, may induce a different pattern of behavioral deficits in males than females and that a pomegranate diet may confer protection against some of those effects.
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Haerich P, Eggers C, Pecaut MJ. Investigation of the Effects of Head Irradiation with Gamma Rays and Protons on Startle and Pre-Pulse Inhibition Behavior in Mice. Radiat Res 2012; 177:685-92. [DOI: 10.1667/rr2712.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Raber J, Rosi S, Chakraborti A, Fishman K, Dayger C, Davis MJ, Villasana L, Fike JR. Effects of56Fe-Particle Cranial Radiation on Hippocampus-Dependent Cognition Depend on the Salience of the Environmental Stimuli. Radiat Res 2011; 176:521-6. [DOI: 10.1667/rr2635.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Poulose SM, Bielinski DF, Carrihill-Knoll K, Rabin BM, Shukitt-Hale B. Exposure to 16O-particle radiation causes aging-like decrements in rats through increased oxidative stress, inflammation and loss of autophagy. Radiat Res 2011; 176:761-9. [PMID: 21962006 DOI: 10.1667/rr2605.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Exposing young rats to particles of high energy and charge (HZE particles), a ground-based model for exposure to cosmic rays, enhances indices of oxidative stress and inflammation, disrupts the functioning of neuronal communication, and alters cognitive behaviors. Even though exposure to HZE particles occurs at low fluence rates, the cumulative effects of long-term exposure result in molecular changes similar to those seen in aged animals. In the present study, we assessed markers of autophagy, a dynamic process for intracellular degradation and recycling of toxic proteins and organelles, as well as stress and inflammatory responses, in the brains of Sprague-Dawley rats irradiated at 2 months of age with 5 and 50 cGy and 1 Gy of ionizing oxygen particles ((16)O) (1000 MeV/n). Compared to nonirradiated controls, exposure to (16)O particles significantly inhibited autophagy function in the hippocampus as measured by accumulation of ubiquitin inclusion bodies such as P62/SQSTM1, autophagosome marker microtubule-associated protein 1 beta light chain 3 (MAP1B-LC3), beclin1 and proteins such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The molecular changes measured at short (36 h) and long (75 days) intervals after (16)O-particle exposure indicate that the loss of autophagy function occurred shortly after exposure but was recovered via inhibition of mTOR. However, HZE-particle radiation caused significant sustained loss of protein kinase C alpha (PKC-α), a key G protein modulator involved in neuronal survival and functions of neuronal trophic factors. Exposure to (16)O particles also caused substantial increases in the levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), indicating glial cell activation 75 days after exposure. This is the first report to show the molecular effects of (16)O-particle radiation on oxidative stress, inflammation and loss of autophagy in the brain of young rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibu M Poulose
- USDA-ARS, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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Rice OV, Grande AV, Dehktyar N, Bruneus M, Robinson JK, Gatley SJ. Long-term effects of irradiation with iron-56 particles on the nigrostriatal dopamine system. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2009; 48:215-225. [PMID: 19259693 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-009-0220-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Accepted: 02/13/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy ions during a Mars mission might damage the brain, thus compromising mission success and the quality of life of returning astronauts. Several workers have suggested that the dopamine system is particularly sensitive to heavy ion radiation, but direct evidence for this notion is lacking. We examined measures of brain dopamine viability at times up to 15 months after acute exposure of rats to (56)Fe (1.2-2.4 Gy). No effects were seen in brain sections stained for tyrosine hydroxylase, the classical marker for dopamine cells and nerve terminals. Locomotion stimulated by cocaine, which directly activates the dopamine system, was reduced at 6 months but not at 12 months. Furthermore, in a visually cued lever-pressing test, reaction times, which are prolonged by dopamine system damage, were identical in irradiated and control animals. However, learning times were increased by irradiation. Our data suggest that the midbrain dopamine system is not especially sensitive to damage by (56)Fe particles at doses much higher than would be associated with travel to and from Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onarae V Rice
- Center for Translational Neuroimaging, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
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Shukitt-Hale B, Carey AN, Jenkins D, Rabin BM, Joseph JA. Beneficial effects of fruit extracts on neuronal function and behavior in a rodent model of accelerated aging. Neurobiol Aging 2007; 28:1187-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2006.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2005] [Revised: 05/09/2006] [Accepted: 05/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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