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Ishii H, Endo R, Hamanaka S, Hidaka N, Miyauchi M, Hagiwara N, Miyao T, Yamamori T, Aiba T, Akiyama N, Akiyama T. Establishing a method for the cryopreservation of viable peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the International Space Station. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:84. [PMID: 39122696 PMCID: PMC11315897 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00423-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The analysis of cells frozen within the International Space Station (ISS) will provide crucial insights into the impact of the space environment on cellular functions and properties. The objective of this study was to develop a method for cryopreserving blood cells under the specific constraints of the ISS. In a ground experiment, mouse blood was directly mixed with a cryoprotectant and gradually frozen at -80 °C. Thawing the frozen blood sample resulted in the successful recovery of viable mononuclear cells when using a mixed solution of dimethylsulfoxide and hydroxyethyl starch as a cryoprotectant. In addition, we developed new freezing cases to minimize storage space utilization within the ISS freezer. Finally, we confirmed the recovery of major mononuclear immune cell subsets from the cryopreserved blood cells through a high dimensional analysis of flow cytometric data using 13 cell surface markers. Consequently, this ground study lays the foundation for the cryopreservation of viable blood cells on the ISS, enabling their analysis upon return to Earth. The application of this method in ISS studies will contribute to understanding the impact of space environments on human cells. Moreover, this method may find application in the cryopreservation of blood cells in situations where research facilities are inadequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto Ishii
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Rin Endo
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sanae Hamanaka
- Space Biomedical Research Group, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Hidaka
- Space Biomedical Research Group, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naho Hagiwara
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Aiba
- Space Biomedical Research Group, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
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An R, Blackwell VK, Harandi B, Gibbons AC, Siu O, Irby I, Rees A, Cornejal N, Sattler KM, Sheng T, Syracuse NC, Loftus D, Santa Maria SR, Cekanaviciute E, Reinsch SS, Ray HE, Paul AM. Influence of the spaceflight environment on macrophage lineages. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:63. [PMID: 38862517 PMCID: PMC11166655 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00293-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight and terrestrial spaceflight analogs can alter immune phenotypes. Macrophages are important immune cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and participate in immunoregulatory processes of homeostasis. Furthermore, macrophages are critically involved in initiating immunity, defending against injury and infection, and are also involved in immune resolution and wound healing. Heterogeneous populations of macrophage-type cells reside in many tissues and cause a variety of tissue-specific effects through direct or indirect interactions with other physiological systems, including the nervous and endocrine systems. It is vital to understand how macrophages respond to the unique environment of space to safeguard crew members with appropriate countermeasures for future missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. This review highlights current literature on macrophage responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky An
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Cornell University, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Virginia Katherine Blackwell
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bijan Harandi
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Chemistry, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Alicia C Gibbons
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of California San Diego, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Olivia Siu
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Iris Irby
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Amy Rees
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Nadjet Cornejal
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Brooklyn College, Department of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Kristina M Sattler
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Ohio State University, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tao Sheng
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Computer Science, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Nicholas C Syracuse
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- North Carolina State University, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - David Loftus
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sigrid S Reinsch
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- ASRC Federal, Inc, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Amber M Paul
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA.
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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3
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Bonmatí-Carrión MÁ, Santhi N, Atzori G, Mendis J, Kaduk S, Dijk DJ, Archer SN. Effect of 60 days of head down tilt bed rest on amplitude and phase of rhythms in physiology and sleep in men. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:42. [PMID: 38553471 PMCID: PMC10980770 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00387-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Twenty-four-hour rhythms in physiology and behaviour are shaped by circadian clocks, environmental rhythms, and feedback of behavioural rhythms onto physiology. In space, 24 h signals such as those associated with the light-dark cycle and changes in posture, are weaker, potentially reducing the robustness of rhythms. Head down tilt (HDT) bed rest is commonly used to simulate effects of microgravity but how HDT affects rhythms in physiology has not been extensively investigated. Here we report effects of -6° HDT during a 90-day protocol on 24 h rhythmicity in 20 men. During HDT, amplitude of light, motor activity, and wrist-temperature rhythms were reduced, evening melatonin was elevated, while cortisol was not affected during HDT, but was higher in the morning during recovery when compared to last session of HDT. During recovery from HDT, time in Slow-Wave Sleep increased. EEG activity in alpha and beta frequencies increased during NREM and REM sleep. These results highlight the profound effects of head-down-tilt-bed-rest on 24 h rhythmicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Ángeles Bonmatí-Carrión
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nayantara Santhi
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Giuseppe Atzori
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Jeewaka Mendis
- Surrey Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Sylwia Kaduk
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Derk-Jan Dijk
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London and the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Simon N Archer
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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Diak DM, Krieger S, Gutierrez C, Mehta S, Nelman-Gonzalez M, Babiak-Vazquez A, Young M, Oswald TM, Choukér A, Johnson J, James H, Chang CY, Crucian B. Palmer Station, Antarctica: A ground-based spaceflight analog suitable for validation of biomedical countermeasures for deep space missions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:151-157. [PMID: 38245340 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.08.001] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Astronauts are known to exhibit a variety of immunological alterations during spaceflight including changes in leukocyte distribution and plasma cytokine concentrations, a reduction in T-cell function, and subclinical reactivation of latent herpesviruses. These alterations are most likely due to mission-associated stressors including circadian misalignment, microgravity, isolation, altered nutrition, and increased exposure to cosmic radiation. Some of these stressors may also occur in terrestrial situations. This study sought to determine if crewmembers performing winterover deployment at Palmer Station, Antarctica, displayed similar immune alterations. The larger goal was to validate a ground analog suitable for the evaluation of countermeasures designed to protect astronauts during future deep space missions. For this pilot study, plasma, saliva, hair, and health surveys were collected from Palmer Station, Antarctica, winterover participants at baseline, and at five winterover timepoints. Twenty-six subjects consented to participate over the course of two seasons. Initial sample processing was performed at Palmer, and eventually stabilized samples were returned to the Johnson Space Center for analysis. A white blood cell differential was performed (real time) using a fingerstick blood sample to determine alterations in basic leukocyte subsets throughout the winterover. Plasma and saliva samples were analyzed for 30 and 13 cytokines, respectively. Saliva was analyzed for cortisol concentration and three latent herpesviruses (DNA by qPCR), EBV, HSV1, and VZV. Voluntary surveys related to general health and adverse clinical events were distributed to participants. It is noteworthy that due to logistical constraints caused by COVID-19, the baseline samples for each season were collected in Punta Arenas, Chile, after long international travel and during isolation. Therefore, the Palmer pre-mission samples may not reflect a true normal 'baseline'. Minimal alterations were observed in leukocyte distribution during winterover. The mean percentage of monocyte concentration elevated at one timepoint. Plasma G-CSF, IL1RA, MCP-1, MIP-1β, TNFα, and VEGF were decreased during at least one winterover timepoint, whereas RANTES was significantly increased. No statistically significant changes were observed in mean saliva cytokine concentrations. Salivary cortisol was substantially elevated throughout the entire winterover compared to baseline. Compared to shedding levels observed in healthy controls (23%), the percentage of participants who shed EBV was higher throughout all winterover timepoints (52-60%). Five subjects shed HSV1 during at least one timepoint throughout the season compared to no subjects shedding during pre-deployment. Finally, VZV reactivation, common in astronauts but exceptionally rare in ground-based stress analogs, was observed in one subject during pre-deployment and a different subject at WO2 and WO3. These pilot data, somewhat influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, do suggest that participants at Palmer Station undergo immunological alterations similar to, but likely in reduced magnitude, as those observed in astronauts. We suggest that winterover at Palmer Station may be a suitable test analog for spaceflight biomedical countermeasures designed to mitigate clinical risks for deep space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Choukér
- Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Jamee Johnson
- National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia, United States
| | - Hannah James
- National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia, United States
| | - Cindy Y Chang
- National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia, United States
| | - Brian Crucian
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, United States.
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Ratushnyy AY, Buravkova LB. Microgravity Effects and Aging Physiology: Similar Changes or Common Mechanisms? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1763-1777. [PMID: 38105197 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110081] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the use of countermeasures (including intense physical activity), cosmonauts and astronauts develop muscle atony and atrophy, cardiovascular system failure, osteopenia, etc. All these changes, reminiscent of age-related physiological changes, occur in a healthy person in microgravity quite quickly - within a few months. Adaptation to the lost of gravity leads to the symptoms of aging, which are compensated after returning to Earth. The prospect of interplanetary flights raises the question of gravity thresholds, below which the main physiological systems will decrease their functional potential, similar to aging, and affect life expectancy. An important role in the aging process belongs to the body's cellular reserve - progenitor cells, which are involved in physiological remodeling and regenerative/reparative processes of all physiological systems. With age, progenitor cell count and their regenerative potential decreases. Moreover, their paracrine profile becomes pro-inflammatory during replicative senescence, disrupting tissue homeostasis. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are mechanosensitive, and therefore deprivation of gravitational stimulus causes serious changes in their functional status. The review compares the cellular effects of microgravity and changes developing in senescent cells, including stromal precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Yu Ratushnyy
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123007, Russia.
| | - Ludmila B Buravkova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123007, Russia
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Ha P, Kwak JH, Zhang Y, Shi J, Tran L, Liu TP, Pan HC, Lee S, Kim JK, Chen E, Shirazi-Fard Y, Stodieck LS, Lin A, Zheng Z, Dong SN, Zhang X, Wu BM, Ting K, Soo C. Bisphosphonate conjugation enhances the bone-specificity of NELL-1-based systemic therapy for spaceflight-induced bone loss in mice. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:75. [PMID: 37723136 PMCID: PMC10507033 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00319-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity-induced bone loss results in a 1% bone mineral density loss monthly and can be a mission critical factor in long-duration spaceflight. Biomolecular therapies with dual osteogenic and anti-resorptive functions are promising for treating extreme osteoporosis. We previously confirmed that NELL-like molecule-1 (NELL-1) is crucial for bone density maintenance. We further PEGylated NELL-1 (NELL-polyethylene glycol, or NELL-PEG) to increase systemic delivery half-life from 5.5 to 15.5 h. In this study, we used a bio-inert bisphosphonate (BP) moiety to chemically engineer NELL-PEG into BP-NELL-PEG and specifically target bone tissues. We found conjugation with BP improved hydroxyapatite (HA) binding and protein stability of NELL-PEG while preserving NELL-1's osteogenicity in vitro. Furthermore, BP-NELL-PEG showed superior in vivo bone specificity without observable pathology in liver, spleen, lungs, brain, heart, muscles, or ovaries of mice. Finally, we tested BP-NELL-PEG through spaceflight exposure onboard the International Space Station (ISS) at maximal animal capacity (n = 40) in a long-term (9 week) osteoporosis therapeutic study and found that BP-NELL-PEG significantly increased bone formation in flight and ground control mice without obvious adverse health effects. Our results highlight BP-NELL-PEG as a promising therapeutic to mitigate extreme bone loss from long-duration microgravity exposure and musculoskeletal degeneration on Earth, especially when resistance training is not possible due to incapacity (e.g., bone fracture, stroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Ha
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jin Hee Kwak
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yulong Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Jiayu Shi
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Luan Tran
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Timothy Pan Liu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hsin-Chuan Pan
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Samantha Lee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jong Kil Kim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Eric Chen
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Louis S Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies and Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Andy Lin
- Office of Advanced Research Computing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Stella Nuo Dong
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xinli Zhang
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Benjamin M Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Kang Ting
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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7
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Stratis D, Trudel G, Rocheleau L, Pelchat M, Laneuville O. The transcriptome response of astronaut leukocytes to long missions aboard the International Space Station reveals immune modulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1171103. [PMID: 37426644 PMCID: PMC10324659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1171103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spaceflight leads to the deconditioning of multiple body systems including the immune system. We sought to characterize the molecular response involved by capturing changes in leukocyte transcriptomes from astronauts transitioning to and from long-duration spaceflight. Methods Fourteen male and female astronauts with ~6-month- long missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) had 10 blood samples collected throughout the three phases of the study: one pre-flight (PF), four in-flight (IF) while onboard the ISS, and five upon return to Earth (R). We measured gene expression through RNA sequencing of leukocytes and applied generalized linear modeling to assess differential expression across all 10 time points followed by the analysis of selected time points and functional enrichment of changing genes to identify shifts in biological processes. Results Our temporal analysis identified 276 differentially expressed transcripts grouped into two clusters (C) showing opposite profiles of expression with transitions to and from spaceflight: (C1) decrease-then-increase and (C2) increase-then-decrease. Both clusters converged toward average expression between ~2 and ~6 months in space. Further analysis of spaceflight transitions identified the decrease-then-increase pattern with most changes: 112 downregulated genes between PF and early spaceflight and 135 upregulated genes between late IF and R. Interestingly, 100 genes were both downregulated when reaching space and upregulated when landing on Earth. Functional enrichment at the transition to space related to immune suppression increased cell housekeeping functions and reduced cell proliferation. In contrast, egress to Earth is related to immune reactivation. Conclusion The leukocytes' transcriptome changes describe rapid adaptations in response to entering space followed by opposite changes upon returning to Earth. These results shed light on immune modulation in space and highlight the major adaptive changes in cellular activity engaged to adapt to extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stratis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Guy Trudel
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Physiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lynda Rocheleau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Pelchat
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Odette Laneuville
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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8
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Scatà C, Carandina A, Della Torre A, Arosio B, Bellocchi C, Dias Rodrigues G, Furlan L, Tobaldini E, Montano N. Social Isolation: A Narrative Review on the Dangerous Liaison between the Autonomic Nervous System and Inflammation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1229. [PMID: 37374012 DOI: 10.3390/life13061229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are related to higher mortality and morbidity. Evidence from studies conducted during space missions, in space analogs, and during the COVID-19 pandemic underline the possible role of the autonomic nervous system in mediating this relation. Indeed, the activation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system enhances the cardiovascular response and activates the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes, which leads to a stimulation of inflammatory activation. This response is adaptive in the short term, in that it allows one to cope with a situation perceived as a threat, but in the long term it has detrimental effects on mental and physical health, leading to mood deflection and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as imbalances in immune system activation. The aim of this narrative review is to present the contributions from space studies and insights from the lockdown period on the relationship between social isolation and autonomic nervous system activation, focusing on cardiovascular impairment and immune imbalance. Knowing the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this relationship is important as it enables us to structure effective countermeasures for the new challenges that lie ahead: the lengthening of space missions and Mars exploration, the specter of future pandemics, and the aging of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Scatà
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelica Carandina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Della Torre
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bellocchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriel Dias Rodrigues
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Furlan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Tobaldini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Stratis D, Trudel G, Rocheleau L, Pelchat M, Laneuville O. The Characteristic Response of the Human Leukocyte Transcriptome to 60 Days of Bed Rest and to Reambulation. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:365-375. [PMID: 36251376 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to isolate the microgravity effect of spaceflight from other space stressors by characterizing the leukocytes' transcriptome of participants to a 60-d bed rest study; an Earth model of microgravity. METHODS Twenty healthy men received a nutritional supplement or not and 10 blood samples were collected throughout three study phases: baseline data collection (BDC) (BDC-12, BDC-11), head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest (HDT1, HDT2, HDT30, HDT60), and reambulation (R1, R2, R12, R30). We measured gene expression through RNA sequencing of leukocytes, applied generalized linear models to assess differential expression followed by enrichment analysis to identify temporal changes (model 1) and to measure the impact of a nutritional supplement (model 2). RESULTS Baseline transcriptomes included 14,624 protein-coding transcripts and showed both high intraindividual correlations (mean Kendall coefficient, 0.91 ± 0.04) and interindividual homogeneity (0.89 ± 0.03). We identified 2415 differentially expressed protein-coding transcripts grouping into six clusters (C1-C6). At phase transitions, clusters showed either a decrease-then-increase (C3 and C5) or an increase-then-decrease (C1, C2, C6) pattern. All six clusters converged toward average expression at HDT30 and HDT60. Gene ontology terms at baseline related to immune functions while in bed rest and reambulation related to sequestration of ions, immune response, cellular stress, and mineralization. The nutritional intervention had no effect. CONCLUSIONS The temporal profiles of leukocytes' transcriptomes emphasized the dynamic nature of gene expression occurring during and after bed rest. Enriched biological processes among the differentially expressed genes included immune related and unrelated responses. The convergence toward no differential expression at days 30 and 60 of bed rest suggests a hypometabolic state. Current findings can guide future work on the complex responses and adaptation mechanisms to microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stratis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
| | | | - Lynda Rocheleau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
| | - Martin Pelchat
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
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10
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Seoane-Viaño I, Ong JJ, Basit AW, Goyanes A. To infinity and beyond: Strategies for fabricating medicines in outer space. Int J Pharm X 2022; 4:100121. [PMID: 35782363 PMCID: PMC9240807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2022.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in next generation spacecrafts have reignited public excitement over life beyond Earth. However, to safeguard the health and safety of humans in the hostile environment of space, innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug delivery deserves urgent attention. In this review/commentary, the current state of medicines provision in space is explored, accompanied by a forward look on the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in outer space. The hazards associated with spaceflight, and their corresponding medical problems, are first briefly discussed. Subsequently, the infeasibility of present-day medicines provision systems for supporting deep space exploration is examined. The existing knowledge gaps on the altered clinical effects of medicines in space are evaluated, and suggestions are provided on how clinical trials in space might be conducted. An envisioned model of on-site production and delivery of medicines in space is proposed, referencing emerging technologies (e.g. Chemputing, synthetic biology, and 3D printing) being developed on Earth that may be adapted for extra-terrestrial use. This review concludes with a critical analysis on the regulatory considerations necessary to facilitate the adoption of these technologies and proposes a framework by which these may be enforced. In doing so, this commentary aims to instigate discussions on the pharmaceutical needs of deep space exploration, and strategies on how these may be met. Space is a hostile environment that threatens human health and drug stability. Data on the behaviour of medicines in space is critical but lacking. Novel drug manufacturing and delivery strategies are needed to safeguard crewmembers’ safety. Chemputing, synthetic biology, and 3D printing are examples of such emerging technologies. A regulatory framework for space medicines must be implemented to assure quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria Seoane-Viaño
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Paraquasil Group (GI-2109), Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jun Jie Ong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Abdul W. Basit
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- FabRx Ltd., 3 Romney Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0RW, UK
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Alvaro Goyanes
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- FabRx Ltd., 3 Romney Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0RW, UK
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, The Institute of Materials (iMATUS) and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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11
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Extraterrestrial Gynecology: Could Spaceflight Increase the Risk of Developing Cancer in Female Astronauts? An Updated Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137465. [PMID: 35806469 PMCID: PMC9267413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Outer space is an extremely hostile environment for human life, with ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays and microgravity posing the most significant hazards to the health of astronauts. Spaceflight has also been shown to have an impact on established cancer hallmarks, possibly increasing carcinogenic risk. Terrestrially, women have a higher incidence of radiation-induced cancers, largely driven by lung, thyroid, breast, and ovarian cancers, and therefore, historically, they have been permitted to spend significantly less time in space than men. In the present review, we focus on the effects of microgravity and radiation on the female reproductive system, particularly gynecological cancer. The aim is to provide a summary of the research that has been carried out related to the risk of gynecological cancer, highlighting what further studies are needed to pave the way for safer exploration class missions, as well as postflight screening and management of women astronauts following long-duration spaceflight.
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12
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Hou F, Zhou X, Zhou S, Liu H, Huang YE, Yuan M, Zhu J, Cao X, Jiang W. DNA Methylation Dynamics Associated with Long-term Isolation of Simulated Space Travel. iScience 2022; 25:104493. [PMID: 35712082 PMCID: PMC9194130 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term isolation is one of the risk factors that astronauts will encounter in spaceflight. At present, few researches have explored DNA methylation dynamics during long-term isolation. In this study, using time series DNA methylation data from “Mars-500” mission, we conducted a multi-step analysis to investigate the characteristics and dynamic patterns of DNA methylation as well as their functional insights during long-term isolation. The results showed that genome-wide methylation changes were minimal. In the six identified DNA methylation dynamic patterns, most of significantly fluctuating CpG sites could be returned to the baseline in post-isolation, and the remaining sites persistently decreased during isolation. Next, functional enrichment analysis of genes with each pattern revealed strong functional specificity. Some patterns were also significantly associated with nervous system diseases, digestive system diseases and cancers. In conclusion, the DNA methylation dynamics during long-term isolation have great functional significance, and might be helpful for protection of astronaut health. Six dynamic patterns of DNA methylation were identified during long-term isolation Most of significantly fluctuating methylation sites recovered in post-isolation Six patterns showed strong functional specificity Genes with decreased methylation levels might be associated with tumor
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Shunheng Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Haizhou Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Yu-e Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Jicun Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Xinyu Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
- Corresponding author
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13
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Hao Z, Zhu Y, Fu Y, Yang J, Meng C, Dong C, Liu H. Effects of Long-Term Enclosed Environment on Human Health Based on the Analysis of Salivary Microbiota and Cytokines. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0025422. [PMID: 35254118 PMCID: PMC9045383 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00254-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-term exposure to enclosed environments may lead to chronic stress in crewmembers and affect their physical and mental state. Salivary microbiome and biomarkers of immune function are increasingly used in human health research. The "Lunar Palace 365" project, which was a 370-day, multicrew, enclosed experiment carried out in a ground-based bioregenerative life support system platform named Lunar Palace 1 (LP1). We investigated the temporal dynamics of the salivary microbiota and cytokines in the third phase of the "Lunar Palace 365" experiment, including 1 month before entering LP1 and 1 month after leaving Lp1. Results reveal no regular temporal change pattern in these parameters (highly abundant phyla and genera) during the experiment. Although the crewmembers' oral microbiota temporally changed, it recovered quickly after the study subjects left the enclosed environment. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in crewmembers' saliva decreased after leaving the normal environment for the enclosed environment, indicating that their oral inflammatory response level was reduced. There were significant individual differences in crewmembers' salivary microbiota, however, the shared living space reduced these differences. Moreover, air microbiota might have also played a significant role in reducing the individual differences. In summary, the enclosed environment did not result in persistent changes in human salivary microbiota and oral immunity. This study provides some insights for studying the effect of enclosed controlled environments on human immunity and microbiome. IMPORTANCE Long-term exposure to space environments may influence the human microbiome, the human immune system, and the intricate balance between the two, causing impaired immunity and increased disease susceptibility. It was previously believed that the main potential factors of long-term spaceflight on human health were microgravity and radiation. However, the effects of long-term enclosed environments on human health were unclear. Bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) is a good experimental model for studying the effects of enclosed environments on human systemic microbiota and immune disorders. We monitored the microbiota and cytokines in the saliva of crewmembers before they entered BLSS, during their stay in BLSS, and after leaving BLSS. The results indicated long-term closed environment will not cause persistent changes in human salivary microbiota and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikai Hao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Software Development Environment, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinzhen Zhu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuming Fu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianlou Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Meng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Dong
- Laboratory of Sport Nutrition and Intelligent Cooking, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Life Support Technology, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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14
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Jiang A, Foing BH, Schlacht IL, Yao X, Cheung V, Rhodes PA. Colour schemes to reduce stress response in the hygiene area of a space station: A Delphi study. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 98:103573. [PMID: 34481296 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to explore colour schemes to reduce stress response in the hygiene area of a space station. We conducted a two-stage exploratory Delphi-study with 30 international experts. It was found that the overall environment, stool-urine collection device, garbage collection interface and negative pressure package interface of the hygiene area most affected astronauts' experience. Remarkably, experts have highest visual requirements for the cleanliness of the overall environment and for stool and urine collection devices in the hygiene area. These tend to have low saturation and low blackness colours, while the garbage collection interface and negative pressure package interface have conspicuity and discernibility visual requirements. It was found that experts tend to choose high saturation and high brightness colours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Jiang
- School of Design, University of Leeds, ILEWG EuroMoonMars at ESTEC ESA, UK.
| | - Bernard H Foing
- ILEWG EuroMoonMars at ESTEC ESA, U. Leiden & VU Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Xiang Yao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Xiangtan University, China.
| | - Vien Cheung
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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15
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Pavez Loriè E, Baatout S, Choukér A, Buchheim JI, Baselet B, Dello Russo C, Wotring V, Monici M, Morbidelli L, Gagliardi D, Stingl JC, Surdo L, Yip VLM. The Future of Personalized Medicine in Space: From Observations to Countermeasures. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:739747. [PMID: 34966726 PMCID: PMC8710508 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.739747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of personalized medicine is to detach from a “one-size fits all approach” and improve patient health by individualization to achieve the best outcomes in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Technological advances in sequencing, improved knowledge of omics, integration with bioinformatics and new in vitro testing formats, have enabled personalized medicine to become a reality. Individual variation in response to environmental factors can affect susceptibility to disease and response to treatments. Space travel exposes humans to environmental stressors that lead to physiological adaptations, from altered cell behavior to abnormal tissue responses, including immune system impairment. In the context of human space flight research, human health studies have shown a significant inter-individual variability in response to space analogue conditions. A substantial degree of variability has been noticed in response to medications (from both an efficacy and toxicity perspective) as well as in susceptibility to damage from radiation exposure and in physiological changes such as loss of bone mineral density and muscle mass in response to deconditioning. At present, personalized medicine for astronauts is limited. With the advent of longer duration missions beyond low Earth orbit, it is imperative that space agencies adopt a personalized strategy for each astronaut, starting from pre-emptive personalized pre-clinical approaches through to individualized countermeasures to minimize harmful physiological changes and find targeted treatment for disease. Advances in space medicine can also be translated to terrestrial applications, and vice versa. This review places the astronaut at the center of personalized medicine, will appraise existing evidence and future preclinical tools as well as clinical, ethical and legal considerations for future space travel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium.,Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of Translational Research "Stress and Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of Translational Research "Stress and Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Cinzia Dello Russo
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and Wolfson Centre for Personalized Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Monica Monici
- ASA Campus Joint Laboratory, ASA Research Division, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Dimitri Gagliardi
- Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Caroline Stingl
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Leonardo Surdo
- Space Applications Services NV/SA for the European Space Agency, Noordwijk, Netherlands
| | - Vincent Lai Ming Yip
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and Wolfson Centre for Personalized Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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16
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Sihver L, Mortazavi SMJ. Biological Protection in Deep Space Missions. J Biomed Phys Eng 2021; 11:663-674. [PMID: 34904063 PMCID: PMC8649166 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
During deep space missions, astronauts are exposed to highly ionizing radiation, incl. neutrons, protons and heavy ions from galactic cosmic rays (GCR), solar wind (SW) and solar energetic particles
(SEP). This increase the risks for cancerogenisis, damages in central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular diseases, etc. Large SEP events can even cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS).
Long term manned deep space missions will therefor require unique radiation protection strategies. Since it has been shown that physical shielding alone is not sufficient, this paper
propose pre-flight screening of the aspirants for evaluation of their level of adaptive responses. Methods for boosting their immune system, should also be further investigated,
and the possibility of using radiation effect modulators are discussed. In this paper, especially, the use of vitamin C as a promising non-toxic, cost-effective, easily available
radiation mitigator (which can be used hours after irradiation), is described. Although it has previously been shown that vitamin C can decrease radiation-induced chromosomal damage in rodents,
it must be further investigated before any conclusions about its radiation mitigating properties in humans can be concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lembit Sihver
- PhD, Department of Radiation Physics, Atominstitut, Technische Universität Wien, Stadionallee 2, 1020 Vienna, Austria
- PhD, Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Slavic V, Djurdjic B, Randjelovic D, Rajovic G, Delic M. Nanomembrane-based Apheresis as Safe and Effective Therapy for Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heavy training schedules or endurance competitions in marathon are forms of extreme physical stress and lead to immunodepression in runners which could be associated with increased susceptibility to viral reactivation by ubiquitous viral infection such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Lately, it was confirmed presence of elevated CMV and EBV loads and the lower antibody titers in competitive athletes. The most common clinical features are fatigue and adynamia accompanied with liver damage, varying from mild and transient elevation of aminotransferases to serious acute hepatitis and liver failure.
CASE REPORT: Bearing in mind that a professional practice of marathon running is hazardous for the liver, therapeutic action is necessary as soon as possible to avoid serious complications and even cessation of professional competition. In our case report of professional female marathon runner, we need to treat CMV and EBV reactivation which caused liver damage, prevented regular trainings, and upcoming competitions. We opted for four sessions of nanomembrane based apheresis performed every other day for removal pathological products resulting from virus reactivation to break through the course of the disease and to prevent complications. After completing the whole procedure control laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound were in physiological ranges.
CONCLUSION: Hence, nanomembrane based apheresis can be effective and safe treatment of liver damages for elite marathon runners as well as for athletes.
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Wang S, Zhang N, Di J, Zhao W, Shi G, Xie R, Hu B, Yang H. Analysis of the effects of magnetic levitation to simulate microgravity environment on the Arp2/3 complex pathway in macrophage. J Biol Phys 2021; 47:323-335. [PMID: 34533653 PMCID: PMC8452804 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-021-09581-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
With dwindling natural resources on earth, current and future generations will need to explore space to new planets that will require travel under no or varying gravity conditions. Hence, long-term space missions and anticipated impacts on human biology such as changes in immune function are of growing research interest. Here, we reported new findings on mechanisms of immune response to microgravity with a focus on macrophage as a cellular model. We employed a superconducting magnet to generate a simulated microgravity environment and evaluated the effects of simulated microgravity on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line in three time frames: 8, 24, and 48 h. As study endpoints, we measured cell viability, phagocytosis, and used next-generation sequencing to explore its changing mechanism. Macrophage cell viability and phagocytosis both showed a marked decrease under microgravity. The differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified in two ways: (1) gravity-dependent DEG, compared μg samples and 1 g samples at each time point; (2) time-dependent DEG, compared time-point samples within the same gravitational field. Through transcriptome analysis and confirmed by molecular biological verification, our findings firstly suggest that microgravity might affect macrophage phagocytosis by targeting Arp2/3 complex involved cytoskeleton synthesis and causing macrophage immune dysfunction. Our findings contribute to an emerging body of scholarship on biological effects of space travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
- Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Nu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
- Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Jianglei Di
- Key Laboratory of Optical Information Technology, School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
- Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Guolin Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
- Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Ruiheng Xie
- Department of Computer and Information Science, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Bohan Hu
- College of Innovation and Experiment, Yangling Demonstration Area, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, 712100 , China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China.
- Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China.
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ElGindi M, Sapudom J, Ibrahim IH, Al-Sayegh M, Chen W, Garcia-Sabaté A, Teo JCM. May the Force Be with You (Or Not): The Immune System under Microgravity. Cells 2021; 10:1941. [PMID: 34440709 PMCID: PMC8391211 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All terrestrial organisms have evolved and adapted to thrive under Earth's gravitational force. Due to the increase of crewed space flights in recent years, it is vital to understand how the lack of gravitational forces affects organisms. It is known that astronauts who have been exposed to microgravity suffer from an array of pathological conditions including an impaired immune system, which is one of the most negatively affected by microgravity. However, at the cellular level a gap in knowledge exists, limiting our ability to understand immune impairment in space. This review highlights the most significant work done over the past 10 years detailing the effects of microgravity on cellular aspects of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Ibrahim Hamed Ibrahim
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Mohamed Al-Sayegh
- Biology Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Anna Garcia-Sabaté
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Jeremy C. M. Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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20
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Braddock M. From Target Identification to Drug Development in Space: Using the Microgravity Assist. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2021; 17:45-56. [PMID: 30648510 DOI: 10.2174/1570163816666190112150014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The unique nature of microgravity encountered in space provides an opportunity for drug discovery and development that cannot be replicated on Earth. From the production of superior protein crystals to the identification and validation of new drug targets to microarray analyses of transcripts attenuated by microgravity, there are numerous examples which demonstrate the benefit of exploiting the space environment. Moreover, studies conducted on Space Shuttle missions, the International Space Station and other craft have had a direct benefit for drug development programmes such as those directed against reducing bone and muscle loss or increasing bone formation. This review will highlight advances made in both drug discovery and development and offer some future insight into how drug discovery and associated technologies may be further advanced using the microgravity assist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Braddock
- Sherwood Observatory, Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 5LF, United Kingdom
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21
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Ponomarev S, Kalinin S, Sadova A, Rykova M, Orlova K, Crucian B. Immunological Aspects of Isolation and Confinement. Front Immunol 2021; 12:697435. [PMID: 34248999 PMCID: PMC8264770 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.697435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Beyond all doubts, the exploration of outer space is a strategically important and priority sector of the national economy, scientific and technological development of every and particular country, and of all human civilization in general. A number of stress factors, including a prolonged confinement in a limited hermetically sealed space, influence the human body in space on board the spaceship and during the orbital flight. All these factors predominantly negatively affect various functional systems of the organism, in particular, the astronaut's immunity. These ground-based experiments allow to elucidate the effect of confinement in a limited space on both the activation of the immunity and the changes of the immune status in dynamics. Also, due to simulation of one or another emergency situation, such an approach allows the estimation of the influence of an additional psychological stress on the immunity, particularly, in the context of the reserve capacity of the immune system. A sealed chamber seems a convenient site for working out the additional techniques for crew members selection, as well as the countermeasures for negative changes in the astronauts' immune status. In this review we attempted to collect information describing changes in human immunity during isolation experiments with different conditions including short- and long-term experiments in hermetically closed chambers with artificial environment and during Antarctic winter-over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Ponomarev
- Laboratory of Immune System Physiology, SSC RF-IBMP RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Kalinin
- Laboratory of Immune System Physiology, SSC RF-IBMP RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Sadova
- Laboratory of Immune System Physiology, SSC RF-IBMP RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Rykova
- Laboratory of Immune System Physiology, SSC RF-IBMP RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniya Orlova
- Laboratory of Immune System Physiology, SSC RF-IBMP RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Brian Crucian
- Immunology/Virology Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center, Environmental Sciences Branch, Houston, TX, United States
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22
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Zwart SR, Mulavara AP, Williams TJ, George K, Smith SM. The role of nutrition in space exploration: Implications for sensorimotor, cognition, behavior and the cerebral changes due to the exposure to radiation, altered gravity, and isolation/confinement hazards of spaceflight. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:307-331. [PMID: 33915203 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Multi-year crewed space exploration missions are now on the horizon; therefore, it is important that we understand and mitigate the physiological effects of spaceflight. The spaceflight hazards-radiation, isolation, confinement, and altered gravity-have the potential to contribute to neuroinflammation and produce long-term cognitive and behavioral effects-while the fifth hazard, distance from earth, limits capabilities to mitigate these risks. Accumulated evidence suggests that nutrition has an important role in optimizing cognition and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation. Here we review the nutritional perspective of how these spaceflight hazards affect the astronaut's brain, behavior, performance, and sensorimotor function. We also assess potential nutrient/nutritional countermeasures that could prevent or mitigate spaceflight risks and ensure that crewmembers remain healthy and perform well during their missions. Just as history has taught us the importance of nutrition in terrestrial exploration, we must understand the role of nutrition in the development and mitigation of spaceflight risks before humans can successfully explore beyond low-Earth orbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Zwart
- Univerity of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | | | - Thomas J Williams
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Mail Code SK3, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Kerry George
- KBR, 2400 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Mail Code SK3, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
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23
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Afshinnekoo E, Scott RT, MacKay MJ, Pariset E, Cekanaviciute E, Barker R, Gilroy S, Hassane D, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Nelman-Gonzalez M, Crucian BE, Ponomarev SA, Orlov OI, Shiba D, Muratani M, Yamamoto M, Richards SE, Vaishampayan PA, Meydan C, Foox J, Myrrhe J, Istasse E, Singh N, Venkateswaran K, Keune JA, Ray HE, Basner M, Miller J, Vitaterna MH, Taylor DM, Wallace D, Rubins K, Bailey SM, Grabham P, Costes SV, Mason CE, Beheshti A. Fundamental Biological Features of Spaceflight: Advancing the Field to Enable Deep-Space Exploration. Cell 2020; 183:1162-1184. [PMID: 33242416 PMCID: PMC8441988 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research on astronaut health and model organisms have revealed six features of spaceflight biology that guide our current understanding of fundamental molecular changes that occur during space travel. The features include oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysregulation, epigenetic changes (including gene regulation), telomere length alterations, and microbiome shifts. Here we review the known hazards of human spaceflight, how spaceflight affects living systems through these six fundamental features, and the associated health risks of space exploration. We also discuss the essential issues related to the health and safety of astronauts involved in future missions, especially planned long-duration and Martian missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ryan T Scott
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Matthew J MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Eloise Pariset
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Richard Barker
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Simon Gilroy
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sara R Zwart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mayra Nelman-Gonzalez
- KBR, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sergey A Ponomarev
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg I Orlov
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573, Japan
| | - Stephanie E Richards
- Bionetics, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA
| | - Parag A Vaishampayan
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jacqueline Myrrhe
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Istasse
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Nitin Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Jessica A Keune
- Space Medicine Operations Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- ASRC Federal Space and Defense, Inc., Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jack Miller
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Martha Hotz Vitaterna
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Deanne M Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathleen Rubins
- Astronaut Office, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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24
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Abstract
The impact of spaceflight on the immune system has been investigated extensively during spaceflight missions and in model experiments conducted on Earth. Data suggest that the spaceflight environment may affect the development of acquired immunity, and immune responses. Herein we summarize and discuss the influence of the spaceflight environment on acquired immunity. Bone marrow and the thymus, two major primary lymphoid organs, are evidently affected by gravitational change during spaceflight. Changes in the microenvironments of these organs impair lymphopoiesis, and thereby may indirectly impinge on acquired immunity. Acquired immune responses may also be disturbed by gravitational fluctuation, stressors, and space radiation both directly and in a stress hormone-dependent manner. These changes may affect acquired immune responses to pathogens, allergens, and tumors.
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25
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Bradbury P, Wu H, Choi JU, Rowan AE, Zhang H, Poole K, Lauko J, Chou J. Modeling the Impact of Microgravity at the Cellular Level: Implications for Human Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:96. [PMID: 32154251 PMCID: PMC7047162 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A lack of gravity experienced during space flight has been shown to have profound effects on human physiology including muscle atrophy, reductions in bone density and immune function, and endocrine disorders. At present, these physiological changes present major obstacles to long-term space missions. What is not clear is which pathophysiological disruptions reflect changes at the cellular level versus changes that occur due to the impact of weightlessness on the entire body. This review focuses on current research investigating the impact of microgravity at the cellular level including cellular morphology, proliferation, and adhesion. As direct research in space is currently cost prohibitive, we describe here the use of microgravity simulators for studies at the cellular level. Such instruments provide valuable tools for cost-effective research to better discern the impact of weightlessness on cellular function. Despite recent advances in understanding the relationship between extracellular forces and cell behavior, very little is understood about cellular biology and mechanotransduction under microgravity conditions. This review will examine recent insights into the impact of simulated microgravity on cell biology and how this technology may provide new insight into advancing our understanding of mechanically driven biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta Bradbury
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanjie Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jung Un Choi
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alan E Rowan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan Lauko
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Chou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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26
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Agha NH, Mehta SK, Rooney BV, Laughlin MS, Markofski MM, Pierson DL, Katsanis E, Crucian BE, Simpson RJ. Exercise as a countermeasure for latent viral reactivation during long duration space flight. FASEB J 2020; 34:2869-2881. [PMID: 31908052 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902327r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Latent viral reactivation is a commonly reported manifestation of immune system dysregulation during spaceflight. As physical fitness and exercise training have been shown to benefit multiple arms of the immune system, we hypothesized that higher levels of preflight physical fitness and/or maintaining fitness during a mission would protect astronauts from latent viral reactivation. Standardized tests of maximal strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were performed in 22 international space station (ISS) crewmembers before and after a ~6-month mission. Reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) was determined in crewmembers and ground-based controls before, during, and after spaceflight. Crewmembers with higher CRF before spaceflight had a 29% reduced risk of latent viral reactivation compared to crew with lower CRF. Higher preflight upper body muscular endurance was associated with a 39% reduced risk of viral reactivation, a longer time to viral reactivation, and lower peak viral DNA concentrations, particularly for EBV and VZV. Latent viral reactivation rates were highest in crew with lower preflight CRF and higher levels of CRF deconditioning on return to Earth. We conclude that physical fitness may protect astronauts from latent viral reactivation during long duration spaceflight missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia H Agha
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Bridgette V Rooney
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,GeoControl Systems Inc., NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mitzi S Laughlin
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melissa M Markofski
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Katsanis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Richard J Simpson
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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27
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Horie K, Kato T, Kudo T, Sasanuma H, Miyauchi M, Akiyama N, Miyao T, Seki T, Ishikawa T, Takakura Y, Shirakawa M, Shiba D, Hamada M, Jeon H, Yoshida N, Inoue JI, Muratani M, Takahashi S, Ohno H, Akiyama T. Impact of spaceflight on the murine thymus and mitigation by exposure to artificial gravity during spaceflight. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19866. [PMID: 31882694 PMCID: PMC6934594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment experienced during spaceflight may impact the immune system and the thymus appears to undergo atrophy during spaceflight. However, molecular aspects of this thymic atrophy remain to be elucidated. In this study, we analysed the thymi of mice on board the international space station (ISS) for approximately 1 month. Thymic size was significantly reduced after spaceflight. Notably, exposure of mice to 1 × g using centrifugation cages in the ISS significantly mitigated the reduction in thymic size. Although spaceflight caused thymic atrophy, the global thymic structure was not largely changed. However, RNA sequencing analysis of the thymus showed significantly reduced expression of cell cycle-regulating genes in two independent spaceflight samples. These reductions were partially countered by 1 × g exposure during the space flights. Thus, our data suggest that spaceflight leads to reduced proliferation of thymic cells, thereby reducing the size of the thymus, and exposure to 1 × g might alleviate the impairment of thymus homeostasis induced by spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Horie
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sasanuma
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takao Seki
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuki Takakura
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Michito Hamada
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hyojung Jeon
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshida
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.,Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Inoue
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.,Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan. .,Mouse Epigenetics Project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki, 305-8505, Japan.
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28
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Agha NH, Baker FL, Kunz HE, Spielmann G, Mylabathula PL, Rooney BV, Mehta SK, Pierson DL, Laughlin MS, Markofski MM, Crucian BE, Simpson RJ. Salivary antimicrobial proteins and stress biomarkers are elevated during a 6-month mission to the International Space Station. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 128:264-275. [PMID: 31751178 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00560.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As the international space community plans for manned missions to Mars, spaceflight-associated immune dysregulation has been identified as a potential risk to the health and safety of the flight crew. There is a need to determine whether salivary antimicrobial proteins, which act as a first line of innate immune defense against multiple pathogens, are altered in response to long-duration (>6 mo) missions. We collected 7 consecutive days of whole and sublingual saliva samples from eight International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers and seven ground-based control subjects at nine mission time points, ~180 and ~60 days before launch (L-180/L-60), on orbit at flight days ~10 and ~90 (FD10/FD90) and ~1 day before return (R-1), and at R+0, R+18, R+33, and R+66 days after returning to Earth. We found that salivary secretory (s)IgA, lysozyme, LL-37, and the cortisol-to-dehydroepiandrosterone ratio were elevated in the ISS crew before (L-180) and during (FD10/FD90) the mission. "Rookie" crewmembers embarking on their first spaceflight mission had lower levels of salivary sIgA but increased levels of α-amylase, lysozyme, and LL-37 during and after the mission compared with the "veteran" crew who had previously flown. Latent herpesvirus reactivation was distinct to the ~6-mo mission crewmembers who performed extravehicular activity ("spacewalks"). Crewmembers who shed at least one latent virus had higher cortisol levels than those who did not shed. We conclude that long-duration spaceflight alters the concentration and/or secretion of several antimicrobial proteins in saliva, some of which are related to crewmember flight experience, biomarkers of stress, and latent viral reactivation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spaceflight-associated immune dysregulation may jeopardize future exploration-class missions. Salivary antimicrobial proteins act as a first line of innate immune defense. We report here that several of these proteins are elevated in astronauts during an International Space Station mission, particularly in those embarking on their first space voyage. Astronauts who shed a latent herpesvirus also had higher concentrations of salivary cortisol compared with those who did not shed. Stress-relieving countermeasures are needed to preserve immunity and prevent viral reactivation during prolonged voyages into deep space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia H Agha
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Forrest L Baker
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Hawley E Kunz
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Guillaume Spielmann
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Preteesh L Mylabathula
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Bridgette V Rooney
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,GeoControl Systems, Incorporated, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Satish K Mehta
- JesTech, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Duane L Pierson
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mitzi S Laughlin
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,Fondren Orthopedic Research Institute, Houston, Texas
| | - Melissa M Markofski
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Brian E Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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29
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Makedonas G, Mehta S, Choukèr A, Simpson RJ, Marshall G, Orange JS, Aunon-Chancellor S, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Stowe RP, Heer M, Ponomarev S, Whitmire A, Frippiat JP, Douglas GL, Krieger SS, Lorenzi H, Buchheim JI, Ginsburg GS, Ott CM, Downs M, Pierson D, Baecker N, Sams C, Crucian B. Specific Immunologic Countermeasure Protocol for Deep-Space Exploration Missions. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2407. [PMID: 31681296 PMCID: PMC6797618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander Choukèr
- Laboratory of Translational Research "Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Gailen Marshall
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Jordan S Orange
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Scott M Smith
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | | | - Martina Heer
- Department of Nutrition, International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef, Bad Honnef, Germany
| | - Sergey Ponomarev
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Jean P Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, Lorraine University, Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Hernan Lorenzi
- Infectious Disease Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of Translational Research "Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Geoffrey S Ginsburg
- Duke Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Durham, CA, United States
| | - C Mark Ott
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Duane Pierson
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natalie Baecker
- Department of Nutrition, International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef, Bad Honnef, Germany
| | - Clarence Sams
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brian Crucian
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
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30
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Garschagen LS, Mancinelli RL, Moeller R. Introducing Vibrio natriegens as a Microbial Model Organism for Microgravity Research. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:1211-1220. [PMID: 31486680 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial contamination of human-tended spacecraft is unavoidable, making the study of microbial growth under space conditions essential for the preservation of astronauts' health and equipment integrity. Previous studies suggested that spaceflight conditions, such as microgravity, cause a range of physiological microbial alterations including increased growth yields and decreased antibiotic susceptibility. Because of its fast generation time, Vibrio natriegens could be used as a model organism for a variety of studies where generation time is a critical factor. In this study, V. natriegens was used as a tool to study growth characteristics by determining the viable cell number and antibiotic susceptibility under simulated microgravity using a 2-D clinostat (60 rpm) to establish a test system that resolves changes in microbial growth on a solid surface (agar) under microgravity. The data show that V. natriegens biomass increases significantly after 24 h at 37°C under simulated microgravity. The final cell population after cultivation under simulated microgravity was 60-fold greater than when cultivated under normal terrestrial gravity (1 × g). No change in susceptibility to the antibiotic rifampicin after cultivation under simulated microgravity or normal gravity was detected. These data show that V. natriegens is a new and innovative model organism for microbial microgravity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Garschagen
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Space Microbiology Research Group, Cologne (Köln), Germany
- University of Bonn, Institute for Microbiology and Biotechnology (IfMB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Rocco L Mancinelli
- NASA Ames Research Center, Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Space Microbiology Research Group, Cologne (Köln), Germany
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31
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Down-regulation of GATA1-dependent erythrocyte-related genes in the spleens of mice exposed to a space travel. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7654. [PMID: 31114014 PMCID: PMC6529412 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary lymphoid organs are critical for regulating acquired immune responses. The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of spaceflight on secondary lymphoid organs at the molecular level. We analysed the spleens and lymph nodes from mice flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit for 35 days, as part of a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency mission. During flight, half of the mice were exposed to 1 g by centrifuging in the ISS, to provide information regarding the effect of microgravity and 1 g exposure during spaceflight. Whole-transcript cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the spleen suggested that erythrocyte-related genes regulated by the transcription factor GATA1 were significantly down-regulated in ISS-flown vs. ground control mice. GATA1 and Tal1 (regulators of erythropoiesis) mRNA expression was consistently reduced by approximately half. These reductions were not completely alleviated by 1 g exposure in the ISS, suggesting that the combined effect of space environments aside from microgravity could down-regulate gene expression in the spleen. Additionally, plasma immunoglobulin concentrations were slightly altered in ISS-flown mice. Overall, our data suggest that spaceflight might disturb the homeostatic gene expression of the spleen through a combination of microgravity and other environmental changes.
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32
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Rooney BV, Crucian BE, Pierson DL, Laudenslager ML, Mehta SK. Herpes Virus Reactivation in Astronauts During Spaceflight and Its Application on Earth. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:16. [PMID: 30792698 PMCID: PMC6374706 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Latent herpes virus reactivation has been demonstrated in astronauts during shuttle (10–16 days) and International Space Station (≥180 days) flights. Following reactivation, viruses are shed in the body fluids of astronauts. Typically, shedding of viral DNA is asymptomatic in astronauts regardless of mission duration; however, in some cases, live/infectious virus was recovered by tissue culture that was associated with atopic-dermatitis or skin lesions during and after spaceflight. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axes activation during spaceflight occurs as indicated by increased levels of stress hormones including cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These changes, along with a decreased cell mediated immunity, contribute to the reactivation of latent herpes viruses in astronauts. Currently, 47/89 (53%) astronauts from shuttle-flights and 14/23 (61%) astronauts from ISS missions shed one or more herpes viruses in saliva/urine samples. Astronauts shed Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and herpes-simplex-1 (HSV-1) in saliva and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in urine. Larger quantities and increased frequencies for these viruses were found during spaceflight as compared to before or after flight samples and their matched healthy controls. The shedding did not abate during the longer ISS missions, but rather increased in frequency and amplitude. These findings coincided with the immune system dysregulation observed in astronauts from shuttle and ISS missions. VZV shedding increased from 41% in space shuttle to 65% in ISS missions, EBV increased 82 to 96%, and CMV increased 47 to 61%. In addition, VZV/CMV shed ≤30 days after ISS in contrast to shuttle where VZV/CMV shed up to 5 and 3 days after flight respectively. Continued shedding of infectious-virus post-flight may pose a potential risk for crew who may encounter newborn infants, sero-negative adults or any immunocompromised individuals on Earth. Therefore, developing spaceflight countermeasures to prevent viral reactivation is essential. Our spaceflight-developed technologies for saliva collection/rapid viral detection have been extended to include clinical applications including zoster patients, chicken pox, post-herpetic neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, and various neurological disorders. These protocols are employed in various clinics and hospitals including the CDC and Columbia University in New York, as well as overseas in Switzerland and Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark L Laudenslager
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Satish K Mehta
- Jes Tech, KBR Wyle Laboratories Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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33
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Bigley AB, Agha NH, Baker FL, Spielmann G, Kunz HE, Mylabathula PL, Rooney BV, Laughlin MS, Mehta SK, Pierson DL, Crucian BE, Simpson RJ. NK cell function is impaired during long-duration spaceflight. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 126:842-853. [PMID: 30382809 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00761.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining astronaut health during space travel is paramount for further human exploration of the solar system beyond Earth's orbit. Of concern are potential dysregulations in immunity, which could increase the likelihood of cancer and latent viral reactivation. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical effectors of the innate immune system, and their function and phenotype are important to immunosurveillance of nascent tumors and latent viral infections. We compared changes in NK cell phenotype and function in eight crew members who completed an ~6-mo mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with healthy controls who remained on Earth. Assessments were made before (180 and 60 days before launch), during [flight day + 90 days (FD+90) and 1 day before return (R-1)], and after the mission (at R+0, R+18, R+33, and R+66). These samples, plus an additional in-flight sample (FD+180), were collected from a crew member who spent 340 days (~1 yr) on the ISS. NK cell cytotoxic activity (NKCA) against K562 leukemia targets in vitro was reduced by ~50% at FD+90 in ISS crew but not controls. This decrease was more pronounced in "rookie" compared with "veteran" crew members. The ~1-yr mission crew member did not show declines in NKCA against K562 until late in the mission (R-1 and R+0). NK cell numbers, expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, target cell binding, and expression and degranulation of perforin and granzyme B were unaltered with spaceflight. Similarly, when we exposed an immortalized NK cell line (NK-92) to sera collected at different mission time points (before, during, and after flight), there was no effect on NKCA. This is the first study to report impaired NK cell function during long-duration space travel. Countermeasures may be needed to mitigate immune system impairment in exploration class mission crew during long-duration spaceflight missions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Immune system impairment may inhibit future human space exploration missions to Mars. Natural killer (NK) cells are key components of immunity and vital for tumor surveillance and the prevention of latent virus reactivation. We report that NK cell function is impaired in astronauts during an ~6-mo orbital space mission compared with preflight levels and ground-based controls. Declines in NK cell function were more marked in first-time "rookie" fliers. Countermeasures are needed to preserve NK cell-mediated immunity during spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin B Bigley
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas
| | - Nadia H Agha
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas
| | - Forrest L Baker
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Guillaume Spielmann
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Hawley E Kunz
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Preteesh L Mylabathula
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Bridgette V Rooney
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Mitzi S Laughlin
- Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas
| | - Satish K Mehta
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Duane L Pierson
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Brian E Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston , Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
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34
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Crucian BE, Choukèr A, Simpson RJ, Mehta S, Marshall G, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Heer M, Ponomarev S, Whitmire A, Frippiat JP, Douglas GL, Lorenzi H, Buchheim JI, Makedonas G, Ginsburg GS, Ott CM, Pierson DL, Krieger SS, Baecker N, Sams C. Immune System Dysregulation During Spaceflight: Potential Countermeasures for Deep Space Exploration Missions. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1437. [PMID: 30018614 PMCID: PMC6038331 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have established that dysregulation of the human immune system and the reactivation of latent herpesviruses persists for the duration of a 6-month orbital spaceflight. It appears certain aspects of adaptive immunity are dysregulated during flight, yet some aspects of innate immunity are heightened. Interaction between adaptive and innate immunity also seems to be altered. Some crews experience persistent hypersensitivity reactions during flight. This phenomenon may, in synergy with extended duration and galactic radiation exposure, increase specific crew clinical risks during deep space exploration missions. The clinical challenge is based upon both the frequency of these phenomena in multiple crewmembers during low earth orbit missions and the inability to predict which specific individual crewmembers will experience these changes. Thus, a general countermeasure approach that offers the broadest possible coverage is needed. The vehicles, architecture, and mission profiles to enable such voyages are now under development. These include deployment and use of a cis-Lunar station (mid 2020s) with possible Moon surface operations, to be followed by multiple Mars flyby missions, and eventual human Mars surface exploration. Current ISS studies will continue to characterize physiological dysregulation associated with prolonged orbital spaceflight. However, sufficient information exists to begin consideration of both the need for, and nature of, specific immune countermeasures to ensure astronaut health. This article will review relevant in-place operational countermeasures onboard ISS and discuss a myriad of potential immune countermeasures for exploration missions. Discussion points include nutritional supplementation and functional foods, exercise and immunity, pharmacological options, the relationship between bone and immune countermeasures, and vaccination to mitigate herpes (and possibly other) virus risks. As the immune system has sentinel connectivity within every other physiological system, translational effects must be considered for all potential immune countermeasures. Finally, we shall discuss immune countermeasures in the context of their individualized implementation or precision medicine, based on crewmember specific immunological biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E. Crucian
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexander Choukèr
- Laboratory of Translational Research “Stress and Immunity”, Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard J. Simpson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Gailen Marshall
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Scott M. Smith
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sara R. Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Martina Heer
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Jean P. Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, EA7300, Lorraine University, Nancy, France
| | - Grace L. Douglas
- Human Systems Engineering and Development Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of Translational Research “Stress and Immunity”, Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Geoffrey S. Ginsburg
- Duke Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - C. Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Duane L. Pierson
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Natalie Baecker
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Clarence Sams
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
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35
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Jin M, Zhang H, Zhao K, Xu C, Shao D, Huang Q, Shi J, Yang H. Responses of Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Functions of Rats to Simulated Weightlessness. Front Physiol 2018; 9:729. [PMID: 29962963 PMCID: PMC6011188 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity or weightlessness leads to various adaptive and pathophysiological alterations in digestive structures and physiology. The current study was carried out to investigate responses of intestinal mucosal barrier functions to simulated weightlessness, by using the hindlimb unloading rats model. Compared with normal controls, simulated weightlessness damaged the intestinal villi and structural integrity of tight junctions, up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax while down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, thus improved the intestinal permeability. It could also influence intestinal microbiota composition with the expansion of Bacteroidetes and decrease of Firmicutes. The predicted metagenomic analysis emphasized significant dysbiosis associated differences in genes involved in membrane transport, cofactors and vitamins metabolism, energy metabolism, and genetic information processing. Moreover, simulated weightlessness could modify the intestinal immune status characterized by the increase of proinflammatory cytokines, decrease of secretory immunoglobulin A, and activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in ileum. These results indicate the simulated weightlessness disrupts intestinal mucosal barrier functions in animal model. The data also emphasize the necessity of monitoring and regulating astronauts’ intestinal health during real space flights to prevent breakdowns in intestinal homeostasis of crewmembers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunlan Xu
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dongyan Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junling Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
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36
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Chancellor JC, Blue RS, Cengel KA, Auñón-Chancellor SM, Rubins KH, Katzgraber HG, Kennedy AR. Limitations in predicting the space radiation health risk for exploration astronauts. NPJ Microgravity 2018; 4:8. [PMID: 29644336 PMCID: PMC5882936 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-018-0043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite years of research, understanding of the space radiation environment and the risk it poses to long-duration astronauts remains limited. There is a disparity between research results and observed empirical effects seen in human astronaut crews, likely due to the numerous factors that limit terrestrial simulation of the complex space environment and extrapolation of human clinical consequences from varied animal models. Given the intended future of human spaceflight, with efforts now to rapidly expand capabilities for human missions to the moon and Mars, there is a pressing need to improve upon the understanding of the space radiation risk, predict likely clinical outcomes of interplanetary radiation exposure, and develop appropriate and effective mitigation strategies for future missions. To achieve this goal, the space radiation and aerospace community must recognize the historical limitations of radiation research and how such limitations could be addressed in future research endeavors. We have sought to highlight the numerous factors that limit understanding of the risk of space radiation for human crews and to identify ways in which these limitations could be addressed for improved understanding and appropriate risk posture regarding future human spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery C Chancellor
- 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4242 USA
| | - Rebecca S Blue
- 2Aerospace Medicine and Vestibular Research Laboratory, The Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ 85054 USA
| | - Keith A Cengel
- 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Serena M Auñón-Chancellor
- 4National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Johnson Space Center, Houston, 77058 USA.,5University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Kathleen H Rubins
- 4National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Johnson Space Center, Houston, 77058 USA
| | - Helmut G Katzgraber
- 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4242 USA.,1QB Information Technologies (1QBit), Vancouver, BC V6B 4W4 Canada.,7Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501 USA
| | - Ann R Kennedy
- 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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37
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Ward C, Rettig TA, Hlavacek S, Bye BA, Pecaut MJ, Chapes SK. Effects of spaceflight on the immunoglobulin repertoire of unimmunized C57BL/6 mice. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 16:63-75. [PMID: 29475521 PMCID: PMC5826609 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight has been shown to suppress the adaptive immune response, altering the distribution and function of lymphocyte populations. B lymphocytes express highly specific and highly diversified receptors, known as immunoglobulins (Ig), that directly bind and neutralize pathogens. Ig diversity is achieved through the enzymatic splicing of gene segments within the genomic DNA of each B cell in a host. The collection of Ig specificities within a host, or Ig repertoire, has been increasingly characterized in both basic research and clinical settings using high-throughput sequencing technology (HTS). We utilized HTS to test the hypothesis that spaceflight affects the B-cell repertoire. To test this hypothesis, we characterized the impact of spaceflight on the unimmunized Ig repertoire of C57BL/6 mice that were flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the Rodent Research One validation flight in comparison to ground controls. Individual gene segment usage was similar between ground control and flight animals, however, gene segment combinations and the junctions in which gene segments combine was varied among animals within and between treatment groups. We also found that spontaneous somatic mutations in the IgH and Igκ gene loci were not increased. These data suggest that space flight did not affect the B cell repertoire of mice flown and housed on the ISS over a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Ward
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Trisha A Rettig
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Savannah Hlavacek
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Bailey A Bye
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Radiation Research, Loma Linda University, 11021 Campus St. Rm 101, Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States
| | - Stephen K Chapes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66502, United States.
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38
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Cultivation in Space Flight Produces Minimal Alterations in the Susceptibility of Bacillus subtilis Cells to 72 Different Antibiotics and Growth-Inhibiting Compounds. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.01584-17. [PMID: 28821547 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01584-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Past results have suggested that bacterial antibiotic susceptibility is altered during space flight. To test this notion, Bacillus subtilis cells were cultivated in matched hardware, medium, and environmental conditions either in space flight microgravity on the International Space Station, termed flight (FL) samples, or at Earth-normal gravity, termed ground control (GC) samples. The susceptibility of FL and GC samples was compared to 72 antibiotics and growth-inhibitory compounds using the Omnilog phenotype microarray (PM) system. Only 9 compounds were identified by PM screening as exhibiting significant differences (P < 0.05, Student's t test) in FL versus GC samples: 6-mercaptopurine, cesium chloride, enoxacin, lomefloxacin, manganese(II) chloride, nalidixic acid, penimepicycline, rolitetracycline, and trifluoperazine. Testing of the same compounds by standard broth dilution assay did not reveal statistically significant differences in the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) between FL and GC samples. The results indicate that the susceptibility of B. subtilis cells to a wide range of antibiotics and growth inhibitors is not dramatically altered by space flight.IMPORTANCE This study addresses a major concern of mission planners for human space flight, that bacteria accompanying astronauts on long-duration missions might develop a higher level of resistance to antibiotics due to exposure to the space flight environment. The results of this study do not support that notion.
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Demontis GC, Germani MM, Caiani EG, Barravecchia I, Passino C, Angeloni D. Human Pathophysiological Adaptations to the Space Environment. Front Physiol 2017; 8:547. [PMID: 28824446 PMCID: PMC5539130 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Space is an extreme environment for the human body, where during long-term missions microgravity and high radiation levels represent major threats to crew health. Intriguingly, space flight (SF) imposes on the body of highly selected, well-trained, and healthy individuals (astronauts and cosmonauts) pathophysiological adaptive changes akin to an accelerated aging process and to some diseases. Such effects, becoming manifest over a time span of weeks (i.e., cardiovascular deconditioning) to months (i.e., loss of bone density and muscle atrophy) of exposure to weightlessness, can be reduced through proper countermeasures during SF and in due time are mostly reversible after landing. Based on these considerations, it is increasingly accepted that SF might provide a mechanistic insight into certain pathophysiological processes, a concept of interest to pre-nosological medicine. In this article, we will review the main stress factors encountered in space and their impact on the human body and will also discuss the possible lessons learned with space exploration in reference to human health on Earth. In fact, this is a productive, cross-fertilized, endeavor in which studies performed on Earth yield countermeasures for protection of space crew health, and space research is translated into health measures for Earth-bound population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco M Germani
- MedLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'AnnaPisa, Italy
| | - Enrico G Caiani
- Department of Electronics, Information and Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico di MilanoMilan, Italy
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of PisaPisa, Italy.,MedLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'AnnaPisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Passino
- MedLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'AnnaPisa, Italy.,Fondazione Toscana G. MonasterioPisa, Italy
| | - Debora Angeloni
- MedLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'AnnaPisa, Italy
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Reidy PT, Lindsay CC, McKenzie AI, Fry CS, Supiano MA, Marcus RL, LaStayo PC, Drummond MJ. Aging-related effects of bed rest followed by eccentric exercise rehabilitation on skeletal muscle macrophages and insulin sensitivity. Exp Gerontol 2017; 107:37-49. [PMID: 28705613 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages are associated with insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle regeneration. Infiltrating macrophages in skeletal muscle during a period of physical inactivity and subsequent reloading/rehabilitation in older adults is unknown, but may provide insight into mechanisms related to the development of metabolic disease and changes in muscle cell size. The purpose of this study was to determine if skeletal muscle macrophage infiltration is modulated differently between young and older adults after bed rest and exercise rehabilitation and if these responses are related to muscle and insulin sensitivity changes. 14 young and 9 older adults underwent 5-days of bed rest followed by 8-weeks of lower limb eccentric exercise rehabilitation (REHAB). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, magnetic resonance imaging and myofiber analysis were used to identify muscle morphology and CLIX-IR and CLIX-β were used to assess insulin sensitivity. Skeletal muscle macrophages, CD68 (pan), CD11b (M1), CD163 (M2), CD206 (M2), were characterized using immunohistochemistry and gene expression. Insulin sensitivity, independent of age, decreased ~38% following bed rest and was restored following REHAB. We found robust age-related differences in muscle atrophy during bed rest, yet older and younger adults equally hypertrophied during REHAB. Interestingly, there were age-related differences in macrophage content (CD68+CD11b+ and CD68+CD11b- cells) but both young and old similarly increased macrophages with REHAB. Satellite cell changes during rehab corresponded to macrophage content changes. Muscle tissue resident macrophages and gene expression, were not associated with changes in insulin sensitivity following bed rest and REHAB. These data suggest that muscle macrophages are modulated as a result of exercise rehabilitation following bed rest and may more associated with muscle regrowth/hypertrophy rather than insulin sensitivity in young or older adults. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01669590.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Reidy
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84018, USA
| | - Catherine C Lindsay
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 N. 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Alec I McKenzie
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84018, USA
| | - Christopher S Fry
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Mark A Supiano
- Division of Geriatrics, 30 N 1900 E, Room 4B120, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; VA Salt Lake City Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
| | - Robin L Marcus
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84018, USA
| | - Paul C LaStayo
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84018, USA
| | - Micah J Drummond
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84018, USA; Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, 250 S. 1850 E, RM 214, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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Crucian B, Babiak-Vazquez A, Johnston S, Pierson DL, Ott CM, Sams C. Incidence of clinical symptoms during long-duration orbital spaceflight. Int J Gen Med 2016; 9:383-391. [PMID: 27843335 PMCID: PMC5098747 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s114188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The environment of spaceflight may elevate an astronaut’s clinical risk for specific diseases. The purpose of this study was to derive, as accurately as currently possible, an assessment of in-flight clinical “incidence” data, based on observed clinical symptoms in astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS). Methods Electronic medical records were examined from 46 long-duration ISS crew members, each serving approximately a 6-month mission on board the ISS, constituting 20.57 total flight years. Incidence for immunological-related adverse health events or relevant clinical symptoms was tabulated in a non-identifiable fashion. Event categories included infectious diseases, allergies, and rashes/hypersensitivities. A subsequent re-evaluation of more notable events, either of prolonged duration or unresponsive to treatment, was performed. Results For the disease/symptom categories used in this evaluation, the ISS incidence rate was 3.40 events per flight year. Skin rashes were the most reported event (1.12/flight year) followed by upper respiratory symptoms (0.97/flight year) and various other (non-respiratory) infectious processes. During flight, 46% of crew members reported an event deemed “notable”. Among the notable events, 40% were classified as rashes/hypersensitivities. Characterization of on-orbit rashes manifested as redness with irritation, and could present on a variety of body locations. Conclusion Based on reported symptoms, astronauts experience adverse medical events of varying severity during long-duration spaceflights. The data suggests caution, from both a vehicle design and biomedical countermeasures perspective, as space agencies plan for prolonged deep space exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Crucian
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA-Johnson Space Center
| | | | - Smith Johnston
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA-Johnson Space Center
| | - Duane L Pierson
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA-Johnson Space Center
| | - C Mark Ott
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA-Johnson Space Center
| | - Clarence Sams
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA-Johnson Space Center
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Fajardo-Cavazos P, Nicholson WL. Cultivation of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the Human Spaceflight Environment Leads to Alterations in the Frequency and Spectrum of Spontaneous Rifampicin-Resistance Mutations in the rpoB Gene. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:999. [PMID: 27446039 PMCID: PMC4923109 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus are persistent inhabitants of human spaceflight habitats and represent potential opportunistic pathogens. The effect of the human spaceflight environment on the growth and the frequency of mutations to antibiotic resistance in the model organism Staphylococcus epidermidis strain ATCC12228 was investigated. Six cultures of the test organism were cultivated in biological research in canisters-Petri dish fixation units for 122 h on orbit in the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the SpaceX-3 resupply mission. Asynchronous ground controls (GCs) consisted of identical sets of cultures cultivated for 122 h in the ISS Environmental Simulator at Kennedy Space Center. S. epidermidis exhibited significantly lower viable counts but significantly higher frequencies of mutation to rifampicin (Rif) resistance in space vs. GC cultures. The spectrum of mutations in the rpoB gene leading to Rif(R) was altered in S. epidermidis isolates cultivated in the ISS compared to GCs. The results suggest that the human spaceflight environment induces unique physiologic stresses on growing bacterial cells leading to changes in mutagenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne L Nicholson
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Merritt Island FL, USA
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Pagel JI, Choukèr A. Effects of isolation and confinement on humans-implications for manned space explorations. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1449-57. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00928.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human psychology and physiology are significantly altered by isolation and confinement. In light of planned exploration class interplanetary missions, the related adverse effects on the human body need to be explored and defined as they have a large impact on a mission's success. Terrestrial space analogs offer an excellent controlled environment to study some of these stressors during a space mission in isolation without the complex environment of the International Space Station. Participants subjected to these space analog conditions can encounter typical symptoms ranging from neurocognitive changes, fatigue, misaligned circadian rhythm, sleep disorders, altered stress hormone levels, and immune modulatory changes. This review focuses on both the psychological and the physiological responses observed in participants of long-duration spaceflight analog studies, such as Mars500 or Antarctic winter-over. They provide important insight into similarities and differences encountered in each simulated setting. The identification of adverse effects from confinement allows not only the crew to better prepare for but also to design feasible countermeasures that will help support space travelers during exploration class missions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. I. Pagel
- Stress and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - A. Choukèr
- Stress and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Globus RK, Morey-Holton E. Hindlimb unloading: rodent analog for microgravity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1196-206. [PMID: 26869711 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00997.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodent hindlimb unloading (HU) model was developed in the 1980s to make it possible to study mechanisms, responses, and treatments for the adverse consequences of spaceflight. Decades before development of the HU model, weightlessness was predicted to yield deficits in the principal tissues responsible for structure and movement on Earth, primarily muscle and bone. Indeed, results from early spaceflight and HU experiments confirmed the expected sensitivity of the musculoskeletal system to gravity loading. Results from human and animal spaceflight and HU experiments show that nearly all organ systems and tissues studied display some measurable changes, albeit sometimes minor and of uncertain relevance to astronaut health. The focus of this review is to examine key HU results for various organ systems including those related to stress; the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems; vision changes; and wound healing. Analysis of the validity of the HU model is important given its potential value for both hypothesis testing and countermeasure development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Emily Morey-Holton
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
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Liu Q, Zhou RL, Zhao X, Chen XP, Chen SG. Acclimation during space flight: effects on human emotion. Mil Med Res 2016; 3:15. [PMID: 27134755 PMCID: PMC4850672 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-016-0084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, studies on the extent to which spaceflight affects the psychology of individuals has received attention. In order to reveal the mental challenges that humans face in space, we need practical viewpoints to integrate the psychological effects, behavior, performance and the environment itself for space exploration. The present review discusses the individual variables related to space psychology and manned spaceflight, in addition to their growing trends. These items include patterns of emotional changes in extreme environments and the approaches to evaluating emotions. Moreover, the review concludes with suggested future research on emotion during spaceflight and its analogs. These data and information are needed to plan for the exploration of the Moon and Mars, along with contributions to the construction of the international space station (ISS) and astronaut training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023 China ; School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China ; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Ren-Lai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023 China ; School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China ; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730000 China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094 China
| | - Shan-Guang Chen
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094 China
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Hyperbaric hyperoxia alters innate immune functional properties during NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operation (NEEMO). Brain Behav Immun 2015; 50:52-57. [PMID: 26116982 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spaceflight is associated with immune dysregulation which is considered as risk factor for the performance of exploration-class missions. Among the consequences of confinement and other environmental factors of living in hostile environments, the role of different oxygen concentrations is of importance as either low (e.g. as considered for lunar or Martian habitats) or high (e.g. during extravehicular activities) can trigger immune dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of increased oxygen availability--generated through hyperbaricity--on innate immune functions in the course of a 14 days NEEMO mission. METHODS 6 male subjects were included into a 14 days undersea deployment at the Aquarius station (Key Largo, FL, USA). The underwater habitat is located at an operating depth of 47 ft. The 2.5 times higher atmospheric pressure in the habitat leads to hyperoxia. The collection of biological samples occurred 6 days before (L-6), at day 7 (MD7) and 11/13 (MD11/13) during the mission, and 90 days thereafter (R). Blood analyses included differential blood cell count, ex vivo innate immune activation status and inhibitory competences of granulocytes. RESULTS The absolute leukocyte count showed an increase during deployment as well as the granulocyte and monocyte count. Lymphocyte count was decreased on MD7. The assessments of native adhesion molecules on granulocytes (CD11b, CD62L) indicated a highly significant cellular activation (L-6 vs. MD7/MD13) during mission. In contrast, granulocytes were more sensitive towards anti-inflammatory stimuli (adenosine) on MD13. CONCLUSION Living in the NEEMO habitat for 14 days induced significant immune alterations as seen by an activation of adhesion molecules and vice versa higher sensitivity towards inhibition. This investigation under hyperbaric hyperoxia is important especially for Astronauts' immune competence during extravehicular activities when exposed to similar conditions.
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Tateishi R, Akiyama N, Miyauchi M, Yoshinaga R, Sasanuma H, Kudo T, Shimbo M, Shinohara M, Obata K, Inoue JI, Shirakawa M, Shiba D, Asahara H, Yoshida N, Takahashi S, Morita H, Akiyama T. Hypergravity Provokes a Temporary Reduction in CD4+CD8+ Thymocyte Number and a Persistent Decrease in Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Frequency in Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141650. [PMID: 26513242 PMCID: PMC4626100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141650] [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] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravity change affects many immunological systems. We investigated the effects of hypergravity (2G) on murine thymic cells. Exposure of mice to 2G for three days reduced the frequency of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes (DP) and mature medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), accompanied by an increment of keratin-5 and keratin-8 double-positive (K5+K8+) TECs that reportedly contain TEC progenitors. Whereas the reduction of DP was recovered by a 14-day exposure to 2G, the reduction of mature mTECs and the increment of K5+K8+ TEC persisted. Interestingly, a surgical lesion of the inner ear’s vestibular apparatus inhibited these hypergravity effects. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the gene expression of Aire and RANK that are critical for mTEC function and development were up-regulated by the 3-day exposure and subsequently down-regulated by the 14-day exposure to 2G. Unexpectedly, this dynamic change in mTEC gene expression was independent of the vestibular apparatus. Overall, data suggest that 2G causes a temporary reduction of DP and a persistent reduction of mature mTECs in a vestibular system-dependent manner, and also dysregulates mTEC gene expression without involving the vestibular system. These data might provide insight on the impact of gravity change on thymic functions during spaceflight and living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Tateishi
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Riko Yoshinaga
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sasanuma
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kudo
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Miki Shimbo
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinohara
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- JST, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Koji Obata
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Jun-ichiro Inoue
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Asahara
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshida
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hironobu Morita
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- * E-mail: (TA); (HM)
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Mouse epigenetics project, ISS/Kibo experiment, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- * E-mail: (TA); (HM)
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Shelhamer M. Trends in sensorimotor research and countermeasures for exploration-class space flights. Front Syst Neurosci 2015; 9:115. [PMID: 26321927 PMCID: PMC4531325 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2015.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in the area of sensorimotor and neurovestibular function has played an important role in enabling human space flight. This role, however, is changing. One of the key aspects of sensorimotor function relevant to this role will build on its widespread connections with other physiological and psychological systems in the body. The firm knowledge base in this area can provide a strong platform to explore these interactions, which can also provide for the development of effective and efficient countermeasures to the deleterious effects of space flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Shelhamer
- NASA Human Research Program, NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, USA
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Post-Spaceflight (STS-135) Mouse Splenocytes Demonstrate Altered Activation Properties and Surface Molecule Expression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124380. [PMID: 25970640 PMCID: PMC4430214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in immune function have been documented during or post-spaceflight and in ground based models of microgravity. Identification of immune parameters that are dysregulated during spaceflight is an important step in mitigating crew health risks during deep space missions. The in vitro analysis of leukocyte activity post-spaceflight in both human and animal species is primarily focused on lymphocytic function. This report completes a broader spectrum analysis of mouse lymphocyte and monocyte changes post 13 days orbital flight (mission STS-135). Analysis includes an examination in surface markers for cell activation, and antigen presentation and co-stimulatory molecules. Cytokine production was measured after stimulation with T-cell mitogen or TLR-2, TLR-4, or TLR-5 agonists. Splenocyte surface marker analysis immediate post-spaceflight and after in vitro culture demonstrated unique changes in phenotypic populations between the flight mice and matched treatment ground controls. Post-spaceflight splenocytes (flight splenocytes) had lower expression intensity of CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+ cells, lower percentage of CD11c+MHC II+ cells, and higher percentage of CD11c+MHC I+ populations compared to ground controls. The flight splenocytes demonstrated an increase in phagocytic activity. Stimulation with ConA led to decrease in CD4+ population but increased CD4+CD25+ cells compared to ground controls. Culturing with TLR agonists led to a decrease in CD11c+ population in splenocytes isolated from flight mice compared to ground controls. Consequently, flight splenocytes with or without TLR-agonist stimulation showed a decrease in CD11c+MHC I+, CD11c+MHC II+, and CD11c+CD86+ cells compared to ground controls. Production of IFN-γ was decreased and IL-2 was increased from ConA stimulated flight splenocytes. This study demonstrated that expression of surface molecules can be affected by conditions of spaceflight and impaired responsiveness persists under culture conditions in vitro.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The weightlessness caused by prolonged bed rest results in changes in cerebral circulation and thus, brain functions, which is of interest. METHODS We investigated the effects of 45-day, -6° head-down bed rest, which stimulated microgravity, on working memory in 16 healthy male participants. The 2-back task was used to test the working memory variations on the 2nd day before bed rest (R-2); on the 11th (R11), 20th (R20), 32nd (R32), and 40th (R40) days of bed rest; and on the eighth day after bed rest (R+8). The cognitive response and the physiological reactivity (such as galvanic skin response, heart rate, and heart rate variability) under the 2-back task were recorded simultaneously. RESULTS The results showed that compared with R-2, on the R+8, the participants' galvanic skin response increased significantly, and the high frequency of heart rate variability (HF), low frequency of heart rate variability (LF), and reaction time in the 2-back task decreased significantly. There were positive correlations between the participants' reaction time of working memory and the LF/HF under head-down bed rest (at R11, R20, and R32). CONCLUSION The results suggested that the prolonged head-down bed rest may have a detrimental effect on individual physiology and working memory. Physiology indices, such as galvanic skin response and heart rate variability, were sensitive to the prolonged bed rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Beijing Key Lab of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Beijing Key Lab of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, International Data Group/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavioral Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Behavior Rehabilitation Training Research Institution, School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Po S Oei
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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