1
|
Seidler RD, Mao XW, Tays GD, Wang T, Zu Eulenburg P. Effects of spaceflight on the brain. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:826-835. [PMID: 38945144 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00224-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The number of long duration human spaceflights has increased substantially over the past 15 years, leading to the discovery of numerous effects on the CNS. Microgravity results in headward fluid shifts, ventricular expansion, an upward shift of the brain within the skull, and remodelling of grey and white matter. The fluid changes are correlated with changes to perivascular space and spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome. Microgravity alters the vestibular processing of head tilt and results in reduced tactile and proprioceptive inputs during spaceflight. Sensory adaptation is reflected in postflight effects, evident as transient sensorimotor impairment. Another major concern is that galactic cosmic radiation, which spacefarers will be exposed to when going beyond the magnetosphere around Earth, might have a negative effect on CNS function. Research with rodents points to the potential disruptive effects of space radiation on blood-brain barrier integrity and brain structures. More work is needed to understand and mitigate these effects on the CNS before humans travel to Mars, as the flight durations will be longer than anyone has previously experienced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Grant D Tays
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peter Zu Eulenburg
- Institute for Neuroradiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Samoilenko T, Shishkina V, Antakova L, Goryushkina Y, Kostin A, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M, Atiakshin D. Smooth Muscle Actin as a Criterion for Gravisensitivity of Stomach and Jejunum in Laboratory Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16539. [PMID: 38003728 PMCID: PMC10671600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle tissue (SMT) is one of the main structural components of visceral organs, acting as a key factor in the development of adaptive and pathological conditions. Despite the crucial part of SMT in the gastrointestinal tract activity, the mechanisms of its gravisensitivity are still insufficiently studied. The study evaluated the content of smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the membranes of the gastric fundus and jejunum in C57BL/6N mice (30-day space flight), in Mongolian gerbils Meriones unguiculatus (12-day orbital flight) and after anti-orthostatic suspension according to E.R. Morey-Holton. A morphometric analysis of α-SMA in the muscularis externa of the stomach and jejunum of mice and Mongolian gerbils from space flight groups revealed a decreased area of the immunopositive regions, a fact indicating a weakening of the SMT functional activity. Gravisensitivity of the contractile structures of the digestive system may be due to changes in the myofilament structural components of the smooth myocytes or myofibroblast actin. A simulated antiorthostatic suspension revealed no significant changes in the content of the α-SMA expression level, a fact supporting an alteration in the functional properties of the muscularis externa of the digestive hollow organs under weightless environment. The data obtained contribute to the novel mechanisms of the SMT contractile apparatus remodeling during orbital flights and can be used to improve preventive measures in space biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Samoilenko
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Viktoriya Shishkina
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Lyubov Antakova
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Yelena Goryushkina
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Andrey Kostin
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Hematopathology, 22547 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Dmitrii Atiakshin
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu X, Ding Y, Jiang C, Ma X, Xin Y, Li Y, Zhang S, Shao B. Astragaloside IV ameliorates radiation-induced nerve cell damage by activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4102-4116. [PMID: 37226643 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7872] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Radiation can induce nerve cell damage. Synapse connectivity and functionality are thought to be the essential foundation of all cognitive functions. Therefore, treating and preventing damage to synaptic structure and function is an urgent challenge. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a glycoside extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.). Bunge is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine in China with various pharmacological properties, including protective effects on the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the effect of AS-IV on synapse damage and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in radiated C57BL/6 mice with X-rays was investigated. PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons were exposed to UVA in vitro. Open field test and rotarod test were used to observe the effects of AS-IV on the motor and explore the abilities of radiated mice. The pathological changes in the brain were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to detect the synapse damage. The expressions of the BDNF/TrkB pathway and neuroprotection-related molecules were detected by Western blotting and Quantitative-RTPCR, respectively. The results showed that AS-IV could improve the motor and explore abilities of radiated mice, reduce pathological damage to the cortex, enhance neuroprotection functions, and activate BDNF/TrkB pathway. In conclusion, AS-IV could relieve radiation-induced synapse damage, at least partly through the BDNF/TrkB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanping Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chenxin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xin
- Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingdong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shengxiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Baoping Shao
- Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|