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Caddy HT, Fujino M, Vahabli E, Voigt V, Kelsey LJ, Dilley RJ, Carvalho LS, Takahashi S, Green DJ, Doyle BJ. Simulation of murine retinal hemodynamics in response to tail suspension. Comput Biol Med 2024; 182:109148. [PMID: 39298883 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The etiology of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) remains unclear. Recent murine studies indicate there may be a link between the space environment and retinal endothelial dysfunction. Post-fixed control (N = 4) and 14-day tail-suspended (TS) (N = 4) mice eye samples were stained and imaged for the vessel plexus and co-located regions of endothelial cell death. A custom workflow combined whole-mounted and tear reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) spherical retinal plexus models with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation that accounted for the Fåhræus-Lindqvist effect and boundary conditions that accommodated TS fluid pressure measurements and deeper capillary layer blood flow distribution. TS samples exhibited reduced surface area (4.6 ± 0.5 mm2 vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 mm2, P = 0.010) and shorter lengths between branches in small vessels (<10 μm, 69.5 ± 0.6 μm vs. 60.4 ± 1.1 μm, P < 0.001). Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure were higher in TS mice compared to controls, particularly in smaller vessels (<10 μm, WSS: 6.57 ± 1.08 Pa vs. 4.72 ± 0.67 Pa, P = 0.034, Pressure: 72.04 ± 3.14 mmHg vs. 50.64 ± 6.74 mmHg, P = 0.004). Rates of retinal endothelial cell death were variable in TS mice compared to controls. WSS and pressure were generally higher in cell death regions, both within and between cohorts, but significance was variable and limited to small to medium-sized vessels (<20 μm). These findings suggest a link may exist between emulated microgravity and retinal endothelial dysfunction that may have implications for SANS development. Future work with increased sample sizes of larger species or spaceflight cohorts should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Caddy
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mitsunori Fujino
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ebrahim Vahabli
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Valentina Voigt
- Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Kelsey
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rodney J Dilley
- T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Retinal Genomics and Therapy Group, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Barry J Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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Wadhwa A, Moreno-Villanueva M, Crucian B, Wu H. Synergistic interplay between radiation and microgravity in spaceflight-related immunological health risks. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:50. [PMID: 39033285 PMCID: PMC11264846 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00449-w] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Spaceflight poses a myriad of environmental stressors to astronauts´ physiology including microgravity and radiation. The individual impacts of microgravity and radiation on the immune system have been extensively investigated, though a comprehensive review on their combined effects on immune system outcomes is missing. Therefore, this review aims at understanding the synergistic, additive, and antagonistic interactions between microgravity and radiation and their impact on immune function as observed during spaceflight-analog studies such as rodent hindlimb unloading and cell culture rotating wall vessel models. These mimic some, but not all, of the physiological changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight and provide valuable information that should be considered when planning future missions. We provide guidelines for the design of further spaceflight-analog studies, incorporating influential factors such as age and sex for rodent models and standardizing the longitudinal evaluation of specific immunological alterations for both rodent and cellular models of spaceflight exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wadhwa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA.
| | | | | | - Honglu Wu
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
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Mu Y, Wei D, Yao L, Xu X, Li S, Cao R, Chen T, Zhang Z. Choroidal circulation disturbance is an initial factor in outer retinal degeneration in rats under simulated weightlessness. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1198862. [PMID: 37546536 PMCID: PMC10397408 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1198862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Microgravity contributes to ocular injury yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism behind choroidal circulation disorder and outer retinal degeneration in rats with simulated weightlessness. Methods: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to evaluate choroidal circulation and retinal morphological alterations in rats with weightlessness simulation. Electroretinogram and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the ultrastructure and function of the choroid and outer retina. Furthermore, histological and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to monitor retinal morphology. Western blotting was performed to analyze the expressions of blood-retinal outer barrier function-related proteins (Cx43, ZO-1, and occludin). Results: The choroidal thickening was observed from the fourth week of simulated weightlessness (p < 0.05), and choroidal capillary density started to decline by the fifth week (p < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the choroidal vessels were open and operating well by the fourth week. However, most of the mitochondria within the vascular endothelium underwent mild swelling, and by the fifth week, the choroidal vessels had various degrees of erythrocyte aggregation, mitochondrial swelling, and apoptosis. Additionally, ERG demonstrated a decline in retinal function beginning in the fifth week (p < 0.05). TUNEL staining revealed a significantly higher apoptotic index in the outer nuclear layer of the retina (p < 0.05). At the sixth week weeks of simulated weightlessness, OCTA and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of retinal sections revealed that the outer nuclear layer of the retina started to become thin (p < 0.05). Results from western blotting revealed that Cx43, ZO-1, and occludin exhibited decreased expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on our findings in a rat model of simulated weightlessness, choroidal circulation disturbance induced by choroidal congestion is the initial cause of outer retinal degeneration. Blood-retinal barrier disruption is significant in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Mu
- Aerospace Clinical Medical Center, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Aviation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dongyu Wei
- Aerospace Clinical Medical Center, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lilingxuan Yao
- The Third Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinyue Xu
- Aerospace Clinical Medical Center, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shaoheng Li
- Aerospace Clinical Medical Center, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ruidan Cao
- Aerospace Clinical Medical Center, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Aviation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Aerospace Clinical Medical Center, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Aviation Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zuoming Zhang
- Aerospace Clinical Medical Center, School of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Jacob P, Oertlin C, Baselet B, Westerberg LS, Frippiat JP, Baatout S. Next generation of astronauts or ESA astronaut 2.0 concept and spotlight on immunity. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:51. [PMID: 37380641 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although we have sent humans into space for more than 50 years, crucial questions regarding immune response in space conditions remain unanswered. There are many complex interactions between the immune system and other physiological systems in the human body. This makes it difficult to study the combined long-term effects of space stressors such as radiation and microgravity. In particular, exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation may produce changes in the performance of the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels and in the major physiological systems of the body. Consequently, abnormal immune responses induced in the space environment may have serious health consequences, especially in future long-term space missions. In particular, radiation-induced immune effects pose significant health challenges for long-duration space exploration missions with potential risks to reduce the organism's ability to respond to injuries, infections, and vaccines, and predispose astronauts to the onset of chronic diseases (e.g., immunosuppression, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, gut dysbiosis). Other deleterious effects encountered by radiation may include cancer and premature aging, induced by dysregulated redox and metabolic processes, microbiota, immune cell function, endotoxin, and pro-inflammatory signal production1,2. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current understanding of the effects of microgravity and radiation on the immune system and discuss knowledge gaps that future studies should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christian Oertlin
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gent University, Gent, Belgium.
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Jacob P, Bonnefoy J, Ghislin S, Frippiat JP. Long-duration head-down tilt bed rest confirms the relevance of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and suggests coupling it with the platelet to lymphocyte ratio to monitor the immune health of astronauts. Front Immunol 2022; 13:952928. [PMID: 36311805 PMCID: PMC9606754 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.952928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of safe and easily-determined-inflight biomarkers to monitor the immune system of astronauts is mandatory to ensure their well-being and the success of the missions. In this report, we evaluated the relevance of two biomarkers whose determination could be easily implemented in a spacecraft in the near future by using bedridden volunteers as a ground-based model of the microgravity of spaceflight. Our data confirm the relevance of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and suggest platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) monitoring to assess long-lasting immune diseases. We recommend coupling these ratios to other biomarkers, such as the quantification of cytokines and viral load measurements, to efficiently detect immune dysfunction, determine when countermeasures should be applied to promote immune recovery, prevent the development of disease, and track responses to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Julie Bonnefoy
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Stéphanie Ghislin
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Rubinstein L, Paul AM, Houseman C, Abegaz M, Tabares Ruiz S, O’Neil N, Kunis G, Ofir R, Cohen J, Ronca AE, Globus RK, Tahimic CGT. Placenta-Expanded Stromal Cell Therapy in a Rodent Model of Simulated Weightlessness. Cells 2021; 10:940. [PMID: 33921854 PMCID: PMC8073415 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long duration spaceflight poses potential health risks to astronauts during flight and re-adaptation after return to Earth. There is an emerging need for NASA to provide successful and reliable therapeutics for long duration missions when capability for medical intervention will be limited. Clinically relevant, human placenta-derived therapeutic stromal cells (PLX-PAD) are a promising therapeutic alternative. We found that treatment of adult female mice with PLX-PAD near the onset of simulated weightlessness by hindlimb unloading (HU, 30 d) was well-tolerated and partially mitigated decrements caused by HU. Specifically, PLX-PAD treatment rescued HU-induced thymic atrophy, and mitigated HU-induced changes in percentages of circulating neutrophils, but did not rescue changes in the percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells and splenic atrophy. Further, PLX-PAD partially mitigated HU effects on the expression of select cytokines in the hippocampus. In contrast, PLX-PAD failed to protect bone and muscle from HU-induced effects, suggesting that the mechanisms which regulate the structure of these mechanosensitive tissues in response to disuse are discrete from those that regulate the immune- and central nervous system (CNS). These findings support the therapeutic potential of placenta-derived stromal cells for select physiological deficits during simulated spaceflight. Multiple countermeasures are likely needed for comprehensive protection from the deleterious effects of prolonged spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Rubinstein
- Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD 21046, USA; (L.R.); (A.M.P.)
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
| | - Amber M. Paul
- Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD 21046, USA; (L.R.); (A.M.P.)
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA
| | - Charles Houseman
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 98154, USA
| | - Metadel Abegaz
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 98154, USA
| | - Steffy Tabares Ruiz
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 98154, USA
| | - Nathan O’Neil
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA 98154, USA
| | - Gilad Kunis
- Pluristem Ltd., Haifa 31905, Israel; (G.K.); (R.O.)
| | - Racheli Ofir
- Pluristem Ltd., Haifa 31905, Israel; (G.K.); (R.O.)
| | - Jacob Cohen
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
| | - April E. Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
- Wake Forest Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Ruth K. Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
| | - Candice G. T. Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; (C.H.); (M.A.); (S.T.R.); (N.O.); (J.C.); (A.E.R.); (R.K.G.)
- KBR, Houston, TX 77002, USA
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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Willey JS, Britten RA, Blaber E, Tahimic CG, Chancellor J, Mortreux M, Sanford LD, Kubik AJ, Delp MD, Mao XW. The individual and combined effects of spaceflight radiation and microgravity on biologic systems and functional outcomes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:129-179. [PMID: 33902391 PMCID: PMC8274610 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1885283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Both microgravity and radiation exposure in the spaceflight environment have been identified as hazards to astronaut health and performance. Substantial study has been focused on understanding the biology and risks associated with prolonged exposure to microgravity, and the hazards presented by radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPEs) outside of low earth orbit (LEO). To date, the majority of the ground-based analogues (e.g., rodent or cell culture studies) that investigate the biology of and risks associated with spaceflight hazards will focus on an individual hazard in isolation. However, astronauts will face these challenges simultaneously Combined hazard studies are necessary for understanding the risks astronauts face as they travel outside of LEO, and are also critical for countermeasure development. The focus of this review is to describe biologic and functional outcomes from ground-based analogue models for microgravity and radiation, specifically highlighting the combined effects of radiation and reduced weight-bearing from rodent ground-based tail suspension via hind limb unloading (HLU) and partial weight-bearing (PWB) models, although in vitro and spaceflight results are discussed as appropriate. The review focuses on the skeletal, ocular, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and stem cells responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | | | | | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Larry D. Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
| | - Angela J. Kubik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | - Michael D. Delp
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
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Prasad B, Grimm D, Strauch SM, Erzinger GS, Corydon TJ, Lebert M, Magnusson NE, Infanger M, Richter P, Krüger M. Influence of Microgravity on Apoptosis in Cells, Tissues, and Other Systems In Vivo and In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9373. [PMID: 33317046 PMCID: PMC7764784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All life forms have evolved under the constant force of gravity on Earth and developed ways to counterbalance acceleration load. In space, shear forces, buoyance-driven convection, and hydrostatic pressure are nullified or strongly reduced. When subjected to microgravity in space, the equilibrium between cell architecture and the external force is disturbed, resulting in changes at the cellular and sub-cellular levels (e.g., cytoskeleton, signal transduction, membrane permeability, etc.). Cosmic radiation also poses great health risks to astronauts because it has high linear energy transfer values that evoke complex DNA and other cellular damage. Space environmental conditions have been shown to influence apoptosis in various cell types. Apoptosis has important functions in morphogenesis, organ development, and wound healing. This review provides an overview of microgravity research platforms and apoptosis. The sections summarize the current knowledge of the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on cells with respect to apoptosis. Apoptosis-related microgravity experiments conducted with different mammalian model systems are presented. Recent findings in cells of the immune system, cardiovascular system, brain, eyes, cartilage, bone, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas, as well as cancer cells investigated under real and simulated microgravity conditions, are discussed. This comprehensive review indicates the potential of the space environment in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Prasad
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (D.G.); (T.J.C.)
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian M. Strauch
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC 89219-710, Brazil; (S.M.S.); (G.S.E.)
| | - Gilmar Sidnei Erzinger
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC 89219-710, Brazil; (S.M.S.); (G.S.E.)
| | - Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (D.G.); (T.J.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Michael Lebert
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
- Space Biology Unlimited SAS, 24 Cours de l’Intendance, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nils E. Magnusson
- Diabetes and Hormone Diseases, Medical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark;
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Richter
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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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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10
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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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11
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Takahashi A, Wakihata S, Ma L, Adachi T, Hirose H, Yoshida Y, Ohira Y. Temporary Loading Prevents Cancer Progression and Immune Organ Atrophy Induced by Hind-Limb Unloading in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123959. [PMID: 30544854 PMCID: PMC6321260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the body's immune system is altered during spaceflight, the effects of microgravity (μG) on tumor growth and carcinogenesis are, as yet, unknown. To assess tumor proliferation and its effects on the immune system, we used a hind-limb unloading (HU) murine model to simulate μG during spaceflight. HU mice demonstrated significantly increased tumor growth, metastasis to the lung, and greater splenic and thymic atrophy compared with mice in constant orthostatic suspension and standard housing controls. In addition, mice undergoing temporary loading during HU (2 h per day) demonstrated no difference in cancer progression and immune organ atrophy compared with controls. Our findings suggest that temporary loading can prevent cancer progression and immune organ atrophy induced by HU. Further space experiment studies are warranted to elucidate the precise effects of μG on systemic immunity and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Shoto Wakihata
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Liqiu Ma
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Takuya Adachi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Hirose
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan.
| | - Yoshinobu Ohira
- Faculty and Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan.
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