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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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Bevelacqua JJ, Mortazavi SMJ. Comments on 'DNA damage in blood leukocytes from mice irradiated with accelerated carbon ions with an energy of 450 MeV/nucleon'. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:442-443. [PMID: 33539257 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1884313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - S M J Mortazavi
- Medical Physics and Engineering Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Bevelacqua JJ, Welsh J, Mortazavi SAR, Keshavarz M, Mortazavi SMJ. Space Medicine: Why Do Recently Published Papers about Telomere Length Alterations Increase our Uncertainty Rather than Reduce it? J Biomed Phys Eng 2021; 11:103-108. [PMID: 33564645 PMCID: PMC7859374 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2005-1115] [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: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in examining alterations in telomere length as a reliable biomarker of general health, as well as a marker for predicting later morbidity and mortality. Substantial evidence shows that telomere length is associated with aging; telomere shortening acts as a "counting mechanism" that drives replicative senescence by limiting the mitotic potential of normal (but not malignant) cells. In this Correspondence, we attempt to answer the question of why recently published papers about telomere length alterations increase our uncertainty rather than reduce it. This discussion includes three major research areas regarding telomere length: environmental stressors, aging, and life span. Our review suggests that activation of telomerase activity due to stressors in space might be a double-edged sword with both favorable and unfavorable consequences. The selection of an effect's consequence must clearly elucidate the experimental conditions as well as associated stressors. In this Correspondence, we attempt to answer the question of why recently published papers about telomere length alterations increase our uncertainty rather than reduce it. The selection of an effect's consequence must clearly elucidate the experimental conditions as well as associated stressors. Both positive and negative consequences must be clearly addressed in order to bolster the conclusions, as well as identify future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Bevelacqua
- PhD, Bevelacqua Resources, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - J Welsh
- MD, PhD, Loyola University Chicago, Edward Hines Jr., VA Hospital, Stritch School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
| | - S A R Mortazavi
- MD, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Keshavarz
- MSc, Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - S M J Mortazavi
- PhD, Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Bevelacqua JJ, Mortazavi S. Comments on "Effects of partial- or whole-body exposures to 56Fe particles on brain function and cognitive performance in rats". LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 27:105-106. [PMID: 34756223 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Smj Mortazavi
- Medical Physics and Engineering Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Bevelacqua JJ, Welsh J, Mortazavi SMJ. On the immunological limitations of hibernation and synthetic torpor as a supporting technique for astronauts’ radioprotection in deep space missions. World J Immunol 2019; 9:1-4. [DOI: 10.5411/wji.v9.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although human hibernation has been introduced as an effective technique in space exploration, there are concerns regarding the intrinsic risks of the approach (i.e., synthetic torpor) and other factors involved in this procedure. Besides concerns about the brain changes and the state of consciousness during hibernation, an "Achilles heel" of the hibernation is the negative impact of torpor on factors such as the number of circulating leukocytes, complement levels, response to lipopolysaccharides, phagocytotic capacity, cytokine production, lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody production. Moreover, increased virulence of bacteria in deep space can significantly increase the risk of infection. The increased infection risk during long-term space missions with the combined effects of radiation and microgravity affect the astronauts’ immune system. With these additional immune system stressors, torpor-induced extra-immunosuppression can be potentially life threatening for astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Welsh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Hines VA Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL 60153, United States
| | - Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134845794, Iran
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
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J J B, S M J M. Poor Understanding of Radiation Profiles in Deep Space Causes Inaccurate Findings and Misleading Conclusions. J Biomed Phys Eng 2019; 9:587-588. [PMID: 31750273 PMCID: PMC6820022 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The radiation environment in deep space, where astronauts are behind the shelter provided by the Earth's magnetosphere, is a major health concern. Galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPE) are two basic sources of space radiation in the solar system. The health risks of exposure to high levels of space radiation can be observed either as acute and delayed effects. Zhang et al. in their recently published paper entitled "γ-H2AX responds to DNA damage induced by long-term exposure to combined low-dose-rate neutron and γ-ray radiation" have addressed the effects of different cumulative radiation doses on peripheral blood cell, subsets of T cells of peripheral blood lymphocytes and DNA damage repair. These researchers exposed animals to low dose rate 60Co-rays at 0.0167 Gy h-1for 2 h/d and 252Cf neutrons at 0.028 mGy h-1for 20 h/d for 15, 30, or 60 consecutive days. They reported that the mRNA of H2AX increased significantly, and showed a positive correlation with dose. Despite strengths, this paper has several shortcomings such as poor definition of low dose radiation as well as space and reactor radiation environments. Another shortcoming of this paper comes from this point that blood cell studies do not represent the biological effects of ionizing radiation on the total body. Moreover, the effects of the human immune system and DNA repair mechanisms are not included in the study. The role of pre-exposures and induction of adaptive response phenomena in decreasing the risk of radiation in deep space missions are also ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevelacqua J J
- PhD,Bevelacqua Resources, 343 Adair Drive, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Mortazavi S M J
- PhD,Medical Physics Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- PhD, Diagnostic Imaging Department, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
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Bevelacqua JJ, Mortazavi SMJ. Comments on ‘Cardiovascular effects of space radiation: Implications for future human deep space exploration’. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019; 26:1897-1898. [DOI: 10.1177/2047487319840169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Bevelacqua JJ, Mortazavi SMJ. Commentary regarding "on-orbit sleep problems of astronauts and countermeasures". Mil Med Res 2018; 5:38. [PMID: 30376883 PMCID: PMC6208067 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-018-0185-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This commentary addresses the article by Wu et al. entitled "On-orbit sleep problems of astronauts and countermeasures". In this article, the authors discussed the sleep problems of astronauts. Despite its challenging topic, the paper authored by Wu et al. has at least one major shortcoming. This issue is related to the observation that the sleep pattern of astronauts can be disturbed by light flash phenomenon. Since the first report by astronaut E.E. Aldrin in 1969, many astronauts have reported light flashes. These visually perceived flashes of light occurred in different shapes but they apparently moved across the visual field of astronauts and possibly caused, at least to some extent, sleep problems. Moreover, the countermeasures proposed by the authors may improve astronauts' sleep pattern, but they do not address the root cause of the light flashes (i.e., heavy ion interactions outside the shielding provided by the Earth's magnetosphere). A possible approach to reducing light flashes is available using the fact that much of the galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) spectrum is composed of ions that can be diverted from the spacecraft using electromagnetic fields. Possible design parameters and the requisite electric and magnetic field strengths to successfully deflect GCR radiation are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Biophotonics Lab, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 3200 N Cramer St, Milwaukee, WI53211, USA. .,Doss Lab (R-432), Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA19111, USA.
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Bevelacqua JJ, Mortazavi SMJ. Commentary: Immune System Dysregulation During Spaceflight: Potential Countermeasures for Deep Space Exploration Missions. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2024. [PMID: 30233600 PMCID: PMC6131484 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - S M J Mortazavi
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,INIRPRC, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Bevelacqua JJ, Mortazavi SMJ. Commentary regarding: "The effect of simulated space radiation on the N-glycosylation of human immunoglobulin G1". Electrophoresis 2018; 39:2848-2850. [PMID: 29947428 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800216] [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: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Deep space missions, including Mars voyages, are an important area of research. Protection of astronauts' health during these long-term missions is of paramount importance. The paper authored by Szarka et al. entitled "The effect of simulated space radiation on the N-glycosylation of human immunoglobulin G1" is indeed a step forward in this effort. Despite numerous strengths, there are some shortcomings in this paper including an incomplete description of the space radiation environment as well as discussion of the resulting biological effects. Due to complexity of the space radiation environment, a careful analysis is needed to fully evaluate the spectrum of particles associated with solar particle events and galactic cosmic radiation. The radiation source used in this experiment does not reproduce the range of primary galactic cosmic radiation and solar particle events particles and their associated energies. Furthermore, the effect of radiation interactions within the spacecraft shell and the potential effects of microgravity are not considered. Moreover, the importance of radioadaptation in deep space missions that is confirmed in a NASA report is neither considered. Other shortcomings are also discussed in this commentary. Considering these shortcomings, it can be argued that Szarka et al. draw conclusions based on an incomplete description of the space radiation environment that could affect the applicability of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S M J Mortazavi
- Biophotonics Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Authors' response to: ‘Comments on “An overview of space medicine”’. Br J Anaesth 2018; 120:876-877. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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