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Hussain I, Ullah R, Simran BFNU, Kaur P, Kumar M, Raj R, Faraz M, Mehmoodi A, Malik J. Cardiovascular effects of long-duration space flight. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2305. [PMID: 39135704 PMCID: PMC11318032 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2305] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early studies exploring the physiological effects of space travel have indicated the body's capacity for reversible adaptation. However, the impact of long-duration spaceflight, exceeding 6 months, presents more intricate challenges. Effects on the Cardiovascular CV System Extended exposure to microgravity and radiation profoundly affects the CV system. Notable phenomena include fluid shifts toward the head and modified arterial pressure. These changes disrupt blood pressure regulation and elevate cardiac output. Additionally, the loss of venous compression leads to a reduction in central venous pressure. Fluid and Plasma Volume Changes The displacement of fluid from the vascular system to the interstitium, driven by baroreceptor stimulation, results in a 10%-15% decline in plasma volume. Cardiac Muscle and Hematocrit Variations Intriguingly, despite potential increases in cardiac workload, cardiac muscle atrophy and perplexing variations in hematocrit levels have been observed. The mechanism underlying atrophy appears to involve a shift in protein synthesis from the endoplasmic reticulum to the mitochondria via mortalin-mediated mechanisms. Arrhythmias and QT Interval Prolongation Instances of arrhythmias have been recurrently documented, although generally nonlethal, in both Russian and American space missions. Long-duration spaceflight has been associated with the prolongation of the QT interval, particularly in extended missions. Radiation Effects Exposure of the heart to the proton and heavy ion radiation pervasive in deep space contributes to coronary artery degeneration, augmented aortic stiffness, and carotid intima thickening through collagen-mediated processes. Moreover, it accelerates the onset of atherosclerosis and triggers proinflammatory responses. Reentry and Postflight Challenges Upon reentry, astronauts frequently experience orthostatic intolerance and altered sympathetic responses, which bear potential hazards in scenarios requiring rapid mobilization or evacuation. Conclusion Consequently, careful monitoring of these cardiac risks is imperative for forthcoming missions. While early studies illuminate the adaptability of the body to space travel's challenges, the intricacies of long-duration missions and their effects on the CV system necessitate continued investigation and vigilance to ensure astronaut health and mission success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Hussain
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Rehmat Ullah
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | | | - Parvinder Kaur
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Mahendra Kumar
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Rohan Raj
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Maria Faraz
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Amin Mehmoodi
- Department of MedicineIbn e Seena HospitalKabulAfghanistan
| | - Jahanzeb Malik
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
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Schwoerer AP, Biermann D, Ehmke H. Ventricular unloading causes prolongation of the QT interval and induces ventricular arrhythmias in rat hearts. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1346093. [PMID: 39022307 PMCID: PMC11251997 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1346093] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ventricular unloading during prolonged bed rest, mechanical circulatory support or microgravity has repeatedly been linked to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. It is unresolved, whether this arrhythmic phenotype is caused by the reduction in cardiac workload or rather by underlying diseases or external stimuli. We hypothesized that the reduction in cardiac workload alone is sufficient to impair ventricular repolarization and to induce arrhythmias in hearts. Methods Rat hearts were unloaded using the heterotopic heart transplantation. The ECG of unloaded and of control hearts were telemetrically recorded over 56 days resulting in >5 × 106 cardiac cycles in each heart. Long-term electrical remodeling was analyzed using a novel semi-automatic arrhythmia detection algorithm. Results 56 days of unloading reduced left ventricular weight by approximately 50%. While unloading did not affect average HRs, it markedly prolonged the QT interval by approximately 66% and induced a median tenfold increase in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in comparison to control hearts. Conclusion The current study provides direct evidence that the previously reported hypertrophic phenotype of repolarization during cardiac unloading translates into an impaired ventricular repolarization and ventricular arrhythmias in vivo. This supports the concept that the reduction in cardiac workload is a causal driver of the development of arrhythmias during ventricular unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Peter Schwoerer
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Biermann
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Congenital and Pediatric Heart Surgery, Children’s Heart Clinic, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heimo Ehmke
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Mani C, Paul TS, Archambault PM, Marois A. Machine learning workflow for edge computed arrhythmia detection in exploration class missions. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:71. [PMID: 38909067 PMCID: PMC11193813 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00409-0] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Deep-space missions require preventative care methods based on predictive models for identifying in-space pathologies. Deploying such models requires flexible edge computing, which Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX) formats enable by optimizing inference directly on wearable edge devices. This work demonstrates an innovative approach to point-of-care machine learning model pipelines by combining this capacity with an advanced self-optimizing training scheme to classify periods of Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR), Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB), and Atrial Flutter (AFL). 742 h of electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were pre-processed into 30-second normalized samples where variable mode decomposition purged muscle artifacts and instrumentation noise. Seventeen heart rate variability and morphological ECG features were extracted by convoluting peak detection with Gaussian distributions and delineating QRS complexes using discrete wavelet transforms. The decision tree classifier's features, parameters, and hyperparameters were self-optimized through stratified triple nested cross-validation ranked on F1-scoring against cardiologist labeling. The selected model achieved a macro F1-score of 0.899 with 0.993 for NSR, 0.938 for AFIB, and 0.767 for AFL. The most important features included median P-wave amplitudes, PRR20, and mean heart rates. The ONNX-translated pipeline took 9.2 s/sample. This combination of our self-optimizing scheme and deployment use case of ONNX demonstrated overall accurate operational tachycardia detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Mani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tanya S Paul
- Thales Research and Technology (TRT) Canada, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick M Archambault
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Marois
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- School of Psychology and Humanities, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
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4
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Burles F, Willson M, Townes P, Yang A, Iaria G. Preliminary evidence of high prevalence of cerebral microbleeds in astronauts with spaceflight experience. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1360353. [PMID: 38948081 PMCID: PMC11211603 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1360353] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-duration spaceflight poses a variety of health risks to astronauts, largely resulting from extended exposure to microgravity and radiation. Here, we assessed the prevalence and incidence of cerebral microbleeds in sixteen astronauts before and after a typical 6-month mission on board the International Space Station Cerebral microbleeds are microhemorrhages in the brain, which are typically interpreted as early evidence of small vessel disease and have been associated with cognitive impairment. We identified evidence of higher-than-expected microbleed prevalence in astronauts with prior spaceflight experience. However, we did not identify a statistically significant increase in microbleed burden up to 7 months after spaceflight. Altogether, these preliminary findings suggest that spaceflight exposure may increase microbleed burden, but this influence may be indirect or occur over time courses that exceed 1 year. For health monitoring purposes, it may be valuable to acquire neuroimaging data that are able to detect the occurrence of microbleeds in astronauts following their spaceflight missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ford Burles
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Neurolab, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Morgan Willson
- Departments of Radiology and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Parker Townes
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Neurolab, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Allison Yang
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Neurolab, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Neurolab, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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5
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Siddiqui R, Qaisar R, Al-Dahash K, Altelly AH, Elmoselhi AB, Khan NA. Cardiovascular changes under the microgravity environment and the gut microbiome. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:89-96. [PMID: 38245353 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.09.003] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
In view of the critical role the gut microbiome plays in human health, it has become clear that astronauts' gut microbiota composition changes after spending time in space. Astronauts are exposed to several risks in space, including a protracted period of microgravity, radiation, and mechanical unloading of the body. Several deleterious effects of such an environment are reported, including orthostatic intolerance, cardiovascular endothelial dysfunction, cellular and molecular changes, and changes in the composition of the gut microbiome. Herein, the correlation between the gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease in a microgravity environment is evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between orthostatic hypotension, cardiac shrinkage and arrhythmias during spaceflight, and cellular alterations during spaceflight is reviewed. Given its impact on human health in general, modifying the gut microbiota may significantly promote astronaut health and performance. This is merited, given the prospect of augmented human activities in future space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey; College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rizwan Qaisar
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khulood Al-Dahash
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Hashem Altelly
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adel B Elmoselhi
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Microbiota Research Center, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey.
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Mahmood R, Shaik T, Kaur IP, Gupta V, Shaik A, Anamika F, Garg N, Jain R. Cardiovascular Challenges Beyond Earth: Investigating the Impact of Space Travel on Astronauts' Cardiovascular Health. Cardiol Rev 2024:00045415-990000000-00194. [PMID: 38230953 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In the coming decades, as humanity aims to establish a presence on Mars, there is a growing significance in comprehending, monitoring, and controlling the diverse health challenges arising from space exploration. The extended exposure to microgravity during space missions leads to various physical alterations in astronauts, such as shifts in bodily fluids, reduced plasma volume, loss of bone density, muscle wasting, and cardiovascular deconditioning. These changes can ultimately lead to orthostatic intolerance, underscoring the increasing importance of addressing these health risks. Astronauts are exposed to cosmic radiation consisting of high-energy particles from various sources, including solar cosmic rays and galactic cosmic rays. These radiations can impact the electrical signals in the heart, potentially causing irregular heart rhythms. Understanding the risks to the heart and blood circulation brought on by exposure to space radiation and the overall stress of spaceflight is essential and this article reviews the cardiovascular effects of space travel on astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsha Mahmood
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Avalon University School of Medicine, Willemstad, Curacao
| | - Tanveer Shaik
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Avalon University School of Medicine, Willemstad, Curacao
| | - Inder P Kaur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Preventive Medicine Resident, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Vasu Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | | | - Fnu Anamika
- Department of Internal Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nikita Garg
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI; and
| | - Rohit Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
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Krittanawong C, Scheuring RA. Space and precision cardiovascular health: future perspectives of space travel. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:3498-3500. [PMID: 37264547 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Cardiology Division, NYU Langone Health and NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
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8
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Sy MR, Keefe JA, Sutton JP, Wehrens XHT. Cardiac function, structural, and electrical remodeling by microgravity exposure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H1-H13. [PMID: 36399385 PMCID: PMC9762974 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00611.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Space medicine is key to the human exploration of outer space and pushes the boundaries of science, technology, and medicine. Because of harsh environmental conditions related to microgravity and other factors and hazards in outer space, astronauts and spaceflight participants face unique health and medical challenges, including those related to the heart. In this review, we summarize the literature regarding the effects of spaceflight on cardiac structure and function. We also provide an in-depth review of the literature regarding the effects of microgravity on cardiac calcium handling. Our review can inform future mechanistic and therapeutic studies and is applicable to other physiological states similar to microgravity such as prolonged horizontal bed rest and immobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Sy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Joshua A Keefe
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey P Sutton
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Xander H T Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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9
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Pramanik J, Kumar A, Panchal L, Prajapati B. Countermeasures for Maintaining Cardiovascular Health in Space Missions. Curr Cardiol Rev 2023; 19:57-67. [PMID: 37005513 PMCID: PMC10518885 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x19666230330083225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During space exploration, the human body is subjected to altered atmospheric environments and gravity, exposure to radiation, sleep disturbance, and mental pressures; all these factors are responsible for cardiovascular diseases. Under microgravity, the physiological changes related to cardiovascular diseases are the cephalic fluid shift, dramatic reduction in central venous pressure, changes in blood rheology and endothelial function, cerebrovascular abnormalities, headaches, optic disc edema, intracranial hypertension, congestion of the jugular vein, facial swelling, and loss of taste. Generally, five countermeasures are used to maintain cardiovascular health (during and after space missions), including shielding, nutritional, medicinal, exercise, and artificial gravity. This article concludes with how to reduce space missions' impact on cardiovascular health with the help of various countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhilam Pramanik
- Department of Food Technology, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Akash Kumar
- Department of Food Technology, SRM University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Lakshay Panchal
- Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Haryana, India
| | - Bhupendra Prajapati
- Shree S.K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, India
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10
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Dello Russo C, Bandiera T, Monici M, Surdo L, Yip VLM, Wotring V, Morbidelli L. Physiological adaptations affecting drug pharmacokinetics in space: what do we really know? A critical review of the literature. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2538-2557. [PMID: 35170019 PMCID: PMC9314132 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
As human spaceflight progresses with extended mission durations, the demand for effective and safe drugs will necessarily increase. To date, the accepted medications used during missions (for space motion sickness, sleep disturbances, allergies, pain, and sinus congestion) are administered under the assumption that they act as safely and efficaciously as on Earth. However, physiological changes have been documented in human subjects in spaceflight involving fluid shifts, muscle and bone loss, immune system dysregulation, and adjustments in the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism. These alterations may change the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of commonly used medications. Frustratingly, the information gained from bed rest studies and from in‐flight observations is incomplete and also demonstrates a high variability in drug PK. Therefore, the objectives of this review are to report (i) the impact of the space environmental stressors on human physiology in relation to PK; (ii) the state‐of‐the‐art on experimental data in space and/or in ground‐based models; (iii) the validation of ground‐based models for PK studies; and (iv) the identification of research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Dello Russo
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Dept. of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tiziano Bandiera
- D3-PharmaChemistry Line, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div. & Dept. of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Surdo
- Space Applications Services NV/SA for the European Space Agency, NL-2200AG, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Lai Ming Yip
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science and Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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11
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Baran R, Marchal S, Garcia Campos S, Rehnberg E, Tabury K, Baselet B, Wehland M, Grimm D, Baatout S. The Cardiovascular System in Space: Focus on In Vivo and In Vitro Studies. Biomedicines 2021; 10:59. [PMID: 35052739 PMCID: PMC8773383 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On Earth, humans are subjected to a gravitational force that has been an important determinant in human evolution and function. During spaceflight, astronauts are subjected to several hazards including a prolonged state of microgravity that induces a myriad of physiological adaptations leading to orthostatic intolerance. This review summarises all known cardiovascular diseases related to human spaceflight and focusses on the cardiovascular changes related to human spaceflight (in vivo) as well as cellular and molecular changes (in vitro). Upon entering microgravity, cephalad fluid shift occurs and increases the stroke volume (35-46%) and cardiac output (18-41%). Despite this increase, astronauts enter a state of hypovolemia (10-15% decrease in blood volume). The absence of orthostatic pressure and a decrease in arterial pressures reduces the workload of the heart and is believed to be the underlying mechanism for the development of cardiac atrophy in space. Cellular and molecular changes include altered cell shape and endothelial dysfunction through suppressed cellular proliferation as well as increased cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Human spaceflight is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Through the use of microgravity platforms, multiple physiological changes can be studied and stimulate the development of appropriate tools and countermeasures for future human spaceflight missions in low Earth orbit and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronni Baran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (R.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Shannon Marchal
- Department of Astronomy, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Sebastian Garcia Campos
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emil Rehnberg
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (R.B.); (D.G.)
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Department of Astronomy, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Zilli Vieira CL, Link MS, Garshick E, Peralta AA, Luttmann-Gibson H, Laden F, Liu M, Gold DR, Koutrakis P. Solar and geomagnetic activity enhance the effects of air pollutants on atrial fibrillation. Europace 2021; 24:713-720. [PMID: 34791174 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab269] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac arrhythmias have been associated with intense solar and geomagnetic activity (SGA) and exposures to air pollution. METHODS We examined whether oscillations of SGA can modify the effect of hourly exposures to air pollutants on atrial fibrillation ≥30 s (AF) risk in patients with dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The effects of SGA on ambient particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), ultrafine particles (PN), and associations with AF were assessed. Measures of SGA included solar wind proton density (SW), total interplanetary magnetic field strength (IMF), and Kp index, a measure of global geomagnetic activity. RESULTS Overall time lags between 0 and 24 h, periods of increased SGA (>50th percentile in IMF, SW, and Kp index) enhanced the effects of all three air pollutants on AF, while during periods of reduced SGA the associations were considerably weaker or absent. During periods of intense SW 6 h prior to an AF event, the odds ratio (OR) for PM2.5 exposure per interquartile range (IQR) of 5.6 µg/m3 was 1.7 [95% confident interval (CI) 1.3-2.3, P = 0.0001]. For periods of reduced SW, the OR for PM2.5 exposure per IQR was 1.2 (95% CI 0.9-1.5; P = 0.27). There were similar effects for PN and BC exposures. In patients with multiple AF events per hour, the associations with air pollutants during intense SGA were even greater. CONCLUSION The effects of air pollutants up to 24 h before AF events were enhanced during periods of increased SGA. Our results suggest that these effects may account for variation in AF risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina L Zilli Vieira
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mark S Link
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines BLVD, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Eric Garshick
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adjani A Peralta
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Heike Luttmann-Gibson
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Diane R Gold
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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13
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A Protective Strategy to Counteract the Oxidative Stress Induced by Simulated Microgravity on H9C2 Cardiomyocytes. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:9951113. [PMID: 33986919 PMCID: PMC8079188 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9951113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity affects human cardiovascular function inducing heart rhythm disturbances and even cardiac atrophy. The mechanisms triggered by microgravity and the search for protection strategies are difficult to be investigated in vivo. This study is aimed at investigating the effects induced by simulated microgravity on a cardiomyocyte-like phenotype. The Random Positioning Machine (RPM), set in a CO2 incubator, was used to simulate microgravity, and H9C2 cell line was used as the cardiomyocyte-like model. H9C2 cells were exposed to simulated microgravity up to 96 h, showing a slower cell proliferation rate and lower metabolic activity in comparison to cell grown at earth gravity. In exposed cells, these effects were accompanied by increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytosolic Ca2+, and mitochondrial superoxide anion. Protein carbonyls, markers of protein oxidation, were significantly increased after the first 48 h of exposition in the RPM. In these conditions, the presence of an antioxidant, the N-acetylcysteine (NAC), counteracted the effects induced by the simulated microgravity. In conclusion, these data suggest that simulated microgravity triggers a concomitant increase of intracellular ROS and Ca2+ levels and affects cell metabolic activity which in turn could be responsible for the slower proliferative rate. Nevertheless, the very low number of detectable dead cells and, more interestingly, the protective effect of NA, demonstrate that simulated microgravity does not have “an irreversible toxic effect” but, affecting the oxidative balance, results in a transient slowdown of proliferation.
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14
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Vernice NA, Meydan C, Afshinnekoo E, Mason CE. Long-term spaceflight and the cardiovascular system. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2020; 3:284-291. [PMID: 33391848 PMCID: PMC7757439 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While early investigations into the physiological effects of spaceflight suggest the body's ability to reversibly adapt, the corresponding effects of long-term spaceflight (>6 months) are much less conclusive. Prolonged exposure to microgravity and radiation yields profound effects on the cardiovascular system, including a massive cephalad fluid translocation and altered arterial pressure, which attenuate blood pressure regulatory mechanisms and increase cardiac output. Also, central venous pressure decreases as a result of the loss of venous compression. The stimulation of baroreceptors by the cephalad shift results in an approximately 10%–15% reduction in plasma volume, with fluid translocating from the vascular lumen to the interstitium. Despite possible increases in cardiac workload, myocyte atrophy and notable, yet unexplained, alterations in hematocrit have been observed. Atrophy is postulated to result from shunting of protein synthesis from the endoplasmic reticulum to the mitochondria via mortalin-mediated action. While data are scarce regarding their causative agents, arrhythmias have been frequently reported, albeit sublethal, during both Russian and American expeditions, with QT interval prolongation observed in long, but not short duration, spaceflight. Exposure of the heart to the proton and heavy ion radiation of deep space has also been shown to result in coronary artery degeneration, aortic stiffness, carotid intima thickening via collagen-mediated action, accelerated atherosclerosis, and induction of a pro-inflammatory state. Upon return, long-term spaceflight frequently results in orthostatic intolerance and altered sympathetic responses, which can prove hazardous should any rapid mobilization or evacuation be required, and indicates that these cardiac risks should be especially monitored for future missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Vernice
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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15
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Solbiati S, Landreani F, Turcato M, Martin-Yebra A, Costantini L, Vaida P, Caiani EG. Analysis of changes in cardiac circadian rhythms of RR and QT induced by a 60-day head-down bed rest with and without nutritional countermeasure. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 120:1699-1710. [PMID: 32494859 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prolonged weightlessness exposure generates cardiovascular deconditioning, with potential implications on ECG circadian rhythms. Head-down (- 6°) tilt (HDT) bed rest is a ground-based analogue model for simulating the effects of reduced motor activity and fluids redistribution occurring during spaceflight. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of 60-day HDT on the circadianity of RR and ventricular repolarization (QTend) intervals extracted from 24-h Holter ECG recordings, scheduled 9 days before HDT (BDC-9), the 5th (HDT5), 21st (HDT21) and 58th (HDT58) day of HDT, the 1st (R + 0) and 8th (R + 7) day after HDT. Also, the effectiveness of a nutritional countermeasure (CM) in mitigating the HDT-related changes was tested. METHODS RR and QTend circadian rhythms were evaluated by Cosinor analysis, resulting in maximum and minimum values, MESOR (a rhythm-adjusted mean), oscillation amplitude (OA, half variation within a night-day cycle), and acrophase (φ, the time at which the fitting sinusoid's amplitude is maximal) values. RESULTS RR and QTend MESOR increased at HDT5, and the OA was reduced along the HDT period, mainly due to the increase of the minima. At R + 0, QTend OA increased, particularly in the control group. The φ slightly anticipated during HDT and was delayed at R + 0. CONCLUSION 60-Day HDT affects the characteristics of cardiac circadian rhythm by altering the physiological daily cycle of RR and QTend intervals. Scheduled day-night cycle and feeding time were maintained during the experiment, thus inferring the role of changes in the gravitational stimulus to determine these variations. The applied nutritional countermeasure did not show effectiveness in preventing such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Solbiati
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Electronics, and Information and Telecommunication Engineering, Consiglio Nazionale delle Rircerche, Milan, Italy
| | - F Landreani
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - M Turcato
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Martin-Yebra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Integrative Electrocardiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - L Costantini
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale Lecce, P.O. Santa Caterina Novella, U.O. Di Cardiologia E UTIC, Lecce, Italy
| | - P Vaida
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Enrico G Caiani
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Institute of Electronics, and Information and Telecommunication Engineering, Consiglio Nazionale delle Rircerche, Milan, Italy.
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16
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Palacios S, Caiani EG, Landreani F, Martínez JP, Pueyo E. Long-Term Microgravity Exposure Increases ECG Repolarization Instability Manifested by Low-Frequency Oscillations of T-Wave Vector. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1510. [PMID: 31920714 PMCID: PMC6928004 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death during long-term space missions are a major concern for space agencies. Long-duration spaceflight and its ground-based analog head-down bed rest (HDBR) have been reported to markedly alter autonomic and cardiac functioning, particularly affecting ventricular repolarization of the electrocardiogram (ECG). In this study, novel methods are developed, departing from previously published methodologies, to quantify the index of Periodic Repolarization Dynamics (PRD), an arrhythmic risk marker that characterizes sympathetically-mediated low-frequency oscillations in the T-wave vector. PRD is evaluated in ECGs from 42 volunteers at rest and during an orthostatic tilt table test recorded before and after 60-day –6° HDBR. Our results indicate that tilt test, on top of enhancing sympathetic regulation of heart rate, notably increases PRD, both before and after HDBR, thus supporting previous evidence on PRD being an indicator of sympathetic modulation of ventricular repolarization. Importantly, long-term microgravity exposure is shown to lead to significant increases in PRD, both when evaluated at rest and, even more notably, in response to tilt test. The extent of microgravity-induced changes in PRD has been associated with arrhythmic risk in prior studies. An exercise-based, but not a nutrition-based, countermeasure is able to partially reverse microgravity-induced effects on PRD. In conclusion, long-term exposure to microgravity conditions leads to elevated low-frequency oscillations of ventricular repolarization, which are potentiated following sympathetic stimulation and are related to increased risk for repolarization instabilities and arrhythmias. Tested countermeasures are only partially effective in counteracting microgravity effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl Palacios
- BSICoS Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, IIS Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Enrico G Caiani
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Landreani
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Juan Pablo Martínez
- BSICoS Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, IIS Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Pueyo
- BSICoS Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, IIS Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Medications in Space: In Search of a Pharmacologist's Guide to the Galaxy. Pharm Res 2019; 36:148. [PMID: 31414302 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2679-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Medications have been used during space missions for more than half a century, yet our understanding of the effects of spaceflight on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is poor. The space environment induces time-dependent alterations in human physiology that include fluid shifts, cardiovascular deconditioning, bone and muscle density loss, and impaired immunity. This review presents the current knowledge on the physiological effects of spaceflight that can translate into altered drug disposition and activity and eventually to inadequate treatment. It describes findings from studies in astronauts along with mechanistic studies in animal models and in vitro systems. Future missions into deeper space and the emergence of commercial spaceflight will require a more detailed understanding of space pharmacology to optimize treatment in astronauts and space travelers.
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18
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Abstract
During spaceflight, the human cardiovascular system undergoes major changes primarily related to the effects of decreased gravitational force, or microgravity, on the human body. These changes present challenges to human adaptation and operation in space. This article reviews the knowledge gained in human experiments in the past half century of spaceflight, and summarizes our knowledge on the effects of short- and long-duration microgravity exposure on cardiovascular physiology and functioning, including fluid redistribution, autonomic reflexes, cardiac parameters, orthostatic intolerance, arrhythmias, aerobic capacity, and cardiac atrophy. This review also discusses current countermeasures for risk reduction during spaceflight, as well as future directions in cardiovascular research in space.
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19
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Hatzistergos KE, Jiang Z, Valasaki K, Takeuchi LM, Balkan W, Atluri P, Saur D, Seidler B, Tsinoremas N, DiFede DL, Hare JM. Simulated Microgravity Impairs Cardiac Autonomic Neurogenesis from Neural Crest Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:819-830. [PMID: 29336212 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity-induced alterations in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) contribute to derangements in both the mechanical and electrophysiological function of the cardiovascular system, leading to severe symptoms in humans following space travel. Because the ANS forms embryonically from neural crest (NC) progenitors, we hypothesized that microgravity can impair NC-derived cardiac structures. Accordingly, we conducted in vitro simulated microgravity experiments employing NC genetic lineage tracing in mice with cKitCreERT2/+, Isl1nLacZ, and Wnt1-Cre reporter alleles. Inducible fate mapping in adult mouse hearts and pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) demonstrated reduced cKitCreERT2/+-mediated labeling of both NC-derived cardiomyocytes and autonomic neurons (P < 0.0005 vs. controls). Whole transcriptome analysis, suggested that this effect was associated with repressed cardiac NC- and upregulated mesoderm-related gene expression profiles, coupled with abnormal bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. To separate the manifestations of simulated microgravity on NC versus mesodermal-cardiac derivatives, we conducted Isl1nLacZ lineage analyses, which indicated an approximately 3-fold expansion (P < 0.05) in mesoderm-derived Isl-1+ pacemaker sinoatrial nodal cells; and an approximately 3-fold reduction (P < 0.05) in cardiac NC-derived ANS cells, including sympathetic nerves and Isl-1+ cardiac ganglia. Finally, NC-specific fate mapping with a Wnt1-Cre reporter iPSC model of murine NC development confirmed that simulated microgravity directly impacted the in vitro development of cardiac NC progenitors and their contribution to the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the iPSC-derived myocardium. Altogether, these findings reveal an important role for gravity in the development of NCs and their postnatal derivatives, and have important therapeutic implications for human space exploration, providing insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms of microgravity-induced cardiomyopathies/channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhijie Jiang
- 2 Center for Computational Sciences, University of Miami , Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Lauro M Takeuchi
- 1 Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami , Miami, Florida
| | - Wayne Balkan
- 1 Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami , Miami, Florida
| | - Preethi Atluri
- 1 Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami , Miami, Florida
| | - Dieter Saur
- 3 Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München , München, Germany .,4 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Seidler
- 3 Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München , München, Germany .,4 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicholas Tsinoremas
- 2 Center for Computational Sciences, University of Miami , Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Darcy L DiFede
- 1 Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami , Miami, Florida
| | - Joshua M Hare
- 1 Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami , Miami, Florida
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20
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Baio J, Martinez AF, Bailey L, Hasaniya N, Pecaut MJ, Kearns-Jonker M. Spaceflight Activates Protein Kinase C Alpha Signaling and Modifies the Developmental Stage of Human Neonatal Cardiovascular Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:805-818. [PMID: 29320953 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight impacts cardiovascular function in astronauts; however, its impact on cardiac development and the stem cells that form the basis for cardiac repair is unknown. Accordingly, further research is needed to uncover the potential relevance of such changes to human health. Using simulated microgravity (SMG) generated by two-dimensional clinorotation and culture aboard the International Space Station (ISS), we assessed the effects of mechanical unloading on human neonatal cardiovascular progenitor cell (CPC) developmental properties and signaling. Following 6-7 days of SMG and 12 days of ISS culture, we analyzed changes in gene expression. Both environments induced the expression of genes that are typically associated with an earlier state of cardiovascular development. To understand the mechanism by which such changes occurred, we assessed the expression of mechanosensitive small RhoGTPases in SMG-cultured CPCs and observed decreased levels of RHOA and CDC42. Given the effect of these molecules on intracellular calcium levels, we evaluated changes in noncanonical Wnt/calcium signaling. After 6-7 days under SMG, CPCs exhibited elevated levels of WNT5A and PRKCA. Similarly, ISS-cultured CPCs exhibited elevated levels of calcium handling and signaling genes, which corresponded to protein kinase C alpha (PKCα), a calcium-dependent protein kinase, activation after 30 days. Akt was activated, whereas phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase levels were unchanged. To explore the effect of calcium induction in neonatal CPCs, we activated PKCα using hWnt5a treatment on Earth. Subsequently, early cardiovascular developmental marker levels were elevated. Transcripts induced by SMG and hWnt5a-treatment are expressed within the sinoatrial node, which may represent embryonic myocardium maintained in its primitive state. Calcium signaling is sensitive to mechanical unloading and directs CPC developmental properties. Further research both in space and on Earth may help refine the use of CPCs in stem cell-based therapies and highlight the molecular events of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Baio
- 1 Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Aida F Martinez
- 1 Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Leonard Bailey
- 2 Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Nahidh Hasaniya
- 2 Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- 3 Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Mary Kearns-Jonker
- 1 Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
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