1
|
Horeau M, Navasiolava N, Van Ombergen A, Custaud MA, Robin A, Ropert M, Antunes I, Bareille MP, Billette De Villemeur R, Gauquelin-Koch G, Derbré F, Loréal O. Dry immersion rapidly disturbs iron metabolism in men and women: results from the VIVALDI studies. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:68. [PMID: 38879550 PMCID: PMC11180090 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Iron is essential for cell respiration, muscle metabolism, and oxygen transport. Recent research has shown that simulated microgravity rapidly affects iron metabolism in men. However, its impact on women remains unclear. This study aims to compare iron metabolism alterations in both sexes exposed to 5 days of dry immersion. Our findings demonstrate that women, similarly to men, experience increased systemic iron availability and elevated serum hepcidin levels, indicative of iron misdistribution after short-term exposure to simulated microgravity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Horeau
- INSERM, University of Rennes, INRAE, UMR 1241, AEM2 Platform, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer (NuMeCan) institute, Rennes, France
- Laboratory "Movement Sport and Health Sciences" EA7470, University of Rennes/ENS Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Nastassia Navasiolava
- Univ Angers, CRC, CHU Angers, Inserm, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CARME, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | | | - Marc-Antoine Custaud
- Univ Angers, CRC, CHU Angers, Inserm, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CARME, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Adrien Robin
- Univ Angers, CRC, CHU Angers, Inserm, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CARME, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Martine Ropert
- INSERM, University of Rennes, INRAE, UMR 1241, AEM2 Platform, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer (NuMeCan) institute, Rennes, France
| | - Inês Antunes
- Telespazio Belgium S.R.L. for the European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Frédéric Derbré
- Laboratory "Movement Sport and Health Sciences" EA7470, University of Rennes/ENS Rennes, Rennes, France.
| | - Olivier Loréal
- INSERM, University of Rennes, INRAE, UMR 1241, AEM2 Platform, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer (NuMeCan) institute, Rennes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dubé S, Santaguida M, Anctil D, Giaccari L, Lapierre J. The Case for Space Sexology. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:165-176. [PMID: 34878963 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.2012639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Space poses significant challenges for human intimacy and sexuality. Life in space habitats during long-term travel, exploration, or settlement may: detrimentally impact the sexual and reproductive functions of astronauts, restrict privacy and access to intimate partners, impose hygiene protocols and abstinence policies, and heighten risks of interpersonal conflicts and sexual violence. Together, this may jeopardize the health and well-being of space inhabitants, crew performance, and mission success. Yet, little attention has been given to the sexological issues of human life in space. This situation is untenable considering our upcoming space missions and expansion. It is time for space organizations to embrace a new discipline, space sexology: the scientific study of extraterrestrial intimacy and sexuality. To make this case, we draw attention to the lack of research on space intimacy and sexuality; discuss the risks and benefits of extraterrestrial eroticism; and propose an initial biopsychosocial framework to envision a broad, collaborative scientific agenda on space sexology. We also underline key anticipated challenges faced by this innovative field and suggest paths to solutions. We conclude that space programs and exploration require a new perspective - one that holistically addresses the intimate and sexual needs of humans - in our pursuit of a spacefaring civilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Dubé
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University
| | | | - D Anctil
- Department of Philosophy, Jean-de-Brébeuf College
- International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology, Laval University
| | - L Giaccari
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University
| | - J Lapierre
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Laval University
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Puscas M, Martineau G, Bhella G, Bonnen PE, Carr P, Lim R, Mitchell J, Osmond M, Urquieta E, Flamenbaum J, Iaria G, Joly Y, Richer É, Saary J, Saint-Jacques D, Buckley N, Low-Decarie E. Rare diseases and space health: optimizing synergies from scientific questions to care. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:58. [PMID: 36550172 PMCID: PMC9780351 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00224-5] [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: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge transfer among research disciplines can lead to substantial research progress. At first glance, astronaut health and rare diseases may be seen as having little common ground for such an exchange. However, deleterious health conditions linked to human space exploration may well be considered as a narrow sub-category of rare diseases. Here, we compare and contrast research and healthcare in the contexts of rare diseases and space health and identify common barriers and avenues of improvement. The prevalent genetic basis of most rare disorders contrasts sharply with the occupational considerations required to sustain human health in space. Nevertheless small sample sizes and large knowledge gaps in natural history are examples of the parallel challenges for research and clinical care in the context of both rare diseases and space health. The two areas also face the simultaneous challenges of evidence scarcity and the pressure to deliver therapeutic solutions, mandating expeditious translation of research knowledge into clinical care. Sharing best practices between these fields, including increasing participant involvement in all stages of research and ethical sharing of standardized data, has the potential to contribute to humankind's efforts to explore ever further into space while caring for people on Earth in a more inclusive fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Puscas
- Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine Canadian Space Agency, Government of Canada, Longueil, Canada
- The School of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Martineau
- Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine Canadian Space Agency, Government of Canada, Longueil, Canada
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), Kaneohe, HI, USA
| | - Gurjot Bhella
- Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine Canadian Space Agency, Government of Canada, Longueil, Canada
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Penelope E Bonnen
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Phil Carr
- The Strategic Review Group Inc., Ottawa, Canada
| | - Robyn Lim
- Legislative and Regulatory Modernization, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John Mitchell
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Biochemical Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital-McGill University, Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Matthew Osmond
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) and Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jaime Flamenbaum
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Ethics Office, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Yann Joly
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Étienne Richer
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Genetics, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Joan Saary
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Saint-Jacques
- Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine Canadian Space Agency, Government of Canada, Longueil, Canada
- Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine Canadian Space Agency, Government of Canada, Longueil, Canada
| | - Nicole Buckley
- Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine Canadian Space Agency, Government of Canada, Longueil, Canada.
- Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, Holland.
| | - Etienne Low-Decarie
- Astronauts, Life Sciences and Space Medicine Canadian Space Agency, Government of Canada, Longueil, Canada.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Government of Canada, Montreal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vinken M. Hepatology in space: Effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on the liver. Liver Int 2022; 42:2599-2606. [PMID: 36183343 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity as experienced during spaceflight affects a number of physiological processes in various organs. However, effects on the liver have yet been poorly documented. Nevertheless, the liver is a metabolically highly active organ involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and xenobiotic biotransformation. The present paper provides an overview of the effects of microgravity on the liver observed in experimental animals during actual spaceflight and upon simulation of microgravity on Earth. These include (i) induction of liver injury and inflammation associated with apoptosis and oxidative stress, (ii) changes in liver carbohydrate metabolism resulting in the onset of a diabetogenic phenotype, (iii) modifications in hepatic lipid metabolism leading to early non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and (iv) alterations of the hepatic xenobiotic biotransformation machinery. Although most of these observations remain to be fully validated in humans, appropriate measures to counteract liver pathogenesis should be considered, especially in view of long-term space missions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Horeau M, Ropert M, Mulder E, Tank J, Frings-Meuthen P, Armbrecht G, Loréal O, Derbré F. Iron Metabolism Regulation in Females and Males Exposed to Simulated Microgravity: results from the Randomized Trial AGBRESA. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1430-1440. [PMID: 36026525 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron metabolism imbalance could contribute to physical deconditioning experienced by astronauts due to its essential role in energy metabolism, cellular respiration, and oxygen transport. OBJECTIVES In this clinical exploratory study, we wanted to determine whether artificial gravity (AG) training modulated iron metabolism, red blood cell indices, and body lean mass in male and female healthy participants exposed to head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest, the reference ground-based model of microgravity. METHODS We recruited 8 female and 16 male healthy participants who were all exposed to HDT bed rest for 60 days. In addition, they were assigned to three experimental groups (n = 8/each): controls, continuous AG training in a short-arm centrifuge (1×30 min/day), and intermittent AG training (6 × 5 min/day). RESULTS The iron metabolism responses to simulated microgravity of AG training groups do not significantly differ from the responses of controls. Independently from AG, we found that both serum iron (+31.3%, P = 0.027) and transferrin saturation levels (+28.4%, P = 0.009) increased in males after 6 days of HDT bed rest, as well as serum hepcidin levels (+36.9% P = 0.005). The increase of transferrin saturation levels persisted after 57 days of HDT bed rest (+13.5%, P = 0.026), suggesting that long-term exposure to microgravity sustainably increases serum iron availability in males, and consequently the risk of iron excess or misdistribution. In females, 6 and 57 days of HDT bed rest did not significantly change serum iron, transferrin saturation, and hepcidin levels. CONCLUSIONS The data from this exploratory study suggest that 1) AG training does not influence the iron metabolism responses to microgravity; 2) iron metabolism parameters, especially iron availability for cells, are significantly increased in males, but not in females, exposed to long-term simulated microgravity. Due to the small sample size of females, we nevertheless must be cautious before concluding that iron metabolism could differently respond to microgravity in females. Clinical trial registry number: DRKS00015677.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Horeau
- Laboratory "Movement Sport and Health Sciences" EA7470, University of Rennes/ENS Rennes, France.,INSERM, University of Rennes, INRAE, UMR 1241, AEM2 platform, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer (NuMeCan) institute, Rennes, France
| | - Martine Ropert
- INSERM, University of Rennes, INRAE, UMR 1241, AEM2 platform, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer (NuMeCan) institute, Rennes, France.,Department of Biochemistry, CHU Rennes, France
| | - Edwin Mulder
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Tank
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Frings-Meuthen
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Gabriele Armbrecht
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Radiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olivier Loréal
- INSERM, University of Rennes, INRAE, UMR 1241, AEM2 platform, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer (NuMeCan) institute, Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Derbré
- Laboratory "Movement Sport and Health Sciences" EA7470, University of Rennes/ENS Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fu J, Goldsmith M, Crooks SD, Condon SF, Morris M, Komarova SV. Bone health in spacefaring rodents and primates: systematic review and meta-analysis. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:19. [PMID: 34075059 PMCID: PMC8169759 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00147-7] [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: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals in space exploration studies serve both as a model for human physiology and as a means to understand the physiological effects of microgravity. To quantify the microgravity-induced changes to bone health in animals, we systematically searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, BIOSIS, and NASA Technical reports. We selected 40 papers focusing on the bone health of 95 rats, 61 mice, and 9 rhesus monkeys from 22 space missions. The percentage difference from ground control in rodents was -24.1% [Confidence interval: -43.4, -4.9] for trabecular bone volume fraction and -5.9% [-8.0, -3.8] for the cortical area. In primates, trabecular bone volume fraction was lower by -25.2% [-35.6, -14.7] in spaceflight animals compared to GC. Bone formation indices in rodent trabecular and cortical bone were significantly lower in microgravity. In contrast, osteoclast numbers were not affected in rats and were variably affected in mice. Thus, microgravity induces bone deficits in rodents and primates likely through the suppression of bone formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyan Fu
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada, Montréal, Canada
| | - Matthew Goldsmith
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada, Montréal, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Sean F Condon
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada, Montréal, Canada
| | - Martin Morris
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Svetlana V Komarova
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada, Montréal, Canada.
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|