1
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Seidler RD, Mao XW, Tays GD, Wang T, Zu Eulenburg P. Effects of spaceflight on the brain. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:826-835. [PMID: 38945144 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00224-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The number of long duration human spaceflights has increased substantially over the past 15 years, leading to the discovery of numerous effects on the CNS. Microgravity results in headward fluid shifts, ventricular expansion, an upward shift of the brain within the skull, and remodelling of grey and white matter. The fluid changes are correlated with changes to perivascular space and spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome. Microgravity alters the vestibular processing of head tilt and results in reduced tactile and proprioceptive inputs during spaceflight. Sensory adaptation is reflected in postflight effects, evident as transient sensorimotor impairment. Another major concern is that galactic cosmic radiation, which spacefarers will be exposed to when going beyond the magnetosphere around Earth, might have a negative effect on CNS function. Research with rodents points to the potential disruptive effects of space radiation on blood-brain barrier integrity and brain structures. More work is needed to understand and mitigate these effects on the CNS before humans travel to Mars, as the flight durations will be longer than anyone has previously experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Grant D Tays
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peter Zu Eulenburg
- Institute for Neuroradiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
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2
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Paladugu P, Ong J, Kumar R, Waisberg E, Zaman N, Kamran SA, Tavakkoli A, Rivolta MC, Nelson N, Yoo T, Douglas VP, Douglas K, Song A, Tso H, Lee AG. Lower body negative pressure as a research tool and countermeasure for the physiological effects of spaceflight: A comprehensive review. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 42:8-16. [PMID: 39067995 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) redistributes blood from the upper body to the lower body. LBNP may prove to be a countermeasure for the multifaceted physiological changes endured by astronauts during spaceflight related to cephalad fluid shift. Over more than five decades, beginning with the era of Skylab, advancements in LBNP technology have expanded our understanding of neurological, ophthalmological, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal adaptations in space, with particular emphasis on mitigating issues such as bone loss. To date however, no comprehensive review has been conducted that chronicles the evolution of this technology or elucidates the broad-spectrum potential of LBNP in managing the diverse physiological challenges encountered in the microgravity environment. Our study takes a chronological perspective, systematically reviewing the historical development and application of LBNP technology in relation to the various pathophysiological impacts of spaceflight. The primary objective is to illustrate how this technology, as it has evolved, offers an increasingly sophisticated lens through which to interpret the systemic effects of space travel on human physiology. We contend that the insights gained from LBNP studies can significantly aid in formulating targeted and effective countermeasures to ensure the health and safety of astronauts. Ultimately, this paper aspires to promote a more cohesive understanding of the broad applicability of LBNP as a countermeasure against multiple bodily effects of space travel, thereby contributing to a safer and more scientifically informed approach to human space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phani Paladugu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joshua Ong
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rahul Kumar
- University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Ethan Waisberg
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nasif Zaman
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Sharif Amit Kamran
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Alireza Tavakkoli
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | | | - Nicolas Nelson
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Taehwan Yoo
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Konstantinos Douglas
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Gennimatas General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Amy Song
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hanna Tso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States; The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States; Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States; University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Texas A&M College of Medicine, TX, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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3
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Rezaei S, Seyedmirzaei H, Gharepapagh E, Mohagheghfard F, Hasankhani Z, Karbasi M, Delavari S, Aarabi MH. Effect of spaceflight experience on human brain structure, microstructure, and function: systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Brain Imaging Behav 2024:10.1007/s11682-024-00894-7. [PMID: 38777951 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00894-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Spaceflight-induced brain changes have been commonly reported in astronauts. The role of microgravity in the alteration of the brain structure, microstructure, and function can be tested with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of Spaceflight studies exploring the potential role of brain alterations identified by MRI in astronauts. We conducted a search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to find neuroimaging correlates of spaceflight experience using MRI. A total of 20 studies (structural MRI n = 8, diffusion-based MRI n = 2, functional MRI n = 1, structural MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI n = 6, structural MRI and functional MRI n = 3) met our inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies showed that regardless of the MRI techniques, mission duration significantly impacts the human brain, prompting the inclusion of various brain regions as features in the analyses. After spaceflight, notable alterations were also observed in the superior occipital gyrus and the precentral gyrus which show alterations in connectivity and activation during spaceflight. The results provided highlight the alterations in brain structure after spaceflight, the unique patterns of brain remodeling, the challenges in drawing unified conclusions, and the impact of microgravity on intracranial cerebrospinal fluid volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Rezaei
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical School, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Homa Seyedmirzaei
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Gharepapagh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical School, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fateme Mohagheghfard
- Department of para Medicine, Medical School, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Hasankhani
- Department of para Medicine, Medical School, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Karbasi
- Department of radiology, Medical School, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahar Delavari
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Hadi Aarabi
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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4
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Bonanni R, Cariati I, Rinaldi AM, Marini M, D’Arcangelo G, Tarantino U, Tancredi V. Trolox and recombinant Irisin as a potential strategy to prevent neuronal damage induced by random positioning machine exposure in differentiated HT22 cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300888. [PMID: 38512830 PMCID: PMC10956770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal death could be responsible for the cognitive impairments found in astronauts exposed to spaceflight, highlighting the need to identify potential countermeasures to ensure neuronal health in microgravity conditions. Therefore, differentiated HT22 cells were exposed to simulated microgravity by random positioning machine (RPM) for 48 h, treating them with a single administration of Trolox, recombinant irisin (r-Irisin) or both. Particularly, we investigated cell viability by MTS assay, Trypan Blue staining and western blotting analysis for Akt and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), the intracellular increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorescent probe and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression, as well as the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a major neurotrophin responsible for neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Although both Trolox and r-Irisin manifested a protective effect on neuronal health, the combined treatment produced the best results, with significant improvement in all parameters examined. In conclusion, further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of such combination treatment in counteracting weightlessness-induced neuronal death, as well as to identify other potential strategies to safeguard the health of astronauts exposed to spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Cariati
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Rinaldi
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Marini
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna D’Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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5
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Jaster JH, Ong J, Ottaviani G. Visual motion hypersensitivity, from spaceflight to Parkinson's disease-as the chiasmatic cistern may be impacted by microgravity together with normal terrestrial gravity-opposition physiology in the brain. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:521-523. [PMID: 38252144 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Ong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Giulia Ottaviani
- Anatomic Pathology, Lino Rossi Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via della Commenda, 19, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Dontre AJ. Weighing the impact of microgravity on vestibular and visual functions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:51-61. [PMID: 38245348 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.12.003] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Numerous technological challenges have been overcome to realize human space exploration. As mission durations gradually lengthen, the next obstacle is a set of physical limitations. Extended exposure to microgravity poses multiple threats to various bodily systems. Two of these systems are of particular concern for the success of future space missions. The vestibular system includes the otolith organs, which are stimulated in gravity but unloaded in microgravity. This impairs perception, posture, and coordination, all of which are relevant to mission success. Similarly, vision is impaired in many space travelers due to possible intracranial pressure changes or fluid shifts in the brain. As humankind prepares for extended missions to Mars and beyond, it is imperative to compensate for these perils in prolonged weightlessness. Possible countermeasures are considered such as exercise regimens, improved nutrition, and artificial gravity achieved with a centrifuge or spacecraft rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dontre
- School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, 2020 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA; Department of Communications, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences, Franklin University, 201 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
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7
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Carpo N, Tran V, Biancotti JC, Cepeda C, Espinosa-Jeffrey A. Space Flight Enhances Stress Pathways in Human Neural Stem Cells. Biomolecules 2024; 14:65. [PMID: 38254665 PMCID: PMC10813251 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian cells have evolved to function under Earth's gravity, but how they respond to microgravity remains largely unknown. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are essential for the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) functions during development and the regeneration of all CNS cell populations. Here, we examined the behavior of space (SPC)-flown NSCs as they readapted to Earth's gravity. We found that most of these cells survived the space flight and self-renewed. Yet, some showed enhanced stress responses as well as autophagy-like behavior. To ascertain if the secretome from SPC-flown NSCs contained molecules inducing these responses, we incubated naïve, non-starved NSCs in a medium containing SPC-NSC secretome. We found a four-fold increase in stress responses. Proteomic analysis of the secretome revealed that the protein of the highest content produced by SPC-NSCs was secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), which induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, resulting in the cell's demise. These results offer novel knowledge on the response of neural cells, particularly NSCs, subjected to space microgravity. Moreover, some secreted proteins have been identified as microgravity sensing, paving a new venue for future research aiming at targeting the SPARC metabolism. Although we did not establish a direct relationship between microgravity-induced stress and SPARC as a potential marker, these results represent the first step in the identification of gravity sensing molecules as targets to be modulated and to design effective countermeasures to mitigate intracranial hypertension in astronauts using structure-based protein design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Carpo
- Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA (V.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Victoria Tran
- Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA (V.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Juan Carlos Biancotti
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA (V.T.); (C.C.)
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8
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Hearon CM, Peters K, Dias KA, Macnamara JP, Marshall JET, Campain J, Martin D, Marshal‐Goebel K, Levine BD. Assessment of venous pressure by compression sonography of the internal jugular vein during 3 days of bed rest. Exp Physiol 2023; 108:1560-1568. [PMID: 37824038 PMCID: PMC10988448 DOI: 10.1113/ep091372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Compression sonography has been proposed as a method for non-invasive measurement of venous pressures during spaceflight, but initial reports of venous pressure measured by compression ultrasound conflict with prior reports of invasively measured central venous pressure (CVP). The aim of this study is to determine the agreement of compression sonography of the internal jugular vein (IJVP) with invasive measures of CVP over a range of pressures relevant to microgravity exposure. Ten healthy volunteers (18-55 years, five female) completed two 3-day sessions of supine bed rest to simulate microgravity. IJVP and CVP were measured in the seated position, and in the supine position throughout 3 days of bed rest. The range of CVP recorded was in line with previous reports of CVP during changes in posture on Earth and in microgravity. The correlation between IJVP and CVP was poor when measured during spontaneous breathing (r = 0.29; R2 = 0.09; P = 0.0002; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 3.0 mmHg) or end-expiration CVP (CVPEE ; r = 0.19; R2 = 0.04; P = 0.121; SEE = 3.0 mmHg). There was a modest correlation between the change in CVP and the change in IJVP for both spontaneous ΔCVP (r = 0.49; R2 = 0.24; P < 0.0001) and ΔCVPEE (r = 0.58; R2 = 0.34; P < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis of IJVP revealed a large positive bias compared to spontaneous breathing CVP (3.6 mmHg; SD = 4.0; CV = 85%; P < 0.0001) and CVPEE (3.6 mmHg; SD = 4.2; CV = 84%; P < 0.0001). Assessment of absolute IJVP via compression sonography correlated poorly with direct measurements of CVP by invasive catheterization over a range of venous pressures that are physiologically relevant to spaceflight. However, compression sonography showed modest utility for tracking changes in venous pressure over time. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Compression sonography has been proposed as a novel method for non-invasive measurement of venous pressures during spaceflight. However, the accuracy has not yet been confirmed in the range of CVP experienced by astronauts during spaceflight. What is the main finding and its importance? Our data show that compression sonography of the internal jugular vein correlates poorly with direct measurement of central venous pressures in a range that is physiologically relevant to spaceflight. However, compression sonography showed modest utility for tracking changes in venous pressure over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Hearon
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTXUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Kirsten Peters
- University Medical CenterRadboud UniversityNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Katrin A. Dias
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTXUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - James P. Macnamara
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTXUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - John E. T. Marshall
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTXUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Joseph Campain
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTXUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | | | | | - Benjamin D. Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineTexas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallasTXUSA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
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9
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Schneider V, Siegel B, Allen JR. Human Health on the Moon and Beyond and the Results of the Spaceflight for Everybody Symposium. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2023; 94:634-643. [PMID: 37501302 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6138.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:In 2022, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) began launching missions to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. One key to success will be maintaining human health. In preparation for longer missions with more diverse crews, the Spaceflight for Everybody Symposium was held to review currently known human spaceflight biomedical knowledge, the future of exploration space medicine, and the ability of NASA to manage the spaceflight human health risks and enable exploration. The symposium highlighted the future of precision health/personalized medicine, the possible spaceflight health acute and lifetime illnesses, and the challenge of identifying appropriate prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and autonomous medical systems for long-duration spaceflight. The symposium was organized to look back at NASA exploration, science, and leadership successes, celebrate NASA women's leadership, and focus on future Artemis activities, including research and development that will benefit both spaceflight and terrestrial life. NASA current preparations for returning to the Moon have led to increased acknowledgment of the importance of workforce diversity, i.e., to use the best candidate in every work position, including the plan for the first woman and person of color to land on the Moon. NASA is developing plans to use commercial spaceflight research opportunities when the International Space Station is no longer available. Astronaut health decisions will consist of individualized health risk determinations and mitigation strategies and increased medical self-care. Research findings include improved exploration cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and radiation risk reduction and improved interpersonal support for both astronaut crews and mission control personnel.Schneider V, Siegel B, Allen JR. Human health on the Moon and beyond and the results of the Spaceflight for Everybody Symposium. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(8):634-643.
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Stahn AC, Bucher D, Zu Eulenburg P, Denise P, Smith N, Pagnini F, White O. Paving the way to better understand the effects of prolonged spaceflight on operational performance and its neural bases. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:59. [PMID: 37524737 PMCID: PMC10390562 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00295-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Space exploration objectives will soon move from low Earth orbit to distant destinations like Moon and Mars. The present work provides an up-to-date roadmap that identifies critical research gaps related to human behavior and performance in altered gravity and space. The roadmap summarizes (1) key neurobehavioral challenges associated with spaceflight, (2) the need to consider sex as a biological variable, (3) the use of integrative omics technologies to elucidate mechanisms underlying changes in the brain and behavior, and (4) the importance of understanding the neural representation of gravity throughout the brain and its multisensory processing. We then highlight the need for a variety of target-specific countermeasures, and a personalized administration schedule as two critical strategies for mitigating potentially adverse effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system and performance. We conclude with a summary of key priorities for the roadmaps of current and future space programs and stress the importance of new collaborative strategies across agencies and researchers for fostering an integrative cross- and transdisciplinary approach from cells, molecules to neural circuits and cognitive performance. Finally, we highlight that space research in neurocognitive science goes beyond monitoring and mitigating risks in astronauts but could also have significant benefits for the population on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Stahn
- Unit of Experimental Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Physiology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - D Bucher
- IZN-Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P Zu Eulenburg
- Institute for Neuroradiology & German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - P Denise
- Normandie Univ. UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, Caen, France
| | - N Smith
- Protective Security and Resilience Centre, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - F Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - O White
- Université de Bourgogne INSERM-U1093 Cognition, Action, and Sensorimotor Plasticity, Dijon, France.
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11
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Stern C, Yücel YH, Zu Eulenburg P, Pavy-Le Traon A, Petersen LG. Eye-brain axis in microgravity and its implications for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:56. [PMID: 37474624 PMCID: PMC10359255 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-duration human spaceflight can lead to changes in both the eye and the brain, which have been referred to as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). These changes may manifest as a constellation of symptoms, which can include optic disc edema, optic nerve sheath distension, choroidal folds, globe flattening, hyperopic shift, and cotton wool spots. Although the underpinning mechanisms for SANS are not yet known, contributors may include intracranial interstitial fluid accumulation following microgravity induced headward fluid shift. Development and validation of SANS countermeasures contribute to our understanding of etiology and accelerate new technology including exercise modalities, Lower Body Negative Pressure suits, venous thigh cuffs, and Impedance Threshold Devices. However, significant knowledge gaps remain including biomarkers, a full set of countermeasures and/or treatment regimes, and finally reliable ground based analogs to accelerate the research. This review from the European Space Agency SANS expert group summarizes past research and current knowledge on SANS, potential countermeasures, and key knowledge gaps, to further our understanding, prevention, and treatment of SANS both during human spaceflight and future extraterrestrial surface exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Stern
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany.
- ISS Operations and Astronauts Group, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency (ESA), Cologne, Germany.
| | - Yeni H Yücel
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peter Zu Eulenburg
- Institute for Neuroradiology & German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Pavy-Le Traon
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- MEDES, Institute for Space Physiology and Medicine, Toulouse, France
- UMR INSERM U1297, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), Toulouse, France
| | - Lonnie Grove Petersen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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McGregor HR, Hupfeld KE, Pasternak O, Beltran NE, De Dios YE, Bloomberg JJ, Wood SJ, Mulavara AP, Riascos RF, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Seidler RD. Impacts of spaceflight experience on human brain structure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7878. [PMID: 37291238 PMCID: PMC10250370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight induces widespread changes in human brain morphology. It is unclear if these brain changes differ with varying mission duration or spaceflight experience history (i.e., novice or experienced, number of prior missions, time between missions). Here we addressed this issue by quantifying regional voxelwise changes in brain gray matter volume, white matter microstructure, extracellular free water (FW) distribution, and ventricular volume from pre- to post-flight in a sample of 30 astronauts. We found that longer missions were associated with greater expansion of the right lateral and third ventricles, with the majority of expansion occurring during the first 6 months in space then appearing to taper off for longer missions. Longer inter-mission intervals were associated with greater expansion of the ventricles following flight; crew with less than 3 years of time to recover between successive flights showed little to no enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles. These findings demonstrate that ventricle expansion continues with spaceflight with increasing mission duration, and inter-mission intervals less than 3 years may not allow sufficient time for the ventricles to fully recover their compensatory capacity. These findings illustrate some potential plateaus in and boundaries of human brain changes with spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather R McGregor
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kathleen E Hupfeld
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Scott J Wood
- Retired, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Roy F Riascos
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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13
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Faerman A, Clark JB, Sutton JP. Neuropsychological considerations for long-duration deep spaceflight. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1146096. [PMID: 37275233 PMCID: PMC10235498 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1146096] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The deep space environment far beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) introduces multiple and simultaneous risks for the functioning and health of the central nervous system (CNS), which may impair astronauts' performance and wellbeing. As future deep space missions to Mars, moons, or asteroids will also exceed current LEO stay durations and are estimated to require up to 3 years, we review recent evidence with contemporary and historic spaceflight case studies addressing implications for long-duration missions. To highlight the need for specific further investigations, we provide neuropsychological considerations integrating cognitive and motor functions, neuroimaging, neurological biomarkers, behavior changes, and mood and affect to construct a multifactorial profile to explain performance variability, subjective experience, and potential risks. We discuss the importance of adopting a neuropsychological approach to long-duration deep spaceflight (LDDS) missions and draw specific recommendations for future research in space neuropsychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afik Faerman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan B. Clark
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jeffrey P. Sutton
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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14
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Boschert AL, Gauger P, Bach A, Gerlach D, Johannes B, Jordan J, Li Z, Elmenhorst D, Bauer A, Marshall-Goebel K, Tank J, Zange J, Rittweger J. External to internal cranial perfusion shifts during simulated weightlessness: Results from a randomized cross-over trial. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:25. [PMID: 36977696 PMCID: PMC10050182 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The exact pathophysiology of the spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) has so far not been completely elucidated. In this study we assessed the effect of acute head-down tilt position on the mean flow of the intra- and extracranial vessels. Our results suggest a shift from the external to the internal system that might play an important role in the pathomechanism of SANS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessa L Boschert
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Peter Gauger
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Bach
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Darius Gerlach
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernd Johannes
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Jordan
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Chair of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Zhili Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - David Elmenhorst
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany
| | | | - Jens Tank
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jochen Zange
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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15
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Homo sapiens—A Species Not Designed for Space Flight: Health Risks in Low Earth Orbit and Beyond, Including Potential Risks When Traveling beyond the Geomagnetic Field of Earth. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030757. [PMID: 36983912 PMCID: PMC10051707 DOI: 10.3390/life13030757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Homo sapiens and their predecessors evolved in the context of the boundary conditions of Earth, including a 1 g gravity and a geomagnetic field (GMF). These variables, plus others, led to complex organisms that evolved under a defined set of conditions and define how humans will respond to space flight, a circumstance that could not have been anticipated by evolution. Over the past ~60 years, space flight and living in low Earth orbit (LEO) have revealed that astronauts are impacted to varying degrees by such new environments. In addition, it has been noted that astronauts are quite heterogeneous in their response patterns, indicating that such variation is either silent if one remained on Earth, or the heterogeneity unknowingly contributes to disease development during aging or in response to insults. With the planned mission to deep space, humans will now be exposed to further risks from radiation when traveling beyond the influence of the GMF, as well as other potential risks that are associated with the actual loss of the GMF on the astronauts, their microbiomes, and growing food sources. Experimental studies with model systems have revealed that hypogravity conditions can influence a variety biological and physiological systems, and thus the loss of the GMF may have unanticipated consequences to astronauts’ systems, such as those that are electrical in nature (i.e., the cardiovascular system and central neural systems). As astronauts have been shown to be heterogeneous in their responses to LEO, they may require personalized countermeasures, while others may not be good candidates for deep-space missions if effective countermeasures cannot be developed for long-duration missions. This review will discuss several of the physiological and neural systems that are affected and how the emerging variables may influence astronaut health and functioning.
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16
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Saveko A, Bekreneva M, Ponomarev I, Zelenskaya I, Riabova A, Shigueva T, Kitov V, Abu Sheli N, Nosikova I, Rukavishnikov I, Sayenko D, Tomilovskaya E. Impact of different ground-based microgravity models on human sensorimotor system. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1085545. [PMID: 36875039 PMCID: PMC9974674 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1085545] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This review includes current and updated information about various ground-based microgravity models and their impact on the human sensorimotor system. All known models of microgravity are imperfect in a simulation of the physiological effects of microgravity but have their advantages and disadvantages. This review points out that understanding the role of gravity in motion control requires consideration of data from different environments and in various contexts. The compiled information can be helpful to researchers to effectively plan experiments using ground-based models of the effects of space flight, depending on the problem posed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Saveko
- Russian Federation State Scientific Center—Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Burles F, Williams R, Berger L, Pike GB, Lebel C, Iaria G. The Unresolved Methodological Challenge of Detecting Neuroplastic Changes in Astronauts. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020500. [PMID: 36836857 PMCID: PMC9966542 DOI: 10.3390/life13020500] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
After completing a spaceflight, astronauts display a salient upward shift in the position of the brain within the skull, accompanied by a redistribution of cerebrospinal fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have also reported local changes in brain volume following a spaceflight, which have been cautiously interpreted as a neuroplastic response to spaceflight. Here, we provide evidence that the grey matter volume changes seen in astronauts following spaceflight are contaminated by preprocessing errors exacerbated by the upwards shift of the brain within the skull. While it is expected that an astronaut's brain undergoes some neuroplastic adaptations during spaceflight, our findings suggest that the brain volume changes detected using standard processing pipelines for neuroimaging analyses could be contaminated by errors in identifying different tissue types (i.e., tissue segmentation). These errors may undermine the interpretation of such analyses as direct evidence of neuroplastic adaptation, and novel or alternate preprocessing or experimental paradigms are needed in order to resolve this important issue in space health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ford Burles
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Rebecca Williams
- Faculty of Health, School of Human Services, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810, Australia
| | - Lila Berger
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - G. Bruce Pike
- Department of Radiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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18
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De Martino E, Green DA, Ciampi de Andrade D, Weber T, Herssens N. Human movement in simulated hypogravity-Bridging the gap between space research and terrestrial rehabilitation. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1062349. [PMID: 36815001 PMCID: PMC9939477 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1062349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human movement is optimized to Earth's gravity and based on highly complex interactions between sensory and neuro-muscular systems. Yet, humans are able to adapt-at least partially-to extreme environments upon and beyond Earth's surface. With upcoming Lunar Gateway and Artemis missions, it is crucial to increase our understanding of the impact of hypogravity-i.e., reduced vertical loading-on physiological and sensory-motor performances to improve countermeasure programs, and define crewmember's readiness to perform mission critical tasks. Several methodologies designed to reduce vertical loading are used to simulate hypogravity on Earth, including body weight support (BWS) devices. Countering gravity and offloading the human body is also used in various rehabilitation scenarios to improve motor recovery in neurological and orthopedic impairments. Thus, BWS-devices have the potential of advancing theory and practice of both space exploration and terrestrial rehabilitation by improving our understanding of physiological and sensory-motor adaptations to reduced vertical loading and sensory input. However, lack of standardization of BWS-related research protocols and reporting hinders the exchange of key findings and new advancements in both areas. The aim of this introduction paper is to review the role of BWS in understanding human movement in simulated hypogravity and the use of BWS in terrestrial rehabilitation, and to identify relevant research areas contributing to the optimization of human spaceflight and terrestrial rehabilitation. One of the main aims of this research topic is to facilitate standardization of hypogravity-related research protocols and outcome reporting, aimed at optimizing knowledge transfer between space research and BWS-related rehabilitation sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico De Martino
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - David A. Green
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany,KBR GmbH, Cologne, Germany,Centre of Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Tobias Weber
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany,KBR GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nolan Herssens
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany,*Correspondence: Nolan Herssens ✉
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19
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Gupta U, Baig S, Majid A, Bell SM. The neurology of space flight; How does space flight effect the human nervous system? LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 36:105-115. [PMID: 36682819 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND HYPOTHESIS Advancements in technology, human adaptability, and funding have increased space exploration and in turn commercial spaceflight. Corporations such as Space X and Blue Origin are exploring methods to make space tourism possible. This could lead to an increase in the number of patients presenting with neurological diseases associated with spaceflight. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of spaceflight stressors is required to manage neurological disease in high-risk individuals. OBJECTIVES This review aims to describe the neurological effects of spaceflight and to assess countermeasures such as pre-flight prophylaxis, training, and possible therapeutics to reduce long-term effects. METHODOLOGY A literature search was performed for experimental studies conducted in astronauts and in animal models that simulated the space environment. Many studies, however, only discussed these with scientific reasoning and did not include any experimental methods. Relevant studies were identified through searching research databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. No inclusion or exclusion criteria were used. FINDINGS Analysis of these studies provided a holistic understanding of the acute and chronic neurological changes that occur during space flight. Astronauts are exposed to hazards that include microgravity, cosmic radiation, hypercapnia, isolation, confinement and disrupted circadian rhythms. Microgravity, the absence of a gravitational force, is linked to disturbances in the vestibular system, intracranial and intraocular pressures. Furthermore, microgravity affects near field vision as part of the spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. Exposure to cosmic radiation can increase the risk of neurodegenerative conditions and malignancies. It is estimated that cosmic radiation has significantly higher ionising capabilities than the ionising radiation used in medicine. Space travel also has potential benefits to the nervous system, including psychological development and effects on learning and memory. Future work needs to focus on how we can compare a current astronaut to a future space tourist. Potentially the physiological and psychological stresses of space flight might lead to neurological complications in future space travellers that do not have the physiological reserve of current astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udit Gupta
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield and S10 2HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sheharyar Baig
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield and S10 2HQ, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neurology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Arshad Majid
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield and S10 2HQ, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neurology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Simon M Bell
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield and S10 2HQ, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neurology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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20
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Jillings S, Pechenkova E, Tomilovskaya E, Rukavishnikov I, Jeurissen B, Van Ombergen A, Nosikova I, Rumshiskaya A, Litvinova L, Annen J, De Laet C, Schoenmaekers C, Sijbers J, Petrovichev V, Sunaert S, Parizel PM, Sinitsyn V, Eulenburg PZ, Laureys S, Demertzi A, Wuyts FL. Prolonged microgravity induces reversible and persistent changes on human cerebral connectivity. Commun Biol 2023; 6:46. [PMID: 36639420 PMCID: PMC9839680 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04382-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The prospect of continued manned space missions warrants an in-depth understanding of how prolonged microgravity affects the human brain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can pinpoint changes reflecting adaptive neuroplasticity across time. We acquired resting-state fMRI data of cosmonauts before, shortly after, and eight months after spaceflight as a follow-up to assess global connectivity changes over time. Our results show persisting connectivity decreases in posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus and persisting increases in the right angular gyrus. Connectivity in the bilateral insular cortex decreased after spaceflight, which reversed at follow-up. No significant connectivity changes across eight months were found in a matched control group. Overall, we show that altered gravitational environments influence functional connectivity longitudinally in multimodal brain hubs, reflecting adaptations to unfamiliar and conflicting sensory input in microgravity. These results provide insights into brain functional modifications occurring during spaceflight, and their further development when back on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jillings
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ekaterina Pechenkova
- grid.410682.90000 0004 0578 2005Laboratory for Cognitive Research, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124SSC RF—Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Rukavishnikov
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124SSC RF—Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ben Jeurissen
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angelique Van Ombergen
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Department of Translational Neuroscience—ENT, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Inna Nosikova
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124SSC RF—Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alena Rumshiskaya
- grid.415738.c0000 0000 9216 2496Radiology Department, National Medical Research Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liudmila Litvinova
- grid.415738.c0000 0000 9216 2496Radiology Department, National Medical Research Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jitka Annen
- grid.411374.40000 0000 8607 6858Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, GIGA Institute, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Chloë De Laet
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Catho Schoenmaekers
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Sijbers
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Victor Petrovichev
- grid.415738.c0000 0000 9216 2496Radiology Department, National Medical Research Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stefan Sunaert
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Imaging & Pathology, Translational MRI, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul M. Parizel
- grid.416195.e0000 0004 0453 3875Department of Radiology, Royal Perth Hospital and University of Western Australia Medical School, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Valentin Sinitsyn
- grid.14476.300000 0001 2342 9668Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter zu Eulenburg
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute for Neuroradiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steven Laureys
- grid.411374.40000 0000 8607 6858Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, GIGA Institute, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Joint International Research Unit on Consciousness, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec, QC Canada ,grid.410595.c0000 0001 2230 9154International Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Athena Demertzi
- grid.4861.b0000 0001 0805 7253Physiology of Cognition, GIGA-CRC In Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium ,grid.4861.b0000 0001 0805 7253Department of Psychology, Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Floris L. Wuyts
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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21
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Coelho L, Muotri AR. Cortical brain organoid as a model to study microgravity exposure. Artif Organs 2023; 47:5-7. [PMID: 36586137 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Coelho
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, Archealization Center (ArchC), La Jolla, California, USA
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22
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Krittanawong C, Singh NK, Scheuring RA, Urquieta E, Bershad EM, Macaulay TR, Kaplin S, Dunn C, Kry SF, Russomano T, Shepanek M, Stowe RP, Kirkpatrick AW, Broderick TJ, Sibonga JD, Lee AG, Crucian BE. Human Health during Space Travel: State-of-the-Art Review. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010040. [PMID: 36611835 PMCID: PMC9818606 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.g., Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) have already started the process of preparing for long-distance, long-duration space exploration and currently plan to explore inner solar planets (e.g., Mars) by the 2030s. With the emergence of space tourism, space travel has materialized as a potential new, exciting frontier of business, hospitality, medicine, and technology in the coming years. However, current evidence regarding human health in space is very limited, particularly pertaining to short-term and long-term space travel. This review synthesizes developments across the continuum of space health including prior studies and unpublished data from NASA related to each individual organ system, and medical screening prior to space travel. We categorized the extraterrestrial environment into exogenous (e.g., space radiation and microgravity) and endogenous processes (e.g., alteration of humans' natural circadian rhythm and mental health due to confinement, isolation, immobilization, and lack of social interaction) and their various effects on human health. The aim of this review is to explore the potential health challenges associated with space travel and how they may be overcome in order to enable new paradigms for space health, as well as the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence based (AI) technology to propel future space health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Department of Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric M. Bershad
- Department of Neurology, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Scott Kaplin
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carly Dunn
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen F. Kry
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Marc Shepanek
- Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer, NASA, Washington, DC 20546, USA
| | | | - Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Jean D. Sibonga
- Division of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Andrew G. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Texas A and M College of Medicine, College Station, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Brian E. Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center, Human Health and Performance Directorate, Houston, TX 77058, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
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23
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Peng M, Curry SM, Liu Y, Lohawala H, Sharma G, Sharma TP. The ex vivo human translaminar autonomous system to study spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome pathogenesis. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:44. [PMID: 36307487 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) is a significant unexplained adverse reaction to long-duration spaceflight. We employ an ex vivo translaminar autonomous system (TAS) to recreate a human ocular ground-based spaceflight analogue model to study SANS pathogenesis. To recapitulate the human SANS conditions, human ocular posterior segments are cultured in the TAS model for 14 days. Translaminar pressure differentials are generated by simulating various flow rates within intracranial pressure (ICP) and intraocular (IOP) chambers to maintain hydrostatic pressures of ICP: IOP (12:16, 15:16, 12:21, 21:16 mmHg). In addition, optic nerves are mechanically kinked by 6- and 10-degree tilt inserts for the ICP: IOP;15:16 mmHg pressure paradigm. The TAS model successfully maintains various pressure differentials for all experimental groups over 14 days. Post culture, we determine inflammatory and extracellular component expression changes within posterior segments. To further characterize the SANS pathogenesis, axonal transport capacity, optic nerve degeneration and retinal functional are measured. Identifiable pathogenic alterations are observed in posterior segments by morphologic, apoptotic, and inflammatory changes including transport and functional deficits under various simulated SANS conditions. Here we report our TAS model provides a unique preclinical application system to mimic SANS pathology and a viable therapeutic testing device for countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Peng
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Stacy M Curry
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | | | - Gaurav Sharma
- Software Engineer Consultant, Indianapolis, IN, 46074, USA
| | - Tasneem P Sharma
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Exploring space is one of the most attractive goals that humanity ever set, notwithstanding, there are some psychological and psychopathological risks that should be considered. Several studies identified some possible hazards of space travels and related physical and psychological consequences on astronauts. If some psychological reactions are obviously inherent to the characteristics of the spaceships (habitability, confinement, psychological, and interpersonal relationships), other (disturbances of sleep-wake cycle, personality changes, depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosomatic symptoms, neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function, and sensory perception) represent a clear warning of possible central nervous system (CNS) alterations, possibly due to microgravity and cosmic radiation. Such conditions and eventual CNS changes might compromise the success of missions and the ability to cope with unexpected events and may lead to individual and long-term impairments. Therefore, further studies are needed, perhaps, requiring the birth of a novel branch of psychology/psychiatry that should not only consider the risks related to space exploration, but the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent them.
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25
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McMackin P, Adam J, Griffin S, Hirsa A. Amyloidogenesis via interfacial shear in a containerless biochemical reactor aboard the International Space Station. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:41. [PMID: 36127358 PMCID: PMC9489778 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluid interfaces significantly influence the dynamics of protein solutions, effects that can be isolated by performing experiments in microgravity, greatly reducing the amount of solid boundaries present, allowing air-liquid interfaces to become dominant. This investigation examined the effects of protein concentration on interfacial shear-induced fibrillization of insulin in microgravity within a containerless biochemical reactor, the ring-sheared drop (RSD), aboard the international space station (ISS). Human insulin was used as a model amyloidogenic protein for studying protein kinetics with applications to in situ pharmaceutical production, tissue engineering, and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, infectious prions, and type 2 diabetes. Experiments investigated three main stages of amyloidogenesis: nucleation studied by seeding native solutions with fibril aggregates, fibrillization quantified using intrinsic fibrillization rate after fitting measured solution intensity to a sigmoidal function, and gelation observed by detection of solidification fronts. Results demonstrated that in surface-dominated amyloidogenic protein solutions: seeding with fibrils induces fibrillization of native protein, intrinsic fibrillization rate is independent of concentration, and that there is a minimum fibril concentration for gelation with gelation rate and rapidity of onset increasing monotonically with increasing protein concentration. These findings matched well with results of previous studies within ground-based analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McMackin
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Joe Adam
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Shannon Griffin
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Amir Hirsa
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA. .,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.
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26
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Jasien JV, Laurie SS, Lee SMC, Martin DS, Kemp DT, Ebert DJ, Ploutz-Snyder R, Marshall-Goebel K, Alferova IV, Sargsyan A, Danielson RW, Hargens AR, Dulchavsky SA, Stenger MB, Macias BR. Noninvasive indicators of intracranial pressure before, during, and after long-duration spaceflight. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:721-731. [PMID: 35861522 PMCID: PMC9484990 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00625.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness induces a cephalad shift of blood and cerebrospinal fluid that may increase intracranial pressure (ICP) during spaceflight, whereas lower body negative pressure (LBNP) may provide an opportunity to caudally redistribute fluids and lower ICP. To investigate the effects of spaceflight and LBNP on noninvasive indicators of ICP (nICP), we studied 13 crewmembers before and after spaceflight in seated, supine, and 15° head-down tilt postures, and at ∼45 and ∼150 days of spaceflight with and without 25 mmHg LBNP. We used four techniques to quantify nICP: cerebral and cochlear fluid pressure (CCFP), otoacoustic emissions (OAE), ultrasound measures of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), and ultrasound-based internal jugular vein pressure (IJVp). On flight day 45, two nICP measures were lower than preflight supine posture [CCFP: mean difference -98.5 -nL (CI: -190.8 to -6.1 -nL), P = 0.037]; [OAE: -19.7° (CI: -10.4° to -29.1°), P < 0.001], but not significantly different from preflight seated measures. Conversely, ONSD was not different than any preflight posture, whereas IJVp was significantly greater than preflight seated measures [14.3 mmHg (CI: 10.1 to 18.5 mmHg), P < 0.001], but not significantly different than preflight supine measures. During spaceflight, acute LBNP application did not cause a significant change in nICP indicators. These data suggest that during spaceflight, nICP is not elevated above values observed in the seated posture on Earth. Invasive measures would be needed to provide absolute ICP values and more precise indications of ICP change during various phases of spaceflight.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study provides new evidence that intracranial pressure (ICP), as assessed with noninvasive measures, may not be elevated during long-duration spaceflight. In addition, the acute use of lower body negative pressure did not significantly reduce indicators of ICP during weightlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David T Kemp
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Irina V Alferova
- Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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27
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Marfia G, Navone SE, Guarnaccia L, Campanella R, Locatelli M, Miozzo M, Perelli P, Della Morte G, Catamo L, Tondo P, Campanella C, Lucertini M, Ciniglio Appiani G, Landolfi A, Garzia E. Space flight and central nervous system: Friends or enemies? Challenges and opportunities for neuroscience and neuro-oncology. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1649-1663. [PMID: 35678198 PMCID: PMC9544848 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25066] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Space environment provides many challenges to pilots, astronauts, and space scientists, which are constantly subjected to unique conditions, including microgravity, radiations, hypoxic condition, absence of the day and night cycle, etc. These stressful stimuli have the potential to affect many human physiological systems, triggering physical and biological adaptive changes to re‐establish the homeostatic state. A particular concern regards the risks for the effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system (CNS), as several lines of evidence reported a great impact on neuroplasticity, cognitive functions, neurovestibular system, short‐term memory, cephalic fluid shift, reduction in motor function, and psychological disturbances, especially during long‐term missions. Aside these potential detrimental effects, the other side of the coin reflects the potential benefit of applicating space‐related conditions on Earth‐based life sciences, as cancer research. Here, we focused on examining the effect of real and simulated microgravity on CNS functions, both in humans and in cellular models, browsing the different techniques to experience or mime microgravity on‐ground. Increasing evidence demonstrate that cancer cells, and brain cancer cells in particular, are negatively affected by microgravity, in terms of alteration in cell morphology, proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, representing an advancing novel side of space‐based investigations. Overall, deeper understandings about the mechanisms by which space environment influences CNS and tumor biology may be promisingly translated into many clinical fields, ranging from aerospace medicine to neuroscience and oncology, representing an enormous pool of knowledge for the implementation of countermeasures and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marfia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Elena Navone
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Guarnaccia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rolando Campanella
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Locatelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical-Surgical Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Perelli
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Della Morte
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Catamo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Tondo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Campanella
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emanuele Garzia
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
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28
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Seidler RD, Stern C, Basner M, Stahn AC, Wuyts FL, zu Eulenburg P. Future research directions to identify risks and mitigation strategies for neurostructural, ocular, and behavioral changes induced by human spaceflight: A NASA-ESA expert group consensus report. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:876789. [PMID: 35991346 PMCID: PMC9387435 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.876789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A team of experts on the effects of the spaceflight environment on the brain and eye (SANS: Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome) was convened by NASA and ESA to (1) review spaceflight-associated structural and functional changes of the human brain and eye, and any interactions between the two; and (2) identify critical future research directions in this area to help characterize the risk and identify possible countermeasures and strategies to mitigate the spaceflight-induced brain and eye alterations. The experts identified 14 critical future research directions that would substantially advance our knowledge of the effects of spending prolonged periods of time in the spaceflight environment on SANS, as well as brain structure and function. They used a paired comparison approach to rank the relative importance of these 14 recommendations, which are discussed in detail in the main report and are summarized briefly below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael D. Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Claudia Stern
- Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR) and ISS Operations and Astronauts Group, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency (ESA), Cologne, Germany
- *Correspondence: Claudia Stern,
| | - Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander C. Stahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Floris L. Wuyts
- Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace (LEIA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter zu Eulenburg
- German Vertigo and Balance Center, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
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29
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Space neuroscience: current understanding and future research. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:4649-4654. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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30
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Arshad I, Ferrè ER. Express: Cognition in Zero Gravity: Effects of Non-Terrestrial Gravity on Human Behaviour. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2022; 76:979-994. [PMID: 35786100 PMCID: PMC10119906 DOI: 10.1177/17470218221113935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As humanity prepares for deep space exploration, understanding the impact of spaceflight on bodily physiology is critical. While the effects of non-terrestrial gravity on the body are well established, little is known about its impact on human behaviour and cognition. Astronauts often describe dramatic alterations in sensorimotor functioning, including orientation, postural control and balance. Changes in cognitive functioning as well as in socio-affective processing have also been observed. Here we have reviewed the key literature and explored the impact of non-terrestrial gravity across three key functional domains: sensorimotor, cognition, and socio-affective processing. We have proposed a neuroanatomical model to account for the effects of non-terrestrial gravity in these domains. Understanding the impact of non-terrestrial gravity on human behaviour has never been more timely and it will help mitigate against risks in both commercial and non-commercial spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Arshad
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK 3162
| | - Elisa Raffaella Ferrè
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK 3162
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31
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Barisano G, Lynch KM, Sibilia F, Lan H, Shih NC, Sepehrband F, Choupan J. Imaging perivascular space structure and function using brain MRI. Neuroimage 2022; 257:119329. [PMID: 35609770 PMCID: PMC9233116 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, we provide an overview of current neuroimaging methods for studying perivascular spaces (PVS) in humans using brain MRI. In recent years, an increasing number of studies highlighted the role of PVS in cerebrospinal/interstial fluid circulation and clearance of cerebral waste products and their association with neurological diseases. Novel strategies and techniques have been introduced to improve the quantification of PVS and to investigate their function and morphological features in physiological and pathological conditions. After a brief introduction on the anatomy and physiology of PVS, we examine the latest technological developments to quantitatively analyze the structure and function of PVS in humans with MRI. We describe the applications, advantages, and limitations of these methods, providing guidance and suggestions on the acquisition protocols and analysis techniques that can be applied to study PVS in vivo. Finally, we review the human neuroimaging studies on PVS across the normative lifespan and in the context of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Barisano
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA..
| | - Kirsten M Lynch
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Francesca Sibilia
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Haoyou Lan
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nien-Chu Shih
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Farshid Sepehrband
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jeiran Choupan
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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32
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Hupfeld KE, Richmond SB, McGregor HR, Schwartz DL, Luther MN, Beltran NE, Kofman IS, De Dios YE, Riascos RF, Wood SJ, Bloomberg JJ, Mulavara AP, Silbert LC, Iliff JJ, Seidler RD, Piantino J. Longitudinal MRI-visible perivascular space (PVS) changes with long-duration spaceflight. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7238. [PMID: 35513698 PMCID: PMC9072425 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to extreme environmental stressors during spaceflight and return with alterations in brain structure and shifts in intracranial fluids. To date, no studies have evaluated the effects of spaceflight on perivascular spaces (PVSs) within the brain, which are believed to facilitate fluid drainage and brain homeostasis. Here, we examined how the number and morphology of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible PVSs are affected by spaceflight, including prior spaceflight experience. Fifteen astronauts underwent six T1-weighted 3 T MRI scans, twice prior to launch and four times following their return to Earth after ~ 6-month missions to the International Space Station. White matter MRI-visible PVS number and morphology were calculated using an established, automated segmentation algorithm. We validated our automated segmentation algorithm by comparing algorithm PVS counts with those identified by two trained raters in 50 randomly selected slices from this cohort; the automated algorithm performed similarly to visual ratings (r(48) = 0.77, p < 0.001). In addition, we found high reliability for four of five PVS metrics across the two pre-flight time points and across the four control time points (ICC(3,k) > 0.50). Among the astronaut cohort, we found that novice astronauts showed an increase in total PVS volume from pre- to post-flight, whereas experienced crewmembers did not (p = 0.020), suggesting that experienced astronauts may exhibit holdover effects from prior spaceflight(s). Greater pre-flight PVS load was associated with more prior flight experience (r = 0.60-0.71), though these relationships did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Pre- to post-flight changes in ventricular volume were not significantly associated with changes in PVS characteristics, and the presence of spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) was not associated with PVS number or morphology. Together, these findings demonstrate that PVSs can be consistently identified on T1-weighted MRI scans, and that spaceflight is associated with PVS changes. Specifically, prior spaceflight experience may be an important factor in determining PVS characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E. Hupfeld
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Sutton B. Richmond
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Heather R. McGregor
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Daniel L. Schwartz
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Layton-NIA Oregon Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA ,grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Madison N. Luther
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines St., CDRC-P, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | | | | | | | - Roy F. Riascos
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Scott J. Wood
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jacob J. Bloomberg
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX USA
| | | | - Lisa C. Silbert
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Layton-NIA Oregon Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA ,grid.484322.bNeurology, Veteran’s Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Iliff
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA ,grid.413919.70000 0004 0420 6540VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Rachael D. Seidler
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Juan Piantino
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines St., CDRC-P, Portland, OR 97239 USA
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33
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The effect of prolonged spaceflight on cerebrospinal fluid and perivascular spaces of astronauts and cosmonauts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120439119. [PMID: 35412862 PMCID: PMC9169932 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120439119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-duration spaceflight induces changes to the brain and cerebrospinal fluid compartments and visual acuity problems known as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). The clinical relevance of these changes and whether they equally affect crews of different space agencies remain unknown. We used MRI to analyze the alterations occurring in the perivascular spaces (PVS) in NASA and European Space Agency astronauts and Roscosmos cosmonauts after a 6-mo spaceflight on the International Space Station (ISS). We found increased volume of basal ganglia PVS and white matter PVS (WM-PVS) after spaceflight, which was more prominent in the NASA crew than the Roscosmos crew. Moreover, both crews demonstrated a similar degree of lateral ventricle enlargement and decreased subarachnoid space at the vertex, which was correlated with WM-PVS enlargement. As all crews experienced the same environment aboard the ISS, the differences in WM-PVS enlargement may have been due to, among other factors, differences in the use of countermeasures and high-resistive exercise regimes, which can influence brain fluid redistribution. Moreover, NASA astronauts who developed SANS had greater pre- and postflight WM-PVS volumes than those unaffected. These results provide evidence for a potential link between WM-PVS fluid and SANS.
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34
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Zuidema TR, Huibregtse ME, Kawata K. Blood Biomarkers May Have Found a New Frontier in Spaceflight. JAMA Neurol 2022; 79:632. [PMID: 35435924 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.0670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor R Zuidema
- Program in Neuroscience, The College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington
| | - Megan E Huibregtse
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington
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35
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Zubkov M. Editorial for "Cerebrovascular Effects of Lower Body Negative Pressure at 3T MRI: Implications for Long-Duration Space Travel". J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 56:882-883. [PMID: 35261116 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Zubkov
- School of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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36
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Doroshin A, Jillings S, Jeurissen B, Tomilovskaya E, Pechenkova E, Nosikova I, Rumshiskaya A, Litvinova L, Rukavishnikov I, De Laet C, Schoenmaekers C, Sijbers J, Laureys S, Petrovichev V, Van Ombergen A, Annen J, Sunaert S, Parizel PM, Sinitsyn V, zu Eulenburg P, Osipowicz K, Wuyts FL. Brain Connectometry Changes in Space Travelers After Long-Duration Spaceflight. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:815838. [PMID: 35250494 PMCID: PMC8894205 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.815838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans undergo extreme physiological changes when subjected to long periods of weightlessness, and as we continue to become a space-faring species, it is imperative that we fully understand the physiological changes that occur in the human body, including the brain. In this study, we present findings of brain structural changes associated with long-duration spaceflight based on diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data. Twelve cosmonauts who spent an average of six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were scanned in an MRI scanner pre-flight, ten days after flight, and at a follow-up time point seven months after flight. We performed differential tractography, a technique that confines white matter fiber tracking to voxels showing microstructural changes. We found significant microstructural changes in several large white matter tracts, such as the corpus callosum, arcuate fasciculus, corticospinal, corticostriatal, and cerebellar tracts. This is the first paper to use fiber tractography to investigate which specific tracts exhibit structural changes after long-duration spaceflight and may direct future research to investigate brain functional and behavioral changes associated with these white matter pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Doroshin
- Drexel University Neuroimaging Laboratory (DUN), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Steven Jillings
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ben Jeurissen
- Imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation – Institute for Biomedical Problem, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Inna Nosikova
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation – Institute for Biomedical Problem, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alena Rumshiskaya
- Radiology Department, National Medical Research Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liudmila Litvinova
- Radiology Department, National Medical Research Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Rukavishnikov
- State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation – Institute for Biomedical Problem, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Chloë De Laet
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Catho Schoenmaekers
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Sijbers
- Imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Victor Petrovichev
- Radiology Department, National Medical Research Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelique Van Ombergen
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Translational Neurosciences-ENT, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jitka Annen
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stefan Sunaert
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Translational MRI, KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul M. Parizel
- Department of Radiology, Royal Perth Hospital, University of Western Australia Medical School, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Valentin Sinitsyn
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter zu Eulenburg
- Institute for Neuroradiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karol Osipowicz
- Drexel University Neuroimaging Laboratory (DUN), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Floris L. Wuyts
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Floris L. Wuyts,
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37
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McGregor HR, Hupfeld KE, Pasternak O, Wood SJ, Mulavara AP, Bloomberg JJ, Hague TN, Seidler RD. Case Report: No Evidence of Intracranial Fluid Shifts in an Astronaut Following an Aborted Launch. Front Neurol 2021; 12:774805. [PMID: 34956056 PMCID: PMC8695608 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.774805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight induces lasting enlargement of the brain's ventricles as well as intracranial fluid shifts. These intracranial fluid shifts have been attributed to prolonged microgravity exposure, however, the potential effects of hypergravity exposure during launch and landing have yet to be elucidated. Here we describe a case report of a Crewmember who experienced an Aborted Launch ("CAL"). CAL's launch and landing experience was dissociated from prolonged microgravity exposure. Using MRI, we show that hypergravity exposure during the aborted launch did not induce lasting ventricular enlargement or intracranial fluid shifts resembling those previously reported with spaceflight. This case study therefore rules out hypergravity during launch and landing as a contributing factor to previously reported long-lasting intracranial fluid changes following spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather R. McGregor
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Kathleen E. Hupfeld
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Department of Psychiatry and Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Scott J. Wood
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | | | | | - Rachael D. Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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38
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Marshall-Goebel K, Kramer LA, Macias BR. The Importance of the Intracranial Compartment in the Development of Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome-Reply. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 140:99-100. [PMID: 34817558 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.4863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Larry A Kramer
- McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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39
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Taibbi G, Young M, Vyas RJ, Murray MC, Lim S, Predovic M, Jacobs NM, Askin KN, Mason SS, Zanello SB, Vizzeri G, Theriot CA, Parsons-Wingerter P. Opposite response of blood vessels in the retina to 6° head-down tilt and long-duration microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:38. [PMID: 34650071 PMCID: PMC8516890 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00165-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), associated with the headward fluid shifts incurred in microgravity during long-duration missions, remains a high-priority health and performance risk for human space exploration. To help characterize the pathophysiology of SANS, NASA's VESsel GENeration Analysis (VESGEN) software was used to map and quantify vascular adaptations in the retina before and after 70 days of bed rest at 6-degree Head-Down Tilt (HDT), a well-studied microgravity analog. Results were compared to the retinal vascular response of astronauts following 6-month missions to the International Space Station (ISS). By mixed effects modeling, the trends of vascular response were opposite. Vascular density decreased significantly in the 16 retinas of eight astronauts and in contrast, increased slightly in the ten retinas of five subjects after HDT (although with limited significance). The one astronaut retina diagnosed with SANS displayed the greatest vascular loss. Results suggest that microgravity is a major variable in the retinal mediation of fluid shifts that is not reproduced in this HDT bed rest model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Taibbi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Ruchi J Vyas
- Mori Associates, Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Matthew C Murray
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biology Division, Space Technology Mission Directorate, Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Shiyin Lim
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biology Division, Space Technology Mission Directorate, Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Marina Predovic
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biology Division, Space Technology Mission Directorate, Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Nicole M Jacobs
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biology Division, Space Technology Mission Directorate, Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Kayleigh N Askin
- National Space Biomedical Research Institute, Ames Research Center, NASA, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Gianmarco Vizzeri
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Corey A Theriot
- KBR, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Patricia Parsons-Wingerter
- Low Gravity Exploration Technology, Research and Engineering Directorate, John Glenn Research Center, NASA, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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40
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Arone A, Ivaldi T, Loganovsky K, Palermo S, Parra E, Flamini W, Marazziti D. The Burden of Space Exploration on the Mental Health of Astronauts: A Narrative Review. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:237-246. [PMID: 34984067 PMCID: PMC8696290 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Space travel, a topic of global interest, has always been a fascinating matter, as its potential appears to be infinite. The development of advanced technologies has made it possible to achieve objectives previously considered dreams and to widen more and more the limits that the human species can overcome. The dangers that astronauts may face are not minimal, and the impacts on physical and mental health may be significant. Specifically, symptoms of emotional dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, disruption of sleep-wake rhythms, visual phenomena and significant changes in body weight, along with morphological brain changes, are some of the most frequently reported occurrences during space missions. Given the renewed interest and investment on space explorations, the aim of this paper was thus to summarize the evidence of the currently available literature, and to offer an overview of the factors that might impair the psychological well-being and mental health of astronauts. To achieve the goal of this paper, the authors accessed some of the main databases of scientific literature and collected evidence from articles that successfully fulfilled the purpose of this work. The results of this review demonstrated how the psychological and psychiatric problems occurring during space missions are manifold and related to a multiplicity of variables, thus requiring further attention from the scientific community as new challenges lie ahead, and prevention of mental health of space travelers should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tea Ivaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Konstantin Loganovsky
- Department of Radiation Psychoneurology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, State Institution “National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Parra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Walter Flamini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Medical and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
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41
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McGregor HR, Lee JK, Mulder ER, De Dios YE, Beltran NE, Kofman IS, Bloomberg JJ, Mulavara AP, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Seidler RD. Ophthalmic changes in a spaceflight analog are associated with brain functional reorganization. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:4281-4297. [PMID: 34105833 PMCID: PMC8357001 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Following long-duration spaceflight, some astronauts exhibit ophthalmic structural changes referred to as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). Optic disc edema is a common sign of SANS. The origin and effects of SANS are not understood as signs of SANS have not manifested in previous spaceflight analog studies. In the current spaceflight analog study, 11 subjects underwent 30 days of strict head down-tilt bed rest in elevated ambient carbon dioxide (HDBR+CO2 ). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we acquired resting-state fMRI data at 6 time points: before (2), during (2), and after (2) the HDBR+CO2 intervention. Five participants developed optic disc edema during the intervention (SANS subgroup) and 6 did not (NoSANS group). This occurrence allowed us to explore whether development of signs of SANS during the spaceflight analog impacted resting-state functional connectivity during HDBR+CO2 . In light of previous work identifying genetic and biochemical predictors of SANS, we further assessed whether the SANS and NoSANS subgroups exhibited differential patterns of resting-state functional connectivity prior to the HDBR+CO2 intervention. We found that the SANS and NoSANS subgroups exhibited distinct patterns of resting-state functional connectivity changes during HDBR+CO2 within visual and vestibular-related brain networks. The SANS and NoSANS subgroups also exhibited different resting-state functional connectivity prior to HDBR+CO2 within a visual cortical network and within a large-scale network of brain areas involved in multisensory integration. We further present associations between functional connectivity within the identified networks and previously identified genetic and biochemical predictors of SANS. Subgroup differences in resting-state functional connectivity changes may reflect differential patterns of visual and vestibular reweighting as optic disc edema develops during the spaceflight analog. This finding suggests that SANS impacts not only neuro-ocular structures, but also functional brain organization. Future prospective investigations incorporating sensory assessments are required to determine the functional significance of the observed connectivity differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather R. McGregor
- Department of Applied Physiology and KinesiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Jessica K. Lee
- Department of Applied Physiology and KinesiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace CenterCologneGermany
| | - Edwin R. Mulder
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace CenterCologneGermany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachael D. Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and KinesiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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42
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Arbeille P, Zuj KA, Macias BR, Ebert DJ, Laurie SS, Sargsyan AE, Martin DS, Lee SMC, Dulchavsky SA, Stenger MB, Hargens AR. Lower body negative pressure reduces jugular and portal vein volumes and counteracts the elevation of middle cerebral vein velocity during long-duration spaceflight. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 131:1080-1087. [PMID: 34323592 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00231.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cephalad fluid shifts in space have been hypothesized to cause the spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) by increasing the intracranial-ocular translaminal pressure gradient. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) can be used to shift upper-body blood and other fluids toward the legs during spaceflight. We hypothesized that microgravity would increase jugular vein volume (JVvol), portal vein cross-sectional area (PV), and intracranial venous blood velocity (MCV) and that LBNP application would return these variables toward preflight levels. Data were collected from 14 subjects (11 males) before and during long-duration International Space Station (ISS) spaceflights. Ultrasound measures of JVvol, PV, and MCV were acquired while seated and supine before flight and early during spaceflight at day 45 (FD45) and late at day 150 (FD150) with and without LBNP. JVvol increased from preflight supine and seated postures (46 ± 48% and 646 ± 595% on FD45 and 43 ± 43% and 702 ± 631% on FD150, P < 0.05), MCV increased from preflight supine (44 ± 31% on FD45 and 115 ± 116% on FD150, P < 0.05), and PV increased from preflight supine and seated (51 ± 56% on FD45 and 100 ± 74% on FD150, P < 0.05). Inflight LBNP of -25 mmHg restored JVvol and MCV to preflight supine level and PV to preflight seated level. Elevated JVvol confirms the sustained neck-head blood engorgement inflight, whereas increased PV area supports the fluid shift at the splanchnic level. Also, MCV increased potentially due to reduced lumen diameter. LBNP, returning variables to preflight levels, may be an effective countermeasure.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Microgravity-induced fluid shifts markedly enlarge jugular and portal veins and increase cerebral vein velocity. These findings demonstrate a marked flow engorgement at neck and splanchnic levels and may suggest compression of the cerebral veins by the brain tissue in space. LBNP (-25 mmHg for 30 min) returns these changes to preflight levels and, thus, reduces the associated flow and tissue disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Arbeille
- UMPS-CERCOM, University School of Medicine, Tours, France
| | - K A Zuj
- UMPS-CERCOM, University School of Medicine, Tours, France
| | - B R Macias
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - A R Hargens
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, California
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43
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Zhang M, Wang Z, Wang C, Wu Y, Li Z, Liu Z. Visualizing Oxidative Stress Level for Timely Assessment of Ischemic Stroke via a Ratiometric Near-Infrared-II Luminescent Nanoprobe. ACS NANO 2021; 15:11940-11952. [PMID: 34165280 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS) characterized with high morbidity and mortality rates is considered as one of the most dangerous brain diseases. The timely assessment of IS is crucial for making a clinical decision due to the severity of IS featured with time-dependence. Herein, we develop a highly reactive oxygen species (HROS)-responsive ratiometric near-infrared-II (NIR-II) nanoprobe based on a dye-sensitized system between IR-783 dye and lanthanide-doped nanoparticles. Once intravenously injected into the mice, the probe is rapidly accumulated at a lesion site by recognizing the activated endothelial cell or impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the ischemic area and further responds to HROS, thereby allowing in vivo imaging of the oxidative stress level. The probe is not only able to discriminate the salvageable ischemic tissue from infarcted stroke core by visualizing the enriched degree of the probe at the lesion site but also can grade the salvageable ischemic tissue by analyzing the oxidative stress level. In addition, the ischemia area was clearly delineated by NIR-II luminescence imaging after cerebral ischemia for 30 min, which is significantly earlier than with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method, thereby providing a practical tool for the timely assessing of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zijun Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zhen Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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44
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Marshall-Goebel K, Macias BR, Kramer LA, Hasan KM, Ferguson C, Patel N, Ploutz-Snyder RJ, Lee SMC, Ebert D, Sargsyan A, Dulchavsky S, Hargens AR, Stenger MB, Laurie S. Association of Structural Changes in the Brain and Retina After Long-Duration Spaceflight. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 139:781-784. [PMID: 34014272 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Importance Long-duration spaceflight induces structural changes in the brain and eye. Identification of an association between cerebral and ocular changes could help determine if there are common or independent causes and inform targeted prevention strategies or treatments. Objective To determine if there is an association between quantitative changes in intracranial compartment volumes and peripapillary total retinal thickness after spaceflight. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included healthy International Space Station crew members before and immediately after long-duration spaceflight. Data on race were not collected. Analysis was conducted from September to November 2020. Exposures Long-duration spaceflight (mean [SD], 191 [55] days). Main Outcomes and Measures Optical coherence tomography-derived peripapillary total retinal thickness as a quantitative assessment and early sign of optic disc edema and magnetic resonance imaging-derived measures of lateral ventricle volume, white matter volume, and whole brain plus cerebrospinal fluid volume. Results In 19 healthy crew members included in this study (5 women [26.3%], 14 men [73.7%]; mean [SD] age, 45.2 [6.4] years), analyses revealed a positive, although not definitive, association between spaceflight-induced changes in total retinal thickness and lateral ventricle volume (4.7-μm increase in postflight total retinal thickness [95% CI, -1.5 to 10.8 μm; P = .13] per 1-mL postflight increase in lateral ventricle volume). Adjustments for mission duration improved the strength of association (5.1 μm; 95% CI, -0.4 to 10.5 μm; P = .07). No associations were detected between spaceflight-induced changes in total retinal thickness and white matter volume (0.02 μm; 95% CI, -0.5 to 0.5 μm; P = .94) or brain tissue plus cerebrospinal fluid volume, an estimate of intracranial volume (0.02 μm; 95% CI, -0.6 to 0.6 μm; P = .95). Conclusions and Relevance These results help characterize spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome and the physiologic associations of headward fluid shifts with outcomes during spaceflight on the central nervous system. The possibly weak association between increased total retinal thickness and lateral ventricle volume suggest that while weightlessness-induced fluid redistribution during spaceflight may be a common stressor to the brain and retina, the development of optic disc edema appears to be uncoupled with changes occurring in the intracranial compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Larry A Kramer
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston
| | - Khader M Hasan
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston
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45
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Gao Y, Han H, Du J, He Q, Jia Y, Yan J, Dai H, Cui B, Yang J, Wei X, Yang L, Wang R, Long R, Ren Q, Yang X, Lu J. Early changes to the extracellular space in the hippocampus under simulated microgravity conditions. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 65:604-617. [PMID: 34185240 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-1932-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The smooth transportation of substances through the brain extracellular space (ECS) is crucial to maintaining brain function; however, the way this occurs under simulated microgravity remains unclear. In this study, tracer-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DECS-mapping techniques were used to image the drainage of brain interstitial fluid (ISF) from the ECS of the hippocampus in a tail-suspended hindlimb-unloading rat model at day 3 (HU-3) and 7 (HU-7). The results indicated that drainage of the ISF was accelerated in the HU-3 group but slowed markedly in the HU-7 group. The tortuosity of the ECS decreased in the HU-3 group but increased in the HU-7 group, while the volume fraction of the ECS increased in both groups. The diffusion rate within the ECS increased in the HU-3 group and decreased in the HU-7 group. The alterations to ISF drainage and diffusion in the ECS were recoverable in the HU-3 group, but neither parameter was restored in the HU-7 group. Our findings suggest that early changes to the hippocampal ECS and ISF drainage under simulated microgravity can be detected by tracer-based MRI, providing a new perspective for studying microgravity-induced nano-scale structure abnormities and developing neuroprotective approaches involving the brain ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Gao
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongbin Han
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jichen Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace Clinical College, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Qingyuan He
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yanxing Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Dai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Bin Cui
- Department of Radiology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace Clinical College, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace Clinical College, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xunbin Wei
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ren Long
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qiushi Ren
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiabin Lu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
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46
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Basner M, Stahn AC, Nasrini J, Dinges DF, Moore TM, Gur RC, Mühl C, Macias BR, Laurie SS. Effects of head-down tilt bed rest plus elevated CO 2 on cognitive performance. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:1235-1246. [PMID: 33630672 PMCID: PMC8262780 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00865.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity and elevated CO2 levels are two important environmental spaceflight stressors that can adversely affect astronaut cognitive performance and jeopardize mission success. This study investigated the effects of 6° head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR) with (n = 11 participants, 30-day HDBR) and without (n = 8 participants, 60-day HDBR) elevated ambient (3.73 mmHg) CO2 concentrations on cognitive performance. Participants of both groups performed all 10 tests of NASA's Cognition battery and a brief alertness and mood survey repeatedly before, during, and after the HDBR period. Test scores were adjusted for practice and stimulus set effects. Concentrating on the first 30 days of HDBR, a modest but statistically significant slowing across a range of cognitive domains was found in both groups (controls: -0.37 SD; 95% CI -0.48, -0.27; adjusted P < 0.0001; CO2: -0.25 SD; 95% CI -0.34, -0.16; adjusted P < 0.001), most prominently for sensorimotor speed. These changes were observed early during HDBR and did not further deteriorate or improve with increasing time in HDBR. The study found similar cognitive effects of HDBR irrespective of CO2 levels, suggesting that elevated CO2 neither ameliorated nor worsened the HDBR effects. In both groups, cognitive performance after 15 days of recovery was statistically indistinguishable from pre-HDBR performance. However, subjects undergoing 60 days of HDBR rated themselves as feeling more sleepy, tired, physically exhausted, stressed, and unhealthy during recovery compared to their 30-day counterparts.NEW AND NOTEWORTHY This study investigated the effects of prolonged head-down tilt bed rest with and without elevated (3.73 mmHg) levels of ambient CO2 on cognitive performance across a range of cognitive domains and is one of the few studies investigating combined effects of environmental stressors prevalent in spaceflight. The study showed moderate declines in cognitive speed induced by head-down tilt bed rest and suggests that exposure to elevated levels of ambient CO2 did not modify this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Basner
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander C Stahn
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jad Nasrini
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David F Dinges
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tyler M Moore
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christian Mühl
- Department of Sleep and Human Factors Research, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
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47
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Basner M, Dinges DF, Howard K, Moore TM, Gur RC, Mühl C, Stahn AC. Continuous and Intermittent Artificial Gravity as a Countermeasure to the Cognitive Effects of 60 Days of Head-Down Tilt Bed Rest. Front Physiol 2021; 12:643854. [PMID: 33815148 PMCID: PMC8009974 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.643854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental and psychological stressors can adversely affect astronaut cognitive performance in space. This study used a 6° head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR) paradigm to simulate some of the physiologic changes induced by microgravity. Twenty-four participants (mean ± SD age 33.3 ± 9.2 years, N = 16 men) spent 60 consecutive days in strict HDBR. They were studied in three groups of eight subjects each. One group served as Control, whereas the other two groups received either a continuous or intermittent artificial gravity (AG) countermeasure of 30 min centrifugation daily (1 g acceleration at the center of mass and 2 g at the feet). Participants performed all 10 tests of NASA’s Cognition battery and a brief alertness and mood survey repeatedly before, during, and after the HDBR period. Test scores were adjusted for practice and stimulus set difficulty effects. A modest but statistically significant slowing across a range of cognitive domains was found in all three groups during HDBR compared to baseline, most consistently for sensorimotor speed, whereas accuracy was unaffected. These changes were observed early during HDBR and did not further worsen or improve with increasing time in HDBR, except for emotion recognition performance. With increasing time spent in HDBR, participants required longer time to decide which facial emotion was expressed. They were also more likely to select categories with negative valence over categories with neutral or positive valence. Except for workload, which was rated lower in the Control group, continuous or intermittent AG did not modify the effect of HDBR on cognitive performance or subjective responses. Participants expressed several negative survey responses during HDBR relative to baseline, and some of the responses further deteriorated during recovery, which highlights the importance of adequate medical and psychological support during extended duration HDBR studies. In conclusion, 60 days of HDBR were associated with moderate cognitive slowing and changes in emotion recognition performance, but these effects were not mitigated by either continuous or intermittent exposure to AG for 30 min daily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Basner
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David F Dinges
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kia Howard
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tyler M Moore
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Christian Mühl
- Department of Sleep and Human Factors Research, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander C Stahn
- Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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48
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Yang J, Liang R, Wang L, Zheng C, Xiao X, Ming D. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Improves the Gait Disorders of Rats Under Simulated Microgravity Conditions Associated With the Regulation of Motor Cortex. Front Physiol 2021; 12:587515. [PMID: 33613305 PMCID: PMC7890125 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.587515] [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: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, it has been proved that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves dyskinesia induced by conditions such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson diseases and cerebral ischemia. However, it is still unknown whether it can be used as a countermeasure for gait disorders in astronauts during space flight. In this study, we evaluated the effects of rTMS on the rat gait function under simulated microgravity (SM) conditions. The SM procedure continued for consecutive 21 days in male Wistar rats. Meanwhile, the high-frequency rTMS (10 Hz) was applied for 14 days from the eighth day of SM procedure. The behavioral results showed that SM could cause gait disorders such as decreased walking ability and contralateral limb imbalance in rats, which could be reversed by rTMS. Furthermore, rTMS affected the neural oscillations of motor cortex, enhancing in δ (2–4 Hz) band, suppressing in θ (4–7 Hz), and α (7–12 Hz) bands. Additionally, rTMS could activate mTOR in the motor cortex. These data suggests that the improvement effects of rTMS on gait disorders in rats under SM conditions might be associated with its regulation on neural oscillations in the cerebral motor cortex and the expression of some motor-related proteins which may enhance the control of nervous system on muscle function. Based on our results, rTMS can be used as an potential effective supplement in the field of clinical and rehabilitation research to reduce gait disorders caused by the space environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Yang
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Liang
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenguang Zheng
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Ming
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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49
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Roy-O'Reilly M, Mulavara A, Williams T. A review of alterations to the brain during spaceflight and the potential relevance to crew in long-duration space exploration. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:5. [PMID: 33594073 PMCID: PMC7887220 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During spaceflight, the central nervous system (CNS) is exposed to a complex array of environmental stressors. However, the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the CNS and the resulting impact to crew health and operational performance remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding spaceflight-associated changes to the brain as measured by magnetic resonance imaging, particularly as they relate to mission duration. Numerous studies have reported macrostructural changes to the brain after spaceflight, including alterations in brain position, tissue volumes and cerebrospinal fluid distribution and dynamics. Changes in brain tissue microstructure and connectivity were also described, involving regions related to vestibular, cerebellar, visual, motor, somatosensory and cognitive function. Several alterations were also associated with exposure to analogs of spaceflight, providing evidence that brain changes likely result from cumulative exposure to multiple independent environmental stressors. Whereas several studies noted that changes to the brain become more pronounced with increasing mission duration, it remains unclear if these changes represent compensatory phenomena or maladaptive dysregulations. Future work is needed to understand how spaceflight-associated changes to the brain affect crew health and performance, with the goal of developing comprehensive monitoring and countermeasure strategies for future long-duration space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan Roy-O'Reilly
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | | | - Thomas Williams
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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50
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Roberts DR, Collins HR, Lee JK, Taylor JA, Turner M, Zaharchuk G, Wintermark M, Antonucci MU, Mulder ER, Gerlach DA, Asemani D, McGregor HR, Seidler RD. Altered cerebral perfusion in response to chronic mild hypercapnia and head-down tilt Bed rest as an analog for Spaceflight. Neuroradiology 2021; 63:1271-1281. [PMID: 33587162 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Following prolonged stays on the International Space Station (ISS), some astronauts exhibit visual acuity changes, ophthalmological findings, and mildly elevated intracranial pressures as part of a novel process called spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). To determine the pathophysiology of SANS, NASA conducted a multi-investigator study in which 11 healthy participants underwent head-down tilt bed rest, mimicking microgravity-induced cephalad fluid shifts, combined with elevated ambient CO2 levels similar to those on the ISS (HDT+CO2). As part of that study, we examined the effects of HDT+CO2 on cerebral perfusion. METHODS Using arterial spin labeling, we compared cerebral perfusion before, during, and after HDT+CO2 in participants who developed SANS (n = 5) with those who did not (n = 6). RESULTS All participants demonstrated a decrease in perfusion during HDT+CO2 (mean decrease of 25.1% at HDT7 and 16.2% at HDT29); however, the timing and degree of change varied between the groups. At day 7 of HDT+CO2, the SANS group experienced a greater reduction in perfusion than the non-SANS group (p =.05, 95% CI:-0.19 to 16.11, d=.94, large effect). Conversely, by day 29 of HDT+CO2, the SANS group had significantly higher perfusion (approaching their baseline) than the non-SANS group (p = .04, 95% CI:0.33 to 13.07, d=1.01, large effect). CONCLUSION Compared with baseline and recovery, HDT+CO2 resulted in reduced cerebral perfusion which varied based on SANS status. Further studies are needed to unravel the relative role of HDT vs hypercapnia, to determine if these perfusion changes are clinically relevant, and whether perfusion changes contribute to the development of SANS during spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna R Roberts
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Heather R Collins
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jessica K Lee
- German Aerospace Center (DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine), Cologne, Germany.,Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - James A Taylor
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Matthew Turner
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Greg Zaharchuk
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael U Antonucci
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Edwin R Mulder
- German Aerospace Center (DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine), Cologne, Germany
| | - Darius A Gerlach
- German Aerospace Center (DLR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine), Cologne, Germany
| | - Davud Asemani
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Heather R McGregor
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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