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Rosa-Caldwell ME, Mortreux M, Wadhwa A, Kaiser UB, Sung DM, Bouxsein ML, Rutkove SB. Sex differences in muscle health in simulated micro- and partial-gravity environments in rats. SPORTS MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2023; 5:319-328. [PMID: 38314043 PMCID: PMC10831389 DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle size and strength are important for overall health for astronauts. However, how male and female muscle may respond differently to micro- and partial-gravity environments is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine how biological sex and sex steroid hormones influence the progression of muscle atrophy after long term exposure to micro and partial gravity environments in male and female rats. Male and female Fisher rats (n = 120) underwent either castration/ovariectomy or sham surgeries. After two weeks recovery, animals were divided into microgravity (0g), partial-gravity (40% of weight bearing, 0.4g), or full weight bearing (1g) interventions for 28 days. Measurements of muscle size and strength were evaluated prior to and after interventions. At 0g, females lost more dorsiflexion strength, plantar flexion strength, and other metrics of muscle size compared to males; castration/ovariectomy did not influence these differences. Additionally, at 0.4g, females lost more dorsiflexion strength, plantar flexion strength, and other metrics of muscle strength compared to males; castration/ovariectomy did not influence these differences. Females have greater musculoskeletal aberrations during exposure to both microgravity and partial-gravity environments; these differences are not dependent on the presence of sex steroid hormones. Correspondingly, additional interventions may be necessary to mitigate musculoskeletal loss in female astronauts to protect occupational and overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Rosa-Caldwell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Anna Wadhwa
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ursula B. Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Womenʼs Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Dong-Min Sung
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mary L. Bouxsein
- Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Seward B. Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Rosa-Caldwell ME, Mortreux M, Wadhwa A, Kaiser UB, Sung DM, Bouxsein ML, Rutkove SB. Influence of gonadectomy on muscle health in micro- and partial-gravity environments in rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:1438-1449. [PMID: 37102698 PMCID: PMC10228673 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00023.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadal hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol, modulate muscle size and strength in males and females. However, the influence of sex hormones on muscle strength in micro- and partial-gravity environments (e.g., the Moon or Mars) is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of gonadectomy (castration/ovariectomy) on progression of muscle atrophy in both micro- and partial-gravity environments in male and female rats. Male and female Fischer rats (n = 120) underwent castration/ovariectomy (CAST/OVX) or sham surgery (SHAM) at 11 wk of age. After 2 wk of recovery, rats were exposed to hindlimb unloading (0 g), partial weight bearing at 40% of normal loading (0.4 g, Martian gravity), or normal loading (1.0 g) for 28 days. In males, CAST did not exacerbate body weight loss or other metrics of musculoskeletal health. In females, OVX animals tended to have greater body weight loss and greater gastrocnemius loss. Within 7 days of exposure to either microgravity or partial gravity, females had detectable changes to estrous cycle, with greater time spent in low-estradiol phases diestrus and metestrus (∼47% in 1 g vs. 58% in 0 g and 72% in 0.4 g animals, P = 0.005). We conclude that in males testosterone deficiency at the initiation of unloading has little effect on the trajectory of muscle loss. In females, initial low estradiol status may result in greater musculoskeletal losses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We find that removal of gonadal hormones does not exacerbate muscle loss in males or females during exposure to either simulated microgravity or partial-gravity environments. However, simulated micro- and partial gravity did affect females' estrous cycles, with more time spent in low-estrogen phases. Our findings provide important data on the influence of gonadal hormones on the trajectory of muscle loss during unloading and will help inform NASA for future crewed missions to space and other planets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Rosa-Caldwell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Anna Wadhwa
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dong-Min Sung
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mary L Bouxsein
- Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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3
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Zhang S, Adachi T, Zhang S, Yoshida Y, Takahashi A. A new type of simulated partial gravity apparatus for rats based on a pully-spring system. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:965656. [PMID: 36120559 PMCID: PMC9472129 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.965656] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The return to the Moon and the landing on Mars has emphasized the need for greater attention to the effects of partial gravity on human health. Here, we sought to devise a new type of simulated partial gravity apparatus that could more efficiently and accurately provide a partial gravity environment for rat hindlimbs. The new apparatus uses a pulley system and tail suspension to create the simulated partial gravity of the rat’s hind limbs by varying the weight in a balance container attached to the pulley system. An experiment was designed to verify the reliability and stability of the new apparatus. In this experiment, 25 seven-week-old male Wistar Hannover rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5 per group): hindlimb full weight-bearing control (1G), sham (1G), and the simulated gravity groups including Mars (3/8G), Moon (1/6G), and interplanetary space (microgravity: µG). The levels of partial gravity experienced by rat hindlimbs in the Mars and Moon groups were provided by a novel simulated partial gravity device. Changes in bone parameters [overall bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular BMD, cortical BMD, cortical bone thickness, minimum moment of area (MMA), and polar moment of area (PMA)] were evaluated using computed tomography in all rats at the proximal, middle, and distal regions of femur and tibia. Reduced gravity led to decreases in bone parameters (overall BMD, trabecular BMD, cortical BMD, MMA, and PMA) in the simulated gravity groups, mainly in distal femur and proximal tibia. The proximal tibia, MMA, and PMA findings indicated greater weakness in the µG group than in the Mars group. The sham group design also excluded the decrease in lower limb bone parameters caused by the suspension attachment of the rat’s tail. The new simulated partial gravity apparatus can provide a continuous and stable level of partial gravity. It offers a reliable and valuable model for studying the effects of extraterrestrial gravity environments on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenke Zhang
- Graduate School of Medicine Medical Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takuya Adachi
- Graduate School of Medicine Medical Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Shengli Zhang
- Graduate School of Medicine Medical Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Japan
- *Correspondence: Akihisa Takahashi,
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Swain P, Mortreux M, Laws JM, Kyriacou H, De Martino E, Winnard A, Caplan N. Skeletal muscle deconditioning during partial weight-bearing in rodents - A systematic review and meta-analysis. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 34:68-86. [PMID: 35940691 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Space agencies are planning to send humans back to the Lunar surface, in preparation for crewed exploration of Mars. However, the effect of hypogravity on human skeletal muscle is largely unknown. A recently established rodent partial weight-bearing model has been employed to mimic various levels of hypogravity loading and may provide valuable insights to better understanding how human muscle might respond to this environment. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review regarding the effects of partial weight-bearing on the morphology and function of rodent skeletal muscle. Five online databases were searched with the following inclusion criteria: population (rodents), intervention (partial weight-bearing for ≥1 week), control (full weight-bearing), outcome(s) (skeletal muscle morphology/function), and study design (animal intervention). Of the 2,993 studies identified, eight were included. Partial weight-bearing at 20%, 40%, and 70% of full loading caused rapid deconditioning of skeletal muscle morphology and function within the first one to two weeks of exposure. Calf circumference, hindlimb wet muscle mass, myofiber cross-sectional area, front/rear paw grip force, and nerve-stimulated plantarflexion force were reduced typically by medium to very large effects. Higher levels of partial weight-bearing often attenuated deconditioning but failed to entirely prevent it. Species and sex mediated the deconditioning response. Risk of bias was low/unclear for most studies. These findings suggest that there is insufficient stimulus to mitigate muscular deconditioning in hypogravity settings highlighting the need to develop countermeasures for maintaining astronaut/cosmonaut muscular health on the Moon and Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Swain
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jonathan M Laws
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Kyriacou
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico De Martino
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Winnard
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Caplan
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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Buettmann EG, Goldscheitter GM, Hoppock GA, Friedman MA, Suva LJ, Donahue HJ. Similarities Between Disuse and Age-Induced Bone Loss. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:1417-1434. [PMID: 35773785 PMCID: PMC9378610 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Disuse and aging are known risk factors associated with low bone mass and quality deterioration, resulting in increased fracture risk. Indeed, current and emerging evidence implicate a large number of shared skeletal manifestations between disuse and aging scenarios. This review provides a detailed overview of current preclinical models of musculoskeletal disuse and the clinical scenarios they seek to recapitulate. We also explore and summarize the major similarities between bone loss after extreme disuse and advanced aging at multiple length scales, including at the organ/tissue, cellular, and molecular level. Specifically, shared structural and material alterations of bone loss are presented between disuse and aging, including preferential loss of bone at cancellous sites, cortical thinning, and loss of bone strength due to enhanced fragility. At the cellular level bone loss is accompanied, during disuse and aging, by increased bone resorption, decreased formation, and enhanced adipogenesis due to altered gap junction intercellular communication, WNT/β-catenin and RANKL/OPG signaling. Major differences between extreme short-term disuse and aging are discussed, including anatomical specificity, differences in bone turnover rates, periosteal modeling, and the influence of subject sex and genetic variability. The examination also identifies potential shared mechanisms underlying bone loss in aging and disuse that warrant further study such as collagen cross-linking, advanced glycation end products/receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling, cellular senescence, and altered lacunar-canalicular connectivity (mechanosensation). Understanding the shared structural alterations, changes in bone cell function, and molecular mechanisms common to both extreme disuse and aging are paramount to discovering therapies to combat both age-related and disuse-induced osteoporosis. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan G Buettmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Galen M Goldscheitter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gabriel A Hoppock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Michael A Friedman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Larry J Suva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Henry J Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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6
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Swain P, Mortreux M, Laws JM, Kyriacou H, De Martino E, Winnard A, Caplan N. Bone deconditioning during partial weight-bearing in rodents - A systematic review and meta-analysis. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 34:87-103. [PMID: 35940692 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Space agencies are preparing to send humans to the Moon (16% Earth's gravity) and Mars (38% Earth's gravity), however, there is limited evidence regarding the effects of hypogravity on the skeletal system. A novel rodent partial weight-bearing (PWB) model may provide insight into how human bone responds to hypogravity. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review investigating the effect of PWB on the structure and function of rodent bone. Five online databases were searched with the following inclusion criteria: population (rodents), intervention (PWB for ≥1-week), control (full weight-bearing), outcomes (bone structure/function), and study design (animal intervention). Of the 2,993 studies identified, eight were included. The main findings were that partial weight-bearing exposure for 21-28 days at 20%, 40%, and 70% of full loading causes: (1) loss of bone mineral density, (2) loss of trabecular bone volume, thickness, number, and increased separation, (3) loss of cortical area and thickness, and 4) reduced bone stiffness and strength. These findings predominately relate the tibia/femur of young/mature female mice, however, their deconditioning response appeared similar, but not identical, to male rats. A dose-response trend was frequently observed between the magnitude of deconditioning and PWB level. The deconditioning patterns in PWB resembled those in rodents and humans exposed to microgravity and microgravity analogs. The present findings suggest that countermeasures against bone deconditioning may be required for humans exploring the Lunar and Martian surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Swain
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan M Laws
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Kyriacou
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico De Martino
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Winnard
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Caplan
- Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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7
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Tran KN, Choi JI. Mimic microgravity effect on muscle transcriptome under ionizing radiation. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 32:96-104. [PMID: 35065767 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight imposes the risk of skeletal muscle atrophy for astronauts. Two main factors of a spaceflight that results in deleterious effects are microgravity and cosmic rays in outer space. To study spaceflight-induced muscle atrophy with ground-based models, we performed two models of microgravity, tail suspension and denervation, in a low dose radiation environment and studied transcriptional changes in rat soleus muscle using microarrays. Soleus muscle from rats in the denervation group had greater expression changes compared to that found in rats from the tail suspension group. However, there was a very similar pattern of expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both models. In total, we identified 144 differentially expressed genes common in both models. Our study yielded two main findings. First, a large number of genes involved in energy metabolism were transcriptionally suppressed including those involved in fatty acid transport and beta-oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation. Second, slow-twitch contractile protein encoding genes were down-regulated while there was an up-regulation in the fast-twitch type transcription. These results were consistent with other spaceflight studies on the effects on muscle cells, hence showed the potential of our ground-based models in studying spaceflight effects. The genes that might be involved in spaceflight effects will serve as candidate genes for future studies in understanding the mechanism of spaceflight-induced muscle atrophy and result in the development of effective countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Ngan Tran
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Il Choi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Mortreux M, Rosa‐Caldwell ME, Stiehl ID, Sung D, Thomas NT, Fry CS, Rutkove SB. Hindlimb suspension in Wistar rats: Sex-based differences in muscle response. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15042. [PMID: 34612585 PMCID: PMC8493566 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ground-based animal models have been used extensively to understand the effects of microgravity on various physiological systems. Among them, hindlimb suspension (HLS), developed in 1979 in rats, remains the gold-standard and allows researchers to study the consequences of total unloading of the hind limbs while inducing a cephalic fluid shift. While this model has already brought valuable insights to space biology, few studies have directly compared functional decrements in the muscles of males and females during HLS. We exposed 28 adult Wistar rats (14 males and 14 females) to 14 days of HLS or normal loading (NL) to better assess how sex impacts disuse-induced muscle deconditioning. Females better maintained muscle function during HLS than males, as shown by a more moderate reduction in grip strength at 7 days (males: -37.5 ± 3.1%, females: -22.4 ± 6.5%, compared to baseline), that remains stable during the second week of unloading (males: -53.3 ± 5.7%, females: -22.4 ± 5.5%, compared to day 0) while the males exhibit a steady decrease over time (effect of sex × loading p = 0.0002, effect of sex × time × loading p = 0.0099). This was further supported by analyzing the force production in response to a tetanic stimulus. Further functional analyses using force production were also shown to correspond to sex differences in relative loss of muscle mass and CSA. Moreover, our functional data were supported by histomorphometric analyzes, and we highlighted differences in relative muscle loss and CSA. Specifically, female rats seem to experience a lesser muscle deconditioning during disuse than males thus emphasizing the need for more studies that will assess male and female animals concomitantly to develop tailored, effective countermeasures for all astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mortreux
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Megan E. Rosa‐Caldwell
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Ian D. Stiehl
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Physics and AstronomyDartmouth CollegeHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | - Dong‐Min Sung
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nicholas T. Thomas
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical NutritionUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Christopher S. Fry
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical NutritionUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Seward B. Rutkove
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
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9
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Rosa-Caldwell ME, Mortreux M, Kaiser UB, Sung DM, Bouxsein ML, Dunlap KR, Greene NP, Rutkove SB. The oestrous cycle and skeletal muscle atrophy: Investigations in rodent models of muscle loss. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:2472-2488. [PMID: 34569104 DOI: 10.1113/ep089962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Is the oestrous cycle affected during disuse atrophies and, if so, how are oestrous cycle changes related to musculoskeletal outcomes? What is the main finding and its importance? Rodent oestrous cycles were altered during disuse atrophy, which was correlated with musculoskeletal outcomes. However, the oestrous cycle did not appear to be changed by Lewis lung carcinoma, which resulted in no differences in muscle size in comparison to healthy control animals. These findings suggest a relationship between the oestrous cycle and muscle size during atrophic pathologies. ABSTRACT Recent efforts have focused on improving our understanding of female muscle physiology during exposure to muscle atrophic stimuli. A key feature of female rodent physiology is the oestrous cycle. However, it is not known how such stimuli interact with the oestrous cycle to influence muscle health. In this study, we investigated the impact of muscle atrophic stimuli on the oestrous cycle and how these alterations are correlated with musculoskeletal outcomes. A series of experiments were performed in female rodents, including hindlimb unloading (HU), HU followed by 24 h of reloading, HU combined with dexamethasone treatment, and Lewis lung carcinoma. The oestrous cycle phase was assessed throughout each intervention and correlated with musculoskeletal outcomes. Seven or 14 days of HU increased the duration in dioestrus or metoestrus (D/M; low hormones) and was negatively correlated with gastrocnemius mass. Time spent in D/M was also negatively correlated with changes in grip strength and bone density after HU, and with muscle recovery 24 h after the cessation of HU. The addition of dexamethasone strengthened these relationships between time in D/M and reduced musculoskeletal outcomes. However, in animals with Lewis lung carcinoma, oestrous cyclicity did not differ from that of control animals, and time spent in D/M was not correlated with either gastrocnemius mass or tumour burden. In vitro experiments suggested that enhanced protein synthesis induced by estrogen might protect against muscle atrophy. In conclusion, muscle atrophic insults are correlated with changes in the oestrous cycle, which are associated with deterioration in musculoskeletal outcomes. The magnitude of oestrous cycle alterations depends on the atrophic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Rosa-Caldwell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Cachexia Research Laboratory, Exercise Science Research Center, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dong-Min Sung
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mary L Bouxsein
- Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kirsten R Dunlap
- Cachexia Research Laboratory, Exercise Science Research Center, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Nicholas P Greene
- Cachexia Research Laboratory, Exercise Science Research Center, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Zhang S, Ueno D, Ohira T, Kato H, Izawa T, Yamanouchi S, Yoshida Y, Takahashi A, Ohira Y. Depression of Bone Density at the Weight-Bearing Joints in Wistar Hannover Rats by a Simulated Mechanical Stress Associated With Partial Gravity Environment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:707470. [PMID: 34381788 PMCID: PMC8352372 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.707470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The partial gravity environment in space can negatively affect bone health. This survey aimed to study the reaction of different parts of the lower limb bones of rats to partial gravity and the effects of different degrees of gravity on these bony parts. We used 15 8-week-old male Wistar Hannover rats were used at the beginning of the experiment. The degree of mechanical stress was modified, but the ankle joint was maintained at ∼30°, ∼120°, or ∼160° with or without plaster fixation during 10-day hindlimb suspension. Computed tomography was performed to measure the bone parameters [bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular BMD, cortical BMD, and cortical thickness] of each studied group of the whole, proximal, middle, and distal femur and distal tibia. BMD, trabecular BMD, and cortical thickness of the distal femur and proximal tibia of the simulated mechanical stress associated with partial gravity groups were significantly lower than those of the control group; the effect of different degrees of gravity on the same area of hindlimb bone had no significant difference. The simulated mechanical stress associated with partial gravity had the most significant effect on the bone close to the knee joint, with the largest weight-bearing response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenke Zhang
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Daishin Ueno
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohira
- Research Center for Space and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan.,Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan.,Department of Physiology and Regenerative Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kato
- Research Center for Space and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan.,Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Izawa
- Research Center for Space and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan.,Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | | | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Japan
| | | | - Yoshinobu Ohira
- Research Center for Space and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan.,Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
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11
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Juhl OJ, Buettmann EG, Friedman MA, DeNapoli RC, Hoppock GA, Donahue HJ. Update on the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal system. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:28. [PMID: 34301942 PMCID: PMC8302614 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00158-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the reignited push for manned spaceflight and the development of companies focused on commercializing spaceflight, increased human ventures into space are inevitable. However, this venture would not be without risk. The lower gravitational force, known as microgravity, that would be experienced during spaceflight significantly disrupts many physiological systems. One of the most notably affected systems is the musculoskeletal system, where exposure to microgravity causes both bone and skeletal muscle loss, both of which have significant clinical implications. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in our understanding of how exposure to microgravity affects the musculoskeletal system. We will focus on the catabolic effects microgravity exposure has on both bone and skeletal muscle cells, as well as their respective progenitor stem cells. Additionally, we report on the mechanisms that underlie bone and muscle tissue loss resulting from exposure to microgravity and then discuss current countermeasures being evaluated. We reveal the gaps in the current knowledge and expound upon how current research is filling these gaps while also identifying new avenues of study as we continue to pursue manned spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto J Juhl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Evan G Buettmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Michael A Friedman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Rachel C DeNapoli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gabriel A Hoppock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Henry J Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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12
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Afshinnekoo E, Scott RT, MacKay MJ, Pariset E, Cekanaviciute E, Barker R, Gilroy S, Hassane D, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Nelman-Gonzalez M, Crucian BE, Ponomarev SA, Orlov OI, Shiba D, Muratani M, Yamamoto M, Richards SE, Vaishampayan PA, Meydan C, Foox J, Myrrhe J, Istasse E, Singh N, Venkateswaran K, Keune JA, Ray HE, Basner M, Miller J, Vitaterna MH, Taylor DM, Wallace D, Rubins K, Bailey SM, Grabham P, Costes SV, Mason CE, Beheshti A. Fundamental Biological Features of Spaceflight: Advancing the Field to Enable Deep-Space Exploration. Cell 2021; 183:1162-1184. [PMID: 33242416 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research on astronaut health and model organisms have revealed six features of spaceflight biology that guide our current understanding of fundamental molecular changes that occur during space travel. The features include oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysregulation, epigenetic changes (including gene regulation), telomere length alterations, and microbiome shifts. Here we review the known hazards of human spaceflight, how spaceflight affects living systems through these six fundamental features, and the associated health risks of space exploration. We also discuss the essential issues related to the health and safety of astronauts involved in future missions, especially planned long-duration and Martian missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ryan T Scott
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Matthew J MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Eloise Pariset
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Richard Barker
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Simon Gilroy
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sara R Zwart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mayra Nelman-Gonzalez
- KBR, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sergey A Ponomarev
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg I Orlov
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573, Japan
| | - Stephanie E Richards
- Bionetics, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA
| | - Parag A Vaishampayan
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jacqueline Myrrhe
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Istasse
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Nitin Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Jessica A Keune
- Space Medicine Operations Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- ASRC Federal Space and Defense, Inc., Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jack Miller
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Martha Hotz Vitaterna
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Deanne M Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathleen Rubins
- Astronaut Office, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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13
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Brent MB, Brüel A, Thomsen JS. A Systematic Review of Animal Models of Disuse-Induced Bone Loss. Calcif Tissue Int 2021; 108:561-575. [PMID: 33386477 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-020-00799-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several different animal models are used to study disuse-induced bone loss. This systematic review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the animal models of disuse-induced bone loss and provide a detailed narrative synthesis of each unique animal model. METHODS PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for animal models of disuse from inception to November 30, 2019. In addition, Google Scholar and personal file archives were searched for relevant publications not indexed in PubMed or Embase. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts for full-text inclusion. Data were extracted using a predefined extraction scheme to ensure standardization. RESULTS 1964 titles and abstracts were screened of which 653 full-text articles were included. The most common animal species used to model disuse were rats (59%) and mice (30%). Males (53%) where used in the majority of the studies and genetically modified animals accounted for 7%. Twelve different methods to induce disuse were identified. The most frequently used methods were hindlimb unloading (44%), neurectomy (15%), bandages and orthoses (15%), and botulinum toxin (9%). The median time of disuse was 21 days (quartiles: 14 days, 36 days) and the median number of animals per group subjected to disuse was 10 (quartiles: 7, 14). Random group allocation was reported in 43% of the studies. Fewer than 5% of the studies justified the number of animals per group by a sample size calculation to ensure adequate statistical power. CONCLUSION Multiple animal models of disuse-induced bone loss exist, and several species of animals have successfully been studied. The complexity of disuse-induced bone loss warrants rigid research study designs. This systematic review emphasized the need for standardization of animal disuse research and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Bo Brent
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Annemarie Brüel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Teguh DA, Nustad JL, Craven AE, Brooks DJ, Arlt H, Hu D, Baron R, Lanske B, Bouxsein ML. Abaloparatide treatment increases bone formation, bone density and bone strength without increasing bone resorption in a rat model of hindlimb unloading. Bone 2021; 144:115801. [PMID: 33338664 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Disuse osteoporosis can result from prolonged bed rest, paralysis, casts, braces, fractures and other conditions. Abaloparatide (ABL) is a PTHrP analog that increases bone density and strength by stimulating osteogenesis with limited effects on bone resorption. We examined skeletal responses to abaloparatide in young adult male rats with normal weight-bearing and with hindlimb unloading via a pelvic harness. Rats were allocated to four groups (10-12 per group): normal weight-bearing plus vehicle treatment (CON-VEH), normal weight-bearing plus ABL treatment (CON-ABL), hindlimb-unloading plus vehicle (HLU-VEH), or hindlimb-unloading plus ABL (HLU-ABL). Rats received ABL (25 μg/kg/day, s.c.) or vehicle throughout the 28-day unloading period and were then sacrificed, at which time HLU-VEH rats exhibited reduced bone formation and significant deficits in tibial, femoral, and vertebral bone mass compared with CON-VEH. ABL treatment increased serum osteocalcin in CON and HLU animals while having no effect on the osteoclast marker TRACP-5b. Longitudinal peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) indicated that ABL increased trabecular and cortical bone mass in the tibia. ABL was also associated with improved trabecular and cortical bone mass and architectural parameters at the femur, tibia, and vertebrae by μCT. Tibial histomorphometry indicated increased trabecular and endocortical bone formation with HLU-ABL versus HLU-VEH and with CON-ABL versus CON-VEH, and ABL was also associated with lower trabecular and endocortical osteoclast surfaces. Vertebral finite element analysis indicated higher ultimate load and stiffness for CON-ABL versus CON-VEH and for HLU-ABL versus HLU-VEH. In summary, ABL was associated with improved trabecular and cortical bone density and architecture in normal weight-bearing and hindlimb-unloaded rats, with higher bone formation and no difference in bone resorption. ABL was also associated with improved bone biomechanical parameters. These results provide rationale for investigating the ability of abaloparatide to prevent or treat disuse osteoporosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian A Teguh
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jordan L Nustad
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda E Craven
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J Brooks
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Dorothy Hu
- Division of Bone and Mineral Research, Dept. of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roland Baron
- Division of Bone and Mineral Research, Dept. of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mary L Bouxsein
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Willey JS, Britten RA, Blaber E, Tahimic CG, Chancellor J, Mortreux M, Sanford LD, Kubik AJ, Delp MD, Mao XW. The individual and combined effects of spaceflight radiation and microgravity on biologic systems and functional outcomes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:129-179. [PMID: 33902391 PMCID: PMC8274610 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1885283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Both microgravity and radiation exposure in the spaceflight environment have been identified as hazards to astronaut health and performance. Substantial study has been focused on understanding the biology and risks associated with prolonged exposure to microgravity, and the hazards presented by radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPEs) outside of low earth orbit (LEO). To date, the majority of the ground-based analogues (e.g., rodent or cell culture studies) that investigate the biology of and risks associated with spaceflight hazards will focus on an individual hazard in isolation. However, astronauts will face these challenges simultaneously Combined hazard studies are necessary for understanding the risks astronauts face as they travel outside of LEO, and are also critical for countermeasure development. The focus of this review is to describe biologic and functional outcomes from ground-based analogue models for microgravity and radiation, specifically highlighting the combined effects of radiation and reduced weight-bearing from rodent ground-based tail suspension via hind limb unloading (HLU) and partial weight-bearing (PWB) models, although in vitro and spaceflight results are discussed as appropriate. The review focuses on the skeletal, ocular, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and stem cells responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | | | | | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
| | - Larry D. Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
| | - Angela J. Kubik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| | - Michael D. Delp
- Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
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16
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Malkani S, Chin CR, Cekanaviciute E, Mortreux M, Okinula H, Tarbier M, Schreurs AS, Shirazi-Fard Y, Tahimic CGT, Rodriguez DN, Sexton BS, Butler D, Verma A, Bezdan D, Durmaz C, MacKay M, Melnick A, Meydan C, Li S, Garrett-Bakelman F, Fromm B, Afshinnekoo E, Langhorst BW, Dimalanta ET, Cheng-Campbell M, Blaber E, Schisler JC, Vanderburg C, Friedländer MR, McDonald JT, Costes SV, Rutkove S, Grabham P, Mason CE, Beheshti A. Circulating miRNA Spaceflight Signature Reveals Targets for Countermeasure Development. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108448. [PMID: 33242410 PMCID: PMC8441986 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified and validated a spaceflight-associated microRNA (miRNA) signature that is shared by rodents and humans in response to simulated, short-duration and long-duration spaceflight. Previous studies have identified miRNAs that regulate rodent responses to spaceflight in low-Earth orbit, and we have confirmed the expression of these proposed spaceflight-associated miRNAs in rodents reacting to simulated spaceflight conditions. Moreover, astronaut samples from the NASA Twins Study confirmed these expression signatures in miRNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin (scATAC-seq) data. Additionally, a subset of these miRNAs (miR-125, miR-16, and let-7a) was found to regulate vascular damage caused by simulated deep space radiation. To demonstrate the physiological relevance of key spaceflight-associated miRNAs, we utilized antagomirs to inhibit their expression and successfully rescue simulated deep-space-radiation-mediated damage in human 3D vascular constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherina Malkani
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Christopher R Chin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hazeem Okinula
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Marcel Tarbier
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Schreurs
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Butler
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Bezdan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Institute of Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Ceyda Durmaz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ari Melnick
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- The Jackson Laboratories, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Francine Garrett-Bakelman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bastian Fromm
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Margareth Cheng-Campbell
- Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Elizabeth Blaber
- Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA; Universities Space Research Association, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA 94035, USA
| | - Jonathan C Schisler
- McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pharmacology, and Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Charles Vanderburg
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Marc R Friedländer
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Tyson McDonald
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington DC 20007, USA
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Seward Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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17
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Approaching Gravity as a Continuum Using the Rat Partial Weight-Bearing Model. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10100235. [PMID: 33049988 PMCID: PMC7599661 DOI: 10.3390/life10100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, scientists have relied on animals to understand the risks and consequences of space travel. Animals remain key to study the physiological alterations during spaceflight and provide crucial information about microgravity-induced changes. While spaceflights may appear common, they remain costly and, coupled with limited cargo areas, do not allow for large sample sizes onboard. In 1979, a model of hindlimb unloading (HU) was successfully created to mimic microgravity and has been used extensively since its creation. Four decades later, the first model of mouse partial weight-bearing (PWB) was developed, aiming at mimicking partial gravity environments. Return to the Lunar surface for astronauts is now imminent and prompted the need for an animal model closer to human physiology; hence in 2018, our laboratory created a new model of PWB for adult rats. In this review, we will focus on the rat model of PWB, from its conception to the current state of knowledge. Additionally, we will address how this new model, used in conjunction with HU, will help implement new paradigms allowing scientists to anticipate the physiological alterations and needs of astronauts. Finally, we will discuss the outstanding questions and future perspectives in space research and propose potential solutions using the rat PWB model.
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Semple C, Riveros D, Sung DM, Nagy JA, Rutkove SB, Mortreux M. Using Electrical Impedance Myography as a Biomarker of Muscle Deconditioning in Rats Exposed to Micro- and Partial-Gravity Analogs. Front Physiol 2020; 11:557796. [PMID: 33041858 PMCID: PMC7522465 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.557796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As astronauts prepare to undertake new extra-terrestrial missions, innovative diagnostic tools are needed to better assess muscle deconditioning during periods of weightlessness and partial gravity. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) has been used to detect muscle deconditioning in rodents exposed to microgravity during spaceflight or using the standard ground-based model of hindlimb unloading via tail suspension (HU). Here, we used EIM to assess muscle changes in animals exposed to two new models: hindlimb suspension using a pelvic harness (HLS) and a partial weight-bearing (PWB) model that mimics partial gravity (including Lunar and Martian gravities). We also used a simple needle array electrode in lieu of surface or ex vivo EIM approaches previously employed. Our HLS results confirmed earlier findings obtained after spaceflight and tail suspension. Indeed, one EIM measure (i.e., phase-slope) that was previously reported as highly sensitive, was significantly decreased after HLS (day 0: 14.60 ± 0.97, day 7: 11.03 ± 0.81, and day 14: 10.13 ± 0.55 | Deg/MHz|, p < 0.0001), and was associated with a significant decrease in muscle grip force. Although EIM parameters such as 50 kHz phase, reactance, and resistance remained variable over 14 days in PWB animals, we identified major PWB-dependent effects at 7 days. Moreover, the data at both 7 and 14 days correlated to previously observed changes in rear paw grip force using the same PWB model. In conclusion, our data suggest that EIM has the potential to serve as biomarker of muscle deconditioning during exposure to both micro- and partial- gravity during future human space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson Semple
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Riveros
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dong-Min Sung
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Janice A Nagy
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Dose-dependent skeletal deficits due to varied reductions in mechanical loading in rats. NPJ Microgravity 2020; 6:15. [PMID: 32435691 PMCID: PMC7235020 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-020-0105-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced skeletal loading leads to marked bone loss. Animal models of hindlimb suspension are widely used to assess alterations in skeleton during the course of complete unloading. More recently, the effects of partial unloading on the musculoskeletal system have been interrogated in mice and rats, revealing dose-dependent effects of partial weight bearing (PWB) on the skeleton and skeletal muscle. Here, we extended these studies to determine the structural and functional skeletal alterations in 14-week-old male Wister rats exposed to 20%, 40%, 70%, or 100% of body weight for 1, 2, or 4 weeks (n = 11-12/group). Using in vivo pQCT, we found that trabecular bone density at the proximal tibia declined in proportion to the degree of unloading and continued progressively with time, without evidence of a plateau by 4 weeks. Ex vivo measurements of trabecular microarchitecture in the distal femur by microcomputed tomography revealed deficits in bone volume fraction, 2 and 4 weeks after unloading. Histologic analyses of trabecular bone in the distal femur revealed the decreased osteoblast number and mineralizing surface in unloaded rats. Three-point bending of the femoral diaphysis indicated modest or no reductions in femoral stiffness and estimated modulus due to PWB. Our results suggest that this rat model of PWB leads to trabecular bone deterioration that is progressive and generally proportional to the degree of PWB, with minimal effects on cortical bone.
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20
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Redox modulation of muscle mass and function. Redox Biol 2020; 35:101531. [PMID: 32371010 PMCID: PMC7284907 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle mass and strength are very important for exercise performance. Training-induced musculoskeletal injuries usually require periods of complete immobilization to prevent any muscle contraction of the affected muscle groups. Disuse muscle wasting will likely affect every sport practitioner in his or her lifetime. Even short periods of disuse results in significant declines in muscle size, fiber cross sectional area, and strength. To understand the molecular signaling pathways involved in disuse muscle atrophy is of the utmost importance to develop more effective countermeasures in sport science research. We have divided our review in four different sections. In the first one we discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in muscle atrophy including the main protein synthesis and protein breakdown signaling pathways. In the second section of the review we deal with the main cellular, animal, and human atrophy models. The sources of reactive oxygen species in disuse muscle atrophy and the mechanism through which they regulate protein synthesis and proteolysis are reviewed in the third section of this review. The last section is devoted to the potential interventions to prevent muscle disuse atrophy with especial consideration to studies on which the levels of endogenous antioxidants enzymes or dietary antioxidants have been tested.
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21
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Semple C, Riveros D, Nagy JA, Rutkove SB, Mortreux M. Partial Weight-Bearing in Female Rats: Proof of Concept in a Martian-Gravity Analog. Front Physiol 2020; 11:302. [PMID: 32308630 PMCID: PMC7145975 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have investigated the physiological response to microgravity in both astronauts and animals. However, while space agencies have sought to deploy more women on their missions; animal models rarely include females studies or comparisons between males and females. Therefore, we exposed adult female rats to 2 weeks of partial weight-bearing at either 100% of their normal loading (PWB100) or 40% of their normal loading (PWB40), corresponding to Martian gravity-analog, and assess muscle function, force and histomorphometry. Females exposed to PWB showed an 11.62% decline in hindlimb grip force associated with an 11.84% decrease in soleus myofiber size after 14 days of exposure, while maintaining normal blood oxygenation and stress levels. This pilot study represents the first experiment designed to understand the muscular disuse associated with a partial reduction in mechanical loading in female rats, and the first step needed to develop successful mitigating strategies. NEW AND NOTEWORTHY This research article describes the first use of quadrupedal partial weight-bearing in female rats. This study demonstrates the feasibility of partial gravity analogs in females and allows for future investigations about the impact of sex on muscle deconditioning due to reduced mechanical loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson Semple
- Harvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Riveros
- Harvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Janice A. Nagy
- Harvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seward B. Rutkove
- Harvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Harvard Medical School – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Tahimic CGT, Paul AM, Schreurs AS, Torres SM, Rubinstein L, Steczina S, Lowe M, Bhattacharya S, Alwood JS, Ronca AE, Globus RK. Influence of Social Isolation During Prolonged Simulated Weightlessness by Hindlimb Unloading. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1147. [PMID: 31572207 PMCID: PMC6753329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hindlimb unloading (HU) model has been used extensively to simulate the cephalad fluid shift and musculoskeletal disuse observed in spaceflight with its application expanding to study immune, cardiovascular and central nervous system responses, among others. Most HU studies are performed with singly housed animals, although social isolation also can substantially impact behavior and physiology, and therefore may confound HU experimental results. Other HU variants that allow for paired housing have been developed although no systematic assessment has been made to understand the effects of social isolation on HU outcomes. Hence, we aimed to determine the contribution of social isolation to tissue responses to HU. To accomplish this, we developed a refinement to the traditional NASA Ames single housing HU system to accommodate social housing in pairs, retaining desirable features of the original design. We conducted a 30-day HU experiment with adult, female mice that were either singly or socially housed. HU animals in both single and social housing displayed expected musculoskeletal deficits versus housing matched, normally loaded (NL) controls. However, select immune and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses were differentially impacted by the HU social environment relative to matched NL controls. HU led to a reduction in % CD4+ T cells in singly housed, but not in socially housed mice. Unexpectedly, HU increased adrenal gland mass in socially housed but not singly housed mice, while social isolation increased adrenal gland mass in NL controls. HU also led to elevated plasma corticosterone levels at day 30 in both singly and socially housed mice. Thus, musculoskeletal responses to simulated weightlessness are similar regardless of social environment with a few differences in adrenal and immune responses. Our findings show that combined stressors can mask, not only exacerbate, select responses to HU. These findings further expand the utility of the HU model for studying possible combined effects of spaceflight stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice G T Tahimic
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,KBR, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amber M Paul
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, United States
| | - Ann-Sofie Schreurs
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,KBR, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samantha M Torres
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD, United States
| | - Sonette Steczina
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sharmila Bhattacharya
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
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23
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Longitudinal time course of muscle impairments during partial weight-bearing in rats. NPJ Microgravity 2019; 5:20. [PMID: 31453318 PMCID: PMC6706399 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-019-0080-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the near future, space agencies plan to send the first crews for extended stays on the Moon and Mars, where gravity is significantly reduced compared to Earth (0.16×g and 0.38×g, respectively). However, the long-term effects of partial gravity have not yet been elucidated, and ensuring astronauts' health and performance is crucial to the success of these missions. Using a quadrupedal partial weight-bearing (PWB) model in rats that we designed, we investigated the longitudinal time course of muscle function at three different PWB levels. We demonstrated that both muscle mass and muscle function are significantly impaired in reduced weight-bearing environments as early as after 7 days of suspension. Moreover, we showed that muscular alterations are correlated to the PWB level and do not reach a plateau during a 1-month exposure to reduced weight-bearing, emphasizing the need for mitigating countermeasures for safe and successful extraterrestrial exploration.
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24
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Mortreux M, Riveros D, Bouxsein ML, Rutkove SB. A Moderate Daily Dose of Resveratrol Mitigates Muscle Deconditioning in a Martian Gravity Analog. Front Physiol 2019; 10:899. [PMID: 31379604 PMCID: PMC6656861 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While there is a relatively good understanding of the effects of microgravity on human physiology based on five decades of experience, the physiological consequences of partial gravity remain far less well understood. Until recently, no model had been able to replicate partial gravity such as that experienced on Mars (0.38 g), which would be critical to help sustain long-term missions and ensure a safe return to Earth. Recent development of two partial weight bearing (PWB) models, one in mice and one in rats, now allows for quadrupedal partial unloading that mimics Martian gravity. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol most commonly found in grapes and blueberries, has been extensively investigated for its health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-diabetic effects. In the context of mechanical unloading, RSV has also been shown to preserve bone and muscle mass. However, there is a lack of research regarding its effect on the musculoskeletal system in partial gravity. We hypothesized that a moderate daily dose of RSV (150 mg/kg/day) would help mitigate muscle deconditioning in a Mars gravity analog. Indeed, our results demonstrate that RSV treatment during partial unloading significantly preserves muscle function (e.g., the average change in grip force after 14 days of PWB40 was of −6.18, and +10.92% when RSV was administered) and mitigates muscle atrophy (e.g., RSV supplementation led to an increase of 21.6% in soleus weight for the unloaded animals). This work suggests the potential of a nutraceutical approach to reduce musculoskeletal deconditioning on a long-term mission to Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Riveros
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mary L Bouxsein
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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