1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jia M, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Li M, Pang X, Hong L, Lin S, Jia X, Ye J, Wang H. Changes in the growth and physiological property of tea tree after aviation mutagenesis and screening and functional verification of its characteristic hormones. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1402451. [PMID: 39114474 PMCID: PMC11303228 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1402451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Aerospace breeding is a breeding technique that utilizes a spacecraft to position plants in a space environment for mutagenesis, which is conducive to rapid mutagenesis for the screening of superior plant varieties. In this study, tea trees with aviation mutagenesis (TM) and those without aviation mutagenesis (CK) were selected as research subjects to analyze the effects of aviation mutagenesis on the growth, physiological properties, and hormone metabolism of tea trees, and to further screen the characteristic hormones and validate their functions. The results showed that the leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area of TM tea trees were significantly larger than those of CK. The growth indexes, the photosynthetic physiological indexes (i.e., chlorophyll content, intercellular CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and photosynthetic rate), and the resistance physiological indexes (i.e., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and soluble sugar) were significantly higher in TM than in CK. Hormone metabolome analysis showed that four characteristic hormones distinguished CK from TM, namely, l-tryptophan, indole, salicylic acid, and salicylic acid 2-O-β-glucoside, all of which were significantly more abundant in TM than in CK. These four characteristic hormones were significantly and positively correlated with the growth indexes, tea yield, and the photosynthetic and resistance physiological indexes of tea trees. The leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and superoxide dismutase activity of tea tree seedlings after spraying with the four characteristic hormones were significantly increased, in which salicylic acid and salicylic acid 2-O-β-glucoside were more favorable to increase the leaf area and superoxide dismutase activity, while l-tryptophan and indole were more favorable to increase the leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate. It can be observed that aviation mutagenesis improves the accumulation of the characteristic hormones of tea trees, enhances their photosynthetic capacity, improves their resistance, promotes their growth, and then improves the tea yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Yiling Chen
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingzhe Li
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan, China
| | - Xiaomin Pang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Lei Hong
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan, China
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shaoxiong Lin
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan, China
| | - Xiaoli Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Jianghua Ye
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wadhwa A, Moreno-Villanueva M, Crucian B, Wu H. Synergistic interplay between radiation and microgravity in spaceflight-related immunological health risks. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:50. [PMID: 39033285 PMCID: PMC11264846 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Spaceflight poses a myriad of environmental stressors to astronauts´ physiology including microgravity and radiation. The individual impacts of microgravity and radiation on the immune system have been extensively investigated, though a comprehensive review on their combined effects on immune system outcomes is missing. Therefore, this review aims at understanding the synergistic, additive, and antagonistic interactions between microgravity and radiation and their impact on immune function as observed during spaceflight-analog studies such as rodent hindlimb unloading and cell culture rotating wall vessel models. These mimic some, but not all, of the physiological changes observed in astronauts during spaceflight and provide valuable information that should be considered when planning future missions. We provide guidelines for the design of further spaceflight-analog studies, incorporating influential factors such as age and sex for rodent models and standardizing the longitudinal evaluation of specific immunological alterations for both rodent and cellular models of spaceflight exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wadhwa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA.
| | | | | | - Honglu Wu
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Toprani SM, Scheibler C, Mordukhovich I, McNeely E, Nagel ZD. Cosmic Ionizing Radiation: A DNA Damaging Agent That May Underly Excess Cancer in Flight Crews. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7670. [PMID: 39062911 PMCID: PMC11277465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration has officially classified flight crews (FC) consisting of commercial pilots, cabin crew, or flight attendants as "radiation workers" since 1994 due to the potential for cosmic ionizing radiation (CIR) exposure at cruising altitudes originating from solar activity and galactic sources. Several epidemiological studies have documented elevated incidence and mortality for several cancers in FC, but it has not yet been possible to establish whether this is attributable to CIR. CIR and its constituents are known to cause a myriad of DNA lesions, which can lead to carcinogenesis unless DNA repair mechanisms remove them. But critical knowledge gaps exist with regard to the dosimetry of CIR, the role of other genotoxic exposures among FC, and whether possible biological mechanisms underlying higher cancer rates observed in FC exist. This review summarizes our understanding of the role of DNA damage and repair responses relevant to exposure to CIR in FC. We aimed to stimulate new research directions and provide information that will be useful for guiding regulatory, public health, and medical decision-making to protect and mitigate the risks for those who travel by air.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sneh M. Toprani
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Christopher Scheibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Irina Mordukhovich
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
- Sustainability and Health Initiative (SHINE), Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eileen McNeely
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
- Sustainability and Health Initiative (SHINE), Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zachary D. Nagel
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.S.); (I.M.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Faraji S, Rajaeinejad M, Bagheri H, Afshar Ardalan M, Moutabian H, Ehsani F, Pourarjmand M, Mirshafieyan SS, Alazamani F, Cheraghi S. Modulation of Ionizing Radiation-Induced Apoptosis by Taurine in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes: Flow Cytometry-based Quantification. J Biomed Phys Eng 2024; 14:287-298. [PMID: 39027706 PMCID: PMC11252553 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2308-1655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy, a highly effective method of radiation-based treating cancers, can reduce the size of tumors and affect healthy tissues. Radiation-induced lymphopenia as a side effect of radiation therapy can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Objective This study aimed to examine how taurine can protect peripheral blood lymphocytes from radiation-based apoptosis. Material and Methods In this experimental study, the effects of the taurine on lymphocytes were studied, and blood samples were divided into three groups: a negative control group that was not treated, a positive control group that was treated with cysteine (100 μg/ml), and a group that was treated with taurine (100 µg. mL-1) in three different doses (4, 8 & 12 Gy) before irradiation. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic lymphocytes was measured using flow cytometry 48 and 72 hours after the irradiation, respectively. Results According to the groups treated with taurine, the number of lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis was lower and higher compared to the negative and positive control groups, respectively. The decrease in this value was more pronounced 48 hours after radiation compared to 72 hours. Furthermore, there was a slight increase in the number of apoptotic lymphocytes with increasing radiation dose. Conclusion Taurine effectively protects human peripheral blood lymphocytes from radiation-based apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Faraji
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rajaeinejad
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (ARSRC), Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Bagheri
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (ARSRC), Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Afshar Ardalan
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (ARSRC), Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Moutabian
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (ARSRC), Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faramarz Ehsani
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (ARSRC), Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Pourarjmand
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (ARSRC), Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Farshid Alazamani
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (ARSRC), Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Susan Cheraghi
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jia M, Cheng P, Wang Y, Pang X, Li M, Hong L, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Jia X, Ye J, Wang H. Effects of Aviation Mutagenesis on Soil Chemical Indexes, Enzyme Activities, and Metabolites of Dahongpao ( Camellia sinensis) Tea Trees. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1291. [PMID: 38794362 PMCID: PMC11125341 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Aviation mutagenesis is a breeding method for the rapid selection of superior plant varieties. In this study, rhizosphere soil chemical indexes, soil enzyme activities, and soil metabolites were measured in Dahongpao tea trees with aviation mutagenesis (TM) and without aviation mutagenesis (CK). The main soil metabolites distinguishing TM and CK and their relationships with soil chemical indexes and soil enzyme activities were analyzed and obtained. The results showed that there was no significant change in the rhizosphere soils' pH of TM tea trees compared to CK (p = 0.91), while all other chemical indexes of TM were significantly higher than CK (p < 0.05). In addition, the activities of enzymes related to soil nutrient cycling such as urease, protease, sucrase, acid phosphatase and cellulase, and enzymes related to soil antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the rhizosphere soils of TM tea trees compared to CK. Soil metabolite analysis showed that the main soil metabolites distinguishing CK from TM were carbohydrates, nitrogen compounds, and amines. Of these, carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds were significantly positively correlated with soil chemical indexes and soil enzymes, whereas amine was significantly negatively correlated with soil chemical indexes such as organic matter, total nitrogen, total potassium, available nitrogen, available phosphorus; amine showed significant negative correlation with soil enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and urease. It can be seen that aviation mutagenesis is conducive to improving the ability of tea tree rhizosphere aggregation and transformation of soil nutrients, increasing the total amount of soil nutrients and the content of available nutrients, which is more conducive to promoting the uptake of nutrients by the tea tree, and thus promoting the growth of the tea tree.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China
| | - Pengyuan Cheng
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaomin Pang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China
| | - Mingzhe Li
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Lei Hong
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
- College of JunCao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China
| | - Yiling Chen
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| | - Xiaoli Jia
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China
| | - Jianghua Ye
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- College of Tea and Food, Wuyi University, Wuyishan 354300, China
- College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lehr FX, Pavletić B, Glatter T, Heimerl T, Moeller R, Niederholtmeyer H. Enhanced assembly of bacteriophage T7 produced in cell-free reactions under simulated microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:30. [PMID: 38491014 PMCID: PMC10943216 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
On-demand biomanufacturing has the potential to improve healthcare and self-sufficiency during space missions. Cell-free transcription and translation reactions combined with DNA blueprints can produce promising therapeutics like bacteriophages and virus-like particles. However, how space conditions affect the synthesis and self-assembly of such complex multi-protein structures is unknown. Here, we characterize the cell-free production of infectious bacteriophage T7 virions under simulated microgravity. Rotation in a 2D-clinostat increased the number of infectious particles compared to static controls. Quantitative analyses by mass spectrometry, immuno-dot-blot and real-time PCR showed no significant differences in protein and DNA contents, suggesting enhanced self-assembly of T7 phages in simulated microgravity. While the effects of genuine space conditions on the cell-free synthesis and assembly of bacteriophages remain to be investigated, our findings support the vision of a cell-free synthesis-enabled "astropharmacy".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François-Xavier Lehr
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Pavletić
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Microbiology, Cologne, Germany
- Technical University of Braunschweig, Faculty of Life Sciences, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Timo Glatter
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Heimerl
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Microbiology, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Henrike Niederholtmeyer
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Straubing, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao L, Li Z, Huang B, Mi D, Xu D, Sun Y. Integrating evolutionarily conserved mechanism of response to radiation for exploring novel Caenorhabditis elegans radiation-responsive genes for estimation of radiation dose associated with spaceflight. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141148. [PMID: 38211791 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141148] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
During space exploration, space radiation is widely recognized as an inescapable perilous stressor, owing to its capacity to induce genomic DNA damage and escalate the likelihood of detrimental health outcomes. Rapid and reliable estimation of space radiation dose holds paramount significance in accurately assessing the health risks associated with spaceflight. However, the identification of space radiation-responsive genes, with their potential to serve as early indicators for diagnosing radiation dose associated with spaceflight, continues to pose a significant challenge. In this study, based on the evolutionarily conserved mechanism of radiation response, an in silico analysis method of homologous comparison was performed to identify the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologues of human radiation-responsive genes with possible roles in the major processes of response to radiation, and thereby to explore the potential C. elegans radiation-responsive genes for evaluating the levels of space radiation exposure. The results showed that there were 60 known C. elegans radiation-responsive genes and 211 C. elegans orthologues of human radiation-responsive genes implicated in the major processes of response to radiation. Through an investigation of all available transcriptomic datasets obtained from space-flown C. elegans, it was observed that the expression levels of the majority of these putative C. elegans radiation-responsive genes identified in this study were notably changed across various spaceflight conditions. Furthermore, this study indicated that within the identified genes, 19 known C. elegans radiation-responsive genes and 40 newly identified C. elegans orthologues of human radiation-responsive genes exhibited a remarkable positive correlation with the duration of spaceflight. Moreover, a noteworthy presence of substantial multi-collinearity among the majority of these identified genes was observed. This observation lends support to the possibility of treating each identified gene as an independent indicator of radiation dose in space. Ultimately, a subset of 15 potential radiation-responsive genes was identified, presenting the most promising indicators for estimation of radiation dose associated with spaceflight in C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zejun Li
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Baohang Huang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Dong Mi
- College of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen Z, Li Y, Rasheed M, Wang H, Lei R, Zhao T, Deng Y, Ma H. Altered expression of inflammation-associated molecules in striatum: an implication for sensitivity to heavy ion radiations. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1252958. [PMID: 38107411 PMCID: PMC10725200 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1252958] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Heavy ion radiation is one of the major hazards astronauts face during space expeditions, adversely affecting the central nervous system. Radiation causes severe damage to sensitive brain regions, especially the striatum, resulting in cognitive impairment and other physiological issues in astronauts. However, the intensity of brain damage and associated underlying molecular pathological mechanisms mediated by heavy ion radiation are still unknown. The present study is aimed to identify the damaging effect of heavy ion radiation on the striatum and associated underlying pathological mechanisms. Materials and methods Two parallel cohorts of rats were exposed to radiation in multiple doses and times. Cohort I was exposed to 15 Gy of 12C6+ ions radiation, whereas cohort II was exposed to 3.4 Gy and 8 Gy with 56Fe26+ ions irradiation. Physiological and behavioural tests were performed, followed by 18F-FDG-PET scans, transcriptomics analysis of the striatum, and in-vitro studies to verify the interconnection between immune cells and neurons. Results Both cohorts revealed more persistent striatum dysfunction than other brain regions under heavy ion radiation at multiple doses and time, exposed by physiological, behavioural, and 18F-FDG-PET scans. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that striatum dysfunction is linked with an abnormal immune system. In vitro studies demonstrated that radiation mediated diversified effects on different immune cells and sustained monocyte viability but inhibited its differentiation and migration, leading to chronic neuroinflammation in the striatum and might affect other associated brain regions. Conclusion Our findings suggest that striatum dysfunction under heavy ion radiation activates abnormal immune systems, leading to chronic neuroinflammation and neuronal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Madiha Rasheed
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Runhong Lei
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tuo Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tavakol DN, Nash TR, Kim Y, He S, Fleischer S, Graney PL, Brown JA, Liberman M, Tamargo M, Harken A, Ferrando AA, Amundson S, Garty G, Azizi E, Leong KW, Brenner DJ, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Modeling and countering the effects of cosmic radiation using bioengineered human tissues. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122267. [PMID: 37633022 PMCID: PMC10528250 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122267] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Cosmic radiation is the most serious risk that will be encountered during the planned missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a compelling need to understand the effects, safety thresholds, and mechanisms of radiation damage in human tissues, in order to develop measures for radiation protection during extended space travel. As animal models fail to recapitulate the molecular changes in astronauts, engineered human tissues and "organs-on-chips" are valuable tools for studying effects of radiation in vitro. We have developed a bioengineered tissue platform for studying radiation damage in individualized settings. To demonstrate its utility, we determined the effects of radiation using engineered models of two human tissues known to be radiosensitive: engineered cardiac tissues (eCT, a target of chronic radiation damage) and engineered bone marrow (eBM, a target of acute radiation damage). We report the effects of high-dose neutrons, a proxy for simulated galactic cosmic rays, on the expression of key genes implicated in tissue responses to ionizing radiation, phenotypic and functional changes in both tissues, and proof-of-principle application of radioprotective agents. We further determined the extent of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and matrix remodeling gene expression changes, and found that these changes were associated with an early hypertrophic phenotype in eCT and myeloid skewing in eBM. We propose that individualized models of human tissues have potential to provide insights into the effects and mechanisms of radiation during deep-space missions and allow testing of radioprotective measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Trevor R Nash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Youngbin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Siyu He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pamela L Graney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jessie A Brown
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Martin Liberman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Manuel Tamargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrew Harken
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Adolfo A Ferrando
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sally Amundson
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Guy Garty
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elham Azizi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zarubin M, Azorskaya T, Kuldoshina O, Alekseev S, Mitrofanov S, Kravchenko E. The tardigrade Dsup protein enhances radioresistance in Drosophila melanogaster and acts as an unspecific repressor of transcription. iScience 2023; 26:106998. [PMID: 37534176 PMCID: PMC10391675 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tardigrade-unique damage suppressor protein (Dsup) can protect DNA from ionizing radiation and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we generated Dsup-expressing lines of Drosophila melanogaster and demonstrated that Dsup increased the survival rate after γ-ray irradiation and hydrogen peroxide treatment in flies too, but reduced the level of their locomotor activity. The transcriptome analyses of Dsup-expressing lines revealed a significant number of DEGs, >99% of which were down-regulated. Moreover, Dsup could bind RNA. These findings suggest that Dsup can act not only as a DNA protector but also as a non-specific transcriptional repressor and RNA-binding protein, that may lead to disturbance of a number of biological processes in D. melanogaster. The obtained data demonstrate features of the Dsup protein action in non-tardigrade organisms and can be used to understand the impact of other unspecific DNA/RNA-binding proteins on ROS and radiation resistance, gene expression, and epigenetic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Zarubin
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Talyana Azorskaya
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Olga Kuldoshina
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Sergey Alekseev
- Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Semen Mitrofanov
- Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| | - Elena Kravchenko
- Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna 141980, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Grigoryan EN. Impact of Microgravity and Other Spaceflight Factors on Retina of Vertebrates and Humans In Vivo and In Vitro. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1263. [PMID: 37374046 DOI: 10.3390/life13061263] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight (SF) increases the risk of developmental, regenerative, and physiological disorders in animals and humans. Astronauts, besides bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular and immune system alterations, undergo ocular disorders affecting posterior eye tissues, including the retina. Few studies revealed abnormalities in the development and changes in the regeneration of eye tissues in lower vertebrates after SF and simulated microgravity. Under microgravity conditions, mammals show disturbances in the retinal vascular system and increased risk of oxidative stress that can lead to cell death in the retina. Animal studies provided evidence of gene expression changes associated with cellular stress, inflammation, and aberrant signaling pathways. Experiments using retinal cells in microgravity-modeling systems in vitro additionally indicated micro-g-induced changes at the molecular level. Here, we provide an overview of the literature and the authors' own data to assess the predictive value of structural and functional alterations for developing countermeasures and mitigating the SF effects on the human retina. Further emphasis is given to the importance of animal studies on the retina and other eye tissues in vivo and retinal cells in vitro aboard spacecraft for understanding alterations in the vertebrate visual system in response to stress caused by gravity variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nguyen CN, Urquieta E. Contemporary review of dermatologic conditions in space flight and future implications for long-duration exploration missions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 36:147-156. [PMID: 36682824 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.10.004] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Future planned exploration missions to outer space will almost surely require the longest periods of continuous space exposure by the human body yet. As the most external organ, the skin seems the most vulnerable to injury. Therefore, discussion of the dermatological implications of such extended-duration missions is critical. OBJECTIVES In order to help future missions understand the risks of spaceflight on the human skin, this review aims to consolidate data from the current literature pertaining to the space environment and its physiologic effects on skin, describe all reported dermatologic manifestations in spaceflight, and extrapolate this information to longer-duration mission. METHODS AND MATERIALS The authors searched PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords and Mesh terms. The publications that were found to be relevant to the objectives were included and described. RESULTS The space environment causes changes in the skin at the cellular level by thinning the epidermis, altering wound healing, and dysregulating the immune system. Clinically, dermatological conditions represented the most common medical issues occurring in spaceflight. We predict that as exploration missions increase in duration, astronauts will experience further physiological changes and an increased rate and severity of adverse events. CONCLUSION Maximizing astronaut safety requires a continued knowledge of the human body's response to space, as well as consideration and prediction of future events. Dermatologic effects of space missions comprise the majority of health-related issues arising on missions to outer space, and these issues are likely to become more prominent with increasing time spent in space. Improvements in hygiene may mitigate some of these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston TX, United States; Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hirayama J, Hattori A, Takahashi A, Furusawa Y, Tabuchi Y, Shibata M, Nagamatsu A, Yano S, Maruyama Y, Matsubara H, Sekiguchi T, Suzuki N. Physiological consequences of space flight, including abnormal bone metabolism, space radiation injury, and circadian clock dysregulation: Implications of melatonin use and regulation as a countermeasure. J Pineal Res 2023; 74:e12834. [PMID: 36203395 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to the space environment induces a number of pathophysiological outcomes in astronauts, including bone demineralization, sleep disorders, circadian clock dysregulation, cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction, and reduced immune system function. A recent report describing experiments aboard the Space Shuttle mission, STS-132, showed that the level of melatonin, a hormone that provides the biochemical signal of darkness, was decreased during microgravity in an in vitro culture model. Additionally, abnormal lighting conditions in outer space, such as low light intensity in orbital spacecraft and the altered 24-h light-dark cycles, may result in the dysregulation of melatonin rhythms and the misalignment of the circadian clock from sleep and work schedules in astronauts. Studies on Earth have demonstrated that melatonin regulates various physiological functions including bone metabolism. These data suggest that the abnormal regulation of melatonin in outer space may contribute to pathophysiological conditions of astronauts. In addition, experiments with high-linear energy transfer radiation, a ground-based model of space radiation, showed that melatonin may serve as a protectant against space radiation. Gene expression profiling using an in vitro culture model exposed to space flight during the STS-132 mission, showed that space radiation alters the expression of DNA repair and oxidative stress response genes, indicating that melatonin counteracts the expression of these genes responsive to space radiation to promote cell survival. These findings implicate the use of exogenous melatonin and the regulation of endogenous melatonin as countermeasures for the physiological consequences of space flight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hirayama
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences & Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Sustainable Systems Science, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Hattori
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ichikawa, Japan
| | | | - Yukihiro Furusawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tabuchi
- Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shibata
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ichikawa, Japan
| | | | - Sachiko Yano
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yusuke Maruyama
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Hajime Matsubara
- Noto Center for Fisheries Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto-cho, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Toshio Sekiguchi
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto-cho, Japan
| | - Nobuo Suzuki
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto-cho, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
More efficient induction of genotoxicity by high-LET Fe-particle radiation than low-LET X-ray radiation at low doses. RADIATION MEDICINE AND PROTECTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmp.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
|
16
|
Hao Y, Lu L, Liu A, Lin X, Xiao L, Kong X, Li K, Liang F, Xiong J, Qu L, Li Y, Li J. Integrating bioinformatic strategies in spatial life science research. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbac415. [PMID: 36198665 PMCID: PMC9677476 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As space exploration programs progress, manned space missions will become more frequent and farther away from Earth, putting a greater emphasis on astronaut health. Through the collaborative efforts of researchers from various countries, the effect of the space environment factors on living systems is gradually being uncovered. Although a large number of interconnected research findings have been produced, their connection seems to be confused, and many unknown effects are left to be discovered. Simultaneously, several valuable data resources have emerged, accumulating data measuring biological effects in space that can be used to further investigate the unknown biological adaptations. In this review, the previous findings and their correlations are sorted out to facilitate the understanding of biological adaptations to space and the design of countermeasures. The biological effect measurement methods/data types are also organized to provide references for experimental design and data analysis. To aid deeper exploration of the data resources, we summarized common characteristics of the data generated from longitudinal experiments, outlined challenges or caveats in data analysis and provided corresponding solutions by recommending bioinformatics strategies and available models/tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Lu
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Anna Liu
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Lin
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Xiaoyue Kong
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Fengji Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jianghui Xiong
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Lina Qu
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chaloulakou S, Poulia KA, Karayiannis D. Physiological Alterations in Relation to Space Flight: The Role of Nutrition. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224896. [PMID: 36432580 PMCID: PMC9699067 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts exhibit several pathophysiological changes due to a variety of stressors related to the space environment, including microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and confinement. Space motion sickness, bone and muscle mass loss, cardiovascular deconditioning and neuro-ocular syndrome are some of the spaceflight-induced effects on human health. Optimal nutrition is of the utmost importance, and-in combination with other measures, such as physical activity and pharmacological treatment-has a key role in mitigating many of the above conditions, including bone and muscle mass loss. Since the beginning of human space exploration, space food has not fully covered astronauts' needs. They often suffer from menu fatigue and present unintentional weight loss, which leads to further alterations. The purpose of this review was to explore the role of nutrition in relation to the pathophysiological effects of spaceflight on the human body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Chaloulakou
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, “Evangelismos” General Hospital of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Anna Poulia
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Karayiannis
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, “Evangelismos” General Hospital of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-213-2045035
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oronsky B, Caroen S, Abrouk N, Reid TR. RRx-001 and the "Right stuff": Protection and treatment in outer space. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:69-75. [PMID: 36336372 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
From antibiotics to aspirin to antimalarials and to anticancer agents, about half of the world's best-selling drugs are derived from nature. However, accelerating climatic disruption, habitat destruction, pollution, and biodiversity loss all negatively impact the potential of natural sources to continue to serve as repositories of novel pharmaceuticals. On that basis, the final frontier for drug development is perhaps not the rainforests, coral reefs, and other natural habitats but rather the aerospace industry with its virtually unlimited and inexhaustible man-made 'library' of potentially bioactive compounds. The first aerospace-sourced therapeutic to reach the clinic is RRx-001, an inhibitor of the NOD-like receptor - Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain with Leucine rich Repeat and Pyrin domain (NLRP3) inflammasome in a Phase 3 trial for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and in a soon-to-start Phase 3 trial for protection against chemoradiotherapy-induced severe oral mucositis in first line head and neck cancer. As manned missions to the Moon, Mars, and asteroids as well as space tourism beckon, it is perhaps fitting that a compound like RRx-001, which is derived from 1,3,3-Trinitroazetidine (TNAZ), an explosive propellant for rockets, is a potential "all purpose" option to mitigate the major biomedical effects of space radiation exposures including cancer development and other tissue degenerations both within mission and after mission. This article highlights the promise of RRx-001 to attenuate the acute and late effects of radiation exposure on astronauts including the development of cancer.
Collapse
|
19
|
Madrid PB, Chang PY. Accelerating space radiation countermeasure development through drug repurposing. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:30-35. [PMID: 36336366 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of safe and effective radiation countermeasures (MCM) for long-duration spaceflight is challenging due to the complexity of the space radiation biology and high safety requirements. There are few if any clinically-validated molecular targets for this use case, and preclinical models have several known limitations. These challenges make the evaluation of existing FDA-approved drugs for this indication, or drug repurposing, an attractive strategy to accelerate space radiation countermeasure development. Drug repurposing offers several advantages over de novo drug discovery including established manufacturing methods, human clinical safety data, and well-understood dosing and pharmacokinetic considerations. There are limitations working with a fixed set of possible candidate compounds, but some properties of repurposed drugs can be tailored for well-defined new indications through reformulation and development of drug combinations. Drug repurposing is thus an attractive strategy for mitigating the high risks and costs of drug development and delivering new countermeasures to protect human from space radiation in long-term missions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P B Madrid
- SRI International, Biosciences Division, Menlo Park CA United States
| | - P Y Chang
- SRI International, Biosciences Division, Menlo Park CA United States.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Katsube T, Wang B, Tanaka K, Ninomiya Y, Hirakawa H, Liu C, Maruyama K, Vares G, Liu Q, Murakami M, Nakajima T, Fujimori A, Nenoi M. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of chromosomal aberrations in mouse splenocytes at one- and two-months after total body exposure to iron-56 (Fe) ion particles or X-rays. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2022; 882:503548. [PMID: 36155141 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2022.503548] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
High atomic number and energy (HZE) particles such as iron-56 (Fe) ions are a major contributor to health risks in long-term manned space exploration. The aim of this study is to understand radiation-induced differential genotoxic effects between HZE particles and low linear energy transfer (LET) photons. C57BL/6J Jms female mice of 8 weeks old were exposed to total body irradiation of accelerated Fe-particles with a dose ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 Gy or of X-rays with a dose ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 Gy. Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in splenocytes were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization at 1- and 2-months after exposure. Clonal expansions of cells with CAs were found to be induced only by X-rays but not by Fe-particles. Dose-dependent increase in the frequencies of stable-type CAs was observed at 1- as well as 2-months after exposure to both radiation types. The frequencies of stable-type CAs in average were much higher in mice exposed to X-rays than those to Fe-particles and did not change significantly between 1- and 2-months after exposure to both radiation types. On the other hand, the frequencies of unstable-type CAs induced by X-rays and Fe-particles were not much different, and they appeared to decrease with time from 1- to 2-months after exposure. These results suggested that larger fraction of stable-type CAs induced by Fe-particles might be non-transmissible than those by X-rays because of some associating lethal alterations on themselves or on other chromosomes in the same cells and that these cells might be removed by 1-month after Fe-TBI. We also demonstrated that exposure to Fe-particles induced insertions at relatively higher frequency to other stable-type CAs than X-rays. Our findings suggest that insertions can be used as indicators of past exposure to high-LET particle radiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Katsube
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Bing Wang
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tanaka
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Ninomiya
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirakawa
- Institute for Quantum Medical Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Cuihua Liu
- Institute for Quantum Medical Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kouichi Maruyama
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Guillaume Vares
- Experimental Radiotoxicology and Radiobiology Laboratory, Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, B.P. 17 - 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, PR China
| | - Masahiro Murakami
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nakajima
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Institute for Quantum Medical Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Nenoi
- Human Resources Development Center, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tran QD, Tran V, Toh LS, Williams PM, Tran NN, Hessel V. Space Medicines for Space Health. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1231-1247. [PMID: 35978686 PMCID: PMC9377000 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists from around the world are studying the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation via the "off-Earth" International Space Station (ISS) laboratory platform. The ISS has helped scientists make discoveries that go beyond the basic understanding of Earth. Over 300 medical experiments have been performed to date, with the goal of extending the knowledge gained for the benefit of humanity. This paper gives an overview of these numerous space medical findings, critically identifies challenges and gaps, and puts the achievements into perspective toward long-term space traveling and also adding benefits to our home planet. The medical contents are trifold structured, starting with the well-being of space travelers (astronaut health studies), followed by medical formulation research under space conditions, and then concluding with a blueprint for space pharmaceutical manufacturing. The review covers essential elements of our Earth-based pharmaceutical research such as drug discovery, drug and formulation stability, drug-organ interaction, drug disintegration/bioavailability/pharmacokinetics, pathogen virulence, genome mutation, and body's resistance. The information compiles clinical, medicinal, biological, and chemical research as well as fundamentals and practical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quy Don Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Vienna Tran
- Adelaide
Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Li Shean Toh
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M. Williams
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
| | - Volker Hessel
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- School of
Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baran R, Wehland M, Schulz H, Heer M, Infanger M, Grimm D. Microgravity-Related Changes in Bone Density and Treatment Options: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158650. [PMID: 35955775 PMCID: PMC9369243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Space travelers are exposed to microgravity (µg), which induces enhanced bone loss compared to the age-related bone loss on Earth. Microgravity promotes an increased bone turnover, and this obstructs space exploration. This bone loss can be slowed down by exercise on treadmills or resistive apparatus. The objective of this systematic review is to provide a current overview of the state of the art of the field of bone loss in space and possible treatment options thereof. A total of 482 unique studies were searched through PubMed and Scopus, and 37 studies met the eligibility criteria. The studies showed that, despite increased bone formation during µg, the increase in bone resorption was greater. Different types of exercise and pharmacological treatments with bisphosphonates, RANKL antibody (receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ ligand antibody), proteasome inhibitor, pan-caspase inhibitor, and interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody decrease bone resorption and promote bone formation. Additionally, recombinant irisin, cell-free fat extract, cyclic mechanical stretch-treated bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, and strontium-containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles also show some positive effects on bone loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronni Baran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (H.S.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (H.S.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martina Heer
- IU International University of Applied Sciences, 99084 Erfurt, Germany;
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (H.S.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (H.S.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fais G, Manca A, Bolognesi F, Borselli M, Concas A, Busutti M, Broggi G, Sanna P, Castillo-Aleman YM, Rivero-Jiménez RA, Bencomo-Hernandez AA, Ventura-Carmenate Y, Altea M, Pantaleo A, Gabrielli G, Biglioli F, Cao G, Giannaccare G. Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050299. [PMID: 35621951 PMCID: PMC9143897 DOI: 10.3390/md20050299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fais
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Alessia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Federico Bolognesi
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Borselli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Busutti
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Broggi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, University of Milan, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Columbus Clinic Center, Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 48, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Pierdanilo Sanna
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yandy Marx Castillo-Aleman
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - René Antonio Rivero-Jiménez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Antonio Alfonso Bencomo-Hernandez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Yendry Ventura-Carmenate
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Al Misaha Street, Rowdhat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; (P.S.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (R.A.R.-J.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
| | - Michela Altea
- TOLO Green, Via San Damiano 2, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Federico Biglioli
- Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Loc. Piscina Manna, Building 1, 09050 Pula, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3317186201
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Effects of Concurrent Exposure to Chronic Restraint-Induced Stress and Total-Body Iron Ion Radiation on Induction of Kidney Injury in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094866. [PMID: 35563256 PMCID: PMC9099542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Concurrent exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) and psychological stress (PS) may affect the development of adverse health consequences in scenarios such as space missions, radiotherapy and nuclear accidents. IR can induce DNA damage and cell apoptosis in the kidneys, thus potentially leading to renal fibrosis, which is the ultimate outcome of various chronic progressive nephropathies and the morphological manifestation of a continuous coordinated response after renal injury. However, little is known regarding the effects of concurrent IR exposure and PS on renal damage, particularly renal fibrosis. In this study, using a chronic restraint-induced PS (CRIPS) model, we exposed Trp53-heterozygous mice to total body irradiation with 0.1 or 2 Gy 56Fe ions on the eighth day of 28 consecutive days of a restraint regimen. At the end of the restraint period, the kidneys were collected. The histopathological changes and the degree of kidney fibrosis were assessed with H&E and Masson staining, respectively. Fibronectin (FN) and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), biomarkers of fibrosis, were detected by immunohistochemistry. Analysis of 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage, was performed with immunofluorescence, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling assays were used to detect apoptotic cells. Histopathological observations did not indicate significant structural damage induced by IR or CRIPS + IR. Western blotting revealed that the expression of α-SMA was much higher in the CRIPS + IR groups than the CRIPS groups. However, no differences in the average optical density per area were observed for FN, α-SMA and 8-OHdG between the IR and CRIPS + IR groups. No difference in the induction of apoptosis was observed between the IR and CRIPS + IR groups. These results suggested that exposure to IR (0.1 and 2 Gy 56Fe ions), 28 consecutive days of CRIPS or both did not cause renal fibrosis. Thus, CRIPS did not alter the IR-induced effects on renal damage in Trp53-heterozygous mice in our experimental setup.
Collapse
|
25
|
Enhanced Effects of Chronic Restraint-Induced Psychological Stress on Total Body Fe-Irradiation-Induced Hematopoietic Toxicity in Trp53-Heterozygous Mice. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040565. [PMID: 35455056 PMCID: PMC9025703 DOI: 10.3390/life12040565] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to both psychological stress (PS) and radiation in some scenarios such as manned deep-space missions. It is of great concern to verify possible enhanced deleterious effects from such concurrent exposure. Pioneer studies showed that chronic restraint-induced PS (CRIPS) could attenuate Trp53 functions and increase gamma-ray-induced carcinogenesis in Trp53-heterozygous mice while CRIPS did not significantly modify the effects on X-ray-induced hematopoietic toxicity in Trp53 wild-type mice. As high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation is the most important component of space radiation in causing biological effects, we further investigated the effects of CRIPS on high-LET iron-particle radiation (Fe)-induced hematopoietic toxicity in Trp53-heterozygous mice. The results showed that CRIPS alone could hardly induce significant alteration in hematological parameters (peripheral hemogram and micronucleated erythrocytes in bone marrow) while concurrent exposure caused elevated genotoxicity measured as micronucleus incidence in erythrocytes. Particularly, exposure to either CRISP or Fe-particle radiation at a low dose (0.1 Gy) did not induce a marked increase in the micronucleus incidence; however, concurrent exposure caused a significantly higher increase in the micronucleus incidence. These findings indicated that CRIPS could enhance the deleterious effects of high-LET radiation, particularly at a low dose, on the hematopoietic toxicity in Trp53-heterozygous mice.
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The direct (eg, radiation, microgravity) and indirect (eg, lifestyle perturbations) effects of spaceflight extend across multiple systems resulting in whole-organism cardiovascular deconditioning. For over 50 years, National Aeronautics and Space Administration has continually enhanced a countermeasures program designed to characterize and offset the adverse cardiovascular consequences of spaceflight. In this review, we provide a historical overview of research evaluating the effects of spaceflight on cardiovascular health in astronauts and outline mechanisms underpinning spaceflight-related cardiovascular alterations. We also discuss how spaceflight could be leveraged for aging, industry, and model systems such as human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, organoid, and organ-on-a-chip technologies. Finally, we outline the increasing opportunities for scientists and clinicians to engage in cardiovascular research in space and on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Scott
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (J.M.S.).,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY (J.M.S.)
| | | | - Lianne Dolan
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada (L.D.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Deane CS, da Silveira WA, Herranz R. Space omics research in Europe: Contributions, geographical distribution and ESA member state funding schemes. iScience 2022; 25:103920. [PMID: 35265808 PMCID: PMC8898910 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The European research community, via European Space Agency (ESA) spaceflight opportunities, has significantly contributed toward our current understanding of spaceflight biology. Recent molecular biology experiments include "omic" analysis, which provides a holistic and systems level understanding of the mechanisms underlying phenotypic adaptation. Despite vast interest in, and the immense quantity of biological information gained from space omics research, the knowledge of ESA-related space omics works as a collective remains poorly defined due to the recent exponential application of omics approaches in space and the limited search capabilities of pre-existing records. Thus, a review of such contributions is necessary to clarify and promote the development of space omics among ESA and ESA state members. To address this gap, in this review, we i) identified and summarized omics works led by European researchers, ii) geographically described these omics works, and iii) highlighted potential caveats in complex funding scenarios among ESA member states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S Deane
- Department of Sport and Health Science, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK.,Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | | | - Willian A da Silveira
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida MSD, 2080, Malta
| | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pavletić B, Runzheimer K, Siems K, Koch S, Cortesão M, Ramos-Nascimento A, Moeller R. Spaceflight Virology: What Do We Know about Viral Threats in the Spaceflight Environment? ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:210-224. [PMID: 34981957 PMCID: PMC8861927 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Viruses constitute a significant part of the human microbiome, so wherever humans go, viruses are brought with them, even on space missions. In this mini review, we focus on the International Space Station (ISS) as the only current human habitat in space that has a diverse range of viral genera that infect microorganisms from bacteria to eukaryotes. Thus, we have reviewed the literature on the physical conditions of space habitats that have an impact on both virus transmissibility and interaction with their host, which include UV radiation, ionizing radiation, humidity, and microgravity. Also, we briefly comment on the practices used on space missions that reduce virus spread, that is, use of antimicrobial surfaces, spacecraft sterilization practices, and air filtration. Finally, we turn our attention to the health threats that viruses pose to space travel. Overall, even though efforts are taken to ensure safe conditions during human space travel, for example, preflight quarantines of astronauts, we reflect on the potential risks humans might be exposed to and how those risks might be aggravated in extraterrestrial habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pavletić
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Katharina Runzheimer
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Katharina Siems
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Stella Koch
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Marta Cortesão
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Ana Ramos-Nascimento
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Linder Hoehe, Cologne (Köln), Germany
- Address correspondence to: Ralf Moeller, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology, Linder Hoehe, Building 24, Room 104, D-51147 Köln, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gaines D, Nestorova GG. Extracellular vesicles-derived microRNAs expression as biomarkers for neurological radiation injury: Risk assessment for space exploration. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 32:54-62. [PMID: 35065761 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Space missions pose threats to the health of the astronauts due to long-term exposure to galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events comprised predominantly of medium to high energy protons, energetic helium ions, and energetic high atomic number particles (HZEs). While the tissue-specific effects of radiation have been studied extensively, the changes in exosomal miRNA expression levels in response to acute radiation exposure have not been assessed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) originate from the host cells and contain nucleic acid and proteins that can modify the physiology of the receiving cells via the transfer of genomic, proteomic, and lipids cargo. Detection and analysis of miRNA cargo of circulating EVs is an emerging method for non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of neurological disorders. This study characterizes the EV-derived miRNA expression profiles of human astrocytes to identify those that are altered after treatment with 3 Gy proton radiation as biomarkers of neurological radiation injury. The relationship between radiation and miRNA extracellular vesicles expression levels was investigated in human astrocytes after treatment with 3 Gy proton radiation at Willis-Knighton Cancer Center. Microarray analysis was performed using miRNA from the EVs enriched fraction in the cell culture medium collected from sham-control and radiation-treated cells. The exosomal levels of 13 miRNAs were significantly (FDR p < 0.05) down-regulated after exposure to high-energy radiation. The computational analysis identified hsa-miR-762, hsa-let-7c-5p, and has-let-7b-5p regulate the highest number of genes being associated with cognitive, mental, and motor delay. These miRNAs target the same subset of genes (Amd1, CCNF, COX6B, PLXND1) that are associated with epileptic encephalopathy; frontotemporal dementia; mitochondrial complex iv deficiency, and a rare neurological condition (Moebius syndrome) respectively. GO enrichment analysis of the biological processes identified overrepresentation in mRNA polyadenylation and regulation of glutamine and long fatty acids transport. Gene expression analysis confirmed the upregulation of the glutamine synthetase after irradiation. Significant fold enrichment of GO l-glutamine transmembrane transporter activity was identified in the molecular function category as well indicating exosome-mediated regulation of this important pathway after proton radiation exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deriesha Gaines
- Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, United States
| | - Gergana G Nestorova
- School of Biological Sciences, Nestorova University School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, 1 Adams Blvd, Ruston, LA 71272, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Giri J, Moll G. MSCs in Space: Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapeutics as Enabling Technology for Long-Distance Manned Space Travel. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-022-00207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Advancements in space travel, such as space tourism into Earth’s orbit, but also the prospect of long-distance manned space travel to other celestial bodies such as Mars, has generated a clinical need for new enabling technologies to support the long-term well-being of humans during their passage. Here, we will give an outline on the clinical need and practical considerations to MSC therapy as enabling technology for long-distance manned space travel.
Recent Findings
Long-distance space travel entails a threat to the health of astronaut crews due to the low gravity environment and exposure to toxic radiation in space. Multi-organ-system degenerative changes, such as decline in musculoskeletal, hematopoietic, immune system function, and in particular risk of genetic mutations and cancer, are major health concerns. Physical training, pharmacological agents, and protective shielding are among the currently available methods to counteract harmful effects. However, a potential lack of adequate shielding, side effects of pharmacological compounds, and limitations to physical training suggest a need for new countermeasures, to protect space travellers to the best extent. Here, the prospect of cell-based therapy, e.g. mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), has been subject to intense research, due to their potent regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Off-the-shelf MSC therapeutics can be easily maintained in space due to the ambient extremely low-temperature environment, and cryorecovery and even culturing of MSCs under microgravity were shown to be feasible.
Summary
Designing new therapy against harmful radiation is urgent need in space travel. Here we will discuss aspects related to clinical MSC administration to optimize their therapeutic benefit. MSC-based therapy may aid in evolving protective countermeasures for space travellers.
Collapse
|
31
|
Vicar T, Gumulec J, Kolar R, Kopecna O, Pagacova E, Falkova I, Falk M. DeepFoci: Deep learning-based algorithm for fast automatic analysis of DNA double-strand break ionizing radiation-induced foci. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 19:6465-6480. [PMID: 34976305 PMCID: PMC8668444 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), marked by ionizing radiation-induced (repair) foci (IRIFs), are the most serious DNA lesions and are dangerous to human health. IRIF quantification based on confocal microscopy represents the most sensitive and gold-standard method in radiation biodosimetry and allows research on DSB induction and repair at the molecular and single-cell levels. In this study, we introduce DeepFoci - a deep learning-based fully automatic method for IRIF counting and morphometric analysis. DeepFoci is designed to work with 3D multichannel data (trained for 53BP1 and γH2AX) and uses U-Net for nucleus segmentation and IRIF detection, together with maximally stable extremal region-based IRIF segmentation. The proposed method was trained and tested on challenging datasets consisting of mixtures of nonirradiated and irradiated cells of different types and IRIF characteristics - permanent cell lines (NHDFs, U-87) and primary cell cultures prepared from tumors and adjacent normal tissues of head and neck cancer patients. The cells were dosed with 0.5-8 Gy γ-rays and fixed at multiple (0-24 h) postirradiation times. Under all circumstances, DeepFoci quantified the number of IRIFs with the highest accuracy among current advanced algorithms. Moreover, while the detection error of DeepFoci remained comparable to the variability between two experienced experts, the software maintained its sensitivity and fidelity across dramatically different IRIF counts per nucleus. In addition, information was extracted on IRIF 3D morphometric features and repair protein colocalization within IRIFs. This approach allowed multiparameter IRIF categorization of single- or multichannel data, thereby refining the analysis of DSB repair processes and classification of patient tumors, with the potential to identify specific cell subclones. The developed software improves IRIF quantification for various practical applications (radiotherapy monitoring, biodosimetry, etc.) and opens the door to advanced DSB focus analysis and, in turn, a better understanding of (radiation-induced) DNA damage and repair.
Collapse
Key Words
- 53BP1, P53-binding protein 1
- Biodosimetry
- CNN, convolutional neural network
- Confocal Microscopy
- Convolutional Neural Network
- DNA Damage and Repair
- DSB, DNA double-strand break
- Deep Learning
- FOV, field of view
- GUI, graphical user interface
- IRIF, ionizing radiation-induced (repair) foci
- Image Analysis
- Ionizing Radiation-Induced Foci (IRIFs)
- MSER, maximally stable extremal region (algorithm)
- Morphometry
- NHDFs, normal human dermal fibroblasts
- RAD51, DNA repair protein RAD51 homolog 1
- U-87, U-87 glioblastoma cell line
- γH2AX, histone H2AX phosphorylated at serine 139
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Vicar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, Brno, Czech Republic.,Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i, Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Kralovopolska 135, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromir Gumulec
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Kolar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Kopecna
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i, Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Kralovopolska 135, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Pagacova
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i, Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Kralovopolska 135, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Falkova
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i, Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Kralovopolska 135, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Falk
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i, Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Kralovopolska 135, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kumar K, Datta K, Fornace AJ, Suman S. Total body proton and heavy-ion irradiation causes cellular senescence and promotes pro-osteoclastogenic activity in mouse bone marrow. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08691. [PMID: 35028468 PMCID: PMC8741516 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-LET photon radiation-induced persistent alterations in bone marrow (BM) cells are well documented in total-body irradiated (TBI) rodents and also among radiotherapy patients. However, the late effects of protons and high-LET heavy-ion radiation on BM cells and its implications in osteoclastogenesis are not fully understood. Therefore, C57BL6/J female mice (8 weeks; n = 10/group) were irradiated to sham, and 1 Gy of the proton (0.22 keV/μm), or high-LET 56Fe-ions (148 keV/μm) and at 60 d post-exposure, mice were sacrificed and femur sections were obtained for histological, cellular and molecular analysis. Cell proliferation (PCNA), cell death (active caspase-3), senescence (p16), osteoclast (RANK), osteoblast (OPG), osteoblast progenitor (c-Kit), and osteoclastogenesis-associated secretory factors (like RANKL) were assessed using immunostaining. While no change in cell proliferation and apoptosis between control and irradiated groups was noted, the number of BM megakaryocytes was significantly reduced in irradiated mice at 60 d post-exposure. A remarkable increase in p16 positive cells indicated a persistent increase in cell senescence, whereas increased RANKL/OPG ratio, reductions in the number of osteoblast progenitor cells, and osteocalcin provided clear evidence that exposure to both proton and 56Fe-ions promotes pro-osteoclastogenic activity in BM. Among irradiated groups, 56Fe-induced alterations in the BM cellularity and osteoclastogenesis were significantly greater than the protons that demonstrated a radiation quality-dependent effect. This study has implications in understanding the role of IR-induced late changes in the BM cells and its involvement in bone degeneration among deep-space astronauts, and also in patients undergoing proton or heavy-ion radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamendra Kumar
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Kamal Datta
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Albert J. Fornace
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Shubhankar Suman
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Baran R, Marchal S, Garcia Campos S, Rehnberg E, Tabury K, Baselet B, Wehland M, Grimm D, Baatout S. The Cardiovascular System in Space: Focus on In Vivo and In Vitro Studies. Biomedicines 2021; 10:59. [PMID: 35052739 PMCID: PMC8773383 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On Earth, humans are subjected to a gravitational force that has been an important determinant in human evolution and function. During spaceflight, astronauts are subjected to several hazards including a prolonged state of microgravity that induces a myriad of physiological adaptations leading to orthostatic intolerance. This review summarises all known cardiovascular diseases related to human spaceflight and focusses on the cardiovascular changes related to human spaceflight (in vivo) as well as cellular and molecular changes (in vitro). Upon entering microgravity, cephalad fluid shift occurs and increases the stroke volume (35-46%) and cardiac output (18-41%). Despite this increase, astronauts enter a state of hypovolemia (10-15% decrease in blood volume). The absence of orthostatic pressure and a decrease in arterial pressures reduces the workload of the heart and is believed to be the underlying mechanism for the development of cardiac atrophy in space. Cellular and molecular changes include altered cell shape and endothelial dysfunction through suppressed cellular proliferation as well as increased cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Human spaceflight is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Through the use of microgravity platforms, multiple physiological changes can be studied and stimulate the development of appropriate tools and countermeasures for future human spaceflight missions in low Earth orbit and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronni Baran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (R.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Shannon Marchal
- Department of Astronomy, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Sebastian Garcia Campos
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emil Rehnberg
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (R.B.); (D.G.)
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Department of Astronomy, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cortés-Sánchez JL, Callant J, Krüger M, Sahana J, Kraus A, Baselet B, Infanger M, Baatout S, Grimm D. Cancer Studies under Space Conditions: Finding Answers Abroad. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010025. [PMID: 35052703 PMCID: PMC8773191 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we discuss the current state of knowledge in cancer research under real and simulated microgravity conditions and point out further research directions in this field. Outer space is an extremely hostile environment for human life, with radiation, microgravity, and vacuum posing significant hazards. Although the risk for cancer in astronauts is not clear, microgravity plays a thought-provoking role in the carcinogenesis of normal and cancer cells, causing such effects as multicellular spheroid formation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, alteration of gene expression and protein synthesis, and apoptosis. Furthermore, deleterious effects of radiation on cells seem to be accentuated under microgravity. Ground-based facilities have been used to study microgravity effects in addition to laborious experiments during parabolic flights or on space stations. Some potential 'gravisensors' have already been detected, and further identification of these mechanisms of mechanosensitivity could open up ways for therapeutic influence on cancer growth and apoptosis. These novel findings may help to find new effective cancer treatments and to provide health protection for humans on future long-term spaceflights and exploration of outer space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Cortés-Sánchez
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Jonas Callant
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Armin Kraus
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
- Department Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-21379702
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mitigation of Iron Irradiation-Induced Genotoxicity and Genomic Instability by Postexposure Dietary Restriction in Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:2888393. [PMID: 34926683 PMCID: PMC8677402 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2888393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose. Postexposure onset of dietary restriction (DR) is expected to provide therapeutic nutritional approaches to reduce health risk from exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) due to such as manned space exploration, radiotherapy, or nuclear accidents as IR could alleviate radiocarcinogenesis in animal models. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study is aimed at investigating the effect from postexposure onset of DR on genotoxicity and genomic instability (GI) induced by total body irradiation (TBI) in mice. Materials and Methods. Mice were exposed to 2.0 Gy of accelerated iron particles with an initial energy of 500 MeV/nucleon and a linear energy transfer (LET) value of about 200 keV/μm. After TBI, mice were either allowed to free access to a standard laboratory chow or treated under DR (25% cut in diet). Using micronucleus frequency (MNF) in bone marrow erythrocytes, induction of acute genotoxicity and GI in the hematopoietic system was, respectively, determined 1 and 2 months after TBI. Results and Conclusions. TBI alone caused a significant increase in MNF while DR alone did not markedly influence the MNF. DR induced a significant decrease in MNF compared to the treatment by TBI alone. Results demonstrated that postexposure onset of DR could relieve the elevated MNF induced by TBI with high-LET iron particles. These findings indicated that reduction in acute genotoxicity and late GI may be at least a part of the mechanisms underlying decreased radiocarcinogenesis by DR.
Collapse
|
36
|
Yakovleva MA, Feldman TB, Lyakhova KN, Utina DM, Kolesnikova IA, Vinogradova YV, Molokanov AG, Ostrovsky MA. Ionized Radiation-Mediated Retinoid Oxidation in the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium of the Murine Eye. Radiat Res 2021; 197:270-279. [PMID: 34879150 DOI: 10.1667/rade-21-00069.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of proton and gamma-ray ionizing radiation on the mouse eye. The aim of this work was to analyze radiation-mediated retinoid oxidation in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The findings from this analysis can be used to develop a noninvasive method for rapid assessment of the effects of ionizing radiation. Comparative fluorescence and chromatographic analyses of retinoids before and after irradiations were performed. The fluorescent properties of chloroform extracts from irradiated mouse retina and RPE exhibited an increase in fluorescence intensity in the short-wave region of the spectrum (λ < 550 nm). This change is due to increased retinal and RPE retinoid oxidation and degradation products after radiation exposure. Comparative analyses of radiation effects demonstrated that the effect of proton exposure on the retina and RPE was higher than that of gamma-ray exposure. The present study revealed a new approach to assessing the level of radiation exposure in ocular tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Yakovleva
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana B Feldman
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Molecular Physiology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kristina N Lyakhova
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow region, Russia
| | - Dina M Utina
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow region, Russia
| | - Inna A Kolesnikova
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow region, Russia
| | - Yuliya V Vinogradova
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow region, Russia
| | - Alexander G Molokanov
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow region, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Ostrovsky
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Molecular Physiology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow region, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
De Micco V, De Francesco S, Amitrano C, Arena C. Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Carbon- and Titanium-Ions Irradiation on Morpho-Anatomical and Biochemical Traits of Dolichos melanophthalmus DC. Seedlings Aimed to Space Exploration. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10112272. [PMID: 34834635 PMCID: PMC8618800 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The realization of manned missions for space exploration requires the development of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs) to make human colonies self-sufficient in terms of resources. Indeed, in these systems, plants contribute to resource regeneration and food production. However, the cultivation of plants in space is influenced by ionizing radiation which can have positive, null, or negative effects on plant growth depending on intrinsic and environmental/cultivation factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of high-LET (Linear Energy Transfer) ionizing radiation on seed germination and seedling development in eye bean. Dry seeds of Dolichos melanophthalmus DC. (eye bean) were irradiated with two doses (1 and 10 Gy) of C- and Ti-ions. Seedlings from irradiated seeds were compared with non-irradiated controls in terms of morpho-anatomical and biochemical traits. Results showed that the responses of eye bean plants to radiation are dose-specific and dependent on the type of ion. The information obtained from this study will be useful for evaluating the radio-resistance of eye bean seedlings, for their possible cultivation and utilization as food supplement in space environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (S.D.F.); (C.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara De Francesco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (S.D.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Chiara Amitrano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (S.D.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Carmen Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Beheshti A, McDonald JT, Hada M, Takahashi A, Mason CE, Mognato M. Genomic Changes Driven by Radiation-Induced DNA Damage and Microgravity in Human Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910507. [PMID: 34638848 PMCID: PMC8508777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The space environment consists of a complex mixture of different types of ionizing radiation and altered gravity that represents a threat to humans during space missions. In particular, individual radiation sensitivity is strictly related to the risk of space radiation carcinogenesis. Therefore, in view of future missions to the Moon and Mars, there is an urgent need to estimate as accurately as possible the individual risk from space exposure to improve the safety of space exploration. In this review, we survey the combined effects from the two main physical components of the space environment, ionizing radiation and microgravity, to alter the genetics and epigenetics of human cells, considering both real and simulated space conditions. Data collected from studies on human cells are discussed for their potential use to estimate individual radiation carcinogenesis risk from space exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Correspondence: or (A.B.); (M.M.)
| | - J. Tyson McDonald
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Megumi Hada
- Radiation Institute for Science & Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA;
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, 3-39-22 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- The World Quant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maddalena Mognato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: or (A.B.); (M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
What can biofabrication do for space and what can space do for biofabrication? Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:398-411. [PMID: 34544616 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Biofabrication in space is one of the novel promising and prospective research directions in the rapidly emerging field of space STEM. There are several advantages of biofabrication in space. Under microgravity, it is possible to engineer constructs using more fluidic channels and thus more biocompatible bioinks. Microgravity enables biofabrication of tissue and organ constructs of more complex geometries, thus facilitating novel scaffold-, label-, and nozzle-free technologies based on multi-levitation principles. However, when exposed to microgravity and cosmic radiation, biofabricated tissues could be used to study pathophysiological phenomena that will be useful on Earth and for deep space manned missions. Here, we provide leading concepts about the potential mutual benefits of the application of biofabrication technologies in space.
Collapse
|
40
|
Kennedy KJ, LeBlanc A, Pirkkanen J, Thome C, Tai TC, LeClair R, Boreham DR. DOSIMETRIC CHARACTERISATION OF A SUB-NATURAL BACKGROUND RADIATION ENVIRONMENT FOR RADIOBIOLOGY INVESTIGATIONS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2021; 195:114-123. [PMID: 34402520 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Living systems have evolved in the presence of naturally occurring ionising radiation. REPAIR is a research project investigating the biological effects of sub-natural background radiation exposure in SNOLAB, a deep-underground laboratory. Biological systems are being cultured within a sub-background environment as well as two control locations (underground and surface). A comprehensive dosimetric analysis was performed. GEANT4 simulation was used to characterise the contribution from gamma, muons and neutrons. Additionally, dose rates from radon, 40K and 14C were calculated based on measured activity concentrations. The total absorbed dose rate in the sub-background environment was 27 times lower than the surface control, at 2.48 ± 0.20 nGy hr-1, including a >400-fold reduction in the high linear energy transfer components. This modelling quantitatively confirms that the environment within SNOLAB provides a substantially reduced background radiation dose rate, thereby setting the stage for future sub-background biological studies using a variety of model organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konnor J Kennedy
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Alexandre LeBlanc
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Jake Pirkkanen
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, P.O. Box 384, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Robert LeClair
- Department of Physics, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Nuclear Innovation Institute, P.O. Box 384, 620 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Boerma M, Davis CM, Jackson IL, Schaue D, Williams JP. All for one, though not one for all: team players in normal tissue radiobiology. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 98:346-366. [PMID: 34129427 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1941383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE As part of the special issue on 'Women in Science', this review offers a perspective on past and ongoing work in the field of normal (non-cancer) tissue radiation biology, highlighting the work of many of the leading contributors to this field of research. We discuss some of the hypotheses that have guided investigations, with a focus on some of the critical organs considered dose-limiting with respect to radiation therapy, and speculate on where the field needs to go in the future. CONCLUSIONS The scope of work that makes up normal tissue radiation biology has and continues to play a pivotal role in the radiation sciences, ensuring the most effective application of radiation in imaging and therapy, as well as contributing to radiation protection efforts. However, despite the proven historical value of preclinical findings, recent decades have seen clinical practice move ahead with altered fractionation scheduling based on empirical observations, with little to no (or even negative) supporting scientific data. Given our current appreciation of the complexity of normal tissue radiation responses and their temporal variability, with tissue- and/or organ-specific mechanisms that include intra-, inter- and extracellular messaging, as well as contributions from systemic compartments, such as the immune system, the need to maintain a positive therapeutic ratio has never been more urgent. Importantly, mitigation and treatment strategies, whether for the clinic, emergency use following accidental or deliberate releases, or reducing occupational risk, will likely require multi-targeted approaches that involve both local and systemic intervention. From our personal perspective as five 'Women in Science', we would like to acknowledge and applaud the role that many female scientists have played in this field. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, some of whom are fellow contributors to this special issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Catherine M Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Isabel L Jackson
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dörthe Schaue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline P Williams
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bychkov A, Reshetnikova P, Bychkova E, Podgorbunskikh E, Koptev V. The current state and future trends of space nutrition from a perspective of astronauts' physiology. Int J Gastron Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2021.100324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
43
|
Mladenova V, Mladenov E, Scholz M, Stuschke M, Iliakis G. Strong Shift to ATR-Dependent Regulation of the G 2-Checkpoint after Exposure to High-LET Radiation. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11060560. [PMID: 34198619 PMCID: PMC8232161 DOI: 10.3390/life11060560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The utilization of high linear-energy-transfer (LET) ionizing radiation (IR) modalities is rapidly growing worldwide, causing excitement but also raising concerns, because our understanding of their biological effects is incomplete. Charged particles such as protons and heavy ions have increasing potential in cancer therapy, due to their advantageous physical properties over X-rays (photons), but are also present in the space environment, adding to the health risks of space missions. Therapy improvements and the protection of humans during space travel will benefit from a better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the biological effects of high-LET IR. There is evidence that high-LET IR induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) of increasing complexity, causing enhanced cell killing, owing, at least partly, to the frequent engagement of a low-fidelity DSB-repair pathway: alternative end-joining (alt-EJ), which is known to frequently induce severe structural chromosomal abnormalities (SCAs). Here, we evaluate the radiosensitivity of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells to X-rays, α-particles and 56Fe ions, as well as of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells to X-rays and α-particles. We observe the expected increase in cell killing following high-LET irradiation that correlates with the increased formation of SCAs as detected by mFISH. Furthermore, we report that cells exposed to low doses of α-particles and 56Fe ions show an enhanced G2-checkpoint response which is mainly regulated by ATR, rather than the coordinated ATM/ATR-dependent regulation observed after exposure to low doses of X-rays. These observations advance our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning high-LET IR effects, and suggest the potential utility for ATR inhibitors in high-LET radiation therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Mladenova
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (V.M.); (E.M.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Emil Mladenov
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (V.M.); (E.M.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Scholz
- Biophysics Division, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany;
| | - Martin Stuschke
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (V.M.); (E.M.); (M.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - George Iliakis
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; (V.M.); (E.M.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wakayama S, Ito D, Kamada Y, Shimazu T, Suzuki T, Nagamatsu A, Araki R, Ishikawa T, Kamimura S, Hirose N, Kazama K, Yang L, Inoue R, Kikuchi Y, Hayashi E, Emura R, Watanabe R, Nagatomo H, Suzuki H, Yamamori T, Tada MN, Osada I, Umehara M, Sano H, Kasahara H, Higashibata A, Yano S, Abe M, Kishigami S, Kohda T, Ooga M, Wakayama T. Evaluating the long-term effect of space radiation on the reproductive normality of mammalian sperm preserved on the International Space Station. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/24/eabg5554. [PMID: 34117068 PMCID: PMC8195474 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg5554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Space radiation may cause DNA damage to cells and concern for the inheritance of mutations in offspring after deep space exploration. However, there is no way to study the long-term effects of space radiation using biological materials. Here, we developed a method to evaluate the biological effect of space radiation and examined the reproductive potential of mouse freeze-dried spermatozoa stored on the International Space Station (ISS) for the longest period in biological research. The space radiation did not affect sperm DNA or fertility after preservation on ISS, and many genetically normal offspring were obtained without reducing the success rate compared to the ground-preserved control. The results of ground x-ray experiments showed that sperm can be stored for more than 200 years in space. These results suggest that the effect of deep space radiation on mammalian reproduction can be evaluated using spermatozoa, even without being monitored by astronauts in Gateway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.
| | - Daiyu Ito
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Yuko Kamada
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Shimazu
- Space Utilization Promotion Department, Japan Space Forum, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tomomi Suzuki
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Aiko Nagamatsu
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Ryoko Araki
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ishikawa
- Department of Accelerator and Medical Physics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kamimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Naoki Hirose
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Kousuke Kazama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Li Yang
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Rei Inoue
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kikuchi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Erika Hayashi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Rina Emura
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Ren Watanabe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagatomo
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Hiromi Suzuki
- Space Utilization Promotion Department, Japan Space Forum, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tohru Yamamori
- Space Utilization Promotion Department, Japan Space Forum, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Motoki N Tada
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Ikuko Osada
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Masumi Umehara
- Advanced Engineering Services Co. Ltd, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0032, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sano
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Haruo Kasahara
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | | | - Sachiko Yano
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masumi Abe
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ooga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Katsube T, Wang B, Tanaka K, Ninomiya Y, Hirakawa H, Liu C, Maruyama K, Vares G, Liu Q, Kito S, Nakajima T, Fujimori A, Nenoi M. Synergistic Effects of Chronic Restraint-Induced Stress and Low-Dose 56Fe-particle Irradiation on Induction of Chromosomal Aberrations in Trp53-Heterozygous Mice. Radiat Res 2021; 196:100-112. [PMID: 33901294 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00218.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Astronauts can develop psychological stress (PS) during space flights due to the enclosed environment, microgravity, altered light-dark cycles, and risks of equipment failure or fatal mishaps. At the same time, they are exposed to cosmic rays including high atomic number and energy (HZE) particles such as iron-56 (Fe) ions. Psychological stress or radiation exposure can cause detrimental effects in humans. An earlier published pioneering study showed that chronic restraint-induced psychological stress (CRIPS) could attenuate Trp53 functions and increase carcinogenesis induced by low-linear energy transfer (LET) γ rays in Trp53-heterozygous (Trp53+/-) mice. To elucidate possible modification effects from CRIPS on high-LET HZE particle-induced health consequences, Trp53+/- mice were received both CRIPS and accelerated Fe ion irradiation. Six-week-old Trp53+/- C57BL/6N male mice were restrained 6 h per day for 28 consecutive days. On day 8, they received total-body Fe-particle irradiation (Fe-TBI, 0.1 or 2 Gy). Metaphase chromosome spreads prepared from splenocytes at the end of the 28-day restraint regimen were painted with the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes for chromosomes 1 (green), 2 (red) and 3 (yellow). Induction of psychological stress in our experimental model was confirmed by increase in urinary corticosterone level on day 7 of restraint regimen. Regardless of Fe-TBI, CRIPS reduced splenocyte number per spleen at the end of the 28-day restraint regimen. At 2 Gy, Fe-TBI alone induced many aberrant chromosomes and no modifying effect was detected from CRIPS on induction of aberrant chromosomes. Notably, neither Fe-TBI at 0.1 Gy nor CRIPS alone induced any increase in the frequency of aberrant chromosomes, while simultaneous exposure resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal exchanges. These findings clearly showed that CRIPS could enhance the frequency of chromosomal exchanges induced by Fe-TBI at a low dose of 0.1 Gy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Katsube
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Bing Wang
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Kaoru Tanaka
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Yasuharu Ninomiya
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Hirokazu Hirakawa
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Cuihua Liu
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Kouichi Maruyama
- Center for Advanced Radiation Emergency Medicine, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Guillaume Vares
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, PR China
| | - Seiji Kito
- Center for Animal Research and Education, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nakajima
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Akira Fujimori
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| | - Mitsuru Nenoi
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ostheim P, Majewski M, Gluzman-Poltorak Z, Vainstein V, Basile LA, Lamkowski A, Schüle S, Kaatsch HL, Haimerl M, Stroszczynski C, Port M, Abend M. Predicting the Radiation Sensitivity of Male and Female Rhesus Macaques Using Gene Expression. Radiat Res 2021; 195:25-37. [PMID: 33181854 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00161.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Radiosensitivity differs in humans and likely among closely-related primates. Reasons for variation in radiosensitivity are not well known. We examined preirradiation gene expression in peripheral blood among male and female rhesus macaques which did or did not survive (up to 60 days) after whole-body irradiation with 700 cGy (LD66/60). RNA samples originated from a blinded randomized Good Laboratory Practice study in 142 irradiated rhesus macaques. Animals were untreated (placebo), or treated using recombinant human IL-12, G-CSF or combination of the two. We evaluated gene expression in a two-phase study design where phase I was a whole genome screen [next generation sequencing (NGS)] for mRNAs (RNA-seq) using five RNA samples from untreated male and female animals per group of survivor and non-survivor (total n = 20). Differential gene expression (DGE) was defined as a statistically significant and ≥2-fold up- or downregulation of mRNA species and was calculated between groups of survivors and non-survivors (reference) and by gender. Altogether 659 genes were identified, but the overlapping number of differentially expressed genes (DGE) observed in both genders was small (n = 36). Fifty-eight candidate mRNAs were chosen for independent validation in phase II using the remaining samples (n = 122) evaluated with qRT-PCR. Among the 58 candidates, 16 were of significance or borderline significance (t test) by DGE. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further refined and identified the most outstanding validated genes and gene combinations. For untreated male macaques, we identified EPX (P = 0.005, ROC=1.0), IGF2BP1 (P = 0.05, ROC=0.74) and the combination of EPX with SLC22A4 (P = 0.03, ROC=0.85) which appeared most predictive for the clinical outcome for treated and combined (untreated and treated) male macaque groups, respectively. For untreated, treated and both combined female macaque groups the same gene (MBOAT4, P = 0.0004, ROC = 0.81) was most predictive. Based on the probability function of the ROC curves, up to 74% of preirradiation RNA measurements predicted survival with a positive and negative predictive value ranging between 85-100% and associated odds ratios reflecting a 2-3-fold elevated risk for surviving per unit change (cycle threshold value) in gene expression. In conclusion, we identified gender-dependent genes and gene combinations in preirradiation blood samples for survival prediction after irradiation in rhesus macaques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Ostheim
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - M Majewski
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Z Gluzman-Poltorak
- Neumedicines Inc., Pasadena, California.,Applied Stem Cell Therapeutics, Milpitas, California
| | - V Vainstein
- Neumedicines Inc., Pasadena, California.,Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - A Lamkowski
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - S Schüle
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - H L Kaatsch
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - M Haimerl
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - C Stroszczynski
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M Port
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - M Abend
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang H, Dong J, Li G, Tan Y, Zhao H, Zhang L, Wang Y, Hu Z, Cao X, Shi F, Zhang S. The small protein MafG plays a critical role in MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis induced by simulated microgravity and radiation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 555:175-181. [PMID: 33819748 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity and radiation exposure-induced bone damage is one of the most significant alterations in astronauts after long-term spaceflight. However, the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. Recent ground-based simulation studies have suggested that this impairment is likely mediated by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during spaceflight. The small Maf protein MafG is a basic-region leucine zipper-type transcription factor, and it globally contributes to regulation of antioxidant and metabolic networks. Our research investigated the role of MafG in the process of apoptosis induced by simulated microgravity and radiation in MC3T3-E1 cells. We found that simulated microgravity or radiation alone decreased MafG expression and elevated apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells, and combined simulated microgravity and radiation treatment aggravated apoptosis. Meanwhile, under normal conditions, increased ROS levels facilitated apoptosis and downregulated the expression of MafG in MC3T3-E1 cells. Overexpression of MafG decreased apoptosis induced by simulated microgravity and radiation. These findings provide new insight into the mechanism of bone damage induced by microgravity and radiation during space flight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honghui Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, 100094, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Department, Lintong Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center, PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, 710600, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gaozhi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, 100094, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, 100094, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zebing Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinsheng Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fei Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nutritional Orthopedics and Space Nutrition as Two Sides of the Same Coin: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020483. [PMID: 33535596 PMCID: PMC7912880 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020483] [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: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the Moon landing, nutritional research has been charged with the task of guaranteeing human health in space. In addition, nutrition applied to Orthopedics has developed in recent years, driven by the need to improve the efficiency of the treatment path by enhancing the recovery after surgery. As a result, nutritional sciences have specialized into two distinct fields of research: Nutritional Orthopedics and Space Nutrition. The former primarily deals with the nutritional requirements of old patients in hospitals, whereas the latter focuses on the varied food challenges of space travelers heading to deep space. Although they may seem disconnected, they both investigate similar nutritional issues. This scoping review shows what these two disciplines have in common, highlighting the mutual features between (1) pre-operative vs. pre-launch nutritional programs, (2) hospital-based vs. space station nutritional issues, and (3) post-discharge vs. deep space nutritional resilience. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to collect documents published from 1950 to 2020, from which 44 references were selected on Nutritional Orthopedics and 44 on Space Nutrition. Both the orthopedic patient and the astronaut were found to suffer from food insecurity, malnutrition, musculoskeletal involution, flavor/pleasure issues, fluid shifts, metabolic stresses, and isolation/confinement. Both fields of research aid the planning of demand-driven food systems and advanced nutritional approaches, like tailored diets with nutrients of interest (e.g., vitamin D and calcium). The nutritional features of orthopedic patients on Earth and of astronauts in space are undeniably related. Consequently, it is important to initiate close collaborations between orthopedic nutritionists and space experts, with the musculoskeletal-related dedications playing as common fuel.
Collapse
|
49
|
Space Biology Research and Biosensor Technologies: Past, Present, and Future. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11020038. [PMID: 33572823 PMCID: PMC7912197 DOI: 10.3390/bios11020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In light of future missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) and the potential establishment of bases on the Moon and Mars, the effects of the deep space environment on biology need to be examined in order to develop protective countermeasures. Although many biological experiments have been performed in space since the 1960s, most have occurred in LEO and for only short periods of time. These LEO missions have studied many biological phenomena in a variety of model organisms, and have utilized a broad range of technologies. However, given the constraints of the deep space environment, upcoming deep space biological missions will be largely limited to microbial organisms and plant seeds using miniaturized technologies. Small satellites such as CubeSats are capable of querying relevant space environments using novel, miniaturized instruments and biosensors. CubeSats also provide a low-cost alternative to larger, more complex missions, and require minimal crew support, if any. Several have been deployed in LEO, but the next iterations of biological CubeSats will travel beyond LEO. They will utilize biosensors that can better elucidate the effects of the space environment on biology, allowing humanity to return safely to deep space, venturing farther than ever before.
Collapse
|
50
|
Hibernation as a Tool for Radiation Protection in Space Exploration. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010054. [PMID: 33466717 PMCID: PMC7828799 DOI: 10.3390/life11010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With new and advanced technology, human exploration has reached outside of the Earth's boundaries. There are plans for reaching Mars and the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, and even to build a permanent base on the Moon. However, human beings have evolved on Earth with levels of gravity and radiation that are very different from those that we have to face in space. These issues seem to pose a significant limitation on exploration. Although there are plausible solutions for problems related to the lack of gravity, it is still unclear how to address the radiation problem. Several solutions have been proposed, such as passive or active shielding or the use of specific drugs that could reduce the effects of radiation. Recently, a method that reproduces a mechanism similar to hibernation or torpor, known as synthetic torpor, has started to become possible. Several studies show that hibernators are resistant to acute high-dose-rate radiation exposure. However, the underlying mechanism of how this occurs remains unclear, and further investigation is needed. Whether synthetic hibernation will also protect from the deleterious effects of chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposure is currently unknown. Hibernators can modulate their neuronal firing, adjust their cardiovascular function, regulate their body temperature, preserve their muscles during prolonged inactivity, regulate their immune system, and most importantly, increase their radioresistance during the inactive period. According to recent studies, synthetic hibernation, just like natural hibernation, could mitigate radiation-induced toxicity. In this review, we see what artificial hibernation is and how it could help the next generation of astronauts in future interplanetary missions.
Collapse
|