1
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Cope H, Elsborg J, Demharter S, McDonald JT, Wernecke C, Parthasarathy H, Unadkat H, Chatrathi M, Claudio J, Reinsch S, Avci P, Zwart SR, Smith SM, Heer M, Muratani M, Meydan C, Overbey E, Kim J, Chin CR, Park J, Schisler JC, Mason CE, Szewczyk NJ, Willis CRG, Salam A, Beheshti A. Transcriptomics analysis reveals molecular alterations underpinning spaceflight dermatology. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:106. [PMID: 38862781 PMCID: PMC11166967 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00532-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spaceflight poses a unique set of challenges to humans and the hostile spaceflight environment can induce a wide range of increased health risks, including dermatological issues. The biology driving the frequency of skin issues in astronauts is currently not well understood. METHODS To address this issue, we used a systems biology approach utilizing NASA's Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) on space flown murine transcriptomic datasets focused on the skin, biochemical profiles of 50 NASA astronauts and human transcriptomic datasets generated from blood and hair samples of JAXA astronauts, as well as blood samples obtained from the NASA Twins Study, and skin and blood samples from the first civilian commercial mission, Inspiration4. RESULTS Key biological changes related to skin health, DNA damage & repair, and mitochondrial dysregulation are identified as potential drivers for skin health risks during spaceflight. Additionally, a machine learning model is utilized to determine gene pairings associated with spaceflight response in the skin. While we identified spaceflight-induced dysregulation, such as alterations in genes associated with skin barrier function and collagen formation, our results also highlight the remarkable ability for organisms to re-adapt back to Earth via post-flight re-tuning of gene expression. CONCLUSION Our findings can guide future research on developing countermeasures for mitigating spaceflight-associated skin damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Cope
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Jonas Elsborg
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Abzu, Copenhagen, 2150, Denmark
| | | | - J Tyson McDonald
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., WA, 20057, USA
| | - Chiara Wernecke
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hari Parthasarathy
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- College of Engineering and Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Hriday Unadkat
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Mira Chatrathi
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer Claudio
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett field, CA, USA
| | - Sigrid Reinsch
- NASA GeneLab For High Schools Program (GL4HS), Space Biology Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett field, CA, USA
| | - Pinar Avci
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, USA
| | - Martina Heer
- IU International University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Genome Biology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eliah Overbey
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jangkeun Kim
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher R Chin
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiwoon Park
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jonathan C Schisler
- McAllister Heart Institute and Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Szewczyk
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Craig R G Willis
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Amr Salam
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett field, CA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Tomsia M, Cieśla J, Śmieszek J, Florek S, Macionga A, Michalczyk K, Stygar D. Long-term space missions' effects on the human organism: what we do know and what requires further research. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1284644. [PMID: 38415007 PMCID: PMC10896920 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1284644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Space has always fascinated people. Many years have passed since the first spaceflight, and in addition to the enormous technological progress, the level of understanding of human physiology in space is also increasing. The presented paper aims to summarize the recent research findings on the influence of the space environment (microgravity, pressure differences, cosmic radiation, etc.) on the human body systems during short-term and long-term space missions. The review also presents the biggest challenges and problems that must be solved in order to extend safely the time of human stay in space. In the era of increasing engineering capabilities, plans to colonize other planets, and the growing interest in commercial space flights, the most topical issues of modern medicine seems to be understanding the effects of long-term stay in space, and finding solutions to minimize the harmful effects of the space environment on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Cieśla
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Śmieszek
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Szymon Florek
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata Macionga
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Michalczyk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dominika Stygar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- SLU University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Gimunová M, Paludo AC, Bernaciková M, Bienertova-Vasku J. The effect of space travel on human reproductive health: a systematic review. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:10. [PMID: 38238348 PMCID: PMC10796912 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00351-1] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
With increasing possibilities of multi-year missions in deep space, colonizing other planets, and space tourism, it is important to investigate the effects of space travel on human reproduction. This study aimed to systematically review and summarize the results of available literature on space travel, microgravity, and space radiation, or Earth-based spaceflight analogues impact on female and male reproductive functions in humans. This systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Space Biomedicine Systematic Review methods. The search was performed using three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline Complete. During the database search, 364 studies were identified. After the study selection process, 16 studies were included in the review. Five studies included female participants, and the findings show an increased risk of thromboembolism in combined oral contraceptive users, decreased decidualization, functional insufficiency of corpus luteum, and decreased progesterone and LH levels related to space travel or its simulation. Male participants were included in 13 studies. In males, reproductive health considerations focused on the decrease in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels, the ratio of male offspring, sperm motility, sperm vitality, and the increase in sperm DNA fragmentation related to space travel or its simulation. Results of this systematic review highlight the need to focus more on the astronaut's reproductive health in future research, as only 16 studies were found during the literature search, and many more research questions related to reproductive health in astronauts still need to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gimunová
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ana Carolina Paludo
- Department of Sport Performance and Exercise Testing, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Bernaciková
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Julie Bienertova-Vasku
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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4
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Dickerson BL, Sowinski R, Kreider RB, Wu G. Impacts of microgravity on amino acid metabolism during spaceflight. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:380-393. [PMID: 36775855 PMCID: PMC10281620 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221139189] [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] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight exerts an extreme and unique influence on human physiology as astronauts are subjected to long-term or short-term exposure to microgravity. During spaceflight, a multitude of physiological changes, including the loss of skeletal muscle mass, bone resorption, oxidative stress, and impaired blood flow, occur, which can affect astronaut health and the likelihood of mission success. In vivo and in vitro metabolite studies suggest that amino acids are among the most affected nutrients and metabolites by microgravity (a weightless condition due to very weak gravitational forces). Moreover, exposure to microgravity alters gut microbial composition, immune function, musculoskeletal health, and consequently amino acid metabolism. Appropriate knowledge of daily protein consumption, with a focus on specific functional amino acids, may offer insight into potential combative and/or therapeutic effects of amino acid consumption in astronauts and space travelers. This will further aid in the successful development of long-term manned space mission and permanent space habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Broderick L Dickerson
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Ryan Sowinski
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Richard B Kreider
- Department of Kinesiology and Sports
Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science and
Faculty of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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5
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Theotokis P, Manthou ME, Deftereou TE, Miliaras D, Meditskou S. Addressing Spaceflight Biology through the Lens of a Histologist-Embryologist. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020588. [PMID: 36836946 PMCID: PMC9965490 DOI: 10.3390/life13020588] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryogenesis and fetal development are highly delicate and error-prone processes in their core physiology, let alone if stress-associated factors and conditions are involved. Space radiation and altered gravity are factors that could radically affect fertility and pregnancy and compromise a physiological organogenesis. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information examining the effects of cosmic exposures on reproductive and proliferating outcomes with regard to mammalian embryonic development. However, explicit attention has been given to investigations exploring discrete structures and neural networks such as the vestibular system, an entity that is viewed as the sixth sense and organically controls gravity beginning with the prenatal period. The role of the gut microbiome, a newly acknowledged field of research in the space community, is also being challenged to be added in forthcoming experimental protocols. This review discusses the data that have surfaced from simulations or actual space expeditions and addresses developmental adaptations at the histological level induced by an extraterrestrial milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
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6
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Cope H, Elsborg J, Demharter S, Mcdonald JT, Wernecke C, Parthasarathy H, Unadkat H, Chatrathi M, Claudio J, Reinsch S, Zwart S, Smith S, Heer M, Muratani M, Meydan C, Overbey E, Kim J, Park J, Schisler J, Mason C, Szewczyk N, Willis C, Salam A, Beheshti A. More than a Feeling: Dermatological Changes Impacted by Spaceflight. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2367727. [PMID: 36798347 PMCID: PMC9934743 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2367727/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight poses a unique set of challenges to humans and the hostile Spaceflight environment can induce a wide range of increased health risks, including dermatological issues. The biology driving the frequency of skin issues in astronauts is currently not well understood. To address this issue, we used a systems biology approach utilizing NASA's Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) on spaceflown murine transcriptomic datasets focused on the skin, biomedical profiles from fifty NASA astronauts, and confirmation via transcriptomic data from JAXA astronauts, the NASA Twins Study, and the first civilian commercial mission, Inspiration4. Key biological changes related to skin health, DNA damage & repair, and mitochondrial dysregulation were determined to be involved with skin health risks during Spaceflight. Additionally, a machine learning model was utilized to determine key genes driving Spaceflight response in the skin. These results can be used for determining potential countermeasures to mitigate Spaceflight damage to the skin.
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7
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Douglas GL, DeKerlegand D, Dlouhy H, Dumont-Leblond N, Fields E, Heer M, Krieger S, Mehta S, Rooney BV, Torralba MG, Whiting SE, Crucian B, Lorenzi H, Smith SM, Young M, Zwart SR. Impact of diet on human nutrition, immune response, gut microbiome, and cognition in an isolated and confined mission environment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20847. [PMID: 36522361 PMCID: PMC9755260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21927-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-duration spaceflight impacts human physiology, including well documented immune system dysregulation. The space food system has the potential to serve as a countermeasure to maladaptive physiological changes during spaceflight. However, the relationship between dietary requirements, the food system, and spaceflight adaptation requires further investigation to adequately define countermeasures and prioritize resources on future spaceflight missions. We evaluated the impact of an enhanced spaceflight diet, with increased quantity and variety of fruits, vegetables, fish, and other foods rich in flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids, compared to a standard spaceflight diet on multiple health and performance outcomes in 16 subjects over four 45-day closed chamber missions in the NASA Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA). Subjects consuming the enhanced spaceflight diet had lower cholesterol levels, lower stress (i.e. cortisol levels), better cognitive speed, accuracy, and attention, and a more stable microbiome and metatranscriptome than subjects consuming the standard diet. Although no substantial changes were observed in the immune response, there were also no immune challenges, such as illness or infection, so the full benefits of the diet may not have been apparent in these analog missions. These results indicate that a spaceflight diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids produces significant health and performance benefits even over short durations. Further investigation is required to fully develop dietary countermeasures to physiological decrements observed during spaceflight. These results will have implications for food resource prioritization on spaceflight missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L. Douglas
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | | | - Holly Dlouhy
- grid.481680.30000 0004 0634 8729KBR, Houston, TX USA
| | - Nathan Dumont-Leblond
- grid.421142.00000 0000 8521 1798Centre de Recherche de L’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie Et de Pneumologie de Québec, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | | | - Martina Heer
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300IU International University of Applied Sciences and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brian Crucian
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | - Hernan Lorenzi
- grid.469946.0J Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Scott M. Smith
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | - Millennia Young
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | - Sara R. Zwart
- grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
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8
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Longitudinal metabolomic profiles reveal sex-specific adjustments to long-duration spaceflight and return to Earth. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:578. [DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04566-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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9
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Hindlimb unloading induces time-dependent disruption of testicular histology in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17406. [PMID: 36258006 PMCID: PMC9579127 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22385-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical unloading of the body in the hindlimb unloaded (HU) mice induces pathology in multiple organs, but the effects on testes are poorly characterized. We investigated the histology and Raman spectroscopy of the mouse testes following HU condition. We divided male, c57BL/6j mice into ground-based controls or experimental groups for two and four weeks of HU. The testes tissues were dissected after euthanasia to investigate histological and Raman spectroscopic analysis. We found an HU-induced atrophy of testes irrespective of the time duration (p < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed that the HU induced epithelial thinning, luminal widening, and spermatozoa decline in the seminiferous tubules of the mouse testes. In addition, we found a thickening of the epididymal epithelia and tunica albuginea. These changes were accompanied by a generalized depression in the Raman spectra, indicating an altered concentration and/or orientation of several molecules. We also report reduced signal intensities of hydroxyproline and tryptophan, potentially contributing to testicular pathology during HU. Taken together, our findings indicate that the two or four weeks of HU induce disruption of testicular architecture and molecular phenotypes. Our results may have implications for understanding and/or treating male infertility associated with prolonged bed rest and spaceflight.
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10
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Dermatitis during Spaceflight Associated with HSV-1 Reactivation. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040789. [PMID: 35458519 PMCID: PMC9028032 DOI: 10.3390/v14040789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human alpha herpesviruses herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) establish latency in various cranial nerve ganglia and often reactivate in response to stress-associated immune system dysregulation. Reactivation of Epstein Barr virus (EBV), VZV, HSV-1, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) is typically asymptomatic during spaceflight, though live/infectious virus has been recovered and the shedding rate increases with mission duration. The risk of clinical disease, therefore, may increase for astronauts assigned to extended missions (>180 days). Here, we report, for the first time, a case of HSV-1 skin rash (dermatitis) occurring during long-duration spaceflight. The astronaut reported persistent dermatitis during flight, which was treated onboard with oral antihistamines and topical/oral steroids. No HSV-1 DNA was detected in 6-month pre-mission saliva samples, but on flight day 82, a saliva and rash swab both yielded 4.8 copies/ng DNA and 5.3 × 104 copies/ng DNA, respectively. Post-mission saliva samples continued to have a high infectious HSV-1 load (1.67 × 107 copies/ng DNA). HSV-1 from both rash and saliva samples had 99.9% genotype homology. Additional physiological monitoring, including stress biomarkers (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and salivary amylase), immune markers (adaptive regulatory and inflammatory plasma cytokines), and biochemical profile markers, including vitamin/mineral status and bone metabolism, are also presented for this case. These data highlight an atypical presentation of HSV-1 during spaceflight and underscore the importance of viral screening during clinical evaluations of in-flight dermatitis to determine viral etiology and guide treatment.
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11
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Lee PHU, Chung M, Ren Z, Mair DB, Kim DH. Factors mediating spaceflight-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C567-C580. [PMID: 35171699 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00203.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a well-known consequence of spaceflight. Because of the potential significant impact of muscle atrophy and muscle dysfunction on astronauts and to their mission, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of this atrophy and the development of effective countermeasures is critical. Spaceflight-induced muscle atrophy is similar to atrophy seen in many terrestrial conditions, and therefore our understanding of this form of atrophy may also contribute to the treatment of atrophy in humans on Earth. The unique environmental features humans encounter in space include the weightlessness of microgravity, space radiation, and the distinctive aspects of living in a spacecraft. The disuse and unloading of muscles in microgravity are likely the most significant factors that mediate spaceflight-induced muscle atrophy, and have been extensively studied and reviewed. However, there are numerous other direct and indirect effects on skeletal muscle that may be contributing factors to the muscle atrophy and dysfunction seen as a result of spaceflight. This review offers a novel perspective on the issue of muscle atrophy in space by providing a comprehensive overview of the unique aspects of the spaceflight environment and the various ways in which they can lead to muscle atrophy. We systematically review the potential contributions of these different mechanisms of spaceflight-induced atrophy and include findings from both actual spaceflight and ground-based models of spaceflight in humans, animals, and in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H U Lee
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southcoast Health, Fall River, MA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | | | - Zhanping Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Devin B Mair
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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12
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Uruno A, Saigusa D, Suzuki T, Yumoto A, Nakamura T, Matsukawa N, Yamazaki T, Saito R, Taguchi K, Suzuki M, Suzuki N, Otsuki A, Katsuoka F, Hishinuma E, Okada R, Koshiba S, Tomioka Y, Shimizu R, Shirakawa M, Kensler TW, Shiba D, Yamamoto M. Nrf2 plays a critical role in the metabolic response during and after spaceflight. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1381. [PMID: 34887485 PMCID: PMC8660801 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02904-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel induces stresses that contribute to health problems, as well as inducing the expression of Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor-2) target genes that mediate adaptive responses to oxidative and other stress responses. The volume of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) in mice increases during spaceflight, a change that is attenuated by Nrf2 knockout. We conducted metabolome analyses of plasma from wild-type and Nrf2 knockout mice collected at pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight time points, as well as tissues collected post-flight to clarify the metabolic responses during and after spaceflight and the contribution of Nrf2 to these responses. Plasma glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid levels were elevated during spaceflight, whereas triacylglycerol levels were lower after spaceflight. In wild-type mouse eWAT, triacylglycerol levels were increased, but phosphatidylcholine levels were decreased, and these changes were attenuated in Nrf2 knockout mice. Transcriptome analyses revealed marked changes in the expression of lipid-related genes in the liver and eWAT after spaceflight and the effects of Nrf2 knockout on these changes. Based on these results, we concluded that space stress provokes significant responses in lipid metabolism during and after spaceflight; Nrf2 plays critical roles in these responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Uruno
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Daisuke Saigusa
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akane Yumoto
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Health Record Informatics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Naomi Matsukawa
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Laboratory of Oncology, Pharmacy Practice and Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ristumi Saito
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-GEneration Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mikiko Suzuki
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Center for Radioisotope Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Norio Suzuki
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Division of Oxygen Biology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akihito Otsuki
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumiki Katsuoka
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-GEneration Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Eiji Hishinuma
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-GEneration Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Risa Okada
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Seizo Koshiba
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-GEneration Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Tomioka
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Laboratory of Oncology, Pharmacy Practice and Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Shimizu
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Molecular Hematology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Thomas W. Kensler
- grid.270240.30000 0001 2180 1622Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. .,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
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13
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Bao XC, Shen Q, Fang YQ, Wu JG. Human Physiological Responses to a Single Deep Helium-Oxygen Diving. Front Physiol 2021; 12:735986. [PMID: 34650446 PMCID: PMC8510140 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.735986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore whether a single deep helium-oxygen (heliox) dive affects physiological function. Methods: A total of 40 male divers performed an open-water heliox dive to 80 m of seawater (msw). The total diving time was 280 min, and the breathing helium-oxygen time was 20 min. Before and after the dive, blood and saliva samples were collected, and blood cell counts, cardiac damage, oxidative stress, vascular endothelial activation, and hormonal biomarkers were assayed. Results: An 80 msw heliox dive induced a significant increase in the percentage of granulocytes (GR %), whereas the percentage of lymphocytes (LYM %), percentage of intermediate cells (MID %), red blood cell number (RBC), hematocrit (hCT), and platelets (PLT) decreased. During the dive, concentrations of creatine kinase (CK), a myocardial-specific isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) in serum and amylase alpha 1 (AMY1), and testosterone levels in saliva increased, in contrast, IgA levels in saliva decreased. Diving caused a significant increase in serum glutathione (GSH) levels and reduced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels but had no effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. Conclusion: A single 80 msw heliox dive activates the endothelium, causes skeletal-muscle damage, and induces oxidative stress and physiological stress responses, as reflected in changes in biomarker concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Bao
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Naval Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Shen
- Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Naval Hospital of Eastern Theater, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Qun Fang
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Naval Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Guo Wu
- Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Naval Hospital of Eastern Theater, Zhejiang, China
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14
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Abstract
History books are rife with examples of the role of nutrition in determining either the success or the failure of human exploration on Earth. With planetary exploration in our future, it is imperative that we understand the role of nutrition in optimizing health before humans can safely take the next giant leaps in space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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15
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da Silveira WA, Fazelinia H, Rosenthal SB, Laiakis EC, Kim MS, Meydan C, Kidane Y, Rathi KS, Smith SM, Stear B, Ying Y, Zhang Y, Foox J, Zanello S, Crucian B, Wang D, Nugent A, Costa HA, Zwart SR, Schrepfer S, Elworth RAL, Sapoval N, Treangen T, MacKay M, Gokhale NS, Horner SM, Singh LN, Wallace DC, Willey JS, Schisler JC, Meller R, McDonald JT, Fisch KM, Hardiman G, Taylor D, Mason CE, Costes SV, Beheshti A. Comprehensive Multi-omics Analysis Reveals Mitochondrial Stress as a Central Biological Hub for Spaceflight Impact. Cell 2021; 183:1185-1201.e20. [PMID: 33242417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spaceflight is known to impose changes on human physiology with unknown molecular etiologies. To reveal these causes, we used a multi-omics, systems biology analytical approach using biomedical profiles from fifty-nine astronauts and data from NASA's GeneLab derived from hundreds of samples flown in space to determine transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenetic responses to spaceflight. Overall pathway analyses on the multi-omics datasets showed significant enrichment for mitochondrial processes, as well as innate immunity, chronic inflammation, cell cycle, circadian rhythm, and olfactory functions. Importantly, NASA's Twin Study provided a platform to confirm several of our principal findings. Evidence of altered mitochondrial function and DNA damage was also found in the urine and blood metabolic data compiled from the astronaut cohort and NASA Twin Study data, indicating mitochondrial stress as a consistent phenotype of spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Fazelinia
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Man S Kim
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yared Kidane
- Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, TX 75219, USA
| | - Komal S Rathi
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Stear
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yue Ying
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yuanchao Zhang
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | - Dong Wang
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | | | | | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Sonja Schrepfer
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Larry N Singh
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Meller
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - J Tyson McDonald
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington D.C. 20057, USA
| | | | - Gary Hardiman
- Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Deanne Taylor
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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16
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Strollo F, Vernikos J. Aging-like metabolic and adrenal changes in microgravity: State of the art in preparation for Mars. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:236-242. [PMID: 33757818 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine and metabolic changes that typically accompany aging on Earth have been consistently observed in space. Support for the role of gravity in aging has mostly come from ground simulation studies in head down bed rest. However, uncertainties remain and have to be resolved in planning for the ambitious enterprise of sending humans to Mars and back. Stress-related corticosteroid changes and metabolic adaptation to microgravity and their relationship with aging are the object of the present review mostly, albeit of course non exclusively, coming from the personal experience of the authors. The picture coming out of it is that of some, not easily proven, stress-induced cortisol increase accompanied by insulin resistance, both of which represent typical aging-like phenomena mediated by chronic low-grade inflammation. This suggests the need for humans to consider the long journey to safely land, live and work on Mars by taking advantage of integrative medicine solutions including synthetic torpor and/or continuous self-monitoring of eating, sleeping, moving to enable remotely supervised self-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Strollo
- Elle-Di and San Raffaele Research Institute, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Gertz ML, Chin CR, Tomoiaga D, MacKay M, Chang C, Butler D, Afshinnekoo E, Bezdan D, Schmidt MA, Mozsary C, Melnick A, Garrett-Bakelman F, Crucian B, Lee SMC, Zwart SR, Smith SM, Meydan C, Mason CE. Multi-omic, Single-Cell, and Biochemical Profiles of Astronauts Guide Pharmacological Strategies for Returning to Gravity. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108429. [PMID: 33242408 PMCID: PMC9444344 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Twins Study created an integrative molecular profile of an astronaut during NASA’s first 1-year mission on the International Space Station (ISS) and included comparisons to an identical Earth-bound twin. The unique biochemical profiles observed when landing on Earth after such a long mission (e.g., spikes in interleukin-1 [IL-1]/6/10, c-reactive protein [CRP], C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 [CCL2], IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1ra], and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) opened new questions about the human body’s response to gravity and how to plan for future astronauts, particularly around initiation or resolution of inflammation. Here, single-cell, multi-omic (100-plex epitope profile and gene expression) profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed changes to blood cell composition and gene expression post-flight, specifically for monocytes and dendritic cell precursors. These were consistent with flight-induced cytokine and immune system stress, followed by skeletal muscle regeneration in response to gravity. Finally, we examined these profiles relative to 6-month missions in 28 other astronauts and detail potential pharmacological interventions for returning to gravity in future missions. Gertz et al. present a re-analysis of the landing data from the NASA Twins Study, suggesting that the biochemical signature reflects muscle regeneration after atrophy rather than a detrimental inflammatory response. This is mediated through muscle-derived IL-6 anti-inflammatory cascades. Single-cell analysis supports this role. Potential pharmacological interventions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Gertz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Christopher R Chin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Delia Tomoiaga
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Matthew MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Becton Dickinson & Co., Washington, DC 20001
| | | | - Daniel Butler
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Daniela Bezdan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; Institute of Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Michael A Schmidt
- Advanced Pattern Analysis and Countermeasures Group, Boulder, CO 80302, USA; Sovaris Aerospace, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
| | - Christopher Mozsary
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ari Melnick
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Francine Garrett-Bakelman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Brian Crucian
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | | | - Sara R Zwart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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18
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Luxton JJ, McKenna MJ, Taylor LE, George KA, Zwart SR, Crucian BE, Drel VR, Garrett-Bakelman FE, Mackay MJ, Butler D, Foox J, Grigorev K, Bezdan D, Meydan C, Smith SM, Sharma K, Mason CE, Bailey SM. Temporal Telomere and DNA Damage Responses in the Space Radiation Environment. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108435. [PMID: 33242411 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, repetitive terminal features of chromosomes essential for maintaining genome integrity, shorten with cell division, lifestyle factors and stresses, and environmental exposures, and so they provide a robust biomarker of health, aging, and age-related diseases. We assessed telomere length dynamics (changes over time) in three unrelated astronauts before, during, and after 1-year or 6-month missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Similar to our results for National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) One-Year Mission twin astronaut (Garrett-Bakelman et al., 2019), significantly longer telomeres were observed during spaceflight for two 6-month mission astronauts. Furthermore, telomere length shortened rapidly after return to Earth for all three crewmembers and, overall, telomere length tended to be shorter after spaceflight than before spaceflight. Consistent with chronic exposure to the space radiation environment, signatures of persistent DNA damage responses were also detected, including mitochondrial and oxidative stress, inflammation, and telomeric and chromosomal aberrations, which together provide potential mechanistic insight into spaceflight-specific telomere elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared J Luxton
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Miles J McKenna
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Viktor R Drel
- Center for Renal Precision Medicine, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Francine E Garrett-Bakelman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mackay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Butler
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kirill Grigorev
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Bezdan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Kumar Sharma
- Center for Renal Precision Medicine, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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19
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Luxton JJ, McKenna MJ, Lewis A, Taylor LE, George KA, Dixit SM, Moniz M, Benegas W, Mackay MJ, Mozsary C, Butler D, Bezdan D, Meydan C, Crucian BE, Zwart SR, Smith SM, Mason CE, Bailey SM. Telomere Length Dynamics and DNA Damage Responses Associated with Long-Duration Spaceflight. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108457. [PMID: 33242406 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length dynamics and DNA damage responses were assessed before, during, and after one-year or shorter duration missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in a comparatively large cohort of astronauts (n = 11). Although generally healthy individuals, astronauts tended to have significantly shorter telomeres and lower telomerase activity than age- and sex-matched ground controls before and after spaceflight. Although telomeres were longer during spaceflight irrespective of mission duration, telomere length shortened rapidly upon return to Earth, and overall astronauts had shorter telomeres after spaceflight than they did before; inter-individual differences were identified. During spaceflight, all crewmembers experienced oxidative stress, which positively correlated with telomere length dynamics. Significantly increased frequencies of chromosomal inversions were observed during and after spaceflight; changes in cell populations were also detected. We propose a telomeric adaptive response to chronic oxidative damage in extreme environments, whereby the telomerase-independent Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway is transiently activated in normal somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared J Luxton
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Miles J McKenna
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Aidan Lewis
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Sameer M Dixit
- Center for Molecular Dynamics - Nepal (CMDN), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | - Matthew J Mackay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Mozsary
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Butler
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Bezdan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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20
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Lee SMC, Ribeiro LC, Martin DS, Zwart SR, Feiveson AH, Laurie SS, Macias BR, Crucian BE, Krieger S, Weber D, Grune T, Platts SH, Smith SM, Stenger MB. Arterial structure and function during and after long-duration spaceflight. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 129:108-123. [PMID: 32525433 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00550.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight missions expose astronauts to increased risk of oxidative stress and inflammatory damage that might accelerate the development of asymptomatic cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether long-duration spaceflight (>4 mo) results in structural and functional changes in the carotid and brachial arteries. Common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (cIMT), CCA distensibility and stiffness, and brachial artery endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation were measured in 13 astronauts (10 men, 3 women) ~180 and 60 days before launch, during the mission on ~15, 60, and 160 days of spaceflight, and within 1 wk after landing. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured at corresponding times in fasting blood samples and urine samples from 24- or 48-h pools. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation increased during spaceflight, but most returned to preflight levels within 1 wk of landing. Mean cIMT, CCA stiffness, and distensibility were not significantly different from preflight at any time. As a group, neither mean endothelium-dependent nor -independent vasodilation changed from preflight to postflight, but changes within individuals in endothelial function related to some biomarkers of oxidative stress. Whereas biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation are elevated during spaceflight, CCA and brachial artery structure and function were not changed by spaceflight. It is unclear whether future exploration missions, with an extended duration in altered gravity fields and higher radiation exposure, may be problematic.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Carotid artery structure and stiffness did not change on average in astronauts during long-duration spaceflight (<12 mo), despite increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Most oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers returned to preflight levels soon after landing. Brachial artery structure and function also were unchanged by spaceflight. In this group of healthy middle-aged male and female astronauts, spaceflight in low Earth orbit does not appear to increase long-term cardiovascular health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Weber
- Department of Molecular Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Tilman Grune
- Department of Molecular Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
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21
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Qaisar R, Karim A, Elmoselhi AB. Muscle unloading: A comparison between spaceflight and ground-based models. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2020; 228:e13431. [PMID: 31840423 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged unloading of skeletal muscle, a common outcome of events such as spaceflight, bed rest and hindlimb unloading, can result in extensive metabolic, structural and functional changes in muscle fibres. With advancement in investigations of cellular and molecular mechanisms, understanding of disuse muscle atrophy has significantly increased. However, substantial gaps exist in our understanding of the processes dictating muscle plasticity during unloading, which prevent us from developing effective interventions to combat muscle loss. This review aims to update the status of knowledge and underlying mechanisms leading to cellular and molecular changes in skeletal muscle during unloading. We have also discussed advances in the understanding of contractile dysfunction during spaceflights and in ground-based models of muscle unloading. Additionally, we have elaborated on potential therapeutic interventions that show promising results in boosting muscle mass and strength during mechanical unloading. Finally, we have identified key gaps in our knowledge as well as possible research direction for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Qaisar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Asima Karim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
| | - Adel B. Elmoselhi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE
- Department of Physiology Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
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22
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Abstract
Extended travel in deep space poses potential hazards to the reproductive function of female and male astronauts, including exposure to cosmic radiation, microgravity, increased gravity (hypergravity), psychological stress, physical stress and circadian rhythm disruptions. This Review focuses on the effects of microgravity, hypergravity and cosmic radiation. Cosmic radiation contains protons, helium nuclei and high charge and energy (HZE) particles. Studies performed on Earth in which rodents were exposed to experimentally generated HZE particles have demonstrated a high sensitivity of ovarian follicles and spermatogenic cells to HZE particles. Exposure to microgravity during space flight and to simulated microgravity on Earth disrupts spermatogenesis and testicular testosterone synthesis in rodents, whereas the male reproductive system seems to adapt to exposure to moderate hypergravity. A few studies have investigated the effects of microgravity on female reproduction, with findings of disrupted oestrous cycling and in vitro follicle development being cause for concern. Many remaining data gaps need to be addressed, including the effects of microgravity, hypergravity and space radiation on the male and female reproductive tracts, hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of reproduction and prenatal development of the reproductive system as well as the combined effects of the multiple reproductive hazards encountered in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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23
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Garrett-Bakelman FE, Darshi M, Green SJ, Gur RC, Lin L, Macias BR, McKenna MJ, Meydan C, Mishra T, Nasrini J, Piening BD, Rizzardi LF, Sharma K, Siamwala JH, Taylor L, Vitaterna MH, Afkarian M, Afshinnekoo E, Ahadi S, Ambati A, Arya M, Bezdan D, Callahan CM, Chen S, Choi AMK, Chlipala GE, Contrepois K, Covington M, Crucian BE, De Vivo I, Dinges DF, Ebert DJ, Feinberg JI, Gandara JA, George KA, Goutsias J, Grills GS, Hargens AR, Heer M, Hillary RP, Hoofnagle AN, Hook VYH, Jenkinson G, Jiang P, Keshavarzian A, Laurie SS, Lee-McMullen B, Lumpkins SB, MacKay M, Maienschein-Cline MG, Melnick AM, Moore TM, Nakahira K, Patel HH, Pietrzyk R, Rao V, Saito R, Salins DN, Schilling JM, Sears DD, Sheridan CK, Stenger MB, Tryggvadottir R, Urban AE, Vaisar T, Van Espen B, Zhang J, Ziegler MG, Zwart SR, Charles JB, Kundrot CE, Scott GBI, Bailey SM, Basner M, Feinberg AP, Lee SMC, Mason CE, Mignot E, Rana BK, Smith SM, Snyder MP, Turek FW. The NASA Twins Study: A multidimensional analysis of a year-long human spaceflight. Science 2019; 364:364/6436/eaau8650. [PMID: 30975860 DOI: 10.1126/science.aau8650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To understand the health impact of long-duration spaceflight, one identical twin astronaut was monitored before, during, and after a 1-year mission onboard the International Space Station; his twin served as a genetically matched ground control. Longitudinal assessments identified spaceflight-specific changes, including decreased body mass, telomere elongation, genome instability, carotid artery distension and increased intima-media thickness, altered ocular structure, transcriptional and metabolic changes, DNA methylation changes in immune and oxidative stress-related pathways, gastrointestinal microbiota alterations, and some cognitive decline postflight. Although average telomere length, global gene expression, and microbiome changes returned to near preflight levels within 6 months after return to Earth, increased numbers of short telomeres were observed and expression of some genes was still disrupted. These multiomic, molecular, physiological, and behavioral datasets provide a valuable roadmap of the putative health risks for future human spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine E Garrett-Bakelman
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Manjula Darshi
- Center for Renal Precision Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Ruben C Gur
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ling Lin
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Cem Meydan
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jad Nasrini
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Kumar Sharma
- Center for Renal Precision Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Lynn Taylor
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara Ahadi
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aditya Ambati
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Daniela Bezdan
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Songjie Chen
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Marisa Covington
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brian E Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - David F Dinges
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ryan P Hillary
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peng Jiang
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tyler M Moore
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Hemal H Patel
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Varsha Rao
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Rintaro Saito
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Denis N Salins
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael B Stenger
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Zhang
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - John B Charles
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Craig E Kundrot
- Space Life and Physical Sciences Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Graham B I Scott
- National Space Biomedical Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | | | - Mathias Basner
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | | | - Christopher E Mason
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, New York, NY, USA.,The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Brinda K Rana
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Scott M Smith
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Houston, TX, USA.
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24
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Dillon EL, Sheffield-Moore M, Durham WJ, Ploutz-Snyder LL, Ryder JW, Danesi CP, Randolph KM, Gilkison CR, Urban RJ. Efficacy of Testosterone plus NASA Exercise Countermeasures during Head-Down Bed Rest. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019; 50:1929-1939. [PMID: 29924745 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prolonged confinement to head-down bed rest (HDBR) results in musculoskeletal losses similar to those observed during long-duration space flight. Exercise countermeasures by themselves have not completely prevented the deleterious losses in muscle mass or function in HDBR or space flight. PURPOSE The objective was to investigate the safety and efficacy of intermittent, low-dose testosterone treatment in conjunction with NASA exercise (SPRINT) countermeasures during 70 d of 6° HDBR. METHODS Healthy men (35 ± 8 yr) were randomized into one of three groups that remained inactive (CON) or performed exercise 6 d·wk in addition to receiving either placebo (PEX) or testosterone treatment (TEX, 100 mg·wk). Testosterone/placebo injections were administered once a week for 2 wk, followed by 2 wk off and so on, during HDBR. RESULTS Total, leg, and trunk lean body mass (LBM) consistently decreased in CON, increased in TEX, and had little or no changes in PEX. Total, leg, and trunk fat mass consistently increased in CON and PEX and decreased in TEX. Leg strength decreased in CON, whereas PEX and TEX were protected against loss in strength. Changes in leg LBM correlated positively with changes in leg muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS Addition of a testosterone countermeasure enhanced the preventative actions of exercise against body composition changes during long-term HDBR in healthy eugonadal men. This is the first report to demonstrate that cycled, low-dose testosterone treatment increases LBM under conditions of strict exercise control. These results are clinically relevant to the development of safe and effective therapies against muscle atrophy during long-term bed rest, aging, and disease where loss of muscle mass and strength is a risk. The potential space flight applications of such countermeasure combinations deserve further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lichar Dillon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | | | - William J Durham
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | | | | | - Christopher P Danesi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Kathleen M Randolph
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Charles R Gilkison
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Randall J Urban
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
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25
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Scott JM, Martin D, Ploutz-Snyder R, Downs M, Dillon EL, Sheffield-Moore M, Urban RJ, Ploutz-Snyder LL. Efficacy of Exercise and Testosterone to Mitigate Atrophic Cardiovascular Remodeling. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019; 50:1940-1949. [PMID: 29570536 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early and consistent evaluation of cardiac morphology and function throughout an atrophic stimulus is critically important for the design and optimization of interventions. This randomized controlled trial was designed 1) to characterize the time course of unloading-induced morphofunctional remodeling and 2) to examine the effects of exercise with and without low-dose testosterone supplementation on cardiac biomarker, structural, and functional parameters during unloading. METHODS Twenty-six subjects completed 70 d of head-down tilt bed rest (BR): 9 were randomized to exercise training (Ex), 8 to EX and low-dose testosterone (ExT), and 9 remained sedentary (CONT). Exercise consisted of high-intensity, continuous, and resistance exercise. Cardiac morphology (left ventricular mass [LVM]) and mechanics (longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain and twist), cardiovascular biomarkers, and cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙O2peak) were assessed before, during, and after BR. RESULTS Sedentary BR resulted in a progressive decline in LVM, longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain in CONT, whereas Ex and ExT mitigated decreases in LVM and function. Twist was increased throughout BR in sedentary BR, whereas after an initial increase at BR7, there were no further changes in twist in Ex and ExT. HDL cholesterol was significantly decreased in all groups compared with pre-BR (P < 0.007). There were no significant changes in other cardiovascular biomarkers. Change in twist was significantly related to change in V˙O2max (R = 0.68, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION An integrated approach with evaluation of cardiac morphology, mechanics, V˙O2peak, and biomarkers provides extensive phenotyping of cardiovascular atrophic remodeling. Exercise training and exercise training with low-dose testosterone supplementation abrogates atrophic remodeling.
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26
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Jackson TC, Kochanek PM. A New Vision for Therapeutic Hypothermia in the Era of Targeted Temperature Management: A Speculative Synthesis. Ther Hypothermia Temp Manag 2019; 9:13-47. [PMID: 30802174 PMCID: PMC6434603 DOI: 10.1089/ther.2019.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three decades of animal studies have reproducibly shown that hypothermia is profoundly cerebroprotective during or after a central nervous system (CNS) insult. The success of hypothermia in preclinical acute brain injury has not only fostered continued interest in research on the classic secondary injury mechanisms that are prevented or blunted by hypothermia but has also sparked a surge of new interest in elucidating beneficial signaling molecules that are increased by cooling. Ironically, while research into cold-induced neuroprotection is enjoying newfound interest in chronic neurodegenerative disease, conversely, the scope of the utility of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) across the field of acute brain injury is somewhat controversial and remains to be fully defined. This has led to the era of Targeted Temperature Management, which emphasizes a wider range of temperatures (33–36°C) showing benefit in acute brain injury. In this comprehensive review, we focus on our current understandings of the novel neuroprotective mechanisms activated by TH, and discuss the critical importance of developmental age germane to its clinical efficacy. We review emerging data on four cold stress hormones and three cold shock proteins that have generated new interest in hypothermia in the field of CNS injury, to create a framework for new frontiers in TH research. We make the case that further elucidation of novel cold responsive pathways might lead to major breakthroughs in the treatment of acute brain injury, chronic neurological diseases, and have broad potential implications for medicines of the distant future, including scenarios such as the prevention of adverse effects of long-duration spaceflight, among others. Finally, we introduce several new phrases that readily summarize the essence of the major concepts outlined by this review—namely, Ultramild Hypothermia, the “Responsivity of Cold Stress Pathways,” and “Hypothermia in a Syringe.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis C Jackson
- 1 John G. Rangos Research Center, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,2 Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick M Kochanek
- 1 John G. Rangos Research Center, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,2 Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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27
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Strollo F, Gentile S, Strollo G, Mambro A, Vernikos J. Recent Progress in Space Physiology and Aging. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1551. [PMID: 30483144 PMCID: PMC6240610 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts coming back from long-term space missions present with different health problems potentially affecting mission performance, involving all functional systems and organs and closely resembling those found in the elderly. This review points out the most recent advances in the literature in areas of expertise in which specific research groups were particularly creative, and as they relate to aging and to possible benefits on Earth for disabled people. The update of new findings and approaches in space research refers especially to neuro-immuno-endocrine-metabolic interactions, optic nerve edema, motion sickness and muscle-tendon-bone interplay and aims at providing the curious - and even possibly naïve young researchers – with a source of inspiration and of creative ideas for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandro Gentile
- Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli" and Nefrocenter Research Network, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Mambro
- Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Unit, "Misercordia" Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
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28
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Zwart SR, Rice BL, Dlouhy H, Shackelford LC, Heer M, Koslovsky MD, Smith SM. Dietary acid load and bone turnover during long-duration spaceflight and bed rest. Am J Clin Nutr 2018; 107:834-844. [PMID: 29722847 PMCID: PMC6862931 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bed rest studies document that a lower dietary acid load is associated with lower bone resorption. Objective We tested the effect of dietary acid load on bone metabolism during spaceflight. Design Controlled 4-d diets with a high or low animal protein-to-potassium (APro:K) ratio (High and Low diets, respectively) were given to 17 astronauts before and during spaceflight. Each astronaut had 1 High and 1 Low diet session before flight and 2 High and 2 Low sessions during flight, in addition to a 4-d session around flight day 30 (FD30), when crew members were to consume their typical in-flight intake. At the end of each session, blood and urine samples were collected. Calcium, total protein, energy, and sodium were maintained in each crew member's preflight and in-flight controlled diets. Results Relative to preflight values, N-telopeptide (NTX) and urinary calcium were higher during flight, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) was higher toward the end of flight. The High and Low diets did not affect NTX, BSAP, or urinary calcium. Dietary sulfur and age were significantly associated with changes in NTX. Dietary sodium and flight day were significantly associated with urinary calcium during flight. The net endogenous acid production (NEAP) estimated from the typical dietary intake at FD30 was associated with loss of bone mineral content in the lumbar spine after the mission. The results were compared with data from a 70-d bed rest study, in which control (but not exercising) subjects' APro:K was associated with higher NTX during bed rest. Conclusions Long-term lowering of NEAP by increasing vegetable and fruit intake may protect against changes in loss of bone mineral content during spaceflight when adequate calcium is consumed, particularly if resistive exercise is not being performed. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01713634.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Zwart
- Universities Space Research Association, Houston, TX
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Barbara L Rice
- Enterprise Advisory Services, Inc., Houston, TX
- KBRwyle, Houston, TX
| | - Holly Dlouhy
- Enterprise Advisory Services, Inc., Houston, TX
- KBRwyle, Houston, TX
| | - Linda C Shackelford
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
| | - Martina Heer
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
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29
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Zwart SR, Gibson CR, Gregory JF, Mader TH, Stover PJ, Zeisel SH, Smith SM. Astronaut ophthalmic syndrome. FASEB J 2017; 31:3746-3756. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R. Zwart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | | | - Jesse F. Gregory
- Food Science and Human Nutrition DepartmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Patrick J. Stover
- Division of Nutritional SciencesCornell University, IthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Steven H. Zeisel
- Nutrition Research InstituteUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillKannapolisNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Scott M. Smith
- Human Health and Performance DirectorateNational Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space CenterHoustonTexasUSA
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30
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Heacox HN, Gillman PL, Zwart SR, Smith SM. Excretion of Zinc and Copper Increases in Men during 3 Weeks of Bed Rest, with or without Artificial Gravity. J Nutr 2017; 147:1113-1120. [PMID: 28490676 PMCID: PMC5443469 DOI: 10.3945/jn.117.247437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Zinc and copper have many physiologic functions and little or no functional storage capability, so persistent losses of either element present health concerns, especially during extended-duration space missions.Objectives: We evaluated the effects of short-term bed rest (BR), a spaceflight analog, on copper and zinc metabolism to better understand the role of these nutrients in human adaptation to (simulated) spaceflight. We also investigated the effect of artificial gravity on copper and zinc homeostasis.Methods: Zinc and copper balances were studied in 15 men [mean ± SD age: 29 ± 3 y; body mass index (in kg/m2): 26.4 ± 2.2] before, during, and after 21 d of head-down tilt BR, during which 8 of the participants were subjected to artificial gravity (AG) by centrifugation for 1 h/d. Control subjects were transferred onto the centrifuge but were not exposed to centrifugation. The study was conducted in a metabolic ward; all urine and feces were collected. Data were analyzed by 2-factor repeated-measures ANOVA.Results: Urinary zinc excretion values for control and AG groups were 33% and 14%, respectively, higher during BR than before BR, and fecal zinc excretion values for control and AG groups were 36% and 19%, respectively, higher during BR, resulting in 67% and 82% lower net zinc balances for controls and AG, respectively (both P < 0.01), despite lower nutrient intake during BR. Fecal copper values for control and AG groups were 40% and 33%, respectively, higher during BR than before BR (P < 0.01 for both). Urinary copper did not change during BR, but a 19% increase was observed after BR compared with before BR in the AG group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The increased fecal excretion of copper and zinc by men during BR suggests that their absorption of these minerals from the diet was reduced, secondary to the release of minerals from bone and muscle. These findings highlight the importance of determining dietary requirements for astronauts on space missions and ensuring provision and intake of all nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley N Heacox
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR
| | | | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX; and
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31
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Towards human exploration of space: the THESEUS review series on muscle and bone research priorities. NPJ Microgravity 2017. [PMID: 28649630 PMCID: PMC5445590 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-017-0013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Without effective countermeasures, the musculoskeletal system is altered by the microgravity environment of long-duration spaceflight, resulting in atrophy of bone and muscle tissue, as well as in deficits in the function of cartilage, tendons, and vertebral disks. While inflight countermeasures implemented on the International Space Station have evidenced reduction of bone and muscle loss on low-Earth orbit missions of several months in length, important knowledge gaps must be addressed in order to develop effective strategies for managing human musculoskeletal health on exploration class missions well beyond Earth orbit. Analog environments, such as bed rest and/or isolation environments, may be employed in conjunction with large sample sizes to understand sex differences in countermeasure effectiveness, as well as interaction of exercise with pharmacologic, nutritional, immune system, sleep and psychological countermeasures. Studies of musculoskeletal biomechanics, involving both human subject and computer simulation studies, are essential to developing strategies to avoid bone fractures or other injuries to connective tissue during exercise and extravehicular activities. Animal models may be employed to understand effects of the space environment that cannot be modeled using human analog studies. These include studies of radiation effects on bone and muscle, unraveling the effects of genetics on bone and muscle loss, and characterizing the process of fracture healing in the mechanically unloaded and immuno-compromised spaceflight environment. In addition to setting the stage for evidence-based management of musculoskeletal health in long-duration space missions, the body of knowledge acquired in the process of addressing this array of scientific problems will lend insight into the understanding of terrestrial health conditions such as age-related osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
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32
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Globus RK, Morey-Holton E. Hindlimb unloading: rodent analog for microgravity. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1196-206. [PMID: 26869711 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00997.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The rodent hindlimb unloading (HU) model was developed in the 1980s to make it possible to study mechanisms, responses, and treatments for the adverse consequences of spaceflight. Decades before development of the HU model, weightlessness was predicted to yield deficits in the principal tissues responsible for structure and movement on Earth, primarily muscle and bone. Indeed, results from early spaceflight and HU experiments confirmed the expected sensitivity of the musculoskeletal system to gravity loading. Results from human and animal spaceflight and HU experiments show that nearly all organ systems and tissues studied display some measurable changes, albeit sometimes minor and of uncertain relevance to astronaut health. The focus of this review is to examine key HU results for various organ systems including those related to stress; the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems; vision changes; and wound healing. Analysis of the validity of the HU model is important given its potential value for both hypothesis testing and countermeasure development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth K Globus
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Emily Morey-Holton
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
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33
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Keune JA, Branscum AJ, Iwaniec UT, Turner RT. Effects of Spaceflight on Bone Microarchitecture in the Axial and Appendicular Skeleton in Growing Ovariectomized Rats. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18671. [PMID: 26691062 PMCID: PMC4687043 DOI: 10.1038/srep18671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a 14-day spaceflight on bone mass, density and microarchitecture in weight bearing (femur and humerus) and non-weight bearing (2nd lumbar vertebra and calvarium) bones in the context of ovarian hormone insufficiency. 12-week-old Fisher 344 rats were ovariectomized 2 weeks before flight and randomized into one of three groups: 1) baseline (n = 6), 2) ground control (n = 12) or 3) spaceflight (n = 12). Additional ground-based ovary-intact rats provided age-matched reference values at baseline (n = 8) and landing (n = 10). Ovariectomy resulted in bone- and bone compartment-specific deficits in cancellous bone volume fraction. Spaceflight resulted in lower cortical bone accrual in the femur but had no effect on cortical bone in the humerus or calvarium. Cancellous bone volume fraction was lower in flight animals compared to ground control animals in lumbar vertebra and distal femur metaphysis and epiphysis; significant differences were not detected in the distal humerus. Bone loss (compared to baseline controls) in the femur metaphysis was associated with lower trabecular number, whereas trabecular thickness and number were lower in the epiphysis. In summary, the effect of spaceflight on bone microarchitecture in ovariectomized rats was bone-and bone compartment-specific but not strictly related to weight bearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Keune
- Skeletal Biology Laboratory, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Adam J Branscum
- Biostatistics Program, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Urszula T Iwaniec
- Skeletal Biology Laboratory, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.,Center for Healthy Aging Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Russell T Turner
- Skeletal Biology Laboratory, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.,Center for Healthy Aging Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Abstract
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for muscle, cardiovascular, and bone health on Earth, and during space flight. We sought to evaluate magnesium status in 43 astronauts (34 male, 9 female; 47 ± 5 years old, mean ± SD) before, during, and after 4–6-month space missions. We also studied individuals participating in a ground analog of space flight (head-down-tilt bed rest; n = 27 (17 male, 10 female), 35 ± 7 years old). We evaluated serum concentration and 24-h urinary excretion of magnesium, along with estimates of tissue magnesium status from sublingual cells. Serum magnesium increased late in flight, while urinary magnesium excretion was higher over the course of 180-day space missions. Urinary magnesium increased during flight but decreased significantly at landing. Neither serum nor urinary magnesium changed during bed rest. For flight and bed rest, significant correlations existed between the area under the curve of serum and urinary magnesium and the change in total body bone mineral content. Tissue magnesium concentration was unchanged after flight and bed rest. Increased excretion of magnesium is likely partially from bone and partially from diet, but importantly, it does not come at the expense of muscle tissue stores. While further study is needed to better understand the implications of these findings for longer space exploration missions, magnesium homeostasis and tissue status seem well maintained during 4–6-month space missions.
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Hackney KJ, Scott JM, Hanson AM, English KL, Downs ME, Ploutz-Snyder LL. The Astronaut-Athlete. J Strength Cond Res 2015; 29:3531-45. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Smith SM, Heer M, Shackelford LC, Sibonga JD, Spatz J, Pietrzyk RA, Hudson EK, Zwart SR. Bone metabolism and renal stone risk during International Space Station missions. Bone 2015; 81:712-720. [PMID: 26456109 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Bone loss and renal stone risk are longstanding concerns for astronauts. Bone resorption brought on by spaceflight elevates urinary calcium and the risk of renal stone formation. Loss of bone calcium leads to concerns about fracture risk and increased long-term risk of osteoporosis. Bone metabolism involves many factors and is interconnected with muscle metabolism and diet. We report here bone biochemistry and renal stone risk data from astronauts on 4- to 6-month International Space Station missions. All had access to a type of resistive exercise countermeasure hardware, either the Advanced Resistance Exercise Device (ARED) or the Interim Resistance Exercise Device (iRED). A subset of the ARED group also tested the bisphosphonate alendronate as a potential anti-resorptive countermeasure (Bis+ARED). While some of the basic bone marker data have been published, we provide here a more comprehensive evaluation of bone biochemistry with a larger group of astronauts. Regardless of exercise, the risk of renal stone formation increased during spaceflight. A key factor in this increase was urine volume, which was lower during flight in all groups at all time points. Thus, the easiest way to mitigate renal stone risk is to increase fluid consumption. ARED use increased bone formation without changing bone resorption, and mitigated a drop in parathyroid hormone in iRED astronauts. Sclerostin, an osteocyte-derived negative regulator of bone formation, increased 10-15% in both groups of astronauts who used the ARED (p<0.06). IGF-1, which regulates bone growth and formation, increased during flight in all 3 groups (p<0.001). Our results are consistent with the growing body of literature showing that the hyper-resorptive state of bone that is brought on by spaceflight can be countered pharmacologically or mitigated through an exercise-induced increase in bone formation, with nutritional support. Key questions remain about the effect of exercise-induced alterations in bone metabolism on bone strength and fracture risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Martina Heer
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Linda C Shackelford
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jean D Sibonga
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jordan Spatz
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sara R Zwart
- Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, TX, USA
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Wang Z, Bai Y, Yu J, Liu H, Cheng Y, Liu Y, Xie X, Ma J, Bao J. Caveolae regulate vasoconstriction of conduit arteries to angiotensin II in hindlimb unweighted rats. J Physiol 2015; 593:4561-74. [PMID: 26260249 DOI: 10.1113/jp270823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness induces the functional remodelling of arteries, but the changes to angiotensin II (Ang II)-elicited vasoconstriction and the underlying mechanism have never been reported. Caveolae are invaginations of the cell membrane crucial for the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells, so we investigated the adaptation of Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction to simulated weightlessness and the role of caveolae in it. The 4 week hindlimb unweighted (HU) rat was used to simulate the effects of weightlessness. Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction was measured by isometric force recording. The morphology of caveolae was examined by transmission electron microscope. The binding of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 ) and caveolin-1 (cav-1) was examined by coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot. We found that the maximal developing force (E(max)) of Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction was decreased in abdominal aorta by 30.6%, unchanged in thoracic aorta and increased in carotid artery by 17.9% after HU, while EC50 of the response was increased in all three arteries (P < 0.05). AT1 desensitization upon activation was significantly reduced by HU in all three arteries, as was the number of caveolae (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Ang II promoted the binding of AT1 and cav-1 significantly in control but not HU arteries. Both the number of caveolae and the binding of AT1 and cav-1 in HU arteries were restored by cholesterol pretreatment which also reinstated the change in EC50 as well as the level of AT1 desensitization. These results indicate that modified caveolae in vascular smooth muscle cells could interfere with the binding of AT1 and cav-1 mediating the adaptation of Ang II-elicited vasoconstriction to HU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongchao Wang
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yungang Bai
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jinwen Yu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yaoping Cheng
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xi Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Xie
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Jin Ma
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Junxiang Bao
- Department of Aerospace Hygiene, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
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Zwart SR, Gregory JF, Zeisel SH, Gibson CR, Mader TH, Kinchen JM, Ueland PM, Ploutz-Snyder R, Heer MA, Smith SM. Genotype, B-vitamin status, and androgens affect spaceflight-induced ophthalmic changes. FASEB J 2015; 30:141-8. [PMID: 26316272 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-278457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ophthalmic changes have occurred in a subset of astronauts on International Space Station missions. Visual deterioration is considered the greatest human health risk of spaceflight. Affected astronauts exhibit higher concentrations of 1-carbon metabolites (e.g., homocysteine) before flight. We hypothesized that genetic variations in 1-carbon metabolism genes contribute to susceptibility to ophthalmic changes in astronauts. We investigated 5 polymorphisms in the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) genes and their association with ophthalmic changes after flight in 49 astronauts. The number of G alleles of MTRR 66 and C alleles of SHMT1 1420 both contributed to the odds of visual disturbances. Preflight dehydroepiandrosterone was positively associated with cotton wool spots, and serum testosterone response during flight was associated with refractive change. Block regression showed that B-vitamin status and genetics were significant predictors of many of the ophthalmic outcomes that we observed. In one example, genetics trended toward improving (P = 0.10) and B-vitamin status significantly improved (P < 0.001) the predictive model for refractive change after flight. We document an association between MTRR 66 and SHMT1 1420 polymorphisms and spaceflight-induced vision changes. This line of research could lead to therapeutic options for both space travelers and terrestrial patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Zwart
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jesse F Gregory
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Steven H Zeisel
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Charles R Gibson
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas H Mader
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jason M Kinchen
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Per M Ueland
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert Ploutz-Snyder
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Martina A Heer
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- *Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA; Food Science and Human Nutrition, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Kannapolis, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA; Coastal Eye Associates, Webster, Texas, USA; Cooper Landing, Alaska, USA; Metabolon, Incorporated, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; **Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; and Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Ronca AE, Baker ES, Bavendam TG, Beck KD, Miller VM, Tash JS, Jenkins M. Effects of sex and gender on adaptations to space: reproductive health. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 23:967-74. [PMID: 25401943 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2014.4915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report, sex/gender research relevant to reproduction on Earth, in conjunction with the extant human and animal observations in space, was used to identify knowledge gaps and prioritize recommendations for future sex- and gender-specific surveillance and monitoring of male and female astronauts. With overall increased durations of contemporary space missions, a deeper understanding of sex/gender effects on reproduction-related responses and adaptations to the space environment is warranted to minimize risks and insure healthy aging of the men and women who travel into space.
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Affiliation(s)
- April E Ronca
- 1 Space Biosciences Research Branch, NASA Ames Research Center , Mountainview, California
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Morgan JLL, Heer M, Hargens AR, Macias BR, Hudson EK, Shackelford LC, Zwart SR, Smith SM. Sex-specific responses of bone metabolism and renal stone risk during bed rest. Physiol Rep 2014; 2:2/8/e12119. [PMID: 25107989 PMCID: PMC4246590 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to directly assess sex differences in bone loss, bone biochemistry, and renal stone risk in bed rest. Bed rest simulates some spaceflight effects on human physiology and can be used to address the potential existence of sex‐specific effects on bone metabolism and renal stone risk in space. We combined data from the control subjects in five head‐down‐tilt bed rest studies (combined n = 50 men, 24 women) of differing durations (14–90 days). All subjects were healthy volunteers. Mean age was 35 ± 9 years for women and 33 ± 8 years for men. The main outcome measures were bone density and biochemistry, and renal stone risk chemistry. Before bed rest began, men had higher bone mineral density and content (P < 0.001), and excreted more biomarkers of bone resorption and calcium per day than did women (P < 0.05). These differences remained during bed rest. A number of urine chemistry analytes increased (e.g., calcium) or decreased (e.g., sodium, citrate, and urine volume) significantly for men and women during bed rest. These changes may predispose men to higher stone risk. Men and women do not have substantially different responses to the skeletal unloading of bed rest. We report here that bed rest‐induced bone loss, bone biochemistry, and renal stone risk in humans does not depend on sex. These data are a compilation and analysis of original data from our multiple (published) studies; none of those were adequately powered to assess sex differences. Thus, the resulting findings provide an important new look at the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L L Morgan
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities/NASA, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Martina Heer
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alan R Hargens
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Edgar K Hudson
- JES Tech, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Sara R Zwart
- Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- NASA, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Ruggiu A, Cancedda R. Bone mechanobiology, gravity and tissue engineering: effects and insights. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2014; 9:1339-51. [PMID: 25052837 DOI: 10.1002/term.1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Bone homeostasis strongly depends on fine tuned mechanosensitive regulation signals from environmental forces into biochemical responses. Similar to the ageing process, during spaceflights an altered mechanotransduction occurs as a result of the effects of bone unloading, eventually leading to loss of functional tissue. Although spaceflights represent the best environment to investigate near-zero gravity effects, there are major limitations for setting up experimental analysis. A more feasible approach to analyse the effects of reduced mechanostimulation on the bone is represented by the 'simulated microgravity' experiments based on: (1) in vitro studies, involving cell cultures studies and the use of bioreactors with tissue engineering approaches; (2) in vivo studies, based on animal models; and (3) direct analysis on human beings, as in the case of the bed rest tests. At present, advanced tissue engineering methods allow investigators to recreate bone microenvironment in vitro for mechanobiology studies. This group and others have generated tissue 'organoids' to mimic in vitro the in vivo bone environment and to study the alteration cells can go through when subjected to unloading. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the bone tissue response to mechanostimuli will help developing new strategies to prevent loss of tissue caused by altered mechanotransduction, as well as identifying new approaches for the treatment of diseases via drug testing. This review focuses on the effects of reduced gravity on bone mechanobiology by providing the up-to-date and state of the art on the available data by drawing a parallel with the suitable tissue engineering systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ruggiu
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine, Genova, Italy
| | - Ranieri Cancedda
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine & IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova, Italy
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Smith S, Abrams S, Davis-Street J, Heer M, O'Brien K, Wastney M, Zwart S. Fifty Years of Human Space Travel: Implications for Bone and Calcium Research. Annu Rev Nutr 2014; 34:377-400. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-071813-105440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S.M. Smith
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058;
| | - S.A. Abrams
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030;
| | - J.E. Davis-Street
- Chevron Services Company, Corporate Health and Medical, Houston, Texas 77002;
| | - M. Heer
- Profil, 41460 Neuss, Germany;
- University of Bonn, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutrition Physiology, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - K.O. O'Brien
- Cornell University, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Ithaca, New York 14853;
| | - M.E. Wastney
- Metabolic Modeling Services, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906;
| | - S.R. Zwart
- Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas 77058;
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Smith SM, Zwart SR, Heer M, Hudson EK, Shackelford L, Morgan JL. Men and women in space: bone loss and kidney stone risk after long-duration spaceflight. J Bone Miner Res 2014; 29:1639-45. [PMID: 24470067 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bone loss, a key concern for long-duration space travelers, is typically considered a female issue. The number of women who have flown long-duration space missions is now great enough to allow a quantitative comparison of changes in bone and renal stone risk by sex. Participants were 42 astronauts (33 men and 9 women) on long-duration missions to the International Space Station. Bone mineral density (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and biochemical markers of bone metabolism (from blood and urine samples) were evaluated before and after flight. Data were analyzed in two groups, based on available resistance exercise equipment. Missions were 49 to 215 days in duration, flown between 2000 and 2012. The bone density response to spaceflight was the same for men and women in both exercise groups. The bone mineral density response to flight was the same for men and women, and the typical decrease in bone mineral density (whole body and/or regional) after flight was not observed for either sex for those using an advanced resistive exercise device. Biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption responded similarly in male and female astronauts. The response of urinary supersaturation risk to spaceflight was not significantly different between men and women, although risks were typically increased after flight in both groups, and risks were greater in men than in women before and after flight. The responses of men and women to spaceflight with respect to these measures of bone health were not different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Zwart SR, Morgan JLL, Smith SM. Iron status and its relations with oxidative damage and bone loss during long-duration space flight on the International Space Station. Am J Clin Nutr 2013; 98:217-23. [PMID: 23719548 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.112.056465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in stored iron and dietary intake of iron during space flight have raised concern about the risk of excess iron and oxidative damage, particularly in bone. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to perform a comprehensive assessment of iron status in men and women before, during, and after long-duration space flight and to quantify the association of iron status with oxidative damage and bone loss. DESIGN Fasting blood and 24-h urine samples were collected from 23 crew members before, during, and after missions lasting 50 to 247 d to the International Space Station. RESULTS Serum ferritin and body iron increased early in flight, and transferrin and transferrin receptors decreased later, which indicated that early increases in body iron stores occurred through the mobilization of iron to storage tissues. Acute phase proteins indicated no evidence of an inflammatory response during flight. Serum ferritin was positively correlated with the oxidative damage markers 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (r = 0.53, P < 0.001) and prostaglandin F2α (r = 0.26, P < 0.001), and the greater the area under the curve for ferritin during flight, the greater the decrease in bone mineral density in the total hip (P = 0.031), trochanter (P = 0.006), hip neck (P = 0.044), and pelvis (P = 0.049) after flight. CONCLUSION Increased iron stores may be a risk factor for oxidative damage and bone resorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Zwart
- Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, TX, USA
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Smith SM, McCoy T, Gazda D, Morgan JLL, Heer M, Zwart SR. Space flight calcium: implications for astronaut health, spacecraft operations, and Earth. Nutrients 2012; 4:2047-68. [PMID: 23250146 PMCID: PMC3546622 DOI: 10.3390/nu4122047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The space flight environment is known to induce bone loss and, subsequently, calcium loss. The longer the mission, generally the more bone and calcium are lost. This review provides a history of bone and calcium studies related to space flight and highlights issues related to calcium excretion that the space program must consider so that urine can be recycled. It also discusses a novel technique using natural stable isotopes of calcium that will be helpful in the future to determine calcium and bone balance during space flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Torin McCoy
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Daniel Gazda
- Wyle Science, Technology & Engineering Group, Houston, TX 77058, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Jennifer L. L. Morgan
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities/NASA Post-Doctoral Fellow, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Martina Heer
- Profil, 41460 Neuss, Germany; E-Mail:
- University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sara R. Zwart
- Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, TX 77058, USA; E-Mail:
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Abstract
Space flight is a new experience for humans. Humans adapt if not perfectly, rather well to life without gravity. There is a reductive remodeling of the musculo-skeletal system. Protein is lost from muscles and calcium from bones with anti-gravity functions. The observed biochemical and physiological changes reflect this accommodative process. The two major direct effects of the muscle loss are weakness post-flight and the increased incidence of low back ache pre- and post-flight. The muscle protein losses are compromised by the inability to maintain energy balance inflight. Voluntary dietary intake is reduced during space flight by ~20 %. These adaptations to weightlessness leave astronauts ill-equipped for life with gravity. Exercise, the obvious counter-measure has been repeatedly tried and since the muscle and bone losses persist it is not unreasonable to assume that success has been limited at best. Nevertheless, more than 500 people have now flown in space for up to 1 year and have done remarkably well. This review addresses the question of whether enough is now known about these three problems (negative energy balance, muscle loss and bone loss) for to the risks to be considered either acceptable or correctible enough to meet the requirements for a Mars mission.
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Morgan JLL, Zwart SR, Heer M, Ploutz-Snyder R, Ericson K, Smith SM. Bone metabolism and nutritional status during 30-day head-down-tilt bed rest. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2012. [DOI: 10.115210.1152/japplphysiol.01064.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bed rest studies provide an important tool for modeling physiological changes that occur during spaceflight. Markers of bone metabolism and nutritional status were evaluated in 12 subjects (8 men, 4 women; ages 25–49 yr) who participated in a 30-day −6° head-down-tilt diet-controlled bed rest study. Blood and urine samples were collected twice before, once a week during, and twice after bed rest. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects linear regression with a priori contrasts comparing all days to the second week of the pre-bed rest acclimation period. During bed rest, all urinary markers of bone resorption increased ∼20% ( P < 0.001), and serum parathyroid hormone decreased ∼25% ( P < 0.001). Unlike longer (>60 days) bed rest studies, neither markers of oxidative damage nor iron status indexes changed over the 30 days of bed rest. Urinary oxalate excretion decreased ∼20% during bed rest ( P < 0.001) and correlated inversely with urinary calcium ( R = −0.18, P < 0.02). These data provide a broad overview of the biochemistry associated with short-duration bed rest studies and provide an impetus for using shorter studies to save time and costs wherever possible. For some effects related to bone biochemistry, short-duration bed rest will fulfill the scientific requirements to simulate spaceflight, but other effects (antioxidants/oxidative damage, iron status) do not manifest until subjects are in bed longer, in which case longer studies or other analogs may be needed. Regardless, maximizing research funding and opportunities will be critical to enable the next steps in space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. L. Morgan
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities/NASA Post-Doctoral Fellow, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sara R. Zwart
- Universities Space Research Association and NASA, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Martina Heer
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Profil Institute for Metabolic Research, Neuss, Germany
| | - Robert Ploutz-Snyder
- Universities Space Research Association and NASA, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Karen Ericson
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana; and
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Morgan JLL, Zwart SR, Heer M, Ploutz-Snyder R, Ericson K, Smith SM. Bone metabolism and nutritional status during 30-day head-down-tilt bed rest. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2012; 113:1519-29. [PMID: 22995395 PMCID: PMC3524659 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01064.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bed rest studies provide an important tool for modeling physiological changes that occur during spaceflight. Markers of bone metabolism and nutritional status were evaluated in 12 subjects (8 men, 4 women; ages 25-49 yr) who participated in a 30-day -6° head-down-tilt diet-controlled bed rest study. Blood and urine samples were collected twice before, once a week during, and twice after bed rest. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects linear regression with a priori contrasts comparing all days to the second week of the pre-bed rest acclimation period. During bed rest, all urinary markers of bone resorption increased ~20% (P < 0.001), and serum parathyroid hormone decreased ~25% (P < 0.001). Unlike longer (>60 days) bed rest studies, neither markers of oxidative damage nor iron status indexes changed over the 30 days of bed rest. Urinary oxalate excretion decreased ~20% during bed rest (P < 0.001) and correlated inversely with urinary calcium (R = -0.18, P < 0.02). These data provide a broad overview of the biochemistry associated with short-duration bed rest studies and provide an impetus for using shorter studies to save time and costs wherever possible. For some effects related to bone biochemistry, short-duration bed rest will fulfill the scientific requirements to simulate spaceflight, but other effects (antioxidants/oxidative damage, iron status) do not manifest until subjects are in bed longer, in which case longer studies or other analogs may be needed. Regardless, maximizing research funding and opportunities will be critical to enable the next steps in space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L L Morgan
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Smith SM, Heer MA, Shackelford LC, Sibonga JD, Ploutz-Snyder L, Zwart SR. Benefits for bone from resistance exercise and nutrition in long-duration spaceflight: Evidence from biochemistry and densitometry. J Bone Miner Res 2012; 27:1896-906. [PMID: 22549960 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.1647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Exercise has shown little success in mitigating bone loss from long-duration spaceflight. The first crews of the International Space Station (ISS) used the "interim resistive exercise device" (iRED), which allowed loads of up to 297 lb(f) (or 1337 N) but provided little protection of bone or no greater protection than aerobic exercise. In 2008, the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), which allowed absolute loads of up to 600 lb(f) (1675 N), was launched to the ISS. We report dietary intake, bone densitometry, and biochemical markers in 13 crewmembers on ISS missions from 2006 to 2009. Of these 13, 8 had access to the iRED and 5 had access to the ARED. In both groups, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase tended to increase during flight toward the end of the mission (p = 0.06) and increased 30 days after landing (p < 0.001). Most markers of bone resorption were also increased in both groups during flight and 30 days after landing (p < 0.05). Bone densitometry revealed significant interactions (time and exercise device) for pelvis bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (p < 0.01), hip femoral neck BMD (p < 0.05), trochanter BMD (p < 0.05), and total hip BMD (p < 0.05). These variables were unchanged from preflight only for ARED crewmembers, who also returned from flight with higher percent lean mass and lower percent fat mass. Body mass was unchanged after flight in both groups. All crewmembers had nominal vitamin D status (75 ± 17 nmol/L) before and during flight. These data document that resistance exercise, coupled with adequate energy intake (shown by maintenance of body mass determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]) and vitamin D, can maintain bone in most regions during 4- to 6-month missions in microgravity. This is the first evidence that improving nutrition and resistance exercise during spaceflight can attenuate the expected BMD deficits previously observed after prolonged missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Smith
- Human Adaptation and Countermeasures Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058, USA.
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