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An R, Blackwell VK, Harandi B, Gibbons AC, Siu O, Irby I, Rees A, Cornejal N, Sattler KM, Sheng T, Syracuse NC, Loftus D, Santa Maria SR, Cekanaviciute E, Reinsch SS, Ray HE, Paul AM. Influence of the spaceflight environment on macrophage lineages. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:63. [PMID: 38862517 PMCID: PMC11166655 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00293-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight and terrestrial spaceflight analogs can alter immune phenotypes. Macrophages are important immune cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and participate in immunoregulatory processes of homeostasis. Furthermore, macrophages are critically involved in initiating immunity, defending against injury and infection, and are also involved in immune resolution and wound healing. Heterogeneous populations of macrophage-type cells reside in many tissues and cause a variety of tissue-specific effects through direct or indirect interactions with other physiological systems, including the nervous and endocrine systems. It is vital to understand how macrophages respond to the unique environment of space to safeguard crew members with appropriate countermeasures for future missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. This review highlights current literature on macrophage responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky An
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Cornell University, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Virginia Katherine Blackwell
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Bijan Harandi
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Chemistry, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Alicia C Gibbons
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of California San Diego, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Olivia Siu
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Iris Irby
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Amy Rees
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Nadjet Cornejal
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Brooklyn College, Department of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Kristina M Sattler
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Ohio State University, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tao Sheng
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Computer Science, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Nicholas C Syracuse
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Life Sciences Training Program, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- North Carolina State University, Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - David Loftus
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Sigrid S Reinsch
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- ASRC Federal, Inc, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Amber M Paul
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA.
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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Werneth CM, Patel ZS, Thompson MS, Blattnig SR, Huff JL. Considering clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in space radiation risk analysis for hematologic cancers and cardiovascular disease. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:105. [PMID: 38862635 PMCID: PMC11166645 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding human presence in space through long-duration exploration missions and commercial space operations warrants improvements in approaches for quantifying crew space radiation health risks. Currently, risk assessment models for radiogenic cancer and cardiovascular disease consider age, sex, and tobacco use, but do not incorporate other modifiable (e.g., body weight, physical activity, diet, environment) and non-modifiable individual risk factors (e.g., genetics, medical history, race/ethnicity, family history) that may greatly influence crew health both in-mission and long-term. For example, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a relatively common age-related condition that is an emerging risk factor for a variety of diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. CHIP carrier status may therefore exacerbate health risks associated with space radiation exposure. METHODS In the present study, published CHIP hazard ratios were used to modify background hazard rates for coronary heart disease, stroke, and hematologic cancers in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration space radiation risk assessment model. The risk of radiation exposure-induced death for these endpoints was projected for a future Mars exploration mission scenario. RESULTS Here we show appreciable increases in the lifetime risk of exposure-induced death for hematologic malignancies, coronary heart disease, and stroke, which are observed as a function of age after radiation exposure for male and female crew members that are directly attributable to the elevated health risks for CHIP carriers. CONCLUSIONS We discuss the importance of evaluating individual risk factors such as CHIP as part of a comprehensive space radiation risk assessment strategy aimed at effective risk communication and disease surveillance for astronauts embarking on future exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zarana S Patel
- Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Ramos RL, Carante MP, Bernardini E, Ferrari A, Sala P, Vercesi V, Ballarini F. A method to predict space radiation biological effectiveness for non-cancer effects following intense Solar Particle Events. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:210-217. [PMID: 38670649 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In addition to the continuous exposure to cosmic rays, astronauts in space are occasionally exposed to Solar Particle Events (SPE), which involve less energetic particles but can deliver much higher doses. The latter can exceed several Gy in a few hours for the most intense SPEs, for which non-stochastic effects are thus a major concern. To identify adequate shielding conditions that would allow respecting the dose limits established by the various space agencies, the absorbed dose in the considered organ/tissue must be multiplied by the corresponding Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE), which is a complex quantity depending on several factors including particle type and energy, considered biological effect, level of effect (and thus absorbed dose), etc. While in several studies only the particle-type dependence of RBE is taken into account, in this work we developed and applied a new approach where, thanks to an interface between the FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code and the BIANCA biophysical model, the RBE dependence on particle energy and absorbed dose was also considered. Furthermore, we included in the considered SPE spectra primary particles heavier than protons, which in many studies are neglected. This approach was then applied to the October 2003 SPE (the most intense SPE of solar cycle 23, also known as "Halloween event") and the January 2005 event, which was characterized by a lower fluence but a harder spectrum, i.e., with higher-energy particles. The calculation outcomes were then discussed and compared with the current dose limits established for skin and blood forming organs in case of 30-days missions. This work showed that the BIANCA model, if interfaced to a radiation transport code, can be used to calculate the RBE values associated to Solar Particle Events. More generally, this work emphasizes the importance of taking into account the RBE dependence on particle energy and dose when calculating equivalent doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Ramos
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via Bassi 6, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - M P Carante
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via Bassi 6, I-27100 Pavia, Italy; University of Pavia, Physics Department, via Bassi 6, I-27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - E Bernardini
- Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - A Ferrari
- Institute for Astroparticle Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - V Vercesi
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via Bassi 6, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - F Ballarini
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, via Bassi 6, I-27100 Pavia, Italy; University of Pavia, Physics Department, via Bassi 6, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
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Luitel K, Siteni S, Barron S, Shay JW. Simulated galactic cosmic radiation-induced cancer progression in mice. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:43-51. [PMID: 38670651 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged manned space flight exposure risks to galactic comic radiation, has led to uncertainties in a variety of health risks. Our previous work, utilizing either single ion or multiple ion radiation exposure conducted at the NSRL (NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, Brookhaven, NY) demonstrated that HZE ion components of the GCR result in persistent inflammatory signaling, increased mutations, and higher rates of cancer initiation and progression. With the development of the 33-beam galactic cosmic radiation simulations (GCRsim) at the NSRL, we can more closely test on earth the radiation environment found in space. With a previously used lung cancer susceptible mouse model (K-rasLA-1), we performed acute exposure experiments lasting 1-2 h, and chronic exposure experiments lasting 2-6 weeks with a total dose of 50 cGy and 75 cGy. We obtained histological samples from a subset of mice 100 days post-irradiation, and the remaining mice were monitored for overall survival up to 1-year post-irradiation. When we compared acute exposures (1-2 hrs.) and chronic exposure (2-6 weeks), we found a trend in the increase of lung adenocarcinoma respectively for a total dose of 50 cGy and 75 cGy. Furthermore, when we added neutron exposure to the 75 cGy of GCRsim, we saw a further increase in the incidence of adenocarcinoma. We interpret these findings to suggest that the risks of carcinogenesis are heightened with doses anticipated during a round trip to Mars, and this risk is magnified when coupled with extra neutron exposure that are expected on the Martian surface. We also observed that risks are reduced when the NASA official 33-beam GCR simulations are provided at high dose rates compared to low dose rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Luitel
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Silvia Siteni
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Summer Barron
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Rudolf AM, Hood WR. Mitochondrial stress in the spaceflight environment. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101855. [PMID: 38403094 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Space is a challenging environment that deregulates individual homeostasis. The main external hazards associated with spaceflight include ionizing space radiation, microgravity, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, and hostile environment. Characterizing the biological responses to spaceflight environment is essential to validate the health risks, and to develop effective protection strategies. Mitochondria energetics is a key mechanism underpinning many physiological, ecological and evolutionary processes. Moreover, mitochondrial stress can be considered one of the fundamental features of space travel. So, we attempt to synthesize key information regarding the extensive effects of spaceflight on mitochondria. In summary, mitochondria are affected by all of the five main hazards of spaceflight at multiple levels, including their morphology, respiratory function, protein, and genetics, in various tissues and organ systems. We emphasize that investigating mitochondrial biology in spaceflight conditions should become the central focus of research on the impacts of spaceflight on human health, as this approach will help resolve numerous challenges of space health and combat several health disorders associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata M Rudolf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Space Technology Centre, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Wendy R Hood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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6
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Kidane YH, Lee FH, Smith MF, Wang C, Mirza JB, Sharma S, Lobo AA, Dewan KC, Chen J, Diaz TE, Pla MM, Foster MW, Bowles DE. Proteomic and phosphoproteomic characterization of cardiovascular tissues after long term exposure to simulated space radiation. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1248276. [PMID: 38699144 PMCID: PMC11063234 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1248276] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: It may take decades to develop cardiovascular dysfunction following exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation from medical therapy or from nuclear accidents. Since astronauts may be exposed continually to a complex space radiation environment unlike that experienced on Earth, it is unresolved whether there is a risk to cardiovascular health during long-term space exploration missions. Previously, we have described that mice exposed to a single dose of simplified Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR5-ion) develop cardiovascular dysfunction by 12 months post-radiation. Methods: To investigate the biological basis of this dysfunction, here we performed a quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis of heart tissue (proteome and phosphoproteome) and plasma (proteome only) from these mice at 8 months post-radiation. Results: Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) for irradiated versus sham irradiated samples (fold-change ≥1.2 and an adjusted p-value of ≤0.05) were identified for each proteomics data set. For the heart proteome, there were 87 significant DEPs (11 upregulated and 76 downregulated); for the heart phosphoproteome, there were 60 significant differentially phosphorylated peptides (17 upregulated and 43 downregulated); and for the plasma proteome, there was only one upregulated protein. A Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) technique that assesses canonical pathways from BIOCARTA, KEGG, PID, REACTOME, and WikiPathways revealed significant perturbation in pathways in each data set. For the heart proteome, 166 pathways were significantly altered (36 upregulated and 130 downregulated); for the plasma proteome, there were 73 pathways significantly altered (25 upregulated and 48 downregulated); and for the phosphoproteome, there were 223 pathways significantly affected at 0.1 adjusted p-value cutoff. Pathways related to inflammation were the most highly perturbed in the heart and plasma. In line with sustained inflammation, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were demonstrated to be increased in GCR5-ion irradiated hearts at 12-month post irradiation. NETs play a fundamental role in combating bacterial pathogens, modulating inflammatory responses, inflicting damage on healthy tissues, and escalating vascular thrombosis. Discussion: These findings suggest that a single exposure to GCR5-ion results in long-lasting changes in the proteome and that these proteomic changes can potentiate acute and chronic health issues for astronauts, such as what we have previously described with late cardiac dysfunction in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yared H. Kidane
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Franklin H. Lee
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Matthew F. Smith
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Chunbo Wang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jacqueline Barbera Mirza
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Saachi Sharma
- Stanton College Preparatory School, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Alejandro A. Lobo
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Krish C. Dewan
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jengwei Chen
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thomas E. Diaz
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Matthew W. Foster
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Dawn E. Bowles
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Yun S, Kiffer FC, Bancroft GL, Guzman CS, Soler I, Haas HA, Shi R, Patel R, Lara-Jiménez J, Kumar PL, Tran FH, Ahn KJ, Rong Y, Luitel K, Shay JW, Eisch AJ. The longitudinal behavioral effects of acute exposure to galactic cosmic radiation in female C57BL/6J mice: implications for deep space missions, female crews, and potential antioxidant countermeasures. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.588768. [PMID: 38659963 PMCID: PMC11042186 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.588768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) is an unavoidable risk to astronauts that may affect mission success. Male rodents exposed to 33-beam-GCR (33-GCR) show short-term cognitive deficits but reports on female rodents and long-term assessment is lacking. Here we asked: What are the longitudinal behavioral effects of 33-GCR on female mice? Also, can an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compound mitigate the impact of 33-GCR? Mature (6-month-old) C57BL/6J female mice received the antioxidant CDDO-EA (400 µg/g of food) or a control diet (vehicle, Veh) for 5 days and either Sham-irradiation (IRR) or whole-body 33-GCR (0.75Gy) on the 4th day. Three-months post-IRR, mice underwent two touchscreen-platform tests: 1) location discrimination reversal (which tests behavior pattern separation and cognitive flexibility, two abilities reliant on the dentate gyrus) and 2) stimulus-response learning/extinction. Mice then underwent arena-based behavior tests (e.g. open field, 3-chamber social interaction). At the experiment end (14.25-month post-IRR), neurogenesis was assessed (doublecortin-immunoreactive [DCX+] dentate gyrus neurons). Female mice exposed to Veh/Sham vs. Veh/33-GCR had similar pattern separation (% correct to 1st reversal). There were two effects of diet: CDDO-EA/Sham and CDDO-EA/33-GCR mice had better pattern separation vs. their respective control groups (Veh/Sham, Veh/33-GCR), and CDDO-EA/33-GCR mice had better cognitive flexibility (reversal number) vs. Veh/33-GCR mice. Notably, one radiation effect/CDDO-EA countereffect also emerged: Veh/33-GCR mice had worse stimulus-response learning (days to completion) vs. all other groups, including CDDO-EA/33-GCR mice. In general, all mice show normal anxiety-like behavior, exploration, and habituation to novel environments. There was also a change in neurogenesis: Veh/33-GCR mice had fewer DCX+ dentate gyrus immature neurons vs. Veh/Sham mice. Our study implies space radiation is a risk to a female crew's longitudinal mission-relevant cognitive processes and CDDO-EA is a potential dietary countermeasure for space-radiation CNS risks.
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Klomchitcharoen S, Wechakarn P, Tangwattanasirikun T, Smerwong N, Netrapathompornkij P, Chatmeeboon T, Nangsue N, Thitasirivit V, Kaweewongsunthorn K, Piyanopharoj S, Phumiprathet P, Wongsawat Y. High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27406. [PMID: 38496885 PMCID: PMC10944226 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The intangible desire to explore the mysteries of the universe has driven numerous advancements for humanity for centuries. Extraterrestrial journeys are becoming more realistic as a result of human curiosity and endeavors. Over the years, space biology research has played a significant role in understanding the hazardous effects of the space environment on human health during long-term space travel. The inevitable consequence of a space voyage is space ionizing radiation, which has deadly aftereffects on the human body. The paramount objective of this study is to provide a robust platform for performing biological experiments within the Earth's stratosphere by utilizing high-altitude balloons. This platform allows the use of a biological payload to simulate spaceflight missions within the unique properties of space that cannot be replicated in terrestrial facilities. This paper describes the feasibility and demonstration of a biological balloon mission suitable for students and scientists to perform space biology experiments within the boundary of the stratosphere. In this study, a high-altitude balloon was launched into the upper atmosphere (∼29 km altitude), where living microorganisms were exposed to a hazardous combination of UV irradiation, ultralow pressure and cold shock. The balloon carried the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate microbial survival potential under extreme conditions. The results indicated a notable reduction in biosample mortality two orders of magnitude (2-log) after exposure to 164.9 kJ m-2 UV. Postflight experiments have shown strong evidence that the effect of UV irradiation on living organisms is stronger than that of other extreme conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeth Klomchitcharoen
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Wechakarn
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Tanchanok Tangwattanasirikun
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Noparin Smerwong
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Phubase Netrapathompornkij
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Thanapat Chatmeeboon
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Norawit Nangsue
- Institute of Field Robotics, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Yodchanan Wongsawat
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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9
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Burke M, Wong K, Talyansky Y, Mhatre SD, Mitchell C, Juran CM, Olson M, Iyer J, Puukila S, Tahimic CGT, Christenson LK, Lowe M, Rubinstein L, Shirazi-Fard Y, Sowa MB, Alwood JS, Ronca AE, Paul AM. Sexual dimorphism during integrative endocrine and immune responses to ionizing radiation in mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7334. [PMID: 38409284 PMCID: PMC10897391 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation is an innate risk of the spaceflight environment that can cause DNA damage and altered cellular function. In astronauts, longitudinal monitoring of physiological systems and interactions between these systems are important to consider for mitigation strategies. In addition, assessments of sex-specific biological responses in the unique environment of spaceflight are vital to support future exploration missions that include both females and males. Here we assessed sex-specific, multi-system immune and endocrine responses to simulated cosmic radiation. For this, 24-week-old, male and female C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to simplified five-ion, space-relevant galactic cosmic ray (GCRsim) radiation at 15 and 50 cGy, to simulate predicted radiation exposures that would be experienced during lunar and Martian missions, respectively. Blood and adrenal tissues were collected at 3- and 14-days post-irradiation for analysis of immune and endocrine biosignatures and pathways. Sexually dimorphic adrenal gland weights and morphology, differential total RNA expression with corresponding gene ontology, and unique immune phenotypes were altered by GCRsim. In brief, this study offers new insights into sexually dimorphic immune and endocrine kinetics following simulated cosmic radiation exposure and highlights the necessity for personalized translational approaches for astronauts during exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Burke
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kelly Wong
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuli Talyansky
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Siddhita D Mhatre
- KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Carol Mitchell
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Cassandra M Juran
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Makaila Olson
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA, 94043, USA
| | - Stephanie Puukila
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA, 94043, USA
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Research Hospital, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wake Forest Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Amber M Paul
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA.
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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10
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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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11
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Pfuhl T, Weber U, Horst F, Durante M, Schuy C. Ground-based passive generation of Solar Particle Event spectra: Planning and manufacturing of a 3D-printed modulator. Z Med Phys 2024; 34:153-165. [PMID: 37940400 DOI: 10.1016/j.zemedi.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The generation of space radiation on Earth is essential to study and predict the effects of radiation on space travelers, electronics, or materials during future long-term space missions. Next to the heavy ions of the galactic cosmic rays, solar particle events play a major role concerning the radiation risk in space, which consist of intermediate-energy protons with broad spectra and energies up to a few hundred MeV. This work describes an approach for the ground-based generation of solar particle events. As a proof of principle, a passive beam modulator with a specific funnel-shaped periodic structure was designed and is used to convert a monoenergetic proton beam into a spectral proton energy distribution, mimicking a solar particle event from August 1972, which is known as one of the strongest recorded SPE events. The required proton beam of 220 MeV can be generated at many existing particle accelerators at research or particle therapy facilities. The planning, manufacturing and testing of the modulator is described step by step. Its correct manufacturing and the characteristics of the solar particle event simulator are tested experimentally and by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Future modulators will follow the same concept with minor adjustments such as a larger lateral extension. As of now, the presented beam modulator is available to the research community to conduct experiments at GSI for exposure under solar particle event conditions. In addition, researchers can use and apply the described concept to design and print their individualized modulator to reproduce any desired solar particle event spectrum or request the presented modulator geometry from the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea Pfuhl
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Uli Weber
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Felix Horst
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany; OncoRay - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany(1)
| | - Marco Durante
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany; Technische Universität Darmstadt, Institut für Physik Kondensierter Materie, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christoph Schuy
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
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12
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Dontre AJ. Weighing the impact of microgravity on vestibular and visual functions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:51-61. [PMID: 38245348 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Numerous technological challenges have been overcome to realize human space exploration. As mission durations gradually lengthen, the next obstacle is a set of physical limitations. Extended exposure to microgravity poses multiple threats to various bodily systems. Two of these systems are of particular concern for the success of future space missions. The vestibular system includes the otolith organs, which are stimulated in gravity but unloaded in microgravity. This impairs perception, posture, and coordination, all of which are relevant to mission success. Similarly, vision is impaired in many space travelers due to possible intracranial pressure changes or fluid shifts in the brain. As humankind prepares for extended missions to Mars and beyond, it is imperative to compensate for these perils in prolonged weightlessness. Possible countermeasures are considered such as exercise regimens, improved nutrition, and artificial gravity achieved with a centrifuge or spacecraft rotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dontre
- School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, 2020 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA; Department of Communications, Behavioral, and Natural Sciences, Franklin University, 201 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
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13
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Andrade MR, Azeez TA, Montgomery MM, Caldwell JT, Park H, Kwok AT, Borg AM, Narayanan SA, Willey JS, Delp MD, La Favor JD. Neurovascular dysfunction associated with erectile dysfunction persists after long-term recovery from simulations of weightlessness and deep space irradiation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23246. [PMID: 37990646 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300506rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
There has been growing interest within the space industry for long-duration manned expeditions to the Moon and Mars. During deep space missions, astronauts are exposed to high levels of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and microgravity which are associated with increased risk of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are causative factors in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction, although the effects of spaceflight on erectile function have been unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of simulated spaceflight and long-term recovery on tissues critical for erectile function, the distal internal pudendal artery (dIPA), and the corpus cavernosum (CC). Eighty-six adult male Fisher-344 rats were randomized into six groups and exposed to 4-weeks of hindlimb unloading (HLU) or weight-bearing control, and sham (0Gy), 0.75 Gy, or 1.5 Gy of simulated GCR at the ground-based GCR simulator at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. Following a 12-13-month recovery, ex vivo physiological analysis of the dIPA and CC tissue segments revealed differential impacts of HLU and GCR on endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation that was tissue type specific. GCR impaired non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve-mediated relaxation in the dIPA and CC, while follow-up experiments of the CC showed restoration of NANC-mediated relaxation of GCR tissues following acute incubation with the antioxidants mito-TEMPO and TEMPOL, as well as inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and arginase. These findings indicate that simulated spaceflight exerts a long-term impairment of neurovascular erectile function, which exposes a new health risk to consider with deep space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuella R Andrade
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Tooyib A Azeez
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - McLane M Montgomery
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jacob T Caldwell
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Hyerim Park
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Andy T Kwok
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander M Borg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - S Anand Narayanan
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Willey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael D Delp
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Justin D La Favor
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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14
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Desai RI, Kangas BD, Luc OT, Solakidou E, Smith EC, Dawes MH, Ma X, Makriyannis A, Chatterjee S, Dayeh MA, Muñoz-Jaramillo A, Desai MI, Limoli CL. Complex 33-beam simulated galactic cosmic radiation exposure impacts cognitive function and prefrontal cortex neurotransmitter networks in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7779. [PMID: 38012180 PMCID: PMC10682413 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts will encounter extended exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) during deep space exploration, which could impair brain function. Here, we report that in male mice, acute or chronic GCR exposure did not modify reward sensitivity but did adversely affect attentional processes and increased reaction times. Potassium (K+)-stimulation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) elevated dopamine (DA) but abolished temporal DA responsiveness after acute and chronic GCR exposure. Unlike acute GCR, chronic GCR increased levels of all other neurotransmitters, with differences evident between groups after higher K+-stimulation. Correlational and machine learning analysis showed that acute and chronic GCR exposure differentially reorganized the connection strength and causation of DA and other PFC neurotransmitter networks compared to controls which may explain space radiation-induced neurocognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev I Desai
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Brian D Kangas
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Oanh T Luc
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Eleana Solakidou
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Evan C Smith
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Monica H Dawes
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Maher A Dayeh
- Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
- University of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | | | - Mihir I Desai
- Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
- University of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, 92697, USA
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15
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Brojakowska A, Jackson CJ, Bisserier M, Khlgatian MK, Jagana V, Eskandari A, Grano C, Blattnig SR, Zhang S, Fish KM, Chepurko V, Chepurko E, Gillespie V, Dai Y, Kumar Rai A, Garikipati VNS, Hadri L, Kishore R, Goukassian DA. Lifetime evaluation of left ventricular structure and function in male ApoE null mice after gamma and space-type radiation exposure. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1292033. [PMID: 38054039 PMCID: PMC10694360 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1292033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The space radiation (IR) environment contains high charge and energy (HZE) nuclei emitted from galactic cosmic rays with the ability to overcome current shielding strategies, posing increased IR-induced cardiovascular disease risks for astronauts on prolonged space missions. Little is known about the effect of 5-ion simplified galactic cosmic ray simulation (simGCRsim) exposure on left ventricular (LV) function. Three-month-old, age-matched male Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) null mice were irradiated with 137Cs gamma (γ; 100, 200, and 400 cGy) and simGCRsim (50, 100, 150 cGy all at 500 MeV/nucleon (n)). LV function was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography at early/acute (14 and 28 days) and late/degenerative (365, 440, and 660 days) times post-irradiation. As early as 14 and 28-days post IR, LV systolic function was reduced in both IR groups across all doses. At 14 days post-IR, 150 cGy simGCRsim-IR mice had decreased diastolic wall strain (DWS), suggesting increased myocardial stiffness. This was also observed later in 100 cGy γ-IR mice at 28 days. At later stages, a significant decrease in LV systolic function was observed in the 400 cGy γ-IR mice. Otherwise, there was no difference in the LV systolic function or structure at the remaining time points across the IR groups. We evaluated the expression of genes involved in hemodynamic stress, cardiac remodeling, inflammation, and calcium handling in LVs harvested 28 days post-IR. At 28 days post-IR, there is increased expression of Bnp and Ncx in both IR groups at the lowest doses, suggesting impaired function contributes to hemodynamic stress and altered calcium handling. The expression of Gals3 and β-Mhc were increased in simGCRsim and γ-IR mice respectively, suggesting there may be IR-specific cardiac remodeling. IR groups were modeled to calculate the Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) and Radiation Effects Ratio (RER). No lower threshold was determined using the observed dose-response curves. These findings do not exclude the possibility of the existence of a lower IR threshold or the presence of IR-induced cardiovascular disease (CVD) when combined with additional space travel stressors, e.g., microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Brojakowska
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | | | - Vineeta Jagana
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States
| | - Abrisham Eskandari
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cynthia Grano
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steve R. Blattnig
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, VA, United States
| | - Shihong Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kenneth M. Fish
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Vadim Chepurko
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elena Chepurko
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Virginia Gillespie
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ying Dai
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amit Kumar Rai
- Aging and Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Lahouaria Hadri
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology/Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Raj Kishore
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David A. Goukassian
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Tavakol DN, Nash TR, Kim Y, He S, Fleischer S, Graney PL, Brown JA, Liberman M, Tamargo M, Harken A, Ferrando AA, Amundson S, Garty G, Azizi E, Leong KW, Brenner DJ, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Modeling and countering the effects of cosmic radiation using bioengineered human tissues. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122267. [PMID: 37633022 PMCID: PMC10528250 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Cosmic radiation is the most serious risk that will be encountered during the planned missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a compelling need to understand the effects, safety thresholds, and mechanisms of radiation damage in human tissues, in order to develop measures for radiation protection during extended space travel. As animal models fail to recapitulate the molecular changes in astronauts, engineered human tissues and "organs-on-chips" are valuable tools for studying effects of radiation in vitro. We have developed a bioengineered tissue platform for studying radiation damage in individualized settings. To demonstrate its utility, we determined the effects of radiation using engineered models of two human tissues known to be radiosensitive: engineered cardiac tissues (eCT, a target of chronic radiation damage) and engineered bone marrow (eBM, a target of acute radiation damage). We report the effects of high-dose neutrons, a proxy for simulated galactic cosmic rays, on the expression of key genes implicated in tissue responses to ionizing radiation, phenotypic and functional changes in both tissues, and proof-of-principle application of radioprotective agents. We further determined the extent of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and matrix remodeling gene expression changes, and found that these changes were associated with an early hypertrophic phenotype in eCT and myeloid skewing in eBM. We propose that individualized models of human tissues have potential to provide insights into the effects and mechanisms of radiation during deep-space missions and allow testing of radioprotective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trevor R Nash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Youngbin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Siyu He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pamela L Graney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jessie A Brown
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Martin Liberman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Manuel Tamargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrew Harken
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Adolfo A Ferrando
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sally Amundson
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Guy Garty
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elham Azizi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David J Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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17
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Sachs RK, Huang EG, Hanin LG. Mathematical Aspects of a New Synergy Theory Applicable to Malstressor-Dominated Mixtures which Include Damage-Ameliorating Countermeasures. Radiat Res 2023; 200:232-241. [PMID: 37527362 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00189.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
In radiobiology, and throughout translational biology, synergy theories for multi-component agent mixtures use 1-agent dose-effect relations (DERs) to calculate baseline neither synergy nor antagonism mixture DERs. The most used synergy theory, simple effect additivity, is not self-consistent when curvilinear 1-agent DERs are involved, and many alternatives have been suggested. In this paper we present the mathematical aspects of a new alternative, generalized Loewe additivity (GLA). To the best of our knowledge, generalized Loewe additivity is the only synergy theory that can systematically handle mixtures of agents that are malstressors (tend to produce disease) with countermeasures - agents that oppose malstressors and ameliorate malstressor damage. In practice countermeasures are often very important, so generalized Loewe additivity is potentially far-reaching. Our paper is a proof-of-principle preliminary study. Unfortunately, generalized Loewe additivity's scope is restricted, in various unwelcome but perhaps unavoidable ways. Our results illustrate its strengths and its weaknesses. One area where our methodology has potentially important applications is analyzing counter-measure mitigation of galactic cosmic ray damage to astronauts during interplanetary travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Sachs
- Department of Mathematics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - E G Huang
- Department of Mathematics, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - L G Hanin
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
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18
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Alwood JS, Mulavara AP, Iyer J, Mhatre SD, Rosi S, Shelhamer M, Davis C, Jones CW, Mao XW, Desai RI, Whitmire AM, Williams TJ. Circuits and Biomarkers of the Central Nervous System Relating to Astronaut Performance: Summary Report for a NASA-Sponsored Technical Interchange Meeting. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1852. [PMID: 37763256 PMCID: PMC10532466 DOI: 10.3390/life13091852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers, ranging from molecules to behavior, can be used to identify thresholds beyond which performance of mission tasks may be compromised and could potentially trigger the activation of countermeasures. Identification of homologous brain regions and/or neural circuits related to operational performance may allow for translational studies between species. Three discussion groups were directed to use operationally relevant performance tasks as a driver when identifying biomarkers and brain regions or circuits for selected constructs. Here we summarize small-group discussions in tables of circuits and biomarkers categorized by (a) sensorimotor, (b) behavioral medicine and (c) integrated approaches (e.g., physiological responses). In total, hundreds of biomarkers have been identified and are summarized herein by the respective group leads. We hope the meeting proceedings become a rich resource for NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) and the community of researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janani Iyer
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Susanna Rosi
- Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Mark Shelhamer
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Catherine Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Christopher W. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Rajeev I. Desai
- Integrative Neurochemistry Laboratory, Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
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19
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Hatsuda M, Kawasaki H, Shigenaga A, Taketani A, Takanashi T, Wakabayashi Y, Otake Y, Kamata Y, Ichinose A, Nishioka H, Kimura H, Koganei Y, Komoriya S, Sakai M, Hamano Y, Yoshida M, Yamakura F. Effects of neutron radiation generated in deep space-like environments on food resources. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12479. [PMID: 37528144 PMCID: PMC10394055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of deep space cosmic rays on food resources is as important as the risks of cosmic rays to the human body. This study demonstrates the potential for neutrons as secondary radiation in deep space spacecraft to cause meat activation and oxidative modification of proteins and lipids. We conducted a series of experiments such as the neutron irradiation experiment, the radioactivation analysis and the biochemical analysis. Neutrons with energies from 1 to 5 MeV with doses from 0.01 Gy to 4 Gy were irradiated by the RIKEN accelerated-driven neutron source (RANS). Radioactive nuclei, 24Na, 42K, and 38Cl, were detected in the neutron-irradiated meat. The modification products of the proteins by oxidative nitration, 6-nitrotryptophan (6NO2Trp), and by a lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), were detected in several proteins with neutron dose dependent. The proteome analysis showed that many oxidative modifications were detected in actin and myosin which are major proteins of myofibrils. This study is of crucial importance not only as risk factors for human space exploration, but also as fundamental effects of radiation on the components of the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Machiko Hatsuda
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Kawasaki
- Faculty of Food and Health Sciences, Showa Women's University, Tokyo, 154-8533, Japan
| | - Ayako Shigenaga
- Institute of Health and Sports Science and Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, 270-1695, Japan
| | - Atsushi Taketani
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takaoki Takanashi
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yasuo Wakabayashi
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshie Otake
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yayoi Kamata
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University, Chiba, 279-0023, Japan
| | - Akari Ichinose
- Faculty of Food and Health Sciences, Showa Women's University, Tokyo, 154-8533, Japan
| | - Honoka Nishioka
- Faculty of Food and Health Sciences, Showa Women's University, Tokyo, 154-8533, Japan
| | - Hayato Kimura
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan
| | - Yumi Koganei
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan
| | - Shiomi Komoriya
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan
| | - Miyu Sakai
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan
| | - Yui Hamano
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan
| | - Maria Yoshida
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Yamakura
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-0034, Japan
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Liddell LC, Gentry DM, Gilbert R, Marina D, Massaro Tieze S, Padgen MR, Akiyama K, Keenan K, Bhattacharya S, Santa Maria SR. BioSentinel: Validating Sensitivity of Yeast Biosensors to Deep Space Relevant Radiation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:648-656. [PMID: 37052477 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
With the imminent human exploration of deep space, it is more important than ever to understand the biological risks of deep space radiation exposure. The BioSentinel mission will be the first biological payload to study the effects of radiation beyond low Earth orbit in 50 years. This study is the last in a collection of articles about the BioSentinel biological CubeSat mission, where budding yeast cells will be used to investigate the response of a biological organism to long-term, low-dose deep space radiation. In this study, we define the methodology for detecting the biological response to space-like radiation using simulated deep space radiation and a metabolic indicator dye reduction assay. We show that there is a dose-dependent decrease in yeast cell growth and metabolism in response to space-like radiation, and this effect is significantly more pronounced in a strain of yeast that is deficient in DNA damage repair (rad51Δ) compared with a wild-type strain. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of flight-like instrumentation after exposure to space-like ionizing radiation. Our findings will inform the development of novel and improved biosensors and technologies for future missions to deep space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Liddell
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- Logyx LLC, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - Diana M Gentry
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Rachel Gilbert
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- FILMSS/KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kylie Akiyama
- Space Life Sciences Training Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Kyra Keenan
- Space Life Sciences Training Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
- FILMSS/KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
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21
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Diaz J, Kuhlman BM, Edenhoffer NP, Evans AC, Martin KA, Guida P, Rusek A, Atala A, Coleman MA, Wilson PF, Almeida-Porada G, Porada CD. Immediate effects of acute Mars mission equivalent doses of SEP and GCR radiation on the murine gastrointestinal system-protective effects of curcumin-loaded nanolipoprotein particles (cNLPs). FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCES 2023; 10:1117811. [PMID: 38741937 PMCID: PMC11089821 DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2023.1117811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) will expose astronauts to ionizing radiation (IR) in the form of solar energetic particles (SEP) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) including high atomic number and energy (HZE) nuclei. The gastrointestinal (GI) system is documented to be highly radiosensitive with even relatively low dose IR exposures capable of inducing mucosal lesions and disrupting epithelial barrier function. IR is also an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) with several studies examining long-term GI effects of SEP/GCR exposure using tumor-prone APC mouse models. Studies of acute short-term effects of modeled space radiation exposures in wildtype mouse models are more limited and necessary to better define charged particle-induced GI pathologies and test novel medical countermeasures (MCMs) to promote astronaut safety. Methods In this study, we performed ground-based studies where male and female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to γ-rays, 50 MeV protons, or 1 GeV/n Fe-56 ions at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) with histology and immunohistochemistry endpoints measured in the first 24 h post-irradiation to define immediate SEP/GCR-induced GI alterations. Results Our data show that unlike matched γ-ray controls, acute exposures to protons and iron ions disrupts intestinal function and induces mucosal lesions, vascular congestion, epithelial barrier breakdown, and marked enlargement of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. We also measured kinetics of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair using gamma-H2AX- specific antibodies and apoptosis via TUNEL labeling, noting the induction and disappearance of extranuclear cytoplasmic DNA marked by gamma-H2AX only in the charged particle-irradiated samples. We show that 18 h pre-treatment with curcumin-loaded nanolipoprotein particles (cNLPs) delivered via IV injection reduces DSB-associated foci levels and apoptosis and restore crypt villi lengths. Discussion These data improve our understanding of physiological alterations in the GI tract immediately following exposures to modeled space radiations and demonstrates effectiveness of a promising space radiation MCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Diaz
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Bradford M. Kuhlman
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | | | - Angela C. Evans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Kelly A. Martin
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Peter Guida
- NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, United States
| | - Adam Rusek
- NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, United States
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Matthew A. Coleman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Paul F. Wilson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Graça Almeida-Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
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22
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Roggan MD, Kronenberg J, Wollert E, Hoffmann S, Nisar H, Konda B, Diegeler S, Liemersdorf C, Hellweg CE. Unraveling astrocyte behavior in the space brain: Radiation response of primary astrocytes. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1063250. [PMID: 37089489 PMCID: PMC10116417 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1063250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionExposure to space conditions during crewed long-term exploration missions can cause several health risks for astronauts. Space radiation, isolation and microgravity are major limiting factors. The role of astrocytes in cognitive disturbances by space radiation is unknown. Astrocytes' response toward low linear energy transfer (LET) X-rays and high-LET carbon (12C) and iron (56Fe) ions was compared to reveal possible effects of space-relevant high-LET radiation. Since astronauts are exposed to ionizing radiation and microgravity during space missions, the effect of simulated microgravity on DNA damage induction and repair was investigated.MethodsPrimary murine cortical astrocytes were irradiated with different doses of X-rays, 12C and 56Fe ions at the heavy ion accelerator GSI. DNA damage and repair (γH2AX, 53BP1), cell proliferation (Ki-67), astrocytes' reactivity (GFAP) and NF-κB pathway activation (p65) were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle progression was investigated by flow cytometry of DNA content. Gene expression changes after exposure to X- rays were investigated by mRNA-sequencing. RT-qPCR for several genes of interest was performed with RNA from X-rays- and heavy-ion-irradiated astrocytes: Cdkn1a, Cdkn2a, Gfap, Tnf, Il1β, Il6, and Tgfβ1. Levels of the pro inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were determined using ELISA. DNA damage response was investigated after exposure to X-rays followed by incubation on a 2D clinostat to simulate the conditions of microgravity.ResultsAstrocytes showed distinct responses toward the three different radiation qualities. Induction of radiation-induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and the respective repair was dose-, LET- and time-dependent. Simulated microgravity had no significant influence on DNA DSB repair. Proliferation and cell cycle progression was not affected by radiation qualities examined in this study. Astrocytes expressed IL-6 and GFAP with constitutive NF-κB activity independent of radiation exposure. mRNA sequencing of X-irradiated astrocytes revealed downregulation of 66 genes involved in DNA damage response and repair, mitosis, proliferation and cell cycle regulation.DiscussionIn conclusion, primary murine astrocytes are DNA repair proficient irrespective of radiation quality. Only minor gene expression changes were observed after X-ray exposure and reactivity was not induced. Co-culture of astrocytes with microglial cells, brain organoids or organotypic brain slice culture experiments might reveal whether astrocytes show a more pronounced radiation response in more complex network architectures in the presence of other neuronal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Denise Roggan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessica Kronenberg
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC), German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Esther Wollert
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Hoffmann
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Hasan Nisar
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Bikash Konda
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Diegeler
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Christian Liemersdorf
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine E. Hellweg
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christine E. Hellweg
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23
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Sanders LM, Scott RT, Yang JH, Qutub AA, Garcia Martin H, Berrios DC, Hastings JJA, Rask J, Mackintosh G, Hoarfrost AL, Chalk S, Kalantari J, Khezeli K, Antonsen EL, Babdor J, Barker R, Baranzini SE, Beheshti A, Delgado-Aparicio GM, Glicksberg BS, Greene CS, Haendel M, Hamid AA, Heller P, Jamieson D, Jarvis KJ, Komarova SV, Komorowski M, Kothiyal P, Mahabal A, Manor U, Mason CE, Matar M, Mias GI, Miller J, Myers JG, Nelson C, Oribello J, Park SM, Parsons-Wingerter P, Prabhu RK, Reynolds RJ, Saravia-Butler A, Saria S, Sawyer A, Singh NK, Snyder M, Soboczenski F, Soman K, Theriot CA, Van Valen D, Venkateswaran K, Warren L, Worthey L, Zitnik M, Costes SV. Biological research and self-driving labs in deep space supported by artificial intelligence. NAT MACH INTELL 2023. [DOI: 10.1038/s42256-023-00618-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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Nemec-Bakk AS, Sridharan V, Desai P, Landes RD, Hart B, Allen AR, Boerma M. Effects of Simulated 5-Ion Galactic Cosmic Radiation on Function and Structure of the Mouse Heart. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030795. [PMID: 36983950 PMCID: PMC10057791 DOI: 10.3390/life13030795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Missions into deep space will expose astronauts to the harsh space environment, and the degenerative tissue effects of space radiation are largely unknown. To assess the risks, in this study, male BALB/c mice were exposed to 500 mGy 5-ion simulated GCR (GCRsim) at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. In addition, male and female CD1 mice were exposed to GCRsim and administered a diet containing Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β)RI kinase (ALK5) inhibitor IPW-5371 as a potential countermeasure. An ultrasound was performed to investigate cardiac function. Cardiac tissue was collected to determine collagen deposition, the density of the capillary network, and the expression of the immune mediator toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and immune cell markers CD2, CD4, and CD45. In male BALB/c mice, the only significant effects of GCRsim were an increase in the CD2 and TLR4 markers. In male CD1 mice, GCRsim caused a significant increase in total collagens and a decrease in the expression of TLR4, both of which were mitigated by the TGF-β inhibitor diet. In female CD1 mice, GCRsim caused an increase in the number of capillaries per tissue area in the ventricles, which may be explained by the decrease in the left ventricular mass. However, this increase was not mitigated by TGF-β inhibition. In both male and female CD1 mice, the combination of GCRsim and TGF-β inhibition caused changes in left ventricular immune cell markers that were not seen with GCRsim alone. These data suggest that GCRsim results in minor changes to cardiac tissue in both an inbred and outbred mouse strain. While there were few GCRsim effects to be mitigated, results from the combination of GCRsim and the TGF-β inhibitor do point to a role for TGF-β in maintaining markers of immune cells in the heart after exposure to GCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S. Nemec-Bakk
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Parth Desai
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Reid D. Landes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Barry Hart
- Innovation Pathways, LLC of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
| | - Antiño R. Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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25
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Huff JL, Poignant F, Rahmanian S, Khan N, Blakely EA, Britten RA, Chang P, Fornace AJ, Hada M, Kronenberg A, Norman RB, Patel ZS, Shay JW, Weil MM, Simonsen LC, Slaba TC. Galactic cosmic ray simulation at the NASA space radiation laboratory - Progress, challenges and recommendations on mixed-field effects. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 36:90-104. [PMID: 36682835 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
For missions beyond low Earth orbit to the moon or Mars, space explorers will encounter a complex radiation field composed of various ion species with a broad range of energies. Such missions pose significant radiation protection challenges that need to be solved in order to minimize exposures and associated health risks. An innovative galactic cosmic ray simulator (GCRsim) was recently developed at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The GCRsim technology is intended to represent major components of the space radiation environment in a ground analog laboratory setting where it can be used to improve understanding of biological risks and serve as a testbed for countermeasure development and validation. The current GCRsim consists of 33 energetic ion beams that collectively simulate the primary and secondary GCR field encountered by humans in space over the broad range of particle types, energies, and linear energy transfer (LET) of interest to health effects. A virtual workshop was held in December 2020 to assess the status of the NASA baseline GCRsim. Workshop attendees examined various aspects of simulator design, with a particular emphasis on beam selection strategies. Experimental results, modeling approaches, areas of consensus, and questions of concern were also discussed in detail. This report includes a summary of the GCRsim workshop and a description of the current status of the GCRsim. This information is important for future advancements and applications in space radiobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice L Huff
- NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States of America.
| | - Floriane Poignant
- National Institute of Aerospace, Hampton, VA, 23666, United States of America
| | - Shirin Rahmanian
- National Institute of Aerospace, Hampton, VA, 23666, United States of America
| | - Nafisah Khan
- National Institute of Aerospace, Hampton, VA, 23666, United States of America
| | - Eleanor A Blakely
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States of America
| | - Richard A Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Leroy T Canoles Jr. Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, United States of America
| | - Polly Chang
- SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, United States of America
| | - Albert J Fornace
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, United States of America
| | - Megumi Hada
- Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, 77446, United States of America
| | - Amy Kronenberg
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States of America
| | - Ryan B Norman
- NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States of America
| | - Zarana S Patel
- KBR Inc., Houston, TX, 77058, United States of America; NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 77058, United States of America
| | - Jerry W Shay
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States of America
| | - Michael M Weil
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, United States of America
| | - Lisa C Simonsen
- NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC, 20546, United States of America
| | - Tony C Slaba
- NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, 23681, United States of America
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Kumar K, Moon BH, Datta K, Fornace AJ, Suman S. Simulated galactic cosmic radiation (GCR)-induced expression of Spp1 coincide with mammary ductal cell proliferation and preneoplastic changes in Apc Min/+ mouse. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 36:116-122. [PMID: 36682820 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Female astronauts inevitably exposed to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) are considered at a greater risk for mammary cancer development. The purpose of this study is to assess the status of mammary cancer-associated preneoplasia markers after GCR and γ-ray irradiation using a mouse model of human mammary cancer. Female ApcMin/+ mice were irradiated to 50 cGy of either γ-ray (137Cs) or full-spectrum simulated galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) (33-beam), and at 110 - 120 days post-irradiation mice were euthanized, and normal-appearing mammary tissues were analyzed for histological and molecular markers of preneoplasia. Whole-mount staining, hematoxylin and eosin-based histological assessment, and Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to analyze ductal outgrowth and cell proliferation. Additionally, mRNA expression of known mammary preneoplasia markers (Muc1, Exo1, Foxm1, Depdc1a, Nusap1, Spp1, and Rrm2) was analyzed using qPCR, and their respective protein expression was validated using immunohistochemistry. A significant increase in ductal outgrowth and cell proliferation in mammary tissues of GCR-irradiated mice was noted which indicates a higher risk of mammary cancer, relative to γ-rays. Increased mRNA and protein expression of Spp1 was observed in the GCR group, relative to γ-rays. This study demonstrates the plausibility of Spp1 as a preneoplasia marker in the early detection of mammary cancer after space radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamendra Kumar
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| | - Bo-Hyun Moon
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| | - Kamal Datta
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| | - Albert J Fornace
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| | - Shubhankar Suman
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America.
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Combined space stressors induce independent behavioral deficits predicted by early peripheral blood monocytes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1749. [PMID: 36720960 PMCID: PMC9889764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28508-0] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Interplanetary space travel poses many hazards to the human body. To protect astronaut health and performance on critical missions, there is first a need to understand the effects of deep space hazards, including ionizing radiation, confinement, and altered gravity. Previous studies of rodents exposed to a single such stressor document significant deficits, but our study is the first to investigate possible cumulative and synergistic impacts of simultaneous ionizing radiation, confinement, and altered gravity on behavior and cognition. Our cohort was divided between 6-month-old female and male mice in group, social isolation, or hindlimb unloading housing, exposed to 0 or 50 cGy of 5 ion simplified simulated galactic cosmic radiation (GCRsim). We report interactions and independent effects of GCRsim exposure and housing conditions on behavioral and cognitive performance. Exposure to GCRsim drove changes in immune cell populations in peripheral blood collected early after irradiation, while housing conditions drove changes in blood collected at a later point. Female mice were largely resilient to deficits observed in male mice. Finally, we used principal component analysis to represent total deficits as principal component scores, which were predicted by general linear models using GCR exposure, housing condition, and early blood biomarkers.
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28
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Towards sustainable human space exploration-priorities for radiation research to quantify and mitigate radiation risks. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:8. [PMID: 36707520 PMCID: PMC9883222 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00262-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human spaceflight is entering a new era of sustainable human space exploration. By 2030 humans will regularly fly to the Moon's orbit, return to the Moon's surface and preparations for crewed Mars missions will intensify. In planning these undertakings, several challenges will need to be addressed in order to ensure the safety of astronauts during their space travels. One of the important challenges to overcome, that could be a major showstopper of the space endeavor, is the exposure to the space radiation environment. There is an urgent need for quantifying, managing and limiting the detrimental health risks and electronics damage induced by space radiation exposure. Such risks raise key priority topics for space research programs. Risk limitation involves obtaining a better understanding of space weather phenomena and the complex radiation environment in spaceflight, as well as developing and applying accurate dosimetric instruments, understanding related short- and long-term health risks, and strategies for effective countermeasures to minimize both exposure to space radiation and the remaining effects post exposure. The ESA/SciSpacE Space Radiation White Paper identifies those topics and underlines priorities for future research and development, to enable safe human and robotic exploration of space beyond Low Earth Orbit.
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29
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Ramos RL, Carante MP, Ferrari A, Sala P, Vercesi V, Ballarini F. A Mission to Mars: Prediction of GCR Doses and Comparison with Astronaut Dose Limits. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032328. [PMID: 36768652 PMCID: PMC9916691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term human space missions such as a future journey to Mars could be characterized by several hazards, among which radiation is one the highest-priority problems for astronaut health. In this work, exploiting a pre-existing interface between the BIANCA biophysical model and the FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code, a study was performed to calculate astronaut absorbed doses and equivalent doses following GCR exposure under different shielding conditions. More specifically, the interface with BIANCA allowed us to calculate both the RBE for cell survival, which is related to non-cancer effects, and that for chromosome aberrations, related to the induction of stochastic effects, including cancer. The results were then compared with cancer and non-cancer astronaut dose limits. Concerning the stochastic effects, the equivalent doses calculated by multiplying the absorbed dose by the RBE for chromosome aberrations ("high-dose method") were similar to those calculated using the Q-values recommended by ICRP. For a 650-day mission at solar minimum (representative of a possible Mars mission scenario), the obtained values are always lower than the career limit recommended by ICRP (1 Sv), but higher than the limit of 600 mSv recently adopted by NASA. The comparison with the JAXA limits is more complex, since they are age and sex dependent. Concerning the deterministic limits, even for a 650-day mission at solar minimum, the values obtained by multiplying the absorbed dose by the RBE for cell survival are largely below the limits established by the various space agencies. Following this work, BIANCA, interfaced with an MC transport code such as FLUKA, can now predict RBE values for cell death and chromosome aberrations following GCR exposure. More generally, both at solar minimum and at solar maximum, shielding of 10 g/cm2 Al seems to be a better choice than 20 g/cm2 for astronaut protection against GCR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario P. Carante
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Via Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Physics Department, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Ferrari
- Institute for Astroparticle Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Paola Sala
- INFN, Sezione di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Ballarini
- INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Via Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Physics Department, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Alaghband Y, Klein PM, Kramár EA, Cranston MN, Perry BC, Shelerud LM, Kane AE, Doan NL, Ru N, Acharya MM, Wood MA, Sinclair DA, Dickstein DL, Soltesz I, Limoli CL, Baulch JE. Galactic cosmic radiation exposure causes multifaceted neurocognitive impairments. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:29. [PMID: 36607431 PMCID: PMC9823026 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04666-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Technological advancements have facilitated the implementation of realistic, terrestrial-based complex 33-beam galactic cosmic radiation simulations (GCR Sim) to now probe central nervous system functionality. This work expands considerably on prior, simplified GCR simulations, yielding new insights into responses of male and female mice exposed to 40-50 cGy acute or chronic radiations relevant to deep space travel. Results of the object in updated location task suggested that exposure to acute or chronic GCR Sim induced persistent impairments in hippocampus-dependent memory formation and reconsolidation in female mice that did not manifest robustly in irradiated male mice. Interestingly, irradiated male mice, but not females, were impaired in novel object recognition and chronically irradiated males exhibited increased aggressive behavior on the tube dominance test. Electrophysiology studies used to evaluate synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 region revealed significant reductions in long-term potentiation after each irradiation paradigm in both sexes. Interestingly, network-level disruptions did not translate to altered intrinsic electrophysiological properties of CA1 pyramidal cells, whereas acute exposures caused modest drops in excitatory synaptic signaling in males. Ultrastructural analyses of CA1 synapses found smaller postsynaptic densities in larger spines of chronically exposed mice compared to controls and acutely exposed mice. Myelination was also affected by GCR Sim with acutely exposed mice exhibiting an increase in the percent of myelinated axons; however, the myelin sheathes on small calibur (< 0.3 mm) and larger (> 0.5 mm) axons were thinner when compared to controls. Present findings might have been predicted based on previous studies using single and mixed beam exposures and provide further evidence that space-relevant radiation exposures disrupt critical cognitive processes and underlying neuronal network-level plasticity, albeit not to the extent that might have been previously predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Alaghband
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Sciences I, University of California Irvine, Room B-146D, Irvine, CA, 92697-2695, USA
| | - Peter M Klein
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Eniko A Kramár
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2695, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2695, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2695, USA
| | - Michael N Cranston
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Bayley C Perry
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Lukas M Shelerud
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0211, USA
| | - Alice E Kane
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0211, USA
| | - Ngoc-Lien Doan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Sciences I, University of California Irvine, Room B-146D, Irvine, CA, 92697-2695, USA
| | - Ning Ru
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Sciences I, University of California Irvine, Room B-146D, Irvine, CA, 92697-2695, USA
| | - Munjal M Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Sciences I, University of California Irvine, Room B-146D, Irvine, CA, 92697-2695, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2695, USA
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2695, USA
| | - David A Sinclair
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 0211, USA
| | - Dara L Dickstein
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Ivan Soltesz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Sciences I, University of California Irvine, Room B-146D, Irvine, CA, 92697-2695, USA
| | - Janet E Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Sciences I, University of California Irvine, Room B-146D, Irvine, CA, 92697-2695, USA.
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Hirayama J, Hattori A, Takahashi A, Furusawa Y, Tabuchi Y, Shibata M, Nagamatsu A, Yano S, Maruyama Y, Matsubara H, Sekiguchi T, Suzuki N. Physiological consequences of space flight, including abnormal bone metabolism, space radiation injury, and circadian clock dysregulation: Implications of melatonin use and regulation as a countermeasure. J Pineal Res 2023; 74:e12834. [PMID: 36203395 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to the space environment induces a number of pathophysiological outcomes in astronauts, including bone demineralization, sleep disorders, circadian clock dysregulation, cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction, and reduced immune system function. A recent report describing experiments aboard the Space Shuttle mission, STS-132, showed that the level of melatonin, a hormone that provides the biochemical signal of darkness, was decreased during microgravity in an in vitro culture model. Additionally, abnormal lighting conditions in outer space, such as low light intensity in orbital spacecraft and the altered 24-h light-dark cycles, may result in the dysregulation of melatonin rhythms and the misalignment of the circadian clock from sleep and work schedules in astronauts. Studies on Earth have demonstrated that melatonin regulates various physiological functions including bone metabolism. These data suggest that the abnormal regulation of melatonin in outer space may contribute to pathophysiological conditions of astronauts. In addition, experiments with high-linear energy transfer radiation, a ground-based model of space radiation, showed that melatonin may serve as a protectant against space radiation. Gene expression profiling using an in vitro culture model exposed to space flight during the STS-132 mission, showed that space radiation alters the expression of DNA repair and oxidative stress response genes, indicating that melatonin counteracts the expression of these genes responsive to space radiation to promote cell survival. These findings implicate the use of exogenous melatonin and the regulation of endogenous melatonin as countermeasures for the physiological consequences of space flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hirayama
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences & Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Sustainable Systems Science, Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Hattori
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ichikawa, Japan
| | | | - Yukihiro Furusawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tabuchi
- Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shibata
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ichikawa, Japan
| | | | - Sachiko Yano
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yusuke Maruyama
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Hajime Matsubara
- Noto Center for Fisheries Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto-cho, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Toshio Sekiguchi
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto-cho, Japan
| | - Nobuo Suzuki
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto-cho, Japan
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Krittanawong C, Singh NK, Scheuring RA, Urquieta E, Bershad EM, Macaulay TR, Kaplin S, Dunn C, Kry SF, Russomano T, Shepanek M, Stowe RP, Kirkpatrick AW, Broderick TJ, Sibonga JD, Lee AG, Crucian BE. Human Health during Space Travel: State-of-the-Art Review. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010040. [PMID: 36611835 PMCID: PMC9818606 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.g., Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) have already started the process of preparing for long-distance, long-duration space exploration and currently plan to explore inner solar planets (e.g., Mars) by the 2030s. With the emergence of space tourism, space travel has materialized as a potential new, exciting frontier of business, hospitality, medicine, and technology in the coming years. However, current evidence regarding human health in space is very limited, particularly pertaining to short-term and long-term space travel. This review synthesizes developments across the continuum of space health including prior studies and unpublished data from NASA related to each individual organ system, and medical screening prior to space travel. We categorized the extraterrestrial environment into exogenous (e.g., space radiation and microgravity) and endogenous processes (e.g., alteration of humans' natural circadian rhythm and mental health due to confinement, isolation, immobilization, and lack of social interaction) and their various effects on human health. The aim of this review is to explore the potential health challenges associated with space travel and how they may be overcome in order to enable new paradigms for space health, as well as the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence based (AI) technology to propel future space health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Department of Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Urquieta
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric M. Bershad
- Department of Neurology, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Scott Kaplin
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Carly Dunn
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen F. Kry
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Marc Shepanek
- Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer, NASA, Washington, DC 20546, USA
| | | | - Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Jean D. Sibonga
- Division of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Andrew G. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Texas A and M College of Medicine, College Station, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Brian E. Crucian
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center, Human Health and Performance Directorate, Houston, TX 77058, USA
- Correspondence: or (C.K.); (B.E.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-4951 (C.K.); +1-281-483-0123 (B.E.C.)
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Simmons P, Trujillo M, McElroy T, Binz R, Pathak R, Allen AR. Evaluating the effects of low-dose simulated galactic cosmic rays on murine hippocampal-dependent cognitive performance. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:908632. [PMID: 36561122 PMCID: PMC9765097 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.908632] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Space exploration has advanced substantially over recent decades and plans to increase the duration of deep space missions are in preparation. One of the primary health concerns is potential damage to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in loss of cognitive abilities and function. The majority of ground-based research on space radiation-induced health risks has been conducted using single particle simulations, which do not effectively model real-world scenarios. Thus, to improve the safety of space missions, we must expand our understanding of the effects of simulated galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) on the CNS. To assess the effects of low-dose GCR, we subjected 6-month-old male BALB/c mice to 50 cGy 5-beam simplified GCR spectrum (1H, 28Si, 4He, 16O, and 56Fe) whole-body irradiation at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. Animals were tested for cognitive performance with Y-maze and Morris water maze tests 3 months after irradiation. Irradiated animals had impaired short-term memory and lacked spatial memory retention on day 5 of the probe trial. Glial cell analysis by flow cytometry showed no significant changes in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia or neural precursor cells (NPC's) between the sham group and GCR group. Bone marrow cytogenetic data showed a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations after GCR exposure. Finally, tandem mass tag proteomics identified 3,639 proteins, 113 of which were differentially expressed when comparing sham versus GCR exposure (fold change > 1.5; p < 0.05). Our data suggest exposure to low-dose GCR induces cognitive deficits by impairing short-term memory and spatial memory retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Simmons
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Madison Trujillo
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Taylor McElroy
- Department of Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Regina Binz
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Rupak Pathak
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Antiño R. Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States,*Correspondence: Antiño R. Allen,
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Peter JS, Schuemann J, Held KD, McNamara AL. Nano-scale simulation of neuronal damage by galactic cosmic rays. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67:10.1088/1361-6560/ac95f4. [PMID: 36172820 PMCID: PMC9951267 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac95f4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The effects of realistic, deep space radiation environments on neuronal function remain largely unexplored.In silicomodeling studies of radiation-induced neuronal damage provide important quantitative information about physico-chemical processes that are not directly accessible through radiobiological experiments. Here, we present the first nano-scale computational analysis of broad-spectrum galactic cosmic ray irradiation in a realistic neuron geometry. We constructed thousands ofin silicorealizations of a CA1 pyramidal neuron, each with over 3500 stochastically generated dendritic spines. We simulated the entire 33 ion-energy beam spectrum currently in use at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory galactic cosmic ray simulator (GCRSim) using the TOol for PArticle Simulation (TOPAS) and TOPAS-nBio Monte Carlo-based track structure simulation toolkits. We then assessed the resulting nano-scale dosimetry, physics processes, and fluence patterns. Additional comparisons were made to a simplified 6 ion-energy spectrum (SimGCRSim) also used in NASA experiments. For a neuronal absorbed dose of 0.5 Gy GCRSim, we report an average of 250 ± 10 ionizations per micrometer of dendritic length, and an additional 50 ± 10, 7 ± 2, and 4 ± 2 ionizations per mushroom, thin, and stubby spine, respectively. We show that neuronal energy deposition by proton andα-particle tracks declines approximately hyperbolically with increasing primary particle energy at mission-relevant energies. We demonstrate an inverted exponential relationship between dendritic segment irradiation probability and neuronal absorbed dose for each ion-energy beam. We also find that there are no significant differences in the average physical responses between the GCRSim and SimGCRSim spectra. To our knowledge, this is the first nano-scale simulation study of a realistic neuron geometry using the GCRSim and SimGCRSim spectra. These results may be used as inputs to theoretical models, aid in the interpretation of experimental results, and help guide future study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah S Peter
- Biophysics Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
| | - Jan Schuemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
| | - Kathryn D Held
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
| | - Aimee L McNamara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
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KC S, Abolfath R. Towards the ionizing radiation induced bond dissociation mechanism in oxygen, water, guanine and DNA fragmentation: a density functional theory simulation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19853. [PMID: 36400823 PMCID: PMC9674679 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23727-3] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The radiation-induced damages in bio-molecules are ubiquitous processes in radiotherapy and radio-biology, and critical to space projects. In this study, we present a precise quantification of the fragmentation mechanisms of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the molecules surrounding DNA such as oxygen and water under non-equilibrium conditions using the first-principle calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). Our results reveal the structural stability of DNA bases and backbone that withstand up to a combined threshold of charge and hydrogen abstraction owing to simultaneously direct and indirect ionization processes. We show the hydrogen contents of the molecules significantly control the stability in the presence of radiation. This study provides comprehensive information on the impact of the direct and indirect induced bond dissociations and DNA damage and introduces a systematic methodology for fine-tuning the input parameters necessary for the large-scale Monte Carlo simulations of radio-biological responses and mitigation of detrimental effects of ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh KC
- grid.186587.50000 0001 0722 3678Chemical and Materials Engineering, San José State University, San José, CA 95192 USA
| | - Ramin Abolfath
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 75031 USA
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Dynan WS, Chang PY, Sishc BJ, Elgart SR. Breaking the limit: Biological countermeasures for space radiation exposure to enable long-duration spaceflight. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:1-3. [PMID: 36336355 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Concerns over the health effects of space radiation exposure currently limit the duration of deep-space travel. Effective biological countermeasures could allow humanity to break this limit, facilitating human exploration and sustained presence on the Moon, Mars, or elsewhere in the Solar System. In this issue, we present a collection of 20 articles, each providing perspectives or data relevant to the implementation of a countermeasure discovery and development program. Topics include agency and drug developer perspectives, the prospects for repurposing of existing drugs or other agents, and the potential for adoption of new technologies, high-throughput screening, novel animal or microphysiological models, and alternative ground-based radiation sources. Long-term goals of a countermeasures program include reduction in the risk of radiation-exposure induced cancer death to an acceptable level and reduction in risks to the brain, cardiovascular system, and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Dynan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Polly Y Chang
- SRI International, Biosciences Division, Menlo Park, CA, United States
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Oronsky B, Caroen S, Abrouk N, Reid TR. RRx-001 and the "Right stuff": Protection and treatment in outer space. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:69-75. [PMID: 36336372 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
From antibiotics to aspirin to antimalarials and to anticancer agents, about half of the world's best-selling drugs are derived from nature. However, accelerating climatic disruption, habitat destruction, pollution, and biodiversity loss all negatively impact the potential of natural sources to continue to serve as repositories of novel pharmaceuticals. On that basis, the final frontier for drug development is perhaps not the rainforests, coral reefs, and other natural habitats but rather the aerospace industry with its virtually unlimited and inexhaustible man-made 'library' of potentially bioactive compounds. The first aerospace-sourced therapeutic to reach the clinic is RRx-001, an inhibitor of the NOD-like receptor - Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain with Leucine rich Repeat and Pyrin domain (NLRP3) inflammasome in a Phase 3 trial for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and in a soon-to-start Phase 3 trial for protection against chemoradiotherapy-induced severe oral mucositis in first line head and neck cancer. As manned missions to the Moon, Mars, and asteroids as well as space tourism beckon, it is perhaps fitting that a compound like RRx-001, which is derived from 1,3,3-Trinitroazetidine (TNAZ), an explosive propellant for rockets, is a potential "all purpose" option to mitigate the major biomedical effects of space radiation exposures including cancer development and other tissue degenerations both within mission and after mission. This article highlights the promise of RRx-001 to attenuate the acute and late effects of radiation exposure on astronauts including the development of cancer.
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Suman S, Kumar S, Kallakury BVS, Moon BH, Angdisen J, Datta K, Fornace AJ. Predominant contribution of the dose received from constituent heavy-ions in the induction of gastrointestinal tumorigenesis after simulated space radiation exposure. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2022; 61:631-637. [PMID: 36167896 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-022-00997-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer risk among astronauts after encountering galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) is predicted to exceed safe permissible limits in long duration deep-space missions. Current predictions are based on relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values derived from in-vivo studies using single-ion beams, while GCR is essentially a mixed radiation field composed of protons (H), helium (He), and heavy ions. Therefore, a sequentially delivered proton (H) → Helium (He) → Oxygen (O) → Silicon (Si) beam was designed to simulate simplified-mixed-field GCR (Smf-GCR), and Apc1638N/+ mice were total-body irradiated to sham or γ (157Cs) or Smf-GCR followed by assessment of GI-tumorigenesis at 150 days post-exposure. Further, GI-tumor data from equivalent doses of heavy-ions (i.e., 0.05 Gy of O and Si) in 0.5 Gy of Smf-GCR were compared to understand the contributions of heavy-ions in GI-tumorigenesis. The Smf-GCR-induced tumor and carcinoma count were significantly greater than γ-rays, and male preponderance for GI-tumorigenesis was consistent with our earlier findings. Comparison of tumor data from Smf-GCR and equivalent doses of heavy ions revealed an association between higher GI-tumorigenesis where dose received from heavy-ions contributed to > 95% of the total GI-tumorigenic effect observed after Smf-GCR. This study provides the first experimental evidence that cancer risk after GCR exposure could largely depend on doses received from constituent heavy-ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhankar Suman
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Bhaskar V S Kallakury
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Bo-Hyun Moon
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Jerry Angdisen
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Kamal Datta
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Albert J Fornace
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
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Suman S, Fornace AJ. Countermeasure development against space radiation-induced gastrointestinal carcinogenesis: Current and future perspectives. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:53-59. [PMID: 36336370 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A significantly higher probability of space radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer incidence and mortality after a Mars mission has been projected using biophysical and statistical modeling approaches, and may exceed the current NASA mandated limit of less than 3% REID (risk of exposure-induced death). Since spacecraft shielding is not fully effective against heavy-ion space radiation, there is an unmet need to develop an effective medical countermeasure (MCM) strategy against heavy-ion space radiation-induced GI carcinogenesis to safeguard astronauts. In the past, we have successfully applied a GI cancer mouse model approach to understand space radiation-induced GI cancer risk and associated molecular signaling events. We have also tested several potential MCMs to safeguard astronauts during and after a prolonged space mission. In this review, we provide an updated summary of MCM testing using the GI cancer mouse model approach, lessons learned, and a perspective on the senescence signaling targeting approach for desirable protection against space radiation-induced GI carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we also discuss some of the advanced senotherapeutic candidates/combinations as a potential MCM for space radiation-induced GI carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhankar Suman
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington D. C. 20057, USA.
| | - Albert J Fornace
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington D. C. 20057, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington D. C. 20057, USA
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DiCarlo AL, Carnell LS, Rios CI, Prasanna PG. Inter-agency perspective: Translating advances in biomarker discovery and medical countermeasures development between terrestrial and space radiation environments. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:9-19. [PMID: 36336375 PMCID: PMC9832585 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 20+ years, the U.S. Government has made significant strides in establishing research funding and initiating a portfolio consisting of subject matter experts on radiation-induced biological effects in normal tissues. Research supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provided much of the early findings on identifying cellular pathways involved in radiation injuries, due to the need to push the boundaries to kill tumor cells while minimizing damage to intervening normal tissues. By protecting normal tissue surrounding the tumors, physicians can deliver a higher radiation dose to tumors and reduce adverse effects related to the treatment. Initially relying on this critical NCI research, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), first tasked with developing radiation medical countermeasures in 2004, has provided bridge funding to move basic research toward advanced development and translation. The goal of the NIAID program is to fund approaches that can one day be employed to protect civilian populations during a radiological or nuclear incident. In addition, with the reality of long-term space flights and the possibility of radiation exposures to both acute, high-intensity, and chronic lower-dose levels, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has identified requirements to discover and develop radioprotectors and mitigators to protect their astronauts during space missions. In sustained partnership with sister agencies, these three organizations must continue to leverage funding and findings in their overlapping research areas to accelerate biomarker identification and product development to help safeguard these different and yet undeniably similar human populations - cancer patients, public citizens, and astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L DiCarlo
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 5601 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852 United States of America.
| | - Lisa S Carnell
- Biological and Physical Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC, 20546 United States of America
| | - Carmen I Rios
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 5601 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852 United States of America
| | - Pataje G Prasanna
- Radiation Research Program (RRP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892 United States of America
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Hertel NE, Biegalski SR, Nelson VI, Nelson WA, Mukhopadhyay S, Su Z, Chan AM, Kesarwala AH, Dynan WS. Compact portable sources of high-LET radiation: Validation and potential application for galactic cosmic radiation countermeasure discovery. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:163-169. [PMID: 36336362 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Implementation of a systematic program for galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) countermeasure discovery will require convenient access to ground-based space radiation analogs. The current gold standard approach for GCR simulation is to use a particle accelerator for sequential irradiation with ion beams representing different GCR components. This has limitations, particularly for studies of non-acute responses, strategies that require robotic instrumentation, or implementation of complex in vitro models that are emerging as alternatives to animal experimentation. Here we explore theoretical and practical issues relating to a different approach to provide a high-LET radiation field for space radiation countermeasure discovery, based on use of compact portable sources to generate neutron-induced charged particles. We present modeling studies showing that DD and DT neutron generators, as well as an AmBe radionuclide-based source, generate charged particles with a linear energy transfer (LET) distribution that, within a range of biological interest extending from about 10 to 200 keV/μm, resembles the LET distribution of reference GCR radiation fields experienced in a spacecraft or on the lunar surface. We also demonstrate the feasibility of using DD neutrons to induce 53BP1 DNA double-strand break repair foci in the HBEC3-KT line of human bronchial epithelial cells, which are widely used for studies of lung carcinogenesis. The neutron-induced foci are larger and more persistent than X ray-induced foci, consistent with the induction of complex, difficult-to-repair DNA damage characteristic of exposure to high-LET (>10 keV/μm) radiation. We discuss limitations of the neutron approach, including low fluence in the low LET range (<10 keV/μm) and the absence of certain long-range features of high charge and energy particle tracks. We present a concept for integration of a compact portable source with a multiplex microfluidic in vitro culture system, and we discuss a pathway for further validation of the use of compact portable sources for countermeasure discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolan E Hertel
- G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State Street, 30332-0745 Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Steven R Biegalski
- G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State Street, 30332-0745 Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Victoria I Nelson
- G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State Street, 30332-0745 Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - William A Nelson
- G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State Street, 30332-0745 Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Sharmistha Mukhopadhyay
- G. W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 State Street, 30332-0745 Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Zitong Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, 30322 Atlanta GA, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road NE, 30322 Atlanta GA, United States of America
| | - Alexis M Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, 30322 Atlanta GA, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road NE, 30322 Atlanta GA, United States of America
| | - Aparna H Kesarwala
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, 30322 Atlanta GA, United States of America
| | - William S Dynan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, 30322 Atlanta GA, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road NE, 30322 Atlanta GA, United States of America.
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Kerry O'Banion M. Microglia: Rheostats of space radiation effects in the CNS microenvironment. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:180-186. [PMID: 36336364 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are innate immune cells within the brain that arise from a distinct myeloid lineage. Like other tissue resident macrophages, microglia respond to injury or immune challenges and participate in reparative processes such as phagocytosis to preserve normal function. Importantly, they also participate in normal homeostatic processes including maintenance of neurogenic niches and synaptic plasticity associated with development. This review highlights aspects of microglial biology and how repeated insults that occur with age, neurodegenerative disease and possibly radiation exposure may heighten microglial responses and contribute to their dysfunction, creating a situation where their normal reparative mechanisms are no longer sufficient to maintain brain health. These ideas are discussed in the context of an evolving literature focused on microglial responses as possible targets for mitigation of late CNS radiation effects that represent potential risks for future exploration of deep space environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kerry O'Banion
- Department of Neuroscience, USA; Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, USA; Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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Miller KB, Mi KL, Nelson GA, Norman RB, Patel ZS, Huff JL. Ionizing radiation, cerebrovascular disease, and consequent dementia: A review and proposed framework relevant to space radiation exposure. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1008640. [PMID: 36388106 PMCID: PMC9640983 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1008640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Space exploration requires the characterization and management or mitigation of a variety of human health risks. Exposure to space radiation is one of the main health concerns because it has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and both acute and late neurodegeneration. Space radiation-induced decrements to the vascular system may impact the risk for cerebrovascular disease and consequent dementia. These risks may be independent or synergistic with direct damage to central nervous system tissues. The purpose of this work is to review epidemiological and experimental data regarding the impact of low-to-moderate dose ionizing radiation on the central nervous system and the cerebrovascular system. A proposed framework outlines how space radiation-induced effects on the vasculature may increase risk for both cerebrovascular dysfunction and neural and cognitive adverse outcomes. The results of this work suggest that there are multiple processes by which ionizing radiation exposure may impact cerebrovascular function including increases in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, endothelial cell dysfunction, arterial stiffening, atherosclerosis, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Cerebrovascular adverse outcomes may also promote neural and cognitive adverse outcomes. However, there are many gaps in both the human and preclinical evidence base regarding the long-term impact of ionizing radiation exposure on brain health due to heterogeneity in both exposures and outcomes. The unique composition of the space radiation environment makes the translation of the evidence base from terrestrial exposures to space exposures difficult. Additional investigation and understanding of the impact of low-to-moderate doses of ionizing radiation including high (H) atomic number (Z) and energy (E) (HZE) ions on the cerebrovascular system is needed. Furthermore, investigation of how decrements in vascular systems may contribute to development of neurodegenerative diseases in independent or synergistic pathways is important for protecting the long-term health of astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
- KBR Inc., Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ryan B. Norman
- NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, United States
| | - Zarana S. Patel
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
- KBR Inc., Houston, TX, United States
| | - Janice L. Huff
- NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, United States
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Verma SD, Passerat de la Chapelle E, Malkani S, Juran CM, Boyko V, Costes SV, Cekanaviciute E. Astrocytes regulate vascular endothelial responses to simulated deep space radiation in a human organ-on-a-chip model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864923. [PMID: 36275678 PMCID: PMC9580499 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage by galactic cosmic ray radiation is a major health risk for human deep space exploration. Simulated galactic cosmic rays or their components, especially high Z-high energy particles such as 56Fe ions, cause neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in rodent models. CNS damage can be partially mediated by the blood-brain barrier, which regulates systemic interactions between CNS and the rest of the body. Astrocytes are major cellular regulators of blood-brain barrier permeability that also modulate neuroinflammation and neuronal health. However, astrocyte roles in regulating CNS and blood-brain barrier responses to space radiation remain little understood, especially in human tissue analogs. In this work, we used a novel high-throughput human organ-on-a-chip system to evaluate blood-brain barrier impairments and astrocyte functions 1-7 days after exposure to 600 MeV/n 56Fe particles and simplified simulated galactic cosmic rays. We show that simulated deep space radiation causes vascular permeability, oxidative stress, inflammation and delayed astrocyte activation in a pattern resembling CNS responses to brain injury. Furthermore, our results indicate that astrocytes have a dual role in regulating radiation responses: they exacerbate blood-brain barrier permeability acutely after irradiation, followed by switching to a more protective phenotype by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion during the subacute stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali D. Verma
- Space Biosciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Estrella Passerat de la Chapelle
- Space Biosciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sherina Malkani
- Space Biosciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cassandra M. Juran
- Space Biosciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Valery Boyko
- Space Biosciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- Bionetics, Yorktown, VA, United States
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Egle Cekanaviciute,
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Laiakis EC, Pinheiro M, Nguyen T, Nguyen H, Beheshti A, Dutta SM, Russell WK, Emmett MR, Britten RA. Quantitative proteomic analytic approaches to identify metabolic changes in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats exposed to space radiation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:971282. [PMID: 36091373 PMCID: PMC9459391 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.971282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NASA’s planned mission to Mars will result in astronauts being exposed to ∼350 mSv/yr of Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR). A growing body of data from ground-based experiments indicates that exposure to space radiation doses (approximating those that astronauts will be exposed to on a mission to Mars) impairs a variety of cognitive processes, including cognitive flexibility tasks. Some studies report that 33% of individuals may experience severe cognitive impairment. Translating the results from ground-based rodent studies into tangible risk estimates for astronauts is an enormous challenge, but it would be germane for NASA to use the vast body of data from the rodent studies to start developing appropriate countermeasures, in the expectation that some level of space radiation (SR) -induced cognitive impairment could occur in astronauts. While some targeted studies have reported radiation-induced changes in the neurotransmission properties and/or increased neuroinflammation within space radiation exposed brains, there remains little information that can be used to start the development of a mechanism-based countermeasure strategy. In this study, we have employed a robust label-free mass spectrometry (MS) -based untargeted quantitative proteomic profiling approach to characterize the composition of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) proteome in rats that have been exposed to 15 cGy of 600 MeV/n28Si ions. A variety of analytical techniques were used to mine the generated expression data, which in such studies is typically hampered by low and variable sample size. We have identified several pathways and proteins whose expression alters as a result of space radiation exposure, including decreased mitochondrial function, and a further subset of proteins differs in rats that have a high level of cognitive performance after SR exposure in comparison with those that have low performance levels. While this study has provided further insight into how SR impacts upon neurophysiology, and what adaptive responses can be invoked to prevent the emergence of SR-induced cognitive impairment, the main objective of this paper is to outline strategies that can be used by others to analyze sub-optimal data sets and to identify new information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evagelia C. Laiakis
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Evagelia C. Laiakis,
| | - Maisa Pinheiro
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Tin Nguyen
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, United States
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Sucharita M. Dutta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - William K. Russell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Mark R. Emmett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Richard A. Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
- Center for Integrative Neuroinflammatory and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
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Luoni F, Boscolo D, Fiore G, Bocchini L, Horst F, Reidel CA, Schuy C, Cipriani C, Binello A, Baricco M, Giraudo M, Santin G, Durante M, Weber U. Dose Attenuation in Innovative Shielding Materials for Radiation Protection in Space: Measurements and Simulations. Radiat Res 2022; 198:107-119. [DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00147.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Luoni
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstr. 1 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Daria Boscolo
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstr. 1 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gianluca Fiore
- Chemistry Department and NIS-INSTM, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 7 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Bocchini
- Thales Alenia Space Italia, Strada Antica di Collegno 253 10146 Torino, Italy
| | - Felix Horst
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstr. 1 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Claire-Anne Reidel
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstr. 1 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christoph Schuy
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstr. 1 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Claudio Cipriani
- Thales Alenia Space Italia, Strada Antica di Collegno 253 10146 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Binello
- Chemistry Department and NIS-INSTM, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 7 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Marcello Baricco
- Chemistry Department and NIS-INSTM, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 7 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Martina Giraudo
- Thales Alenia Space Italia, Strada Antica di Collegno 253 10146 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Marco Durante
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstr. 1 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Uli Weber
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstr. 1 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
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Guo Z, Zhou G, Hu W. Carcinogenesis induced by space radiation: A systematic review. Neoplasia 2022; 32:100828. [PMID: 35908380 PMCID: PMC9340504 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The carcinogenic risk from space radiation has always been a health risk issue of great concern during space exploration. In recent years, a large number of cellular and animal experiments have demonstrated that space radiation, composed of high-energy protons and heavy ions, has shown obvious carcinogenicity. However, different from radiation on Earth, space radiation has the characteristics of high energy and low dose rate. It is rich in high-atom-number and high-energy particles and, as it is combined with other space environmental factors such as microgravity and a weak magnetic field, the study of its carcinogenic effects and mechanisms of action is difficult, which leads to great uncertainty in its carcinogenic risk assessment. Here, we review the latest progress in understanding the effects and mechanisms of action related to cell transformation and carcinogenesis induced by space radiation in recent years and summarize the prediction models of cancer risk caused by space radiation and the methods to reduce the uncertainty of prediction to provide reference for the research and risk assessment of space radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Guangming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Wentao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Light Quality Modulates Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Properties of B. vulgaris L. Plants from Seeds Irradiated with High-Energy Heavy Ions: Implications for Cultivation in Space. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11141816. [PMID: 35890451 PMCID: PMC9316636 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Beta vulgaris L. is a crop selected for cultivation in Space for its nutritional properties. However, exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can alter plant photosynthetic performance and phytochemical production in the extraterrestrial environment. This study investigated if plant growth under different light quality regimes (FL—white fluorescent; RGB—red–green–blue; RB—red–blue) modifies the photosynthetic behavior and bioactive compound synthesis of plants sprouted by dry seeds irradiated with carbon or titanium high-energy ions. The study evidenced that: (i) the plant response depends on the type of heavyion; (ii) control and C-ion-irradiated plants were similar for photosynthetic pigment content and PSII photochemical efficiency, regardless of the LQ regime; (iii) under FL, net photosynthesis (AN) and water use efficiency (iWUE) declined in C- and Ti-ion plants compared to control, while the growth of irradiated plants under RGB and RB regimes offset these differences; (iv) the interaction Ti-ion× RB improved iWUE, and stimulated the production of pigments, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. The overall results highlighted that the cultivation of irradiated plants under specific LQ regimes effectively regulates photosynthesis and bioactive compound amounts in leaf edible tissues. In particular, the interaction Ti-ion × RB improved iWUE and increased pigments, carbohydrates, and antioxidant content.
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Cope H, Willis CR, MacKay MJ, Rutter LA, Toh LS, Williams PM, Herranz R, Borg J, Bezdan D, Giacomello S, Muratani M, Mason CE, Etheridge T, Szewczyk NJ. Routine omics collection is a golden opportunity for European human research in space and analog environments. PATTERNS 2022; 3:100550. [PMID: 36277820 PMCID: PMC9583032 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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50
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Chang PY, Bakke J, Rosen CJ, Bjornstad KA, Mao JH, Blakely EA. Heavy-Ion-Induced Lung Tumors: Dose- & LET-Dependence. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12060907. [PMID: 35743938 PMCID: PMC9225356 DOI: 10.3390/life12060907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a limited published literature reporting dose-dependent data for in vivo tumorigenesis prevalence in different organs of various rodent models after exposure to low, single doses of charged particle beams. The goal of this study is to reduce uncertainties in estimating particle-radiation-induced risk of lung tumorigenesis for manned travel into deep space by improving our understanding of the high-LET-dependent dose-response from exposure to individual ion beams after low particle doses (0.03–0.80 Gy). Female CB6F1 mice were irradiated with low single doses of either oxygen, silicon, titanium, or iron ions at various energies to cover a range of dose-averaged LET values from 0.2–193 keV/µm, using 137Cs γ-rays as the reference radiation. Sham-treated controls were included in each individual experiment totally 398 animals across the 5 studies reported. Based on power calculations, between 40–156 mice were included in each of the treatment groups. Tumor prevalence at 16 months after radiation exposure was determined and compared to the age-matched, sham-treated animals. Results indicate that lung tumor prevalence is non-linear as a function of dose with suggestions of threshold doses depending on the LET of the beams. Histopathological evaluations of the tumors showed that the majority of tumors were benign bronchioloalveolar adenomas with occasional carcinomas or lymphosarcomas which may have resulted from metastases from other sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly Y. Chang
- Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (P.Y.C.); (J.B.)
| | - James Bakke
- Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (P.Y.C.); (J.B.)
| | - Chris J. Rosen
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (C.J.R.); (K.A.B.); (J.-H.M.)
| | - Kathleen A. Bjornstad
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (C.J.R.); (K.A.B.); (J.-H.M.)
| | - Jian-Hua Mao
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (C.J.R.); (K.A.B.); (J.-H.M.)
| | - Eleanor A. Blakely
- Biological Systems & Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (C.J.R.); (K.A.B.); (J.-H.M.)
- Correspondence:
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