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Goto M, Shibata Y, Ishiyama S, Matsumaru Y, Ishikawa E. Brain Microstructure and Brain Function Changes in Space Headache by Head-Down-Tilted Bed Rest. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2023; 94:678-685. [PMID: 37587626 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6177.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Several astronauts have experienced severe headaches during spaceflight, but no studies have examined the associated brain microstructure and functional changes. Head-down-tilted bed rest (HDBR) is a well-established method for studying the physical effects of microgravity on the ground. In this study, we analyzed the changes in brain microstructure and function during headache caused by HDBR using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI).METHODS: We imaged 28 healthy subjects with DTI and R-fMRI in the horizontal supine position and HDBR. Using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity were compared between the headache and non-headache groups. Additionally, an analysis of functional connectivity (FC) was performed, followed by a correlation analysis between FC and numerical rating scale.RESULTS: HDBR caused headaches in 21 of 28 subjects. DTI analysis showed no significant change in fractional anisotropy after HDBR, whereas axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity increased significantly. R-fMRI analysis showed a significant decrease in FC in several areas after HDBR. The headache group showed significantly higher FC before HDBR, and both groups showed higher FC after HDBR. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between FC and numerical rating scale before HDBR but negative after HDBR.DISCUSSION: We demonstrated the image change in the acute phase of space headache by HDBR using DTI and R-fMRI. Changes in brain microstructure and function specific to patients developing headaches may be evaluated by imaging.Goto M, Shibata Y, Ishiyama S, Matsumaru Y, Ishikawa E. Brain microstructure and brain function changes in space headache by head-down-tilted bed rest. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(9):678-685.
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Kremsky I, Ali S, Stanbouly S, Holley J, Justinen S, Pecaut M, Crapo J, Mao X. Spaceflight-Induced Gene Expression Profiles in the Mouse Brain Are Attenuated by Treatment with the Antioxidant BuOE. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13569. [PMID: 37686374 PMCID: PMC10487739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713569] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The demands of deep space pose a health risk to the central nervous system that has long been a concern when sending humans to space. While little is known about how spaceflight affects transcription spatially in the brain, a greater understanding of this process has the potential to aid strategies that mitigate the effects of spaceflight on the brain. Therefore, we performed GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling of mouse brains subjected to either spaceflight or grounded controls. Four brain regions were selected: Cortex, Frontal Cortex, Corunu Ammonis I, and Dentate Gyrus. Antioxidants have emerged as a potential means of attenuating the effects of spaceflight, so we treated a subset of the mice with a superoxide dismutase mimic, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP 5+ (BuOE). Our analysis revealed hundreds of differentially expressed genes due to spaceflight in each of the four brain regions. Both common and region-specific transcriptomic responses were observed. Metabolic pathways and pathways sensitive to oxidative stress were enriched in the four brain regions due to spaceflight. These findings enhance our understanding of brain regional variation in susceptibility to spaceflight conditions. BuOE reduced the transcriptomic effects of spaceflight at a large number of genes, suggesting that this compound may attenuate oxidative stress-induced brain damage caused by the spaceflight environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Kremsky
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (I.K.); (S.A.); (S.S.); (J.H.); (S.J.); (M.P.)
- Center for Genomics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Samir Ali
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (I.K.); (S.A.); (S.S.); (J.H.); (S.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Seta Stanbouly
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (I.K.); (S.A.); (S.S.); (J.H.); (S.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Jacob Holley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (I.K.); (S.A.); (S.S.); (J.H.); (S.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Stephen Justinen
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (I.K.); (S.A.); (S.S.); (J.H.); (S.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Michael Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (I.K.); (S.A.); (S.S.); (J.H.); (S.J.); (M.P.)
| | - James Crapo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80206, USA;
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (I.K.); (S.A.); (S.S.); (J.H.); (S.J.); (M.P.)
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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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Burles F, Williams R, Berger L, Pike GB, Lebel C, Iaria G. The Unresolved Methodological Challenge of Detecting Neuroplastic Changes in Astronauts. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020500. [PMID: 36836857 PMCID: PMC9966542 DOI: 10.3390/life13020500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
After completing a spaceflight, astronauts display a salient upward shift in the position of the brain within the skull, accompanied by a redistribution of cerebrospinal fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have also reported local changes in brain volume following a spaceflight, which have been cautiously interpreted as a neuroplastic response to spaceflight. Here, we provide evidence that the grey matter volume changes seen in astronauts following spaceflight are contaminated by preprocessing errors exacerbated by the upwards shift of the brain within the skull. While it is expected that an astronaut's brain undergoes some neuroplastic adaptations during spaceflight, our findings suggest that the brain volume changes detected using standard processing pipelines for neuroimaging analyses could be contaminated by errors in identifying different tissue types (i.e., tissue segmentation). These errors may undermine the interpretation of such analyses as direct evidence of neuroplastic adaptation, and novel or alternate preprocessing or experimental paradigms are needed in order to resolve this important issue in space health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ford Burles
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Rebecca Williams
- Faculty of Health, School of Human Services, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810, Australia
| | - Lila Berger
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - G. Bruce Pike
- Department of Radiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Canadian Space Health Research Network, Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Space neuroscience: current understanding and future research. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:4649-4654. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Arshad I, Ferrè ER. Express: Cognition in Zero Gravity: Effects of Non-Terrestrial Gravity on Human Behaviour. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2022; 76:979-994. [PMID: 35786100 PMCID: PMC10119906 DOI: 10.1177/17470218221113935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As humanity prepares for deep space exploration, understanding the impact of spaceflight on bodily physiology is critical. While the effects of non-terrestrial gravity on the body are well established, little is known about its impact on human behaviour and cognition. Astronauts often describe dramatic alterations in sensorimotor functioning, including orientation, postural control and balance. Changes in cognitive functioning as well as in socio-affective processing have also been observed. Here we have reviewed the key literature and explored the impact of non-terrestrial gravity across three key functional domains: sensorimotor, cognition, and socio-affective processing. We have proposed a neuroanatomical model to account for the effects of non-terrestrial gravity in these domains. Understanding the impact of non-terrestrial gravity on human behaviour has never been more timely and it will help mitigate against risks in both commercial and non-commercial spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Arshad
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK 3162
| | - Elisa Raffaella Ferrè
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK 3162
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Oleynik EA, Naumova АА, Grigorieva YS, Bakhteeva VT, Lavrova EA, Chernigovskaya EV, Glazova MV. Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus of Mice Exposed to Short-Term Hindlimb Unloading. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022040159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Guillon L, Kermorgant M, Charvolin T, Bonneville F, Bareille MP, Cassol E, Beck A, Beaurain M, Péran P, Lotterie JA, Traon APL, Payoux P. Reduced Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Measured by 99mTc-Hexamethyl Propylene Amine Oxime Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Microgravity Simulated by 5-Day Dry Immersion. Front Physiol 2021; 12:789298. [PMID: 34880784 PMCID: PMC8645987 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.789298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgravity induces a cephalad fluid shift that is responsible for cephalic venous stasis that may increase intracranial pressure (ICP) in astronauts. However, the effects of microgravity on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) are not known. We therefore investigated changes in rCBF in a 5-day dry immersion (DI) model. Moreover, we tested thigh cuffs as a countermeasure to prevent potential microgravity-induced modifications in rCBF. Around 18 healthy male participants underwent 5-day DI with or without a thigh cuffs countermeasure. They were randomly allocated to a control (n=9) or cuffs (n=9) group. rCBF was measured 4days before DI and at the end of the fifth day of DI (DI5), using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-hexamethyl propylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO). SPECT images were processed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM12) software. At DI5, we observed a significant decrease in rCBF in 32 cortical and subcortical regions, with greater hypoperfusion in basal ganglia (right putamen peak level: z=4.71, p uncorr<0.001), bilateral occipital regions (left superior occipital peak level: z=4.51, p uncorr<0.001), bilateral insula (right insula peak level: 4.10, p uncorr<0.001), and bilateral inferior temporal (right inferior temporal peak level: 4.07, p uncorr<0.001). No significant difference was found between the control and cuffs groups on change in rCBF after 5days of DI. After a 5-day DI, we found a decrease in rCBF in cortical and subcortical regions. However, thigh cuffs countermeasure failed to prevent hypoperfusion. To date, this is the first study measuring rCBF in DI. Further investigations are needed in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms in cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes after exposure to microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Guillon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Marc Kermorgant
- INSERM UMR 1297, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Charvolin
- Department of Neuroradiology, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabrice Bonneville
- Department of Neuroradiology, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- INSERM URM 1214, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Cassol
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Beck
- Institute for Space Medicine and Physiology (MEDES), Toulouse, France
| | - Marie Beaurain
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Patrice Péran
- INSERM URM 1214, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Albert Lotterie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- INSERM URM 1214, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Pavy-Le Traon
- INSERM UMR 1297, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- Department of Neurology, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Payoux
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- INSERM URM 1214, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center (ToNIC), Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
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Berezovskaya AS, Tyganov SA, Nikolaeva SD, Naumova AA, Merkulyeva NS, Shenkman BS, Glazova MV. Dynamic Foot Stimulations During Short-Term Hindlimb Unloading Prevent Dysregulation of the Neurotransmission in the Hippocampus of Rats. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:1549-1561. [PMID: 32683580 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00922-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spaceflight and simulated microgravity both affect learning and memory, which are mostly controlled by the hippocampus. However, data about molecular alterations in the hippocampus in real or simulated microgravity conditions are limited. Adult Wistar rats were recruited in the experiments. Here we analyzed whether short-term simulated microgravity caused by 3-day hindlimb unloading (HU) will affect the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems of the hippocampus and how dynamic foot stimulation (DFS) to the plantar surface applied during HU can contribute in the regulation of hippocampus functioning. The results demonstrated a decreased expression of vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 (VGLUT1/2) in the hippocampus after 3 days of HU, while glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression was not affected. HU also significantly induced Akt signaling and transcriptional factor CREB that are supposed to activate the neuroprotective mechanisms. On the other hand, DFS led to normalization of VGLUT1/2 expression and activity of Akt and CREB. Analysis of exocytosis proteins revealed the inhibition of SNAP-25, VAMP-2, and syntaxin 1 expression in DFS group proposing attenuation of excitatory neurotransmission. Thus, we revealed that short-term HU causes dysregulation of glutamatergic system of the hippocampus, but, at the same time, stimulates neuroprotective Akt-dependent mechanism. In addition, most importantly, we demonstrated positive effect of DFS on the hippocampus functioning that probably depends on the regulation of neurotransmitter exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Berezovskaya
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey A Tyganov
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana D Nikolaeva
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Naumova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia S Merkulyeva
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris S Shenkman
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Margarita V Glazova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia.
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Ogoh S, Sato K, de Abreu S, Denise P, Normand H. Effect of jump exercise training on long-term head-down bed rest-induced cerebral blood flow responses in arteries and veins. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:1549-1558. [PMID: 33866619 DOI: 10.1113/ep089102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What is the effect of an exercise countermeasure on microgravity-induced change in cerebral blood flow? What is the main finding and its importance? Jump exercise training as a countermeasure did not modify the heterogeneous cerebral blood flow response to head-down bed rest, suggesting that this method is effective in preventing cardiovascular system deconditioning but is not good for cerebral haemodynamics. ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the effect of an exercise countermeasure on cerebral blood flow (CBF) response to long-term -6° head-down bed rest (HDBR) in all cerebral arteries and veins. Twenty male volunteers were exposed to HDBR for 60 days with (training group, n = 10) or without (control group, n = 10) jump exercise training as a countermeasure to spaceflight. The blood flow in the neck conduit arteries (internal carotid and vertebral artery; ICA and VA) and veins (internal jugular and vertebral veins; IJV and VV) was measured, using ultrasonography before (baseline) HDBR, on the 30th and 57th day of HDBR. Long-term HDBR causes a heterogeneous CBF response between the anterior and the posterior brain or between arteries and veins. Long-term HDBR decreased anterior cerebral arterial and venous blood flow, while posterior cerebral arterial and venous blood flows were well maintained. However, exercise jump training did not change each arterial and venous CBF responses to HDBR (control vs. training; ICA, P = 0.643; VA, P = 0.542; external carotid artery, P = 0.644; IJV, P = 0.980; VV, P = 0.999). These findings suggest that jump exercise training did not modify the heterogeneous CBF response to long-term HDBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiko Ogoh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Toyo University, Kawagoe-Shi, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Steven de Abreu
- Unicaen, Inserm Comete, GIP Cyceron, Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - Pierre Denise
- Unicaen, Inserm Comete, GIP Cyceron, Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - Hervé Normand
- Unicaen, Inserm Comete, GIP Cyceron, Normandie University, Caen, France
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Lee JK, Koppelmans V, Pasternak O, Beltran NE, Kofman IS, De Dios YE, Mulder ER, Mulavara AP, Bloomberg JJ, Seidler RD. Effects of Spaceflight Stressors on Brain Volume, Microstructure, and Intracranial Fluid Distribution. Cereb Cortex Commun 2021; 2:tgab022. [PMID: 34296167 PMCID: PMC8152913 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts are exposed to elevated CO2 levels onboard the International Space Station. Here, we investigated structural brain changes in 11 participants following 30-days of head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR) combined with 0.5% ambient CO2 (HDBR + CO2) as a spaceflight analog. We contrasted brain changes observed in the HDBR + CO2 group with those of a previous HDBR sample not exposed to elevated CO2. Both groups exhibited a global upward shift of the brain and concomitant intracranial free water (FW) redistribution. Greater gray matter changes were seen in the HDBR + CO2 group in some regions. The HDBR + CO2 group showed significantly greater FW decrements in the posterior cerebellum and the cerebrum than the HDBR group. In comparison to the HDBR group, the HDBR + CO2 group exhibited greater diffusivity increases. In half of the participants, the HDBR + CO2 intervention resulted in signs of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a constellation of ocular structural and functional changes seen in astronauts. We therefore conducted an exploratory comparison compared between subjects that did and did not develop SANS and found asymmetric lateral ventricle enlargement in the SANS group. These results enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of spaceflight-induced brain changes, which is critical for promoting astronaut health and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Lee
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vincent Koppelmans
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Deparments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | - Edwin R Mulder
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
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Roy-O'Reilly M, Mulavara A, Williams T. A review of alterations to the brain during spaceflight and the potential relevance to crew in long-duration space exploration. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:5. [PMID: 33594073 PMCID: PMC7887220 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During spaceflight, the central nervous system (CNS) is exposed to a complex array of environmental stressors. However, the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the CNS and the resulting impact to crew health and operational performance remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding spaceflight-associated changes to the brain as measured by magnetic resonance imaging, particularly as they relate to mission duration. Numerous studies have reported macrostructural changes to the brain after spaceflight, including alterations in brain position, tissue volumes and cerebrospinal fluid distribution and dynamics. Changes in brain tissue microstructure and connectivity were also described, involving regions related to vestibular, cerebellar, visual, motor, somatosensory and cognitive function. Several alterations were also associated with exposure to analogs of spaceflight, providing evidence that brain changes likely result from cumulative exposure to multiple independent environmental stressors. Whereas several studies noted that changes to the brain become more pronounced with increasing mission duration, it remains unclear if these changes represent compensatory phenomena or maladaptive dysregulations. Future work is needed to understand how spaceflight-associated changes to the brain affect crew health and performance, with the goal of developing comprehensive monitoring and countermeasure strategies for future long-duration space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan Roy-O'Reilly
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | | | - Thomas Williams
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Treatment with Minocycline Suppresses Microglia Activation and Reverses Neural Stem Cells Loss after Simulated Microgravity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7348745. [PMID: 32382569 PMCID: PMC7196960 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7348745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of microglia on simulated microgravity-induced hippocampal neurogenesis reduction and the possible mechanism underlying. Adult rats were treated with tail suspension for different times and the changes of neural stem cells (NSCs) were examined by immunohistochemistry. Then, minocycline was used to inhibit the activation of microglia, and the numbers of microglia and NSCs were detected after microgravity. Additionally, liquid protein chip analysis was applied to detect proinflammatory factors in hippocampus in order to find out the cytokines responsible for microglia activation after microgravity. The results revealed that microgravity increased the numbers of Iba1+ cells and decreased the numbers of BrdU+ and DCX+ cells in hippocampus but did not affect the ratio of NeuN+/BrdU+ cells to the total number of BrdU+ cells. After treated with minocycline, activated microglia were suppressed and the reduction of NSCs induced by microgravity recovered. Besides, compared with the control, higher concentrations of INF-γ and TNF-α were detected in the rats treated with microgravity. Our study provides the first evidence that microglia-mediated inflammation plays an important part in microgravity-induced neurogenesis reduction in hippocampus, and INF-γ and TNF-α secreted by microglia might be the key factors in this process.
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Ogoh S, Sato K, Abreu S, Denise P, Normand H. Arterial and venous cerebral blood flow responses to long‐term head‐down bed rest in male volunteers. Exp Physiol 2019; 105:44-52. [DOI: 10.1113/ep088057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiko Ogoh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Toyo University Kawagoe‐Shi Saitama Japan
| | - Kohei Sato
- Tokyo Gakugei University Koganei Tokyo Japan
| | - Steven Abreu
- Normandie Université, Unicaen; Inserm Comete GIP Cyceron Chu Caen France
| | - Pierre Denise
- Normandie Université, Unicaen; Inserm Comete GIP Cyceron Chu Caen France
| | - Hervé Normand
- Normandie Université, Unicaen; Inserm Comete GIP Cyceron Chu Caen France
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15
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Herold F, Törpel A, Schega L, Müller NG. Functional and/or structural brain changes in response to resistance exercises and resistance training lead to cognitive improvements - a systematic review. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 2019; 16:10. [PMID: 31333805 PMCID: PMC6617693 DOI: 10.1186/s11556-019-0217-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the aging process, physical capabilities (e.g., muscular strength) and cognitive functions (e.g., memory) gradually decrease. Regarding cognitive functions, substantial functional (e.g., compensatory brain activity) and structural changes (e.g., shrinking of the hippocampus) in the brain cause this decline. Notably, growing evidence points towards a relationship between cognition and measures of muscular strength and muscle mass. Based on this emerging evidence, resistance exercises and/or resistance training, which contributes to the preservation and augmentation of muscular strength and muscle mass, may trigger beneficial neurobiological processes and could be crucial for healthy aging that includes preservation of the brain and cognition. Compared with the multitude of studies that have investigated the influence of endurance exercises and/or endurance training on cognitive performance and brain structure, considerably less work has focused on the effects of resistance exercises and/or resistance training. While the available evidence regarding resistance exercise-induced changes in cognitive functions is pooled, the underlying neurobiological processes, such as functional and structural brain changes, have yet to be summarized. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to provide an overview of resistance exercise-induced functional and/or structural brain changes that are related to cognitive functions. METHODS AND RESULTS A systematic literature search was conducted by two independent researchers across six electronic databases; 5957 records were returned, of which 18 were considered relevant and were analyzed. SHORT CONCLUSION Based on our analyses, resistance exercises and resistance training evoked substantial functional brain changes, especially in the frontal lobe, which were accompanied by improvements in executive functions. Furthermore, resistance training led to lower white matter atrophy and smaller white matter lesion volumes. However, based on the relatively small number of studies available, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. Hence, future studies are required to investigate the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and to verify whether the positive findings can be confirmed and transferred to other needy cohorts, such as older adults with dementia, sarcopenia and/or dynapenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Herold
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Törpel
- Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Zschokkestr. 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Schega
- Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Zschokkestr. 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Notger G. Müller
- Research Group Neuroprotection, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Brenneckestraße 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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16
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Pechenkova E, Nosikova I, Rumshiskaya A, Litvinova L, Rukavishnikov I, Mershina E, Sinitsyn V, Van Ombergen A, Jeurissen B, Jillings S, Laureys S, Sijbers J, Grishin A, Chernikova L, Naumov I, Kornilova L, Wuyts FL, Tomilovskaya E, Kozlovskaya I. Alterations of Functional Brain Connectivity After Long-Duration Spaceflight as Revealed by fMRI. Front Physiol 2019; 10:761. [PMID: 31333476 PMCID: PMC6621543 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study reports alterations of task-based functional brain connectivity in a group of 11 cosmonauts after a long-duration spaceflight, compared to a healthy control group not involved in the space program. To elicit the postural and locomotor sensorimotor mechanisms that are usually most significantly impaired when space travelers return to Earth, a plantar stimulation paradigm was used in a block design fMRI study. The motor control system activated by the plantar stimulation involved the pre-central and post-central gyri, SMA, SII/operculum, and, to a lesser degree, the insular cortex and cerebellum. While no post-flight alterations were observed in terms of activation, the network-based statistics approach revealed task-specific functional connectivity modifications within a broader set of regions involving the activation sites along with other parts of the sensorimotor neural network and the visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. The most notable findings included a post-flight increase in the stimulation-specific connectivity of the right posterior supramarginal gyrus with the rest of the brain; a strengthening of connections between the left and right insulae; decreased connectivity of the vestibular nuclei, right inferior parietal cortex (BA40) and cerebellum with areas associated with motor, visual, vestibular, and proprioception functions; and decreased coupling of the cerebellum with the visual cortex and the right inferior parietal cortex. The severity of space motion sickness symptoms was found to correlate with a post- to pre-flight difference in connectivity between the right supramarginal gyrus and the left anterior insula. Due to the complex nature and rapid dynamics of adaptation to gravity alterations, the post-flight findings might be attributed to both the long-term microgravity exposure and to the readaptation to Earth's gravity that took place between the landing and post-flight MRI session. Nevertheless, the results have implications for the multisensory reweighting and gravitational motor system theories, generating hypotheses to be tested in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inna Nosikova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alena Rumshiskaya
- Radiology Department, Federal Center of Treatment and Rehabilitation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liudmila Litvinova
- Radiology Department, Federal Center of Treatment and Rehabilitation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Rukavishnikov
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Mershina
- Medical Research and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentin Sinitsyn
- Medical Research and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelique Van Ombergen
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ben Jeurissen
- iMec/Vision Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Jillings
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness Research Centre, Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness Research Centre, Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jan Sijbers
- iMec/Vision Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Ludmila Chernikova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan Naumov
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila Kornilova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Floris L. Wuyts
- Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Inessa Kozlovskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Brain Physiological Response and Adaptation During Spaceflight. Neurosurgery 2019; 85:E815-E821. [DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
More than half of astronauts returning from long-duration missions on the International Space Station present with neuro-ocular structural and/or functional changes, including optic disc edema, optic nerve sheath distension, globe flattening, choroidal folds, or hyperopic shifts. This spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) represents a major risk to future exploration class human spaceflight missions, including Mars missions. Although the exact pathophysiology of SANS is unknown, evidence thus far suggests that an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) relative to the upright position on Earth, which is due to the loss of hydrostatic pressure gradients in space, may play a leading role. This review focuses on brain physiology in the spaceflight environment, specifically on how spaceflight may affect ICP and related indicators of cranial compliance, potential factors related to the development of SANS, and findings from spaceflight as well as ground-based spaceflight analog research studies.
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18
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Zhang X, Chu X, Chen L, Fu J, Wang S, Song J, Kan G, Jiang W, He G, Chen X, Li W. Simulated weightlessness procedure, head-down bed rest impairs adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus of rhesus macaque. Mol Brain 2019; 12:46. [PMID: 31072406 PMCID: PMC6509794 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The microgravity environment in space can impact astronauts' cognitive and behavioral activities. However, due to the limitations of research conditions, studies of biological changes in the primate brain, such as neurogenesis, have been comparatively few. We take advantage of - 6° head-down bed rest (HDBR), one of the most implemented space analogue on the ground, to investigate the effects of weightlessness on neurogenesis of non-human primate brain. Rhesus Macaque monkeys were subjected to HDBR for 42 days to simulate weightlessness. BrdU (5-bromodeoxyuridin) and IdU (iododeoxyuridine) were intraperitoneally injected separately before or after HDBR to label the survival and proliferation of newborn neurons. Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the effect of simulated weightlessness on neurogenesis. BrdU staining showed that survival of newborn neurons was reduced, while there were fewer BrdU-positive neurons in the HDBR group compared with the control. Furthermore, IdU-positive neurons also decreased in the HDBR group suggesting a reduced proliferation capacity for these newborn neurons. Our results demonstrate the definite neurogenesis in the adult rhesus macaque hippocampus, and simulated weightlessness HDBR procedure impairs the adult neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xixia Chu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Juan Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jinjing Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guanghan Kan
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Weizhong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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19
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Mao XW, Sandberg LB, Gridley DS, Herrmann EC, Zhang G, Raghavan R, Zubarev RA, Zhang B, Stodieck LS, Ferguson VL, Bateman TA, Pecaut MJ. Proteomic Analysis of Mouse Brain Subjected to Spaceflight. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010007. [PMID: 30577490 PMCID: PMC6337482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that spaceflight poses acute and late risks to the central nervous system. To explore possible mechanisms, the proteomic changes following spaceflight in mouse brain were characterized. Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) was launched from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on a 13-day mission. Within 3–5 h after landing, brain tissue was collected to evaluate protein expression profiles using quantitative proteomic analysis. Our results showed that there were 26 proteins that were significantly altered after spaceflight in the gray and/or white matter. While there was no overlap between the white and gray matter in terms of individual proteins, there was overlap in terms of function, synaptic plasticity, vesical activity, protein/organelle transport, and metabolism. Our data demonstrate that exposure to the spaceflight environment induces significant changes in protein expression related to neuronal structure and metabolic function. This might lead to a significant impact on brain structural and functional integrity that could affect the outcome of space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - Lawrence B Sandberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Daila S Gridley
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
| | - E Clifford Herrmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Guangyu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Ravi Raghavan
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Roman A Zubarev
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Pharmacological and Technological Chemistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Pharmacological and Technological Chemistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Louis S Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| | - Virginia L Ferguson
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| | - Ted A Bateman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Michael J Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
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20
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Mogilever NB, Zuccarelli L, Burles F, Iaria G, Strapazzon G, Bessone L, Coffey EBJ. Expedition Cognition: A Review and Prospective of Subterranean Neuroscience With Spaceflight Applications. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:407. [PMID: 30425628 PMCID: PMC6218582 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Renewed interest in human space exploration has highlighted the gaps in knowledge needed for successful long-duration missions outside low-Earth orbit. Although the technical challenges of such missions are being systematically overcome, many of the unknowns in predicting mission success depend on human behavior and performance, knowledge of which must be either obtained through space research or extrapolated from human experience on Earth. Particularly in human neuroscience, laboratory-based research efforts are not closely connected to real environments such as human space exploration. As caves share several of the physical and psychological challenges of spaceflight, underground expeditions have recently been developed as a spaceflight analog for astronaut training purposes, suggesting that they might also be suitable for studying aspects of behavior and cognition that cannot be fully examined under laboratory conditions. Our objective is to foster a bi-directional exchange between cognitive neuroscientists and expedition experts by (1) describing the cave environment as a worthy space analog for human research, (2) reviewing work conducted on human neuroscience and cognition within caves, (3) exploring the range of topics for which the unique environment may prove valuable as well as obstacles and limitations, (4) outlining technologies and methods appropriate for cave use, and (5) suggesting how researchers might establish contact with potential expedition collaborators. We believe that cave expeditions, as well as other sorts of expeditions, offer unique possibilities for cognitive neuroscience that will complement laboratory work and help to improve human performance and safety in operational environments, both on Earth and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ford Burles
- Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research - Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Loredana Bessone
- Directorate of Human and Robotics, Exploration, European Space Agency, Köln, Germany
| | - Emily B J Coffey
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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21
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Koppelmans V, Scott JM, Downs ME, Cassady KE, Yuan P, Pasternak O, Wood SJ, De Dios YE, Gadd NE, Kofman I, Riascos R, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Bloomberg JJ, Mulavara AP, Ploutz-Snyder LL, Seidler RD. Exercise effects on bed rest-induced brain changes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205515. [PMID: 30308004 PMCID: PMC6181401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Spaceflight negatively affects sensorimotor behavior; exercise mitigates some of these effects. Head down tilt bed rest (HDBR) induces body unloading and fluid shifts, and is often used to investigate spaceflight effects. Here, we examined whether exercise mitigates effects of 70 days HDBR on the brain and if fitness and brain changes with HDBR are related. METHODS HDBR subjects were randomized to no-exercise (n = 5) or traditional aerobic and resistance exercise (n = 5). Additionally, a flywheel exercise group was included (n = 8). Exercise protocols for exercise groups were similar in intensity, therefore these groups were pooled in statistical analyses. Pre and post-HDBR MRI (structure and structural/functional connectivity) and physical fitness measures (lower body strength, muscle cross sectional area, VO2 max, body composition) were collected. Voxel-wise permutation analyses were used to test group differences in brain changes, and their associations with fitness changes. RESULTS Comparisons of exercisers to controls revealed that exercise led to smaller fitness deterioration with HDBR but did not affect brain volume or connectivity. Group comparisons showed that exercise modulated post-HDBR recovery of brain connectivity in somatosensory regions. Posthoc analysis showed that this was related to functional connectivity decrease with HDBR in non-exercisers but not in exercisers. Correlational analyses between fitness and brain changes showed that fitness decreases were associated with functional connectivity and volumetric increases (all r >.74), potentially reflecting compensation. Modest brain changes or even decreases in connectivity and volume were observed in subjects who maintained or showed small fitness gains. These results did not survive Bonferroni correction, but can be considered meaningful because of the large effect sizes. CONCLUSION Exercise performed during HDBR mitigates declines in fitness and strength. Associations between fitness and brain connectivity and volume changes, although unadjusted for multiple comparisons in this small sample, suggest that supine exercise reduces compensatory HDBR-induced brain changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Koppelmans
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Scott
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Universities Space Research Association, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Kaitlin E. Cassady
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Peng Yuan
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Department of Psychiatry and Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scott J. Wood
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | | | - Igor Kofman
- KBRwyle, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roy Riascos
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patricia A. Reuter-Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | | | - Lori L. Ploutz-Snyder
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Universities Space Research Association, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachael D. Seidler
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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22
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Mattei C, Alshawaf A, D'Abaco G, Nayagam B, Dottori M. Generation of Neural Organoids from Human Embryonic Stem Cells Using the Rotary Cell Culture System: Effects of Microgravity on Neural Progenitor Cell Fate. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:848-857. [PMID: 29649415 PMCID: PMC6338565 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in aeronautics and spaceflight technologies requires in parallel further research on how microgravity may affect human tissue. To date, little is known about the effects of microgravity on human development. In this study we used the rotary cell culture system to investigate whether microgravity supports the generation and maintenance of neural organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a model of human brain development. Our results show that although neural organoids could be generated and maintained in microgravity conditions, there were changes in expression of rostral–caudal neural patterning genes and cortical markers compared to organoids generated in standard conditions. This phenomenon was also observed in hESC-derived cortical organoids exposed to microgravity for relatively shorter periods. These results are one of the first for analyzing human neurogenesis in a microgravity environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Mattei
- 1 Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia .,2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Abdullah Alshawaf
- 1 Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia .,3 Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giovanna D'Abaco
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bryony Nayagam
- 4 Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Medical Bionics Department, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- 1 Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia .,2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia .,5 Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Centre for Molecular and Medical Bioscience, University of Wollongong , Wollongong, Australia
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23
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Jandial R, Hoshide R, Waters JD, Limoli CL. Space-brain: The negative effects of space exposure on the central nervous system. Surg Neurol Int 2018; 9:9. [PMID: 29416906 PMCID: PMC5791508 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_250_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Journey to Mars will be a large milestone for all humankind. Throughout history, we have learned lessons about the health dangers associated with exploratory voyages to expand our frontiers. Travelling through deep space, the final frontier, is planned for the 2030s by NASA. The lessons learned from the adverse health effects of space exposure have been encountered from previous, less-lengthy missions. Prolonged multiyear deep space travel to Mars could be encumbered by significant adverse health effects, which could critically affect the safety of the mission and its voyagers. In this review, we discuss the health effects of the central nervous system by space exposure. The negative effects from space radiation and microgravity have been detailed. Future aims and recommendations for the safety of the voyagers have been discussed. With proper planning and anticipation, the mission to Mars can be done safely and securely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Jandial
- Division of Neurosurgery, City of Hope, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Reid Hoshide
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California - San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - J Dawn Waters
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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24
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Passaro A, Soavi C, Marusic U, Rejc E, Sanz JM, Morieri ML, Nora ED, Kavcic V, Narici MV, Reggiani C, Biolo G, Zuliani G, Lazzer S, Pišot R. Computerized cognitive training and brain derived neurotrophic factor during bed rest: mechanisms to protect individual during acute stress. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 9:393-407. [PMID: 28161695 PMCID: PMC5361671 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute stress, as bed rest, was shown to increase plasma level of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in older, but not in young adults. This increase might represent a protective mechanism towards acute insults in aging subjects. Since computerized cognitive training (CCT) is known to protect brain, herein we evaluated the effect of CCT during bed rest on BDNF, muscle mass, neuromuscular function and metabolic parameters. The subjects that underwent CCT did not show an increase of BDNF after bed rest, and showed an anti-insular modification pattern in metabolism. Neuromuscular function parameters, already shown to beneficiate from CCT, negatively correlated with BDNF in research participants undergoing CCT, while positively correlated in the control group. In conclusion, BDNF increase can be interpreted as a standardized protective mechanism taking place whenever an insult occurs; it gives low, but consistent preservation of neuromuscular function. CCT, acting as an external protective mechanism, seems to modify this standardized response, avoiding BDNF increase or possibly modifying its time course. Our results suggest the possibility of differential neuroprotective mechanisms among ill and healthy individuals, and the importance of timing in determining the effects of protective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Passaro
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Co-first authors
| | - Cecilia Soavi
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy.,Co-first authors
| | - Uros Marusic
- Science and Research Centre, University of Primorska, Koper 6000, Slovenia
| | - Enrico Rejc
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Juana M Sanz
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Mario L Morieri
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | | | - Voyko Kavcic
- Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.,Biomedical Research and Innovative Society, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Marco V Narici
- School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
| | - Carlo Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy
| | - Gianni Biolo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zuliani
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Stefano Lazzer
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy.,School of Sport Sciences, University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Rado Pišot
- Science and Research Centre, University of Primorska, Koper 6000, Slovenia
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25
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Goswami N, Blaber AP, Hinghofer-Szalkay H, Montani JP. Orthostatic Intolerance in Older Persons: Etiology and Countermeasures. Front Physiol 2017; 8:803. [PMID: 29163185 PMCID: PMC5677785 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic challenge produced by upright posture may lead to syncope if the cardiovascular system is unable to maintain adequate brain perfusion. This review outlines orthostatic intolerance related to the aging process, long-term bedrest confinement, drugs, and disease. Aging-associated illness or injury due to falls often leads to hospitalization. Older patients spend up to 83% of hospital admission lying in bed and thus the consequences of bedrest confinement such as physiological deconditioning, functional decline, and orthostatic intolerance represent a central challenge in the care of the vulnerable older population. This review examines current scientific knowledge regarding orthostatic intolerance and how it comes about and provides a framework for understanding of (patho-) physiological concepts of cardiovascular (in-) stability in ambulatory and bedrest confined senior citizens as well as in individuals with disease conditions [e.g., orthostatic intolerance in patients with diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury (SCI)] or those on multiple medications (polypharmacy). Understanding these aspects, along with cardio-postural interactions, is particularly important as blood pressure destabilization leading to orthostatic intolerance affects 3-4% of the general population, and in 4 out of 10 cases the exact cause remains elusive. Reviewed also are countermeasures to orthostatic intolerance such as exercise, water drinking, mental arithmetic, cognitive training, and respiration training in SCI patients. We speculate that optimally applied countermeasures such as mental challenge maintain sympathetic activity, and improve venous return, stroke volume, and consequently, blood pressure during upright standing. Finally, this paper emphasizes the importance of an active life style in old age and why early re-mobilization following bedrest confinement or bedrest is crucial in preventing orthostatic intolerance, falls and falls-related injuries in older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandu Goswami
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrew P Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Helmut Hinghofer-Szalkay
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jean-Pierre Montani
- Department of Medicine/Physiology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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26
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Koppelmans V, Bloomberg JJ, De Dios YE, Wood SJ, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Kofman IS, Riascos R, Mulavara AP, Seidler RD. Brain plasticity and sensorimotor deterioration as a function of 70 days head down tilt bed rest. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182236. [PMID: 28767698 PMCID: PMC5540603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse effects of spaceflight on sensorimotor function have been linked to altered somatosensory and vestibular inputs in the microgravity environment. Whether these spaceflight sequelae have a central nervous system component is unknown. However, experimental studies have shown spaceflight-induced brain structural changes in rodents’ sensorimotor brain regions. Understanding the neural correlates of spaceflight-related motor performance changes is important to ultimately develop tailored countermeasures that ensure mission success and astronauts’ health. Method Head down-tilt bed rest (HDBR) can serve as a microgravity analog because it mimics body unloading and headward fluid shifts of microgravity. We conducted a 70-day 6° HDBR study with 18 right-handed males to investigate how microgravity affects focal gray matter (GM) brain volume. MRI data were collected at 7 time points before, during and post-HDBR. Standing balance and functional mobility were measured pre and post-HDBR. The same metrics were obtained at 4 time points over ~90 days from 12 control subjects, serving as reference data. Results HDBR resulted in widespread increases GM in posterior parietal regions and decreases in frontal areas; recovery was not yet complete by 12 days post-HDBR. Additionally, HDBR led to balance and locomotor performance declines. Increases in a cluster comprising the precuneus, precentral and postcentral gyrus GM correlated with less deterioration or even improvement in standing balance. This association did not survive Bonferroni correction and should therefore be interpreted with caution. No brain or behavior changes were observed in control subjects. Conclusions Our results parallel the sensorimotor deficits that astronauts experience post-flight. The widespread GM changes could reflect fluid redistribution. Additionally, the association between focal GM increase and balance changes suggests that HDBR also may result in neuroplastic adaptation. Future studies are warranted to determine causality and underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Koppelmans
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | | | - Scott J. Wood
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | | | | | - Roy Riascos
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | | | - Rachael D. Seidler
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Koppelmans V, Pasternak O, Bloomberg JJ, Dios YED, Wood SJ, Riascos R, Reuter-Lorenz PA, Kofman IS, Mulavara AP, Seidler RD. Intracranial Fluid Redistribution But No White Matter Microstructural Changes During a Spaceflight Analog. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3154. [PMID: 28600534 PMCID: PMC5466616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03311-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural correlates of spaceflight-induced sensorimotor impairments are unknown. Head down-tilt bed rest (HDBR) serves as a microgravity analog because it mimics the headward fluid shift and axial body unloading of spaceflight. We investigated focal brain white matter (WM) changes and fluid shifts during 70 days of 6° HDBR in 16 subjects who were assessed pre (2x), during (3x), and post-HDBR (2x). Changes over time were compared to those in control subjects (n = 12) assessed four times over 90 days. Diffusion MRI was used to assess WM microstructure and fluid shifts. Free-Water Imaging was used to quantify distribution of intracranial extracellular free water (FW). Additionally, we tested whether WM and FW changes correlated with changes in functional mobility and balance measures. HDBR resulted in FW increases in fronto-temporal regions and decreases in posterior-parietal regions that largely recovered by two weeks post-HDBR. WM microstructure was unaffected by HDBR. FW decreases in the post-central gyrus and precuneus correlated negatively with balance changes. We previously reported that gray matter increases in these regions were associated with less HDBR-induced balance impairment, suggesting adaptive structural neuroplasticity. Future studies are warranted to determine causality and underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Koppelmans
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Scott J Wood
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, United States
| | - Roy Riascos
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | | | | | - Rachael D Seidler
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
- Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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28
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Sun B, Zhang XY, Liu LZ, Chen ZH, Dai ZQ, Huang XS. Effects of Head-down Tilt on Nerve Conduction in Rhesus Monkeys. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:323-327. [PMID: 28139516 PMCID: PMC5308015 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.198925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have focused on peripheral nerve conduction during exposure to microgravity. The -6° head-down tilt (HDT) comprises an experimental model used to simulate the space flight environment. This study investigated nerve conduction characteristics of rhesus monkeys before and after prolonged exposure to HDT. METHODS Six rhesus monkeys (3-4 years old) were tilted backward 6° from the horizontal. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were performed on the median, ulnar, tibial, and fibular motor nerves. Analysis of variance with a randomized block design was conducted to compare the differences in the NCS before and 7, 21, and 42 days after the -6° HDT. RESULTS The proximal amplitude of the CMAP of the median nerve was significantly decreased at 21 and 42 days of HDT compared with the amplitude before HDT (4.38 ± 2.83 vs. 8.40 ± 2.66 mV, F = 4.85, P = 0.013 and 3.30 ± 2.70 vs. 8.40 ± 2.66 mV, F = 5.93, P = 0.004, respectively). The distal amplitude of the CMAP of the median nerve was significantly decreased at 7, 21, and 42 days of HDT compared with the amplitude before HDT (7.28 ± 1.27 vs. 10.25 ± 3.40 mV, F = 4.03, P = 0.039; 5.05 ± 2.01 vs. 10.25 ± 3.40 mV, F = 6.25, P = 0.04; and 3.95 ± 2.79 vs. 10.25 ± 3.40 mV, F = 7.35, P = 0.01; respectively). The proximal amplitude of the CMAP of the tibial nerve was significantly decreased at 42 days of HDT compared with the amplitude before HDT (6.14 ± 1.94 vs. 11.87 ± 3.19 mV, F = 5.02, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the compound muscle action potential amplitudes of nerves are decreased under simulated microgravity in rhesus monkeys. Moreover, rhesus monkeys exposed to HDT might be served as an experimental model for the study of NCS under microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, 306 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Li-Zhi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhong-Quan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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29
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Van Ombergen A, Laureys S, Sunaert S, Tomilovskaya E, Parizel PM, Wuyts FL. Spaceflight-induced neuroplasticity in humans as measured by MRI: what do we know so far? NPJ Microgravity 2017. [PMID: 28649624 PMCID: PMC5445591 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-016-0010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel poses an enormous challenge on the human body; microgravity, ionizing radiation, absence of circadian rhythm, confinement and isolation are just some of the features associated with it. Obviously, all of the latter can have an impact on human physiology and even induce detrimental changes. Some organ systems have been studied thoroughly under space conditions, however, not much is known on the functional and morphological effects of spaceflight on the human central nervous system. Previous studies have already shown that central nervous system changes occur during and after spaceflight in the form of neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function and sensory perception, cephalic fluid shifts and psychological disturbances. However, little is known about the underlying neural substrates. In this review, we discuss the current limited knowledge on neuroplastic changes in the human central nervous system associated with spaceflight (actual or simulated) as measured by magnetic resonance imaging-based techniques. Furthermore, we discuss these findings as well as their future perspectives, since this can encourage future research into this delicate and intriguing aspect of spaceflight. Currently, the literature suffers from heterogeneous experimental set-ups and therefore, the lack of comparability of findings among studies. However, the cerebellum, cortical sensorimotor and somatosensory areas and vestibular-related pathways seem to be involved across different studies, suggesting that these brain regions are most affected by (simulated) spaceflight. Extending this knowledge is crucial, especially with the eye on long-duration interplanetary missions (e.g. Mars) and space tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Van Ombergen
- Antwerp University Research Centre for Equilibrium and Aerospace (AUREA), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk (Antwerp), 2610 Belgium.,Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Research & Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stefan Sunaert
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Translational MRI, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena Tomilovskaya
- SSC RF-Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Paul M Parizel
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Floris L Wuyts
- Antwerp University Research Centre for Equilibrium and Aerospace (AUREA), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium.,Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020 Belgium
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30
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Koppelmans V, Bloomberg JJ, Mulavara AP, Seidler RD. Brain structural plasticity with spaceflight. NPJ Microgravity 2016; 2:2. [PMID: 28649622 PMCID: PMC5460234 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-016-0001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans undergo extensive sensorimotor adaptation during spaceflight due to altered vestibular inputs and body unloading. No studies have yet evaluated the effects of spaceflight on human brain structure despite the fact that recently reported optic nerve structural changes are hypothesized to occur due to increased intracranial pressure occurring with microgravity. This is the first report on human brain structural changes with spaceflight. We evaluated retrospective longitudinal T2-weighted MRI scans and balance data from 27 astronauts (thirteen ~2-week shuttle crew members and fourteen ~6-month International Space Station crew members) to determine spaceflight effects on brain structure, and whether any pre to postflight brain changes are associated with balance changes. Data were obtained from the NASA Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health. Brain scans were segmented into gray matter maps and normalized into MNI space using a stepwise approach through subject specific templates. Non-parametric permutation testing was used to analyze pre to postflight volumetric gray matter changes. We found extensive volumetric gray matter decreases, including large areas covering the temporal and frontal poles and around the orbits. This effect was larger in International Space Station versus shuttle crew members in some regions. There were bilateral focal gray matter increases within the medial primary somatosensory and motor cortex; i.e., the cerebral areas where the lower limbs are represented. These intriguing findings are observed in a retrospective data set; future prospective studies should probe the underlying mechanisms and behavioral consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Koppelmans
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 401 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2214 USA
| | | | | | - Rachael D Seidler
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 401 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2214 USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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31
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Marusic U, Giordani B, Moffat SD, Petrič M, Dolenc P, Pišot R, Kavcic V. Computerized cognitive training during physical inactivity improves executive functioning in older adults. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2016; 25:49-69. [PMID: 27937138 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2016.1263724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is closely tied to spatial navigation, a central component in cognitive functioning, and critically involved in age-associated cognitive decline and dementia. This study evaluated a novel, cognitive computerized spatial navigation training (CSNT) program targeting the hippocampus, with expectation of mitigating possible cognitive decline with bed rest (BR). During a 14-day BR study with 16 healthy, older men (mean age = 60 ± 3, range = 55-65 years), half received CSNT for 12 days in 50-min sessions and half were controls (watching documentaries). This design uniquely controlled diet, sleep, and other personal and environmental activities. Although there were no cognitive declines in controls post-BR, CSNT participants demonstrated significant increases in executive/attention ability and processing speed, and continued spatial navigation testing showed improvement to 400 days post-BR. This intervention may prove useful to mitigate cognitive declines known to occur in long periods of immobilization and could have broader implications in protecting against age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Marusic
- a Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Centre , University of Primorska , Koper , Slovenia
| | - Bruno Giordani
- b Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology and School of Nursing , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Scott D Moffat
- c School of Psychology , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Mojca Petrič
- d Faculty of Education , University of Primorska , Koper , Slovenia
| | - Petra Dolenc
- d Faculty of Education , University of Primorska , Koper , Slovenia
| | - Rado Pišot
- a Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Centre , University of Primorska , Koper , Slovenia
| | - Voyko Kavcic
- e Institute of Gerontology , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
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32
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Kokhan VS, Matveeva MI, Bazyan AS, Kudrin VS, Mukhametov A, Shtemberg AS. Combined effects of antiorthostatic suspension and ionizing radiation on the behaviour and neurotransmitters changes in different brain structures of rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 320:473-483. [PMID: 27776994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Space flight factors (SFF) significantly affect the operating activity of astronauts during deep space missions. In contrast to an orbital flight, leaving the Earth's magnetic field is fraught with the dangers of exposure to ionizing radiation and more specifically, the high-energy nuclei component of galactic cosmic rays. Microgravity, just another critical non-radiation factor, significantly affects the normal functioning of the CNS. Some morphological structures of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, that are rich in monoaminergic and acetylcholinergic neurones, are the most sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation and non-radiation spaceflight factors (SFF). In this work we have studied the combined effects of microgravity (in antiorthostatic suspension model, AS) and irradiation (γ-ray and protons in spread-out Bragg peak) on the behaviour, cognitive abilities, and metabolism of monoamines and acetylcholine in the key structures of the rat's brain. Irradiation (as independently as combined with AS) resulted in the decrease of thigmotaxis in rats. Learning problems, caused by the malfunctioning of the working memory but not the spatial memory, were observed in response to AS as well as to the SFF in combination. Analysis of monoamines metabolism showed that the serotoninergic system was the most affected by the SFF. Concentration of acetylcholine in the hippocampus significantly increased in the groups of irradiated rats, and in the groups which were exposed to the SFF in combination, compared to the rats exposed only to AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Kokhan
- Laboratory of Extreme Physiology, Institute of Medico-Biological Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia.
| | - M I Matveeva
- Laboratory of Extreme Physiology, Institute of Medico-Biological Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Bazyan
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - V S Kudrin
- Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology RAMS, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Mukhametov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds RAS, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - A S Shtemberg
- Laboratory of Extreme Physiology, Institute of Medico-Biological Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
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33
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Soavi C, Marušič U, Sanz JM, Morieri ML, Dalla Nora E, Šimunič B, Pišot R, Zuliani G, Passaro A. Age-related differences in plasma BDNF levels after prolonged bed rest. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1118-23. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01111.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the family of neurotrophins and has been implicated in brain resistance to insults. Murine studies have demonstrated increased hippocampal concentration after acute immobilization and decreased concentration after chronic immobilization. In humans, chronic stress and sedentary lifestyle result in decreased plasma BDNF levels, but there no data exist regarding acute immobilization. The aim of our study was to evaluate age-related responses [comparing 7 younger subjects (age 23 ± 3 yr) and 8 older subjects (age 60 ± 4 yr)] of plasma BDNF before (baseline data collection, BDC) and after 14 days (BR14) of horizontal bed rest (BR). At BDC, BDNF levels were not different between the two groups ( P = 0.101), although at BR14, BDNF levels were higher in older subjects (62.02 ± 18.31) than in younger subjects (34.36 ± 15.24 pg/ml) ( P = 0.002). A general linear model for repeated measures showed a significant effect of BR on BDNF ( P = 0.002). The BDC BDNF levels correlated with fat-free mass in both populations (ALL) ( R = 0.628, P = 0.012), (older, R = 0.753, P = 0.031; younger, R = 0.772, P = 0.042), and with total cholesterol in ALL ( R = 0.647, P = 0.009) and older study subjects ( R = 0.805, P = 0.016). At BR14, BDNF correlated with total cholesterol ( R = 0.579, P = 0.024) and age ( R = 0.647, P = 0.009) in ALL. With an increase in age, the brain could become naturally less resistant to acute stressors, including the detrimental effects of prolonged bed rest, and thus the increase in BDNF in the older study group might reflect a protective overshooting of the brain to counteract the negative effects in such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Soavi
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; and
| | - Uroš Marušič
- Science and Research Centre, University of Primorska, Capodistria, Slovenia
| | - Juana Maria Sanz
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; and
| | | | | | - Bostjan Šimunič
- Science and Research Centre, University of Primorska, Capodistria, Slovenia
| | - Rado Pišot
- Science and Research Centre, University of Primorska, Capodistria, Slovenia
| | - Giovanni Zuliani
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; and
| | - Angelina Passaro
- Medical Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; and
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