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Wu W, Ren J, Han M, Huang B. Influence of gut microbiome on metabolic diseases: a new perspective based on microgravity. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2024; 23:353-364. [PMID: 38932858 PMCID: PMC11196560 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-024-01394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Microgravity, characterized by gravity levels of 10-3-10-6g, has been found to significantly impair various physiological systems in astronauts, including cardiovascular function, bone density, and metabolism. With the recent surge in human spaceflight, understanding the impact of microgravity on biological health has become paramount. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify relevant publications pertaining to the interplay between gut microbiome, microgravity, space environment, and metabolic diseases. Results This comprehensive review primarily focuses on the progress made in investigating the gut microbiome and its association with metabolic diseases under microgravity conditions. Microgravity induces notable alterations in the composition, diversity, and functionality of the gut microbiome. These changes hold direct implications for metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), bone metabolism disorders, energy metabolism dysregulation, liver dysfunction, and complications during pregnancy. Conclusion This novel perspective is crucial for preparing for deep space exploration and interstellar migration, where understanding the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and metabolic health becomes indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxin Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Junjie Ren
- Department of Medical Psychology, School of Mental Health and Psychological Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Maozhen Han
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Binbin Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui China
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2
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Miglietta S, Cristiano L, Espinola MSB, Masiello MG, Micara G, Battaglione E, Linari A, Palmerini MG, Familiari G, Aragona C, Bizzarri M, Macchiarelli G, Nottola SA. Effects of Simulated Microgravity In Vitro on Human Metaphase II Oocytes: An Electron Microscopy-Based Study. Cells 2023; 12:1346. [PMID: 37408181 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gravity Force to which living beings are subjected on Earth rules the functionality of most biological processes in many tissues. It has been reported that a situation of Microgravity (such as that occurring in space) causes negative effects on living beings. Astronauts returning from space shuttle missions or from the International Space Station have been diagnosed with various health problems, such as bone demineralization, muscle atrophy, cardiovascular deconditioning, and vestibular and sensory imbalance, including impaired visual acuity, altered metabolic and nutritional status, and immune system dysregulation. Microgravity has profound effects also on reproductive functions. Female astronauts, in fact, suppress their cycles during space travels, and effects at the cellular level in the early embryo development and on female gamete maturation have also been observed. The opportunities to use space flights to study the effects of gravity variations are limited because of the high costs and lack of repeatability of the experiments. For these reasons, the use of microgravity simulators for studying, at the cellular level, the effects, such as those, obtained during/after a spatial trip, are developed to confirm that these models can be used in the study of body responses under conditions different from those found in a unitary Gravity environment (1 g). In view of this, this study aimed to investigate in vitro the effects of simulated microgravity on the ultrastructural features of human metaphase II oocytes using a Random Positioning Machine (RPM). We demonstrated for the first time, by Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis, that microgravity might compromise oocyte quality by affecting not only the localization of mitochondria and cortical granules due to a possible alteration of the cytoskeleton but also the function of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum since in RPM oocytes we observed a switch in the morphology of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and associated mitochondria from mitochondria-SER aggregates to mitochondria-vesicle complexes. We concluded that microgravity might negatively affect oocyte quality by interfering in vitro with the normal sequence of morphodynamic events essential for acquiring and maintaining a proper competence to fertilization in human oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selenia Miglietta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Salomé B Espinola
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Masiello
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulietta Micara
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Linari
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Aragona
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefania A Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy
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3
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Theotokis P, Manthou ME, Deftereou TE, Miliaras D, Meditskou S. Addressing Spaceflight Biology through the Lens of a Histologist-Embryologist. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020588. [PMID: 36836946 PMCID: PMC9965490 DOI: 10.3390/life13020588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryogenesis and fetal development are highly delicate and error-prone processes in their core physiology, let alone if stress-associated factors and conditions are involved. Space radiation and altered gravity are factors that could radically affect fertility and pregnancy and compromise a physiological organogenesis. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information examining the effects of cosmic exposures on reproductive and proliferating outcomes with regard to mammalian embryonic development. However, explicit attention has been given to investigations exploring discrete structures and neural networks such as the vestibular system, an entity that is viewed as the sixth sense and organically controls gravity beginning with the prenatal period. The role of the gut microbiome, a newly acknowledged field of research in the space community, is also being challenged to be added in forthcoming experimental protocols. This review discusses the data that have surfaced from simulations or actual space expeditions and addresses developmental adaptations at the histological level induced by an extraterrestrial milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
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4
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The State of the Organs of the Female Reproductive System after a 5-Day "Dry" Immersion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044160. [PMID: 36835572 PMCID: PMC9966354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of weightlessness on the female reproductive system remains poorly understood, although deep space exploration is impossible without the development of effective measures to protect women's health. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of a 5-day "dry" immersion on the state of the reproductive system of female subjects. On the fourth day of the menstrual cycle after immersion, we observed an increase in inhibin B of 35% (p < 0.05) and a decrease in luteinizing hormone of 12% (p < 0.05) and progesterone of 52% (p < 0.05) compared with the same day before immersion. The size of the uterus and the thickness of the endometrium did not change. On the ninth day of the menstrual cycle after immersion, the average diameters of the antral follicles and the dominant follicle were, respectively, 14% and 22% (p < 0.05) higher than before. The duration of the menstrual cycle did not change. The obtained results may indicate that the stay in the 5-day "dry" immersion, on the one hand, can stimulate the growth of the dominant follicle, but, on the other hand, can cause functional insufficiency of the corpus lutea.
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5
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Simulated microgravity reduces quality of ovarian follicles and oocytes by disrupting communications of follicle cells. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36690655 PMCID: PMC9870914 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicles are the fundamental structures that support oocyte development, and communications between oocytes and follicle somatic cells are crucial for oogenesis. However, it is unknown that whether exposure to microgravity influences cellular communications and ovarian follicle development, which might be harmful for female fertility. By 3D culturing of ovarian follicles under simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions in a rotating cell culture system, we found that SMG treatment did not affect the survival or general growth of follicles but decreased the quality of cultured follicles released oocytes. Ultrastructure detections by high-resolution imaging showed that the development of cellular communicating structures, including granulosa cell transzonal projections and oocyte microvilli, were markedly disrupted. These abnormalities caused chaotic polarity of granulosa cells (GCs) and a decrease in oocyte-secreted factors, such as Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9), which led to decreased quality of oocytes in these follicles. Therefore, the quality of oocytes was dramatically improved by the supplementations of GDF9 and NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Together, our results suggest that exposure to simulated microgravity impairs the ultrastructure of ovarian follicles. Such impairment may affect female fertility in space environment.
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6
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Ogneva IV, Golubkova MA, Biryukov NS, Kotov OV. Drosophila melanogaster Oocytes after Space Flight: The Early Period of Adaptation to the Force of Gravity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233871. [PMID: 36497128 PMCID: PMC9736949 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of space flight factors and the subsequent adaptation to the Earth's gravity on oocytes is still poorly understood. Studies of mammalian oocytes in space present significant technical difficulties; therefore, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a convenient test subject. In this study, we analyzed the structure of the oocytes of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the maturation of which took place under space flight conditions (the "Cytomehanarium" experiment on the Russian Segment of the ISS during the ISS-67 expedition). The collection of the oocytes began immediately after landing and continued for 12 h. The flies were then transferred onto fresh agar plates and oocyte collection continued for the subsequent 12 h. The stiffness of oocytes was determined by atomic force microscopy and the content of the cytoskeletal proteins by Western blotting. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the stiffness of oocytes in the flight group compared to the control (26.5 ± 1.1 pN/nm vs. 31.0 ± 1.8 pN/nm) against the background of a decrease in the content of some cytoskeletal proteins involved in the formation of microtubules and microfilaments. This pattern of oocyte structure leads to the disruption of cytokinesis during the cleavage of early embryos.
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7
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Ogneva IV. Single Cell in a Gravity Field. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1601. [PMID: 36295035 PMCID: PMC9604728 DOI: 10.3390/life12101601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The exploration of deep space or other bodies of the solar system, associated with a long stay in microgravity or altered gravity, requires the development of fundamentally new methods of protecting the human body. Most of the negative changes in micro- or hypergravity occur at the cellular level; however, the mechanism of reception of the altered gravity and transduction of this signal, leading to the formation of an adaptive pattern of the cell, is still poorly understood. At the same time, most of the negative changes that occur in early embryos when the force of gravity changes almost disappear by the time the new organism is born. This review is devoted to the responses of early embryos and stem cells, as well as terminally differentiated germ cells, to changes in gravity. An attempt was made to generalize the data presented in the literature and propose a possible unified mechanism for the reception by a single cell of an increase and decrease in gravity based on various deformations of the cortical cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V Ogneva
- Cell Biophysics Laboratory, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 76a, Khoroshevskoyoe Shosse, 123007 Moscow, Russia
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8
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Simulated Microgravity Induces the Proliferative Inhibition and Morphological Changes in Porcine Granulosa Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:2210-2219. [PMID: 34940129 PMCID: PMC8929043 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts are always faced with serious health problems during prolonged spaceflights. Previous studies have shown that weightlessness significantly affects the physiological function of female astronauts, including a change in reproductive hormones and ovarian cells, such as granulosa and theca cells. However, the effects of microgravity on these cells have not been well characterized, especially in granulosa cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of simulated microgravity (SMG) on the proliferation and morphology of porcine granulosa cells (pGCs). pGC proliferation from the SMG group was inhibited, demonstrated by the reduced O.D. value and cell density in the WST-1 assay and cell number counting. SMG-induced pGCs exhibited an increased ratio of cells in the G0/G1 phase and a decreased ratio of cells in the S and G2/M phase. Western blot analysis indicated a down-regulation of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (cdk6), leading to the prevention of the G1-S transition and inducing the arrest phase. pGCs under the SMG condition showed an increase in nuclear area. This caused a reduction in nuclear shape value in pGCs under the SMG condition. SMG-induced pGCs exhibited different morphologies, including fibroblast-like shape, rhomboid shape, and pebble-like shape. These results revealed that SMG inhibited proliferation and induced morphological changes in pGCs.
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9
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Wakayama S, Ito D, Kamada Y, Shimazu T, Suzuki T, Nagamatsu A, Araki R, Ishikawa T, Kamimura S, Hirose N, Kazama K, Yang L, Inoue R, Kikuchi Y, Hayashi E, Emura R, Watanabe R, Nagatomo H, Suzuki H, Yamamori T, Tada MN, Osada I, Umehara M, Sano H, Kasahara H, Higashibata A, Yano S, Abe M, Kishigami S, Kohda T, Ooga M, Wakayama T. Evaluating the long-term effect of space radiation on the reproductive normality of mammalian sperm preserved on the International Space Station. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/24/eabg5554. [PMID: 34117068 PMCID: PMC8195474 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg5554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Space radiation may cause DNA damage to cells and concern for the inheritance of mutations in offspring after deep space exploration. However, there is no way to study the long-term effects of space radiation using biological materials. Here, we developed a method to evaluate the biological effect of space radiation and examined the reproductive potential of mouse freeze-dried spermatozoa stored on the International Space Station (ISS) for the longest period in biological research. The space radiation did not affect sperm DNA or fertility after preservation on ISS, and many genetically normal offspring were obtained without reducing the success rate compared to the ground-preserved control. The results of ground x-ray experiments showed that sperm can be stored for more than 200 years in space. These results suggest that the effect of deep space radiation on mammalian reproduction can be evaluated using spermatozoa, even without being monitored by astronauts in Gateway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.
| | - Daiyu Ito
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Yuko Kamada
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Shimazu
- Space Utilization Promotion Department, Japan Space Forum, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tomomi Suzuki
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Aiko Nagamatsu
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Ryoko Araki
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ishikawa
- Department of Accelerator and Medical Physics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kamimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Naoki Hirose
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Kousuke Kazama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Li Yang
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Rei Inoue
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kikuchi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Erika Hayashi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Rina Emura
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Ren Watanabe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagatomo
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Hiromi Suzuki
- Space Utilization Promotion Department, Japan Space Forum, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Tohru Yamamori
- Space Utilization Promotion Department, Japan Space Forum, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Motoki N Tada
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Ikuko Osada
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Masumi Umehara
- Advanced Engineering Services Co. Ltd, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0032, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sano
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Haruo Kasahara
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | | | - Sachiko Yano
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masumi Abe
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ooga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
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10
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Ogneva IV, Usik MA. Mitochondrial Respiration in Drosophila Ovaries after a Full Cycle of Oogenesis under Simulated Microgravity. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:176-186. [PMID: 34067415 PMCID: PMC8929054 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of the function of the female reproductive system in zero gravity are urgent for the future exploration of deep space. Female reproductive cells, oocytes, are rich in mitochondria, which allow oocytes to produce embryos. The rate of cellular respiration was determined to assess the functional state of the mitochondrial apparatus in Drosophila melanogaster ovaries in which the full cycle of oogenesis took place under simulated microgravity. Since cellular respiration depends on the state of the cytoskeleton, the contents of the main cytoskeletal proteins were determined by Western blotting. To modulate the structure of the cytoskeleton, essential phospholipids were administered per os at a dosage of 500 mg/kg in medium. The results of this study show that after a full cycle of oogenesis under simulated microgravity, the rate of cellular respiration in the fruit fly ovaries increases, apparently due to complex II of the respiratory chain. At the same time, we did not find any changes in the area of oocytes or in the content of proteins in the respiratory chain. However, changes were found in the relative contents of proteins of the actin cytoskeleton. There were no changes of essential phospholipids and no increase in the rate of cellular respiration of the ovaries after exposure to simulated microgravity. However, in the control, the administration of essential phospholipids led to a decrease in the efficiency of oxygen consumption in the flies’ ovaries due to complexes IV–V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Ogneva
- Cell Biophysics Laboratory, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 76a, Khoroshevskoyoe Shosse, 123007 Moscow, Russia;
- Medical and Biological Physics Department, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(499)-195-63-98; Fax: +7-(499)-195-22-53
| | - Maria A. Usik
- Cell Biophysics Laboratory, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 76a, Khoroshevskoyoe Shosse, 123007 Moscow, Russia;
- Medical and Biological Physics Department, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Abstract
Extended travel in deep space poses potential hazards to the reproductive function of female and male astronauts, including exposure to cosmic radiation, microgravity, increased gravity (hypergravity), psychological stress, physical stress and circadian rhythm disruptions. This Review focuses on the effects of microgravity, hypergravity and cosmic radiation. Cosmic radiation contains protons, helium nuclei and high charge and energy (HZE) particles. Studies performed on Earth in which rodents were exposed to experimentally generated HZE particles have demonstrated a high sensitivity of ovarian follicles and spermatogenic cells to HZE particles. Exposure to microgravity during space flight and to simulated microgravity on Earth disrupts spermatogenesis and testicular testosterone synthesis in rodents, whereas the male reproductive system seems to adapt to exposure to moderate hypergravity. A few studies have investigated the effects of microgravity on female reproduction, with findings of disrupted oestrous cycling and in vitro follicle development being cause for concern. Many remaining data gaps need to be addressed, including the effects of microgravity, hypergravity and space radiation on the male and female reproductive tracts, hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of reproduction and prenatal development of the reproductive system as well as the combined effects of the multiple reproductive hazards encountered in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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12
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Zhang S, Wu Y, Weng Y, Xu Z, Chen W, Zheng D, Lin W, Liu J, Zhou Y. In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29286463 PMCID: PMC5755603 DOI: 10.3791/55641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
14 day-old mouse ovarian tissue and preantral follicles isolated from same-aged mice were incubated in a simulated microgravity culture system. We quantitatively assessed follicle survival, measured follicle and oocyte diameters, and examined ultrastructure of the oocytes produced from the system. We observed decreased follicle survival, downregulation of expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and growth differentiation factor 9, as indicators for the development of granulosa cells and oocytes, respectively, and oocyte ultrastructural abnormalities under the simulated microgravity condition. The simulated microgravity experimental setup needs to be optimized to provide a model for investigation of the mechanisms involved in the oocyte/follicle in vitro development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
| | - Yonggen Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
| | - Yimin Weng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
| | - Zhihui Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
| | - Wenmin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
| | - Dahan Zheng
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University
| | - Wei Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University
| | - Jun Liu
- Stem Cells and Genetic Engineering Group, AgriBioscience Research Centre, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources;
| | - Ying Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Department of Histology and Embryology, Wenzhou Medical University;
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13
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Wakayama S, Kamada Y, Yamanaka K, Kohda T, Suzuki H, Shimazu T, Tada MN, Osada I, Nagamatsu A, Kamimura S, Nagatomo H, Mizutani E, Ishino F, Yano S, Wakayama T. Healthy offspring from freeze-dried mouse spermatozoa held on the International Space Station for 9 months. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:5988-5993. [PMID: 28533361 PMCID: PMC5468614 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1701425114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
If humans ever start to live permanently in space, assisted reproductive technology using preserved spermatozoa will be important for producing offspring; however, radiation on the International Space Station (ISS) is more than 100 times stronger than that on Earth, and irradiation causes DNA damage in cells and gametes. Here we examined the effect of space radiation on freeze-dried mouse spermatozoa held on the ISS for 9 mo at -95 °C, with launch and recovery at room temperature. DNA damage to the spermatozoa and male pronuclei was slightly increased, but the fertilization and birth rates were similar to those of controls. Next-generation sequencing showed only minor genomic differences between offspring derived from space-preserved spermatozoa and controls, and all offspring grew to adulthood and had normal fertility. Thus, we demonstrate that although space radiation can damage sperm DNA, it does not affect the production of viable offspring after at least 9 mo of storage on the ISS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan;
| | - Yuko Kamada
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Kaori Yamanaka
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohda
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hiromi Suzuki
- Department of Science and Applications, Japan Space Forum, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Toru Shimazu
- Department of Science and Applications, Japan Space Forum, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Motoki N Tada
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Ikuko Osada
- Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | - Aiko Nagamatsu
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kamimura
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagatomo
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
- Center of Community Promotion Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Eiji Mizutani
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Sachiko Yano
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-8505, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan;
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
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14
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Schuster H, Peck SL. Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kid: ethical implications of pregnancy on missions to colonize other planets. LIFE SCIENCES, SOCIETY AND POLICY 2016; 12:10. [PMID: 27558392 PMCID: PMC4996799 DOI: 10.1186/s40504-016-0043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The colonization of a new planet will inevitably bring about new bioethical issues. One is the possibility of pregnancy during the mission. During the journey to the target planet or moon, and for the first couple of years before a colony has been established and the colony has been accommodated for children, a pregnancy would jeopardize the safety of the crew and the wellbeing of the child. The principal concern with a pregnancy during an interplanetary mission is that it could put the entire crew in danger. Resources such as air, food, and medical supplies will be limited and calculated to keep the crew members alive. We explore the bioethical concerns of near-future space travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Schuster
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Steven L Peck
- Biology Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
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