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Abstract
Exploring space is one of the most attractive goals that humanity ever set, notwithstanding, there are some psychological and psychopathological risks that should be considered. Several studies identified some possible hazards of space travels and related physical and psychological consequences on astronauts. If some psychological reactions are obviously inherent to the characteristics of the spaceships (habitability, confinement, psychological, and interpersonal relationships), other (disturbances of sleep-wake cycle, personality changes, depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosomatic symptoms, neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function, and sensory perception) represent a clear warning of possible central nervous system (CNS) alterations, possibly due to microgravity and cosmic radiation. Such conditions and eventual CNS changes might compromise the success of missions and the ability to cope with unexpected events and may lead to individual and long-term impairments. Therefore, further studies are needed, perhaps, requiring the birth of a novel branch of psychology/psychiatry that should not only consider the risks related to space exploration, but the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent them.
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2
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Desai RI, Limoli CL, Stark CEL, Stark SM. Impact of spaceflight stressors on behavior and cognition: A molecular, neurochemical, and neurobiological perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104676. [PMID: 35461987 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The response of the human body to multiple spaceflight stressors is complex, but mounting evidence implicate risks to CNS functionality as significant, able to threaten metrics of mission success and longer-term behavioral and neurocognitive health. Prolonged exposure to microgravity, sleep disruption, social isolation, fluid shifts, and ionizing radiation have been shown to disrupt mechanisms of homeostasis and neurobiological well-being. The overarching goal of this review is to document the existing evidence of how the major spaceflight stressors, including radiation, microgravity, isolation/confinement, and sleep deprivation, alone or in combination alter molecular, neurochemical, neurobiological, and plasma metabolite/lipid signatures that may be linked to operationally-relevant behavioral and cognitive performance. While certain brain region-specific and/or systemic alterations titrated in part with neurobiological outcome, variations across model systems, study design, and the conspicuous absence of targeted studies implementing combinations of spaceflight stressors, confounded the identification of specific signatures having direct relevance to human activities in space. Summaries are provided for formulating new research directives and more predictive readouts of portending change in neurobiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev I Desai
- Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Behavioral Biology Program, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Medical Sciences I, B146B, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology of Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology of Behavior, University of California Irvine, 1400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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3
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Schaeffer EA, Blackwell AA, Oltmanns JRO, Einhaus R, Lake R, Hein CP, Baulch JE, Limoli CL, Ton ST, Kartje GL, Wallace DG. Differential organization of open field behavior in mice following acute or chronic simulated GCR exposure. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113577. [PMID: 34506841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Astronauts undertaking deep space travel will receive chronic exposure to the mixed spectrum of particles that comprise Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR). Exposure to the different charged particles of varied fluence and energy that characterize GCR may impact neural systems that support performance on mission critical tasks. Indeed, growing evidence derived from years of terrestrial-based simulations of the space radiation environment using rodents has indicated that a variety of exposure scenarios can result in significant and long-lasting decrements to CNS functionality. Many of the behavioral tasks used to quantify radiation effects on the CNS depend on neural systems that support maintaining spatial orientation and organization of rodent open field behavior. The current study examined the effects of acute or chronic exposure to simulated GCR on the organization of open field behavior under conditions with varied access to environmental cues in male and female C57BL/6 J mice. In general, groups exhibited similar organization of open field behavior under dark and light conditions. Two exceptions were noted: the acute exposure group exhibited significantly slower and more circuitous homeward progressions relative to the chronic group under light conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of open field behavior organization to discriminate between the effects of select GCR exposure paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Schaeffer
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - A A Blackwell
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | | | - R Einhaus
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - R Lake
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - C Piwowar Hein
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - J E Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - C L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - S T Ton
- Loyola University Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA; Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Research Service, Hines, IL, USA
| | - G L Kartje
- Loyola University Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA; Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Research Service, Hines, IL, USA
| | - D G Wallace
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
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4
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Long-Term Sex- and Genotype-Specific Effects of 56Fe Irradiation on Wild-Type and APPswe/PS1dE9 Transgenic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413305. [PMID: 34948098 PMCID: PMC8703695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Space radiation presents a substantial threat to travel beyond Earth. Relatively low doses of high-energy particle radiation cause physiological and behavioral impairments in rodents and may pose risks to human spaceflight. There is evidence that 56Fe irradiation, a significant component of space radiation, may be more harmful to males than to females and worsen Alzheimer's disease pathology in genetically vulnerable models. Yet, research on the long-term, sex- and genotype-specific effects of 56Fe irradiation is lacking. Here, we irradiated 4-month-old male and female, wild-type and Alzheimer's-like APP/PS1 mice with 0, 0.10, or 0.50 Gy of 56Fe ions (1GeV/u). Mice underwent microPET scans before and 7.5 months after irradiation, a battery of behavioral tests at 11 months of age and were sacrificed for pathological and biochemical analyses at 12 months of age. 56Fe irradiation worsened amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology, gliosis, neuroinflammation and spatial memory, but improved motor coordination, in male transgenic mice and worsened fear memory in wild-type males. Although sham-irradiated female APP/PS1 mice had more cerebral Aβ and gliosis than sham-irradiated male transgenics, female mice of both genotypes were relatively spared from radiation effects 8 months later. These results provide evidence for sex-specific, long-term CNS effects of space radiation.
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5
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Strigari L, Strolin S, Morganti AG, Bartoloni A. Dose-Effects Models for Space Radiobiology: An Overview on Dose-Effect Relationships. Front Public Health 2021; 9:733337. [PMID: 34820349 PMCID: PMC8606590 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.733337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Space radiobiology is an interdisciplinary science that examines the biological effects of ionizing radiation on humans involved in aerospace missions. The dose-effect models are one of the relevant topics of space radiobiology. Their knowledge is crucial for optimizing radioprotection strategies (e.g., spaceship and lunar space station-shielding and lunar/Mars village design), the risk assessment of the health hazard related to human space exploration, and reducing damages induced to astronauts from galactic cosmic radiation. Dose-effect relationships describe the observed damages to normal tissues or cancer induction during and after space flights. They are developed for the various dose ranges and radiation qualities characterizing the actual and the forecast space missions [International Space Station (ISS) and solar system exploration]. Based on a Pubmed search including 53 papers reporting the collected dose-effect relationships after space missions or in ground simulations, 7 significant dose-effect relationships (e.g., eye flashes, cataract, central nervous systems, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chromosomal aberrations, and biomarkers) have been identified. For each considered effect, the absorbed dose thresholds and the uncertainties/limitations of the developed relationships are summarized and discussed. The current knowledge on this topic can benefit from further in vitro and in vivo radiobiological studies, an accurate characterization of the quality of space radiation, and the numerous experimental dose-effects data derived from the experience in the clinical use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic or treatments with doses similar to those foreseen for the future space missions. The growing number of pooled studies could improve the prediction ability of dose-effect relationships for space exposure and reduce their uncertainty level. Novel research in the field is of paramount importance to reduce damages to astronauts from cosmic radiation before Beyond Low Earth Orbit exploration in the next future. The study aims at providing an overview of the published dose-effect relationships and illustrates novel perspectives to inspire future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Strigari
- Department of Medical Physics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Strolin
- Department of Medical Physics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Giuseppe Morganti
- Radiation Oncology Center, School of Medicine, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Arone A, Ivaldi T, Loganovsky K, Palermo S, Parra E, Flamini W, Marazziti D. The Burden of Space Exploration on the Mental Health of Astronauts: A Narrative Review. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:237-246. [PMID: 34984067 PMCID: PMC8696290 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Space travel, a topic of global interest, has always been a fascinating matter, as its potential appears to be infinite. The development of advanced technologies has made it possible to achieve objectives previously considered dreams and to widen more and more the limits that the human species can overcome. The dangers that astronauts may face are not minimal, and the impacts on physical and mental health may be significant. Specifically, symptoms of emotional dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, disruption of sleep-wake rhythms, visual phenomena and significant changes in body weight, along with morphological brain changes, are some of the most frequently reported occurrences during space missions. Given the renewed interest and investment on space explorations, the aim of this paper was thus to summarize the evidence of the currently available literature, and to offer an overview of the factors that might impair the psychological well-being and mental health of astronauts. To achieve the goal of this paper, the authors accessed some of the main databases of scientific literature and collected evidence from articles that successfully fulfilled the purpose of this work. The results of this review demonstrated how the psychological and psychiatric problems occurring during space missions are manifold and related to a multiplicity of variables, thus requiring further attention from the scientific community as new challenges lie ahead, and prevention of mental health of space travelers should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tea Ivaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Konstantin Loganovsky
- Department of Radiation Psychoneurology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, State Institution “National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Parra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Walter Flamini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Medical and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
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Matar M, Gokoglu SA, Prelich MT, Gallo CA, Iqbal AK, Britten RA, Prabhu RK, Myers JG. Machine Learning Models to Predict Cognitive Impairment of Rodents Subjected to Space Radiation. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:713131. [PMID: 34588962 PMCID: PMC8473791 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.713131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This research uses machine-learned computational analyses to predict the cognitive performance impairment of rats induced by irradiation. The experimental data in the analyses is from a rodent model exposed to ≤15 cGy of individual galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) ions: 4He, 16O, 28Si, 48Ti, or 56Fe, expected for a Lunar or Mars mission. This work investigates rats at a subject-based level and uses performance scores taken before irradiation to predict impairment in attentional set-shifting (ATSET) data post-irradiation. Here, the worst performing rats of the control group define the impairment thresholds based on population analyses via cumulative distribution functions, leading to the labeling of impairment for each subject. A significant finding is the exhibition of a dose-dependent increasing probability of impairment for 1 to 10 cGy of 28Si or 56Fe in the simple discrimination (SD) stage of the ATSET, and for 1 to 10 cGy of 56Fe in the compound discrimination (CD) stage. On a subject-based level, implementing machine learning (ML) classifiers such as the Gaussian naïve Bayes, support vector machine, and artificial neural networks identifies rats that have a higher tendency for impairment after GCR exposure. The algorithms employ the experimental prescreen performance scores as multidimensional input features to predict each rodent's susceptibility to cognitive impairment due to space radiation exposure. The receiver operating characteristic and the precision-recall curves of the ML models show a better prediction of impairment when 56Fe is the ion in question in both SD and CD stages. They, however, do not depict impairment due to 4He in SD and 28Si in CD, suggesting no dose-dependent impairment response in these cases. One key finding of our study is that prescreen performance scores can be used to predict the ATSET performance impairments. This result is significant to crewed space missions as it supports the potential of predicting an astronaut's impairment in a specific task before spaceflight through the implementation of appropriately trained ML tools. Future research can focus on constructing ML ensemble methods to integrate the findings from the methodologies implemented in this study for more robust predictions of cognitive decrements due to space radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Matar
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | | | | | - Asad K. Iqbal
- ZIN Technologies, Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Richard A. Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - R. K. Prabhu
- Universities Space Research Association, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jerry G. Myers
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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8
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Desai RI, Kangas BD, Limoli CL. Nonhuman primate models in the study of spaceflight stressors: Past contributions and future directions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2021; 30:9-23. [PMID: 34281669 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies in rodents suggest that exposure to distinct spaceflight stressors (e.g., space radiation, isolation/confinement, microgravity) may have a profound impact on an astronaut's ability to perform both simple and complex tasks related to neurocognitive performance, central nervous system (CNS) and vestibular/sensorimotor function. However, limited information is currently available on how combined exposure to the spaceflight stressors will impact CNS-related neurocognitive and neurobiological function in-flight and, as well, terrestrial risk of manifesting neurodegenerative conditions when astronauts return to earth. This information gap has significantly hindered our ability to realistically estimate spaceflight hazard risk to the CNS associated with deep space exploration. Notwithstanding a significant body of work with rodents, there have been very few direct investigations of the impact of these spaceflight stressors in combination and, to our knowledge, no such investigations using nonhuman primate (NHP) animal models. In view of the widely-recognized translational value of NHP data in advancing biomedical discoveries, this research deficiency limits our understanding regarding the impact of individual and combined spaceflight stressors on CNS-related neurobiological function. In this review, we address this knowledge gap by conducting a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of existing research on the impact of exposure to spaceflight stressors on NHP CNS-related function. This review is structured to: a) provide an overarching view of the past contributions of NHPs to spaceflight research as well as the strengths, limitations, and translational value of NHP research in its own right and within the existing context of NASA-relevant rodent research; b) highlight specific conclusions based on the published literature and areas needed for future endeavors; c) describe critical research gaps and priorities in NHP research to facilitate NASA's efforts to bridge the key knowledge gaps that currently exist in translating rodent data to humans; and d) provide a roadmap of recommendations for NASA regarding the availability, validity, strengths, and limitations of various NHP models for future targeted research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev I Desai
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Brian D Kangas
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Britten RA, Wellman LL, Sanford LD. Progressive increase in the complexity and translatability of rodent testing to assess space-radiation induced cognitive impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:159-174. [PMID: 33766676 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ground-based rodent models have established that space radiation doses (approximately those that astronauts will be exposed to on a mission to Mars) significantly impair performance in a wide range of cognitive tasks. Over the last 40 years there has been a progressive increase in both the complexity and the translatability (to humans) of the cognitive tasks investigated. This review outlines technical and conceptual advances in space radiation rodent testing approaches, along with the advances in analytical approaches, that will make data from ground based studies more amenable to probabilistic risk analysis. While great progress has been made in determining the impact of space radiation on many advanced cognitive processes, challenges remain that need to be addressed prior to commencing deep space missions. A summary of on-going attempts to address existing knowledge gaps and the critical role that rodent studies will have in establishing the impact of space radiation on even more complex (human) cognitive tasks are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Leroy T Canoles Jr. Cancer Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA.
| | - Laurie L Wellman
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA; Department of Pathology & Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
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10
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Davis CM, Allen AR, Bowles DE. Consequences of space radiation on the brain and cardiovascular system. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:180-218. [PMID: 33902387 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1891825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Staying longer in outer space will inevitably increase the health risks of astronauts due to the exposures to galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. Exposure may pose a significant hazard to space flight crews not only during the mission but also later, when slow-developing adverse effects could finally become apparent. The body of literature examining ground-based outcomes in response to high-energy charged-particle radiation suggests differential effects in response to different particles and energies. Numerous animal and cellular models have repeatedly demonstrated the negative effects of high-energy charged-particle on the brain and cognitive function. However, research on the role of space radiation in potentiating cardiovascular dysfunction is still in its early stages. This review summarizes the available data from studies using ground-based animal models to evaluate the response of the brain and heart to the high-energy charged particles of GCR and SPE, addresses potential sex differences in these effects, and aims to highlight gaps in the current literature for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dawn E Bowles
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Romanella SM, Sprugnoli G, Ruffini G, Seyedmadani K, Rossi S, Santarnecchi E. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation & Space Exploration: Opportunities and Challenges. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:294-319. [PMID: 32937115 PMCID: PMC8361862 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
As NASA prepares for longer space missions aiming for the Moon and Mars, astronauts' health and performance are becoming a central concern due to the threats associated with galactic cosmic radiation, unnatural gravity fields, and life in extreme environments. In space, the human brain undergoes functional and structural changes related to fluid shift and changes in intracranial pressure. Behavioral abnormalities, such as cognitive deficits, sleep disruption, and visuomotor difficulties, as well as psychological effects, are also an issue. We discuss opportunities and challenges of noninvasive brain stimulation (NiBS) methods - including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) - to support space exploration in several ways. NiBS includes safe and portable techniques already applied in a wide range of cognitive and motor domains, as well as therapeutically. NiBS could be used to enhance in-flight performance, supporting astronauts during pre-flight Earth-based training, as well as to identify biomarkers of post-flight brain changes for optimization of rehabilitation/compensatory strategies. We review these NiBS techniques and their effects on brain physiology, psychology, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Romanella
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy
| | - G Sprugnoli
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Radiology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - G Ruffini
- Neuroelectrics Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - K Seyedmadani
- University Space Research Association NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA; Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - S Rossi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy; Human Physiology Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - E Santarnecchi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy; Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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12
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Collett G, Craenen K, Young W, Gilhooly M, Anderson RM. The psychological consequences of (perceived) ionizing radiation exposure: a review on its role in radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 96:1104-1118. [PMID: 32716221 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1793017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exposure to ionizing radiation following environmental contamination (e.g., the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents), radiotherapy and diagnostics, occupational roles and space travel has been identified as a possible risk-factor for cognitive dysfunction. The deleterious effects of high doses (≥1.0 Gy) on cognitive functioning are fairly well-understood, while the consequences of low (≤0.1 Gy) and moderate doses (0.1-1.0 Gy) have been receiving more research interest over the past decade. In addition to any impact of actual exposure on cognitive functioning, the persistent psychological stress arising from perceived exposure, particularly following nuclear accidents, may itself impact cognitive functioning. In this review we offer a novel interdisciplinary stance on the cognitive impact of radiation exposure, considering psychological and epidemiological observations of different exposure scenarios such as atomic bombings, nuclear accidents, occupational and medical exposures while accounting for differences in dose, rate of exposure and exposure type. The purpose is to address the question that perceived radiation exposure - even where the actual absorbed dose is 0.0 Gy above background dose - can result in psychological stress, which could in turn lead to cognitive dysfunction. In addition, we highlight the interplay between the mechanisms of perceived exposure (i.e., stress) and actual exposure (i.e., radiation-induced cellular damage), in the generation of radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction. In all, we offer a comprehensive and objective review addressing the potential for cognitive defects in the context of low- and moderate-dose IR exposures. CONCLUSIONS Overall the evidence shows prenatal exposure to low and moderate doses to be detrimental to brain development and subsequent cognitive functioning, however the evidence for adolescent and adult low- and moderate-dose exposure remains uncertain. The persistent psychological stress following accidental exposure to low-doses in adulthood may pose a greater threat to our cognitive functioning. Indeed, the psychological implications for instructed cohorts (e.g., astronauts and radiotherapy patients) is less clear and warrants further investigation. Nonetheless, the psychosocial consequences of low- and moderate-dose exposure must be carefully considered when evaluating radiation effects on cognitive functioning, and to avoid unnecessary harm when planning public health response strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Collett
- Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Kai Craenen
- Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - William Young
- Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Mary Gilhooly
- Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Rhona M Anderson
- Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
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13
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Shaler T, Lin H, Bakke J, Chen S, Grover A, Chang P. Particle radiation-induced dysregulation of protein homeostasis in primary human and mouse neuronal cells. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 25:9-17. [PMID: 32414496 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Space particle radiations may cause significant damage to proteins and oxidative stress in the cells within the central nervous system and pose a potential health hazard to humans in long-term manned space explorations. Dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system as evidenced by abnormal accumulation of polyubiquitin (pUb) chain linkages has been implicated in several age-related neurodegenerative disorders by mechanisms that may involve the inter-neuronal spread of toxic misfolded proteins, the induction of chronic neuroinflammation, or the inappropriate inhibition or activation of key enzymes, which could lead to dysfunction in, for example, proteolysis, or the accumulation of post-translationally-modified substrates.In this study, we employed a quantitative proteomics method to evaluate the impact of particle-radiation induced alterations in three major pUb-linked chains at lysine residues Lys-48 (K-48), Lys-63 (K-63), and Lys-11 (K-11), and probed for global proteomic changes in mouse and human neural cells that were irradiated with low doses of 250 MeV proton, 260 MeV/u silicon or 1 GeV/u iron ions. We found significant accumulation in K-48 linkage after 1 Gy protons and K-63 linkage after 0.5 Gy iron ions in human neural cells. Cells derived from different regions of the mouse brain (cortex, striatum and mesencephalon) showed differential sensitivity to particle radiation exposure. Although none of the linkages were altered after proton exposure, both K-48 and K-63 linkages in mouse striatal neuronal cells were elevated after 0.5 Gy of silicon or iron ions. Changes were also seen in proteins commonly used as markers of neural progenitor and stem cells, in DNA binding/damage repair and cellular redox pathways. In contrast, no significant changes were observed at the same time point after proton irradiation. These results suggest that the quality of the particle radiation plays a key role in the level, linkage and cell type specificity of protein homeostasis in key populations of neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Shaler
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Hua Lin
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - James Bakke
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Sophia Chen
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Amber Grover
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
| | - Polly Chang
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States.
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14
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Cucinotta FA, Cacao E. Predictions of cognitive detriments from galactic cosmic ray exposures to astronauts on exploration missions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 25:129-135. [PMID: 32414486 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
For the first-time we report on predictions on cognitive detriments from galactic cosmic ray (GCR) exposures on long-duration space missions outside the protection of the Earth's magnetosphere and solid body shielding. Estimates are based on a relative risk (RR) model of the fluence response for proton and heavy ion in rodent studies using the widely used novel object recognition (NOR) test, which estimates detriments in recognition or object memory. Our recent meta-analysis showed that linear and linear-quadratic dose response models were not accurate, while exponential increasing fluence response models based on particle track structure provided good descriptions of rodent data for doses up to 1 Gy. Using detailed models of the GCR environment and particle transport in shielding and tissue, we predict the excess relative risk (ERR) for NOR detriments for several long-term space mission scenarios. Predictions suggest ERR < 0.15 for most space mission scenarios with ERR<0.1 for 1-year lunar surface missions, and about ERR~0.1 for a 1000 day Mars mission for average solar cycle conditions. We discuss possible implications of these ERR levels of cognitive performance detriments relative to other neurological challenges such as rodent models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Comparisons suggest a small but potentially clinically significant risk for possible space mission scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis A Cucinotta
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada, Box 453037, Las Vegas, NV 89195-3037, United States.
| | - Eliedonna Cacao
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada, Box 453037, Las Vegas, NV 89195-3037, United States
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15
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Chew MT, Nisbet A, Jones B, Suzuki M, Matsufuji N, Murakami T, Bradley DA. Ion beams for space radiation radiobiological effect studies. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2019.108373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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16
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Kokhan VS, Anokhin PK, Belov OV, Gulyaev MV. Cortical Glutamate/GABA Imbalance after Combined Radiation Exposure: Relevance to Human Deep-Space Missions. Neuroscience 2019; 416:295-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Kiffer F, Boerma M, Allen A. Behavioral effects of space radiation: A comprehensive review of animal studies. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2019; 21:1-21. [PMID: 31101151 PMCID: PMC7150604 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
As NASA prepares for the first manned mission to Mars in the next 20 years, close attention has been placed on the cognitive welfare of astronauts, who will likely endure extended durations in confinement and microgravity and be subjected to the radioactive charged particles travelling at relativistic speeds in interplanetary space. The future of long-duration manned spaceflight, thus, depends on understanding the individual hazards associated with the environment beyond Earth's protective magnetosphere. Ground-based single-particle studies of exposed mice and rats have, in the last 30 years, overwhelmingly reported deficits in their cognitive behaviors. However, as particle-accelerator technologies at NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory continue to progress, more realistic representations of space radiation are materializing, including multiple-particle exposures and, eventually, at multiple energy distributions. These advancements help determine how to best mitigate possible hazards due to space radiation. However, risk models will depend on delineating which particles are most responsible for specific behavioral outcomes and whether multiple-particle exposures produce synergistic effects. Here, we review the literature on animal exposures by particle, energy, and behavioral assay to inform future mixed-field radiation studies of possible behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Kiffer
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Antiño Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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18
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Jewell JS, Duncan VD, Fesshaye A, Tondin A, Macadat E, Britten RA. Exposure to ≤15 cGy of 600 MeV/n 56Fe Particles Impairs Rule Acquisition but not Long-Term Memory in the Attentional Set-Shifting Assay. Radiat Res 2018; 190:565-575. [DOI: 10.1667/rr15085.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Jewell
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Vania D. Duncan
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Arriyam Fesshaye
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Abigail Tondin
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Evangeline Macadat
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Richard A. Britten
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
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19
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Dickstein DL, Talty R, Bresnahan E, Varghese M, Perry B, Janssen WGM, Sowa A, Giedzinski E, Apodaca L, Baulch J, Acharya M, Parihar V, Limoli CL. Alterations in synaptic density and myelination in response to exposure to high-energy charged particles. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:2845-2855. [PMID: 30198564 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High-energy charged particles are considered particularly hazardous components of the space radiation environment. Such particles include fully ionized energetic nuclei of helium, silicon, and oxygen, among others. Exposure to charged particles causes reactive oxygen species production, which has been shown to result in neuronal dysfunction and myelin degeneration. Here we demonstrate that mice exposed to high-energy charged particles exhibited alterations in dendritic spine density in the hippocampus, with a significant decrease of thin spines in mice exposed to helium, oxygen, and silicon, compared to sham-irradiated controls. Electron microscopy confirmed these findings and revealed a significant decrease in overall synapse density and in nonperforated synapse density, with helium and silicon exhibiting more detrimental effects than oxygen. Degeneration of myelin was also evident in exposed mice with significant changes in the percentage of myelinated axons and g-ratios. Our data demonstrate that exposure to all types of high-energy charged particles have a detrimental effect, with helium and silicon having more synaptotoxic effects than oxygen. These results have important implications for the integrity of the central nervous system and the cognitive health of astronauts after prolonged periods of space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dara L Dickstein
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.,Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ronan Talty
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Erin Bresnahan
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Merina Varghese
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Bayley Perry
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William G M Janssen
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Allison Sowa
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Erich Giedzinski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Lauren Apodaca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Janet Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Munjal Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Vipan Parihar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
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20
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Whole-Body 12C Irradiation Transiently Decreases Mouse Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus Proliferation and Immature Neuron Number, but Does Not Change New Neuron Survival Rate. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103078. [PMID: 30304778 PMCID: PMC6213859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
High-charge and -energy (HZE) particles comprise space radiation and they pose a challenge to astronauts on deep space missions. While exposure to most HZE particles decreases neurogenesis in the hippocampus—a brain structure important in memory—prior work suggests that 12C does not. However, much about 12C’s influence on neurogenesis remains unknown, including the time course of its impact on neurogenesis. To address this knowledge gap, male mice (9–11 weeks of age) were exposed to whole-body 12C irradiation 100 cGy (IRR; 1000 MeV/n; 8 kEV/µm) or Sham treatment. To birthdate dividing cells, mice received BrdU i.p. 22 h post-irradiation and brains were harvested 2 h (Short-Term) or three months (Long-Term) later for stereological analysis indices of dentate gyrus neurogenesis. For the Short-Term time point, IRR mice had fewer Ki67, BrdU, and doublecortin (DCX) immunoreactive (+) cells versus Sham mice, indicating decreased proliferation (Ki67, BrdU) and immature neurons (DCX). For the Long-Term time point, IRR and Sham mice had similar Ki67+ and DCX+ cell numbers, suggesting restoration of proliferation and immature neurons 3 months post-12C irradiation. IRR mice had fewer surviving BrdU+ cells versus Sham mice, suggesting decreased cell survival, but there was no difference in BrdU+ cell survival rate when compared within treatment and across time point. These data underscore the ability of neurogenesis in the mouse brain to recover from the detrimental effect of 12C exposure.
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21
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Parihar VK, Maroso M, Syage A, Allen BD, Angulo MC, Soltesz I, Limoli CL. Persistent nature of alterations in cognition and neuronal circuit excitability after exposure to simulated cosmic radiation in mice. Exp Neurol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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22
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Alp M, Cucinotta FA. Biophysics Model of Heavy-Ion Degradation of Neuron Morphology in Mouse Hippocampal Granular Cell Layer Neurons. Radiat Res 2018; 189:312-325. [PMID: 29502499 PMCID: PMC5872156 DOI: 10.1667/rr14923.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy-ion radiation during cancer treatment or space travel may cause cognitive detriments that have been associated with changes in neuron morphology and plasticity. Observations in mice of reduced neuronal dendritic complexity have revealed a dependence on radiation quality and absorbed dose, suggesting that microscopic energy deposition plays an important role. In this work we used morphological data for mouse dentate granular cell layer (GCL) neurons and a stochastic model of particle track structure and microscopic energy deposition (ED) to develop a predictive model of high-charge and energy (HZE) particle-induced morphological changes to the complex structures of dendritic arbors. We represented dendrites as cylindrical segments of varying diameter with unit aspect ratios, and developed a fast sampling method to consider the stochastic distribution of ED by δ rays (secondary electrons) around the path of heavy ions, to reduce computational times. We introduce probabilistic models with a small number of parameters to describe the induction of precursor lesions that precede dendritic snipping, denoted as snip sites. Predictions for oxygen (16O, 600 MeV/n) and titanium (48Ti, 600 MeV/n) particles with LET of 16.3 and 129 keV/μm, respectively, are considered. Morphometric parameters to quantify changes in neuron morphology are described, including reduction in total dendritic length, number of branch points and branch numbers. Sholl analysis is applied for single neurons to elucidate dose-dependent reductions in dendritic complexity. We predict important differences in measurements from imaging of tissues from brain slices with single neuron cell observations due to the role of neuron death through both soma apoptosis and excessive dendritic length reduction. To further elucidate the role of track structure, random segment excision (snips) models are introduced and a sensitivity study of the effects of the modes of neuron death in predictions of morphometric parameters is described. An important conclusion of this study is that δ rays play a major role in neuron morphological changes due to the large spatial distribution of damage sites, which results in a reduced dependence on LET, including modest difference between 16O and 48Ti, compared to damages resulting from ED in localized damage sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Alp
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Francis A. Cucinotta
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
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23
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Britten RA, Jewell JS, Duncan VD, Hadley MM, Macadat E, Musto AE, Tessa CL. Impaired Attentional Set-Shifting Performance after Exposure to 5 cGy of 600 MeV/n28Si Particles. Radiat Res 2018; 189:273-282. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14627.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Britten
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
- Leroy T Canoles Jr. Cancer Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Jessica S. Jewell
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Vania D. Duncan
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Melissa M. Hadley
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Evangeline Macadat
- Department of a Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Alberto E. Musto
- Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
| | - Chiara La Tessa
- NSRL Brookhaven National Laboratories, Upton, New York 11973
- University of Trento, Povo Trento 38122, Italy
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24
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Mange A, Cao Y, Zhang S, Hienz RD, Davis CM. Whole-Body Oxygen (16O) Ion-Exposure-Induced Impairments in Social Odor Recognition Memory in Rats are Dose and Time Dependent. Radiat Res 2018; 189:292-299. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14849.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ami Mange
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuqing Cao
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Sandy Spring Friends School, Sandy Spring, Maryland
| | - SiYuan Zhang
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Sandy Spring Friends School, Sandy Spring, Maryland
| | - Robert D. Hienz
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Institutes for Behavior Resources, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Catherine M. Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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25
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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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26
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Sasi SP, Yan X, Zuriaga-Herrero M, Gee H, Lee J, Mehrzad R, Song J, Onufrak J, Morgan J, Enderling H, Walsh K, Kishore R, Goukassian DA. Different Sequences of Fractionated Low-Dose Proton and Single Iron-Radiation-Induced Divergent Biological Responses in the Heart. Radiat Res 2017; 188:191-203. [PMID: 28613990 DOI: 10.1667/rr14667.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Deep-space travel presents risks of exposure to ionizing radiation composed of a spectrum of low-fluence protons (1H) and high-charge and energy (HZE) iron nuclei (e.g., 56Fe). When exposed to galactic cosmic rays, each cell in the body may be traversed by 1H every 3-4 days and HZE nuclei every 3-4 months. The effects of low-dose sequential fractionated 1H or HZE on the heart are unknown. In this animal model of simulated ionizing radiation, middle-aged (8-9 months old) male C57BL/6NT mice were exposed to radiation as follows: group 1, nonirradiated controls; group 2, three fractionated doses of 17 cGy 1H every other day (1H × 3); group 3, three fractionated doses of 17 cGy 1H every other day followed by a single low dose of 15 cGy 56Fe two days after the final 1H dose (1H × 3 + 56Fe); and group 4, a single low dose of 15 cGy 56Fe followed (after 2 days) by three fractionated doses of 17 cGy 1H every other day (56Fe + 1H × 3). A subgroup of mice from each group underwent myocardial infarction (MI) surgery at 28 days postirradiation. Cardiac structure and function were assessed in all animals at days 7, 14 and 28 after MI surgery was performed. Compared to the control animals, the treatments that groups 2 and 3 received did not induce negative effects on cardiac function or structure. However, compared to all other groups, the animals in group 4, showed depressed left ventricular (LV) functions at 1 month with concomitant enhancement in cardiac fibrosis and induction of cardiac hypertrophy signaling at 3 months. In the irradiated and MI surgery groups compared to the control group, the treatments received by groups 2 and 4 did not induce negative effects at 1 month postirradiation and MI surgery. However, in group 3 after MI surgery, there was a 24% increase in mortality, significant decreases in LV function and a 35% increase in post-infarction size. These changes were associated with significant decreases in the angiogenic and cell survival signaling pathways. These data suggest that fractionated doses of radiation induces cellular and molecular changes that result in depressed heart functions both under basal conditions and particularly after myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharath P Sasi
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xinhua Yan
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,b Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marian Zuriaga-Herrero
- f Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hannah Gee
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Juyong Lee
- c Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Raman Mehrzad
- d Steward Carney Hospital, Dorchester, Massachusetts
| | - Jin Song
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jillian Onufrak
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James Morgan
- b Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,d Steward Carney Hospital, Dorchester, Massachusetts
| | - Heiko Enderling
- e Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- f Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raj Kishore
- 7 Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David A Goukassian
- a Cardiovascular Research Center, GeneSys Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,f Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,7 Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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27
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Britten RA, Jewell JS, Duncan VD, Davis LK, Hadley MM, Wyrobek AJ. Spatial Memory Performance of Socially Mature Wistar Rats is Impaired after Exposure to Low (5 cGy) Doses of 1 GeV/n48Ti Particles. Radiat Res 2017; 187:60-65. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14550.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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28
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Cacao E, Cucinotta FA. Modeling Heavy-Ion Impairment of Hippocampal Neurogenesis after Acute and Fractionated Irradiation. Radiat Res 2016; 186:624-637. [PMID: 27925861 PMCID: PMC5545979 DOI: 10.1667/rr14569.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-induced impairment of neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus is a concern due to its reported association with cognitive detriments after radiotherapy for brain cancers and the possible risks to astronauts chronically exposed to space radiation. Here, we have extended our recent work in a mouse model of impaired neurogenesis after exposure to low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation to heavy ion irradiation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a predictive mathematical model of radiation-induced changes to neurogenesis for a variety of radiation types after acute or fractionated irradiation. We used a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to represent age, time after exposure and dose-dependent changes to several cell populations participating in neurogenesis, as reported in mouse experiments. We considered four compartments to model hippocampal neurogenesis and, consequently, the effects of radiation in altering neurogenesis: 1. neural stem cells (NSCs); 2. neuronal progenitor cells or neuroblasts (NB); 3. immature neurons (ImN); and 4. glioblasts (GB), with additional consideration of microglial activation. The model describes the negative feedback regulation on early and late neuronal proliferation after irradiation, and the dynamics of the age dependence of neurogenesis. We compared our model to experimental data for X rays, and protons, carbon and iron particles, including data for fractionated iron-particle irradiation. Heavy-ion irradiation is predicted to lead to poor recovery or no recovery from impaired neurogenesis at doses as low as 0.5 Gy in mice. This is only partially ameliorated by dose fractionation, which suggests important implications for Hardon therapy near the Bragg peak, and possibly for space radiation exposures as well. Predictions of the threshold doses where neurogenesis recovery fails for given radiation types are described, and the role of subthreshold transient impairments are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliedonna Cacao
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Francis A. Cucinotta
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Risk of defeats in the central nervous system during deep space missions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:621-632. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Lee SH, Dudok B, Parihar VK, Jung KM, Zöldi M, Kang YJ, Maroso M, Alexander AL, Nelson GA, Piomelli D, Katona I, Limoli CL, Soltesz I. Neurophysiology of space travel: energetic solar particles cause cell type-specific plasticity of neurotransmission. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:2345-2357. [PMID: 27905022 PMCID: PMC5504243 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1345-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In the not too distant future, humankind will embark on one of its greatest adventures, the travel to distant planets. However, deep space travel is associated with an inevitable exposure to radiation fields. Space-relevant doses of protons elicit persistent disruptions in cognition and neuronal structure. However, whether space-relevant irradiation alters neurotransmission is unknown. Within the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for cognition, perisomatic inhibitory control of pyramidal cells (PCs) is supplied by two distinct cell types, the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1)-expressing basket cells (CB1BCs) and parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons (PVINs). Mice subjected to low-dose proton irradiation were analyzed using electrophysiological, biochemical and imaging techniques months after exposure. In irradiated mice, GABA release from CB1BCs onto PCs was dramatically increased. This effect was abolished by CB1 blockade, indicating that irradiation decreased CB1-dependent tonic inhibition of GABA release. These alterations in GABA release were accompanied by decreased levels of the major CB1 ligand 2-arachidonoylglycerol. In contrast, GABA release from PVINs was unchanged, and the excitatory connectivity from PCs to the interneurons also underwent cell type-specific alterations. These results demonstrate that energetic charged particles at space-relevant low doses elicit surprisingly selective long-term plasticity of synaptic microcircuits in the hippocampus. The magnitude and persistent nature of these alterations in synaptic function are consistent with the observed perturbations in cognitive performance after irradiation, while the high specificity of these changes indicates that it may be possible to develop targeted therapeutic interventions to decrease the risk of adverse events during interplanetary travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hun Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA. .,Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Barna Dudok
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1083, Budapest, Hungary.,School of Ph.D. Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vipan K Parihar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Miklós Zöldi
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1083, Budapest, Hungary.,School of Ph.D. Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Young-Jin Kang
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Mattia Maroso
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, and Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Allyson L Alexander
- Department of Neurosurgery, and Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Gregory A Nelson
- Division of Radiation Research, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - István Katona
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1083, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ivan Soltesz
- Department of Neurosurgery, and Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
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Kovalchuk A, Mychasiuk R, Muhammad A, Hossain S, Ilnytskyy S, Ghose A, Kirkby C, Ghasroddashti E, Kovalchuk O, Kolb B. Liver irradiation causes distal bystander effects in the rat brain and affects animal behaviour. Oncotarget 2016; 7:4385-98. [PMID: 26678032 PMCID: PMC4826213 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy can not only produce effects on targeted organs, but can also influence shielded bystander organs, such as the brain in targeted liver irradiation. The brain is sensitive to radiation exposure, and irradiation causes significant neuro-cognitive deficits, including deficits in attention, concentration, memory, and executive and visuospatial functions. The mechanisms of their occurrence are not understood, although they may be related to the bystander effects. We analyzed the induction, mechanisms, and behavioural repercussions of bystander effects in the brain upon liver irradiation in a well-established rat model. Here, we show for the first time that bystander effects occur in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions upon liver irradiation, where they manifest as altered gene expression and somewhat increased levels of γH2AX. We also report that bystander effects in the brain are associated with neuroanatomical and behavioural changes, and are more pronounced in females than in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kovalchuk
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Arif Muhammad
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Shakhawat Hossain
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Slava Ilnytskyy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Abhijit Ghose
- Jack Ady Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Charles Kirkby
- Jack Ady Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Esmaeel Ghasroddashti
- Jack Ady Cancer Center, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.,Alberta Epigenetics Network, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bryan Kolb
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.,Alberta Epigenetics Network, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
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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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Parihar VK, Allen BD, Caressi C, Kwok S, Chu E, Tran KK, Chmielewski NN, Giedzinski E, Acharya MM, Britten RA, Baulch JE, Limoli CL. Cosmic radiation exposure and persistent cognitive dysfunction. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34774. [PMID: 27721383 PMCID: PMC5056393 DOI: 10.1038/srep34774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mars mission will result in an inevitable exposure to cosmic radiation that has been shown to cause cognitive impairments in rodent models, and possibly in astronauts engaged in deep space travel. Of particular concern is the potential for cosmic radiation exposure to compromise critical decision making during normal operations or under emergency conditions in deep space. Rodents exposed to cosmic radiation exhibit persistent hippocampal and cortical based performance decrements using six independent behavioral tasks administered between separate cohorts 12 and 24 weeks after irradiation. Radiation-induced impairments in spatial, episodic and recognition memory were temporally coincident with deficits in executive function and reduced rates of fear extinction and elevated anxiety. Irradiation caused significant reductions in dendritic complexity, spine density and altered spine morphology along medial prefrontal cortical neurons known to mediate neurotransmission interrogated by our behavioral tasks. Cosmic radiation also disrupted synaptic integrity and increased neuroinflammation that persisted more than 6 months after exposure. Behavioral deficits for individual animals correlated significantly with reduced spine density and increased synaptic puncta, providing quantitative measures of risk for developing cognitive impairment. Our data provide additional evidence that deep space travel poses a real and unique threat to the integrity of neural circuits in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipan K Parihar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Barrett D Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Chongshan Caressi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Stephanie Kwok
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Esther Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Katherine K Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Nicole N Chmielewski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Erich Giedzinski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Munjal M Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Richard A Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Janet E Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
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Yan J, Liu Y, Zhao Q, Li J, Mao A, Li H, Di C, Zhang H. 56Fe irradiation-induced cognitive deficits through oxidative stress in mice. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:1672-1679. [PMID: 30090466 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00282j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid growth of manned space flight results in more concerns about health risks and an urgent need for health assessment for space travel. The cosmic environment is complicated and full of radiation. Because of their strong biological effects, heavy ions such as 56Fe ions are considered to be an important component of these lethal galactic rays. Due to the importance of brain function to astronauts, we explored the long-term effects and potential mechanisms of 56Fe ion radiation on mice brains containing the hippocampus. In our study, radiation doses were carried out with 0.5 Gy, 1 Gy or 2 Gy. One month after whole-body 56Fe ion exposure, the Morris water maze test was performed to assess the ability of spatial learning and memory. A histological study was used for pathology analysis of the hippocampus. Alteration of oxidative stress was reflected by MDA and GSH and oxidative DNA damage marked by 8-OHdG was detected by biochemical and immunofluorescence methods. In our results, irradiated groups exhibited significant changes in behavioral performance and also showed loose and edematous arrangement in the pathological characteristics. Furthermore, whole brain levels of MDA, GSH and 8-OHdG increased in the irradiated groups. In addition, increased expression of 8-OHdG can also be detected by immunofluorescence in the hippocampus. Our findings revealed a linkage between radiation-induced oxidative stress and behavioral deficits. This may suggest an underlying mechanism of brain tissue protection and risk assessment in manned space flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Yan
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100039 , PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Qiuyue Zhao
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100039 , PR China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Stomatology , Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Aihong Mao
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100039 , PR China.,Institute of Gansu Medical Science Research , Lanzhou 730050 , PR China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Cuixia Di
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Modern Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86(931)496-9344.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , PR China
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Britten RA, Miller VD, Hadley MM, Jewell JS, Macadat E. Performance in hippocampus- and PFC-dependent cognitive domains are not concomitantly impaired in rats exposed to 20cGy of 1GeV/n (56)Fe particles. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2016; 10:17-22. [PMID: 27662783 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
NASA is currently conducting ground based experiments to determine whether the radiation environment that astronauts will encounter on deep space missions will have an impact on their long-term health and their ability to complete the various tasks during the mission. Emerging data suggest that exposure of rodents to mission-relevant HZE radiation doses does result in the impairment of various neurocognitive processes. An essential part of mission planning is a probabilistic risk assessment process that takes into account the likely incidence and severity of a problem. To date few studies have reported the impact of space radiation in a format that is amenable to PRA, and those that have only reported data for a single cognitive process. This study has established the ability of individual male Wistar rats to conduct a hippocampus-dependent (spatial memory) task and a cortex-dependent (attentional set shifting task) 90 days after exposure to 20cGy 1GeV/n (56)Fe particles. Radiation-induced impairment of performance in one cognitive domain was not consistently associated with impaired performance in the other domain. Thus sole reliance upon a single measure of cognitive performance may substantially under-estimate the risk of cognitive impairment, and ultimately it may be necessary to establish the likelihood that mission-relevant HZE doses will impair performance in the three or four cognitive domains that NASA considers to be most critical for mission success, and build a PRA using the composite data from such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 700 W. Olney Rd., Lewis Hall, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States ; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States ; Leroy T Canoles Jr. Cancer Center; Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States .
| | - Vania D Miller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 700 W. Olney Rd., Lewis Hall, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States
| | - Melissa M Hadley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 700 W. Olney Rd., Lewis Hall, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States
| | - Jessica S Jewell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 700 W. Olney Rd., Lewis Hall, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States
| | - Evangeline Macadat
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 700 W. Olney Rd., Lewis Hall, Norfolk, VA 23507, United States
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Wyrobek AJ, Britten RA. Individual variations in dose response for spatial memory learning among outbred wistar rats exposed from 5 to 20 cGy of (56) Fe particles. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2016; 57:331-340. [PMID: 27237589 DOI: 10.1002/em.22018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposures of brain tissue to ionizing radiation can lead to persistent deficits in cognitive functions and behaviors. However, little is known about the quantitative relationships between exposure dose and neurological risks, especially for lower doses and among genetically diverse individuals. We investigated the dose relationship for spatial memory learning among genetically outbred male Wistar rats exposed to graded doses of (56) Fe particles (sham, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cGy; 1 GeV/n). Spatial memory learning was assessed on a Barnes maze using REL3 ratios measured at three months after exposure. Irradiated animals showed dose-dependent declines in spatial memory learning that were fit by a linear regression (P for slope <0.0002). The irradiated animals showed significantly impaired learning at 10 cGy exposures, no detectable learning between 10 and 15 cGy, and worsened performances between 15 and 20 cGy. The proportions of poor learners and the magnitude of their impairment were fit by linear regressions with doubling doses of ∼10 cGy. In contrast, there were no detectable deficits in learning among the good learners in this dose range. Our findings suggest that genetically diverse individuals can vary substantially in their spatial memory learning, and that exposures at low doses appear to preferentially impact poor learners. This hypothesis invites future investigations of the genetic and physiological mechanisms of inter-individual variations in brain function related to spatial memory learning after low-dose HZE radiation exposures and to determine whether it also applies to physical trauma to brain tissue and exposures to chemical neurotoxicants. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:331-340, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Wyrobek
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Richard A Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, and the Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
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Britten RA, Jewell JS, Miller VD, Davis LK, Hadley MM, Wyrobek AJ. Impaired Spatial Memory Performance in Adult Wistar Rats Exposed to Low (5–20 cGy) Doses of 1 GeV/n56Fe Particles. Radiat Res 2016; 185:332-7. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14120.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Cacao E, Cucinotta FA. Modeling Impaired Hippocampal Neurogenesis after Radiation Exposure. Radiat Res 2016; 185:319-31. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14289.s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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39
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Hadley MM, Davis LK, Jewell JS, Miller VD, Britten RA. Exposure to Mission-Relevant Doses of 1 GeV/n48Ti Particles Impairs Attentional Set-Shifting Performance in Retired Breeder Rats. Radiat Res 2016; 185:13-9. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14086.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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40
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Rabin BM, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Shukitt-Hale B. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Exposure to Low-LET Helium Particles (4He) and Gamma Rays (137Cs) on the Disruption of Cognitive Performance. Radiat Res 2015; 184:266-72. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14001.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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41
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Rabin BM, Heroux NA, Shukitt-Hale B, Carrihill-Knoll KL, Beck Z, Baxter C. Lack of reliability in the disruption of cognitive performance following exposure to protons. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2015; 54:285-95. [PMID: 25935209 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-015-0597-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A series of three replications were run to determine the reliability with which exposure to protons produces a disruption of cognitive performance, using a novel object recognition task and operant responding on an ascending fixed-ratio task. For the first two replications, rats were exposed to head-only exposures to 1000 MeV/n protons at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. For the third replication, subjects were given head-only or whole-body exposures to both 1000 and 150 MeV/n protons. The results were characterized by a lack of consistency in the effects of exposure to protons on the performance of these cognitive tasks, both within and between replications. The factors that might influence the lack of consistency and the implications for exploratory class missions are discussed.
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Parihar VK, Allen B, Tran KK, Macaraeg TG, Chu EM, Kwok SF, Chmielewski NN, Craver BM, Baulch JE, Acharya MM, Cucinotta FA, Limoli CL. What happens to your brain on the way to Mars. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2015; 1:e1400256. [PMID: 26180843 PMCID: PMC4500198 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1400256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
As NASA prepares for the first manned spaceflight to Mars, questions have surfaced concerning the potential for increased risks associated with exposure to the spectrum of highly energetic nuclei that comprise galactic cosmic rays. Animal models have revealed an unexpected sensitivity of mature neurons in the brain to charged particles found in space. Astronaut autonomy during long-term space travel is particularly critical as is the need to properly manage planned and unanticipated events, activities that could be compromised by accumulating particle traversals through the brain. Using mice subjected to space-relevant fluences of charged particles, we show significant cortical- and hippocampal-based performance decrements 6 weeks after acute exposure. Animals manifesting cognitive decrements exhibited marked and persistent radiation-induced reductions in dendritic complexity and spine density along medial prefrontal cortical neurons known to mediate neurotransmission specifically interrogated by our behavioral tasks. Significant increases in postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) revealed major radiation-induced alterations in synaptic integrity. Impaired behavioral performance of individual animals correlated significantly with reduced spine density and trended with increased synaptic puncta, thereby providing quantitative measures of risk for developing cognitive decrements. Our data indicate an unexpected and unique susceptibility of the central nervous system to space radiation exposure, and argue that the underlying radiation sensitivity of delicate neuronal structure may well predispose astronauts to unintended mission-critical performance decrements and/or longer-term neurocognitive sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipan K. Parihar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Barrett Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Katherine K. Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Trisha G. Macaraeg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Esther M. Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Stephanie F. Kwok
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Nicole N. Chmielewski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Brianna M. Craver
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Janet E. Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Munjal M. Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
| | - Francis A. Cucinotta
- Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Charles L. Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697–2695, USA
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
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Parihar VK, Allen BD, Tran KK, Chmielewski NN, Craver BM, Martirosian V, Morganti JM, Rosi S, Vlkolinsky R, Acharya MM, Nelson GA, Allen AR, Limoli CL. Targeted overexpression of mitochondrial catalase prevents radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 22:78-91. [PMID: 24949841 PMCID: PMC4270160 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.5929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Radiation-induced disruption of mitochondrial function can elevate oxidative stress and contribute to the metabolic perturbations believed to compromise the functionality of the central nervous system. To clarify the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in mediating the adverse effects of radiation in the brain, we analyzed transgenic (mitochondrial catalase [MCAT]) mice that overexpress human catalase localized to the mitochondria. RESULTS Compared with wild-type (WT) controls, overexpression of the MCAT transgene significantly decreased cognitive dysfunction after proton irradiation. Significant improvements in behavioral performance found on novel object recognition and object recognition in place tasks were associated with a preservation of neuronal morphology. While the architecture of hippocampal CA1 neurons was significantly compromised in irradiated WT mice, the same neurons in MCAT mice did not exhibit extensive and significant radiation-induced reductions in dendritic complexity. Irradiated neurons from MCAT mice maintained dendritic branching and length compared with WT mice. Protected neuronal morphology in irradiated MCAT mice was also associated with a stabilization of radiation-induced variations in long-term potentiation. Stabilized synaptic activity in MCAT mice coincided with an altered composition of the synaptic AMPA receptor subunits GluR1/2. INNOVATION Our findings provide the first evidence that neurocognitive sequelae associated with radiation exposure can be reduced by overexpression of MCAT, operating through a mechanism involving the preservation of neuronal morphology. CONCLUSION Our article documents the neuroprotective properties of reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species through the targeted overexpression of catalase and how this ameliorates the adverse effects of proton irradiation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipan K. Parihar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Barrett D. Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Katherine K. Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Nicole N. Chmielewski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Brianna M. Craver
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Vahan Martirosian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Josh M. Morganti
- Departments of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Departments of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Roman Vlkolinsky
- Departments of Radiation Medicine and Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Munjal M. Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Departments of Radiation Medicine and Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Antiño R. Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas Medical School, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Charles L. Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
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Zheng X, Zhang X, Ding L, Lee JR, Weinberger PM, Dynan WS. Synergistic effect of high charge and energy particle radiation and chronological age on biomarkers of oxidative stress and tissue degeneration: a ground-based study using the vertebrate laboratory model organism Oryzias latipes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111362. [PMID: 25375139 PMCID: PMC4222877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High charge and energy (HZE) particles are a main hazard of the space radiation environment. Uncertainty regarding their health effects is a limiting factor in the design of human exploration-class space missions, that is, missions beyond low earth orbit. Previous work has shown that HZE exposure increases cancer risk and elicits other aging-like phenomena in animal models. Here, we investigate how a single exposure to HZE particle radiation, early in life, influences the subsequent age-dependent evolution of oxidative stress and appearance of degenerative tissue changes. Embryos of the laboratory model organism, Oryzias latipes (Japanese medaka fish), were exposed to HZE particle radiation at doses overlapping the range of anticipated human exposure. A separate cohort was exposed to reference γ-radiation. Survival was monitored for 750 days, well beyond the median lifespan. The population was also sampled at intervals and liver tissue was subjected to histological and molecular analysis. HZE particle radiation dose and aging contributed synergistically to accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, which are a marker of chronic oxidative stress. This was mirrored by a decline in PPARGC1A mRNA, which encodes a transcriptional co-activator required for expression of oxidative stress defense genes and for mitochondrial maintenance. Consistent with chronic oxidative stress, mitochondria had an elongated and enlarged ultrastructure. Livers also had distinctive, cystic lesions. Depending on the endpoint, effects of γ-rays in the same dose range were either lesser or not detected. Results provide a quantitative and qualitative framework for understanding relative contributions of HZE particle radiation exposure and aging to chronic oxidative stress and tissue degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyan Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Lingling Ding
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jeffrey R. Lee
- Department of Pathology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Weinberger
- Department of Otolaryngology and Center for Biotechnology & Genomic Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William S. Dynan
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Departments of Radiation Oncology and Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wheeler KT, Payne V, D'Agostino RB, Walb MC, Munley MT, Metheny-Barlow LJ, Robbins ME. Impact of breathing 100% oxygen on radiation-induced cognitive impairment. Radiat Res 2014; 182:580-5. [PMID: 25338095 DOI: 10.1667/rr13643.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Future space missions are expected to include increased extravehicular activities (EVAs) during which astronauts are exposed to high-energy space radiation while breathing 100% oxygen. Given that brain irradiation can lead to cognitive impairment, and that oxygen is a potent radiosensitizer, there is a concern that astronauts may be at greater risk of developing cognitive impairment when exposed to space radiation while breathing 100% O(2) during an EVA. To address this concern, unanesthetized, unrestrained, young adult male Fischer 344 × Brown Norway rats were allowed to breathe 100% O(2) for 30 min prior to, during and 2 h after whole-body irradiation with 0, 1, 3, 5 or 7 Gy doses of 18 MV X rays delivered from a medical linear accelerator at a dose rate of ~425 mGy/min. Irradiated and unirradiated rats breathing air (~21% O(2)) served as controls. Cognitive function was assessed 9 months postirradiation using the perirhinal cortex-dependent novel object recognition task. Cognitive function was not impaired until the rats breathing either air or 100% O(2) received a whole-body dose of 7 Gy. However, at all doses, cognitive function of the irradiated rats breathing 100% O(2) was improved over that of the irradiated rats breathing air. These data suggest that astronauts are not at greater risk of developing cognitive impairment when exposed to space radiation while breathing 100% O(2) during an EVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth T Wheeler
- a Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
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Space Radiation: The Number One Risk to Astronaut Health beyond Low Earth Orbit. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:491-510. [PMID: 25370382 PMCID: PMC4206856 DOI: 10.3390/life4030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Projecting a vision for space radiobiological research necessitates understanding the nature of the space radiation environment and how radiation risks influence mission planning, timelines and operational decisions. Exposure to space radiation increases the risks of astronauts developing cancer, experiencing central nervous system (CNS) decrements, exhibiting degenerative tissue effects or developing acute radiation syndrome. One or more of these deleterious health effects could develop during future multi-year space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Shielding is an effective countermeasure against solar particle events (SPEs), but is ineffective in protecting crew members from the biological impacts of fast moving, highly-charged galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) nuclei. Astronauts traveling on a protracted voyage to Mars may be exposed to SPE radiation events, overlaid on a more predictable flux of GCR. Therefore, ground-based research studies employing model organisms seeking to accurately mimic the biological effects of the space radiation environment must concatenate exposures to both proton and heavy ion sources. New techniques in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other “omics” areas should also be intelligently employed and correlated with phenotypic observations. This approach will more precisely elucidate the effects of space radiation on human physiology and aid in developing personalized radiological countermeasures for astronauts.
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Davis CM, Roma PG, Armour E, Gooden VL, Brady JV, Weed MR, Hienz RD. Effects of X-ray radiation on complex visual discrimination learning and social recognition memory in rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104393. [PMID: 25099152 PMCID: PMC4123910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The present report describes an animal model for examining the effects of radiation on a range of neurocognitive functions in rodents that are similar to a number of basic human cognitive functions. Fourteen male Long-Evans rats were trained to perform an automated intra-dimensional set shifting task that consisted of their learning a basic discrimination between two stimulus shapes followed by more complex discrimination stages (e.g., a discrimination reversal, a compound discrimination, a compound reversal, a new shape discrimination, and an intra-dimensional stimulus discrimination reversal). One group of rats was exposed to head-only X-ray radiation (2.3 Gy at a dose rate of 1.9 Gy/min), while a second group received a sham-radiation exposure using the same anesthesia protocol. The irradiated group responded less, had elevated numbers of omitted trials, increased errors, and greater response latencies compared to the sham-irradiated control group. Additionally, social odor recognition memory was tested after radiation exposure by assessing the degree to which rats explored wooden beads impregnated with either their own odors or with the odors of novel, unfamiliar rats; however, no significant effects of radiation on social odor recognition memory were observed. These data suggest that rodent tasks assessing higher-level human cognitive domains are useful in examining the effects of radiation on the CNS, and may be applicable in approximating CNS risks from radiation exposure in clinical populations receiving whole brain irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Davis
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter G. Roma
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institutes for Behavior Resources, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elwood Armour
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Virginia L. Gooden
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joseph V. Brady
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institutes for Behavior Resources, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Weed
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert D. Hienz
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institutes for Behavior Resources, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Britten RA, Davis LK, Jewell JS, Miller VD, Hadley MM, Sanford LD, Machida M, Lonart G. Exposure to mission relevant doses of 1 GeV/Nucleon (56)Fe particles leads to impairment of attentional set-shifting performance in socially mature rats. Radiat Res 2014; 182:292-8. [PMID: 25029107 DOI: 10.1667/rr3766.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous ground-based experiments have shown that cranial irradiation with mission relevant (20 cGy) doses of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles leads to a significant impairment in Attentional Set Shifting (ATSET) performance, a measure of executive function, in juvenile Wistar rats. However, the use of head only radiation exposure and the biological age of the rats used in that study may not be pertinent to determine the likelihood that ATSET will be impaired in Astronauts on deep space flights. In this study we have determined the impact that whole-body exposure to 10, 15 and 20 cGy of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles had on the ability (at three months post exposure) of socially mature (retired breeder) Wistar rats to conduct the attentional set-shifting paradigm. The current study has established that whole-body exposures to 15 and 20 (but not 10) cGy of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles results in the impairment of ATSET in both juvenile and socially mature rats. However, the exact nature of the impaired ATSET performance varied depending upon the age of the rats, whether whole-body versus cranial irradiation was used and the dose of 1 GeV/u (56)Fe received. Exposure of juvenile rats to 20 cGy of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles led to a decreased ability to perform intra-dimensional shifting (IDS) irrespective of whether the rats received head only or whole-body exposures. Juvenile rats that received whole-body exposure also had a reduced ability to habituate to the assay and to complete intra-dimensional shifting reversal (IDR), whereas juvenile rats that received head only exposure had a reduced ability to complete compound discrimination reversal (CDR). Socially mature rats that received whole-body exposures to 10 cGy of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles exhibited no obvious decline in set-shifting performance; however those exposed to 15 and 20 cGy had a reduced ability to perform simple discrimination (SD) and compound discrimination (CD). Exposure to 20 cGy of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles also led to a decreased performance in IDR and to ∼25% of rats failing to habituate to the task. Most of these rats started to dig for the food reward but rapidly (within 15 s) gave up digging, suggesting that they had developed appropriate procedural memories about food retrieval, but had an inability to maintain attention on the task. Our preliminary data suggests that whole-body exposure to 20 cGy of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles reduced the cholinergic (but not the GABAergic) readily releasable pool (RRP) in nerve terminals of the basal forebrain from socially-mature rats. This perturbation of the cholinergic RRP could directly lead to the loss of CDR and IDR performance, and indirectly [through the metabolic changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)] to the loss of SD and CD performance. These findings provide the first evidence that attentional set-shifting performance in socially mature rats is impaired after whole-body exposure to mission relevant doses (15 and 20 cGy) of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles, and importantly that a dose reduction down to 10 cGy prevents that impairment. The ability to conduct Discrimination tasks (SD and CD) and reversal learning (CDR) is reduced after exposure to 15 and 20 cGy of 1 GeV/nucleon (56)Fe particles, but at 20 cGy there is an additional decrement, ∼ 25% of rats are unable to maintain attention to task. These behavioral decrements are associated with a reduction in the cholinergic RRP within basal forebrain, which has been shown to play a major role in regulating the activity of the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Britten
- a Department of Radiation Oncology; Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
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49
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Kennedy AR. Biological Effects of Space Radiation and Development of Effective Countermeasures. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2014; 1:10-43. [PMID: 25258703 PMCID: PMC4170231 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
As part of a program to assess the adverse biological effects expected from astronaut exposure to space radiation, numerous different biological effects relating to astronaut health have been evaluated. There has been major focus recently on the assessment of risks related to exposure to solar particle event (SPE) radiation. The effects related to various types of space radiation exposure that have been evaluated are: gene expression changes (primarily associated with programmed cell death and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling), oxidative stress, gastrointestinal tract bacterial translocation and immune system activation, peripheral hematopoietic cell counts, emesis, blood coagulation, skin, behavior/fatigue (including social exploration, submaximal exercise treadmill and spontaneous locomotor activity), heart functions, alterations in biological endpoints related to astronaut vision problems (lumbar puncture/intracranial pressure, ocular ultrasound and histopathology studies), and survival, as well as long-term effects such as cancer and cataract development. A number of different countermeasures have been identified that can potentially mitigate or prevent the adverse biological effects resulting from exposure to space radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann R Kennedy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6072
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50
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Tseng BP, Giedzinski E, Izadi A, Suarez T, Lan ML, Tran KK, Acharya MM, Nelson GA, Raber J, Parihar VK, Limoli CL. Functional consequences of radiation-induced oxidative stress in cultured neural stem cells and the brain exposed to charged particle irradiation. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 20:1410-22. [PMID: 23802883 PMCID: PMC3936501 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.5134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Redox homeostasis is critical in regulating the fate and function of multipotent cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we investigated whether low dose charged particle irradiation could elicit oxidative stress in neural stem and precursor cells and whether radiation-induced changes in redox metabolism would coincide with cognitive impairment. RESULTS Low doses (<1 Gy) of charged particles caused an acute and persistent oxidative stress. Early after (<1 week) irradiation, increased levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were generally dose responsive, but were less dependent on dose weeks to months thereafter. Exposure to ion fluences resulting in less than one ion traversal per cell was sufficient to elicit radiation-induced oxidative stress. Whole body irradiation triggered a compensatory response in the rodent brain that led to a significant increase in antioxidant capacity 2 weeks following exposure, before returning to background levels at week 4. Low dose irradiation was also found to significantly impair novel object recognition in mice 2 and 12 weeks following irradiation. INNOVATION Data provide evidence that acute exposure of neural stem cells and the CNS to very low doses and fluences of charged particles can elicit a persisting oxidative stress lasting weeks to months that is associated with impaired cognition. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to low doses of charged particles causes a persistent oxidative stress and cognitive impairment over protracted times. Data suggest that astronauts subjected to space radiation may develop a heightened risk for mission critical performance decrements in space, along with a risk of developing long-term neurocognitive sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand P Tseng
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
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