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Seylani A, Galsinh AS, Tasoula A, I AR, Camera A, Calleja-Agius J, Borg J, Goel C, Kim J, Clark KB, Das S, Arif S, Boerrigter M, Coffey C, Szewczyk N, Mason CE, Manoli M, Karouia F, Schwertz H, Beheshti A, Tulodziecki D. Ethical considerations for the age of non-governmental space exploration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4774. [PMID: 38862473 PMCID: PMC11166968 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting ambitions and capabilities for public and private, non-government sector crewed space exploration bring with them an increasingly diverse set of space travelers, raising new and nontrivial ethical, legal, and medical policy and practice concerns which are still relatively underexplored. In this piece, we lay out several pressing issues related to ethical considerations for selecting space travelers and conducting human subject research on them, especially in the context of non-governmental and commercial/private space operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Seylani
- School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside. 92521 Botanical Garden Dr, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA
| | - Aman Singh Galsinh
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Alexia Tasoula
- Department of Life Science Engineering, FH Technikum, Vienna, Austria
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Anu R I
- Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, India
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, India
| | - Andrea Camera
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD2080, Msida, Malta
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD2080, Msida, Malta
| | - Chirag Goel
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin B Clark
- Cures Within Reach, Chicago, IL, 60602, USA
- Peace Innovation Institute, The Hague 2511, Netherlands & Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
- Biometrics and Nanotechnology Councils, Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, NY, 10016-5997, USA
| | - Saswati Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shehbeel Arif
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Caroline Coffey
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Manoli
- School of Law, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UB, UK
| | - Fathi Karouia
- Blue Marble Space Institute for Science, Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Space Research Within Reach, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hansjörg Schwertz
- Molecular Medicine Program at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Division of Occupational Medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Occupational Medicine at Billings Clinic Bozeman, Bozeman, MT, 59715, USA.
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, US.
| | - Dana Tulodziecki
- Department of Philosophy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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2
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Ferraro S, Dave A, Cereda C, Verduci E, Marcovina S, Zuccotti G. Space research to explore novel biochemical insights on Earth. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 558:119673. [PMID: 38621588 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Travel to space has overcome unprecedent technological challenges and this has resulted in transfer of these technological results on Earth to better our lives. Health technology, medical devices, and research advancements in human biology are the first beneficiaries of this transfer. The real breakthrough came with the International Space Station, which endorsed multidisciplinary international scientific collaborations and boosted the research on pathophysiological adaptation of astronauts to life on space. These studies evidenced that life in space appeared to have exposed the astronauts to an accelerated aging-related pathophysiological dysregulation across multiple systems. In this review we emphasize the interaction between several biomarkers and their alteration in concentrations/expression/function by space stress factors. These altered interactions, suggest that different biochemical and hormonal factors, and cell signals, contribute to a complex network of pathophysiological mechanisms, orchestrating the homeostatic dysregulation of various organs/metabolic pathways. The main effects of space travel on altering cell organelles biology, ultrastructure, and cross-talk, have been observed in cell aging as well as in the disruption of metabolic pathways, which are also the causal factor of rare inherited metabolic disorders, one of the major pediatric health issue. The pathophysiologic breakthrough from space research could allow the development of precision health both on Earth and Space by promoting the validation of improved biomarker-based risk scores and the exploration of new pathophysiologic hypotheses and therapeutic targets. Nonstandard abbreviations: International Space Station (ISS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), European Space Agency (ESA), National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), high sensitive troponin (hs-cTn), high sensitive troponin I (hs-cTn I), high sensitive troponin T, Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), N terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-BNP), cardiovascular disease (CVD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), urinary hydroxyproline (uHP), urinary C- and N-terminal telopeptides (uCTX and uNTX), pyridinoline (PYD), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), half-time (HF), serum Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (sBSAP), serum Alkaline Phosphatase (sAP), Carboxy-terminal Propeptide of Type 1 Procollagen (P1CP), serum Osteocalcin (sOC)), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), Growth Hormone (GH), amino acid (AA), β-hydroxy-β methyl butyrate (HMB), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ferraro
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anilkumar Dave
- Space Economy and Open Innovation, Darwix srl, Venice, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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3
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Zheng YH, Pan GJ, Quan Y, Zhang HY. Construction of microgravity biological knowledge graph and its applications in anti-osteoporosis drug prediction. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:64-73. [PMID: 38670654 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microgravity in the space environment can potentially have various negative effects on the human body, one of which is bone loss. Given the increasing frequency of human space activities, there is an urgent need to identify effective anti-osteoporosis drugs for the microgravity environment. Traditional microgravity experiments conducted in space suffer from limitations such as time-consuming procedures, high costs, and small sample sizes. In recent years, the in-silico drug discovery method has emerged as a promising strategy due to the advancements in bioinformatics and computer technology. In this study, we first collected a total of 184,915 literature articles related to microgravity and bone loss. We employed a combination of dependency path extraction and clustering techniques to extract data from the text. Afterwards, we conducted data cleaning and standardization to integrate data from several sources, including The Global Network of Biomedical Relationships (GNBR), Curated Drug-Drug Interactions Database (DDInter), Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH), DrugBank, and Traditional Chinese Medicines Integrated Database (TCMID). Through this integration process, we constructed the Microgravity Biology Knowledge Graph (MBKG) consisting of 134,796 biological entities and 3,395,273 triplets. Subsequently, the TransE model was utilized to perform knowledge graph embedding. By calculating the distances between entities in the model space, the model successfully predicted potential drugs for treating osteoporosis and microgravity-induced bone loss. The results indicate that out of the top 10 ranked western medicines, 7 have been approved for the treatment of osteoporosis. Additionally, among the top 10 ranked traditional Chinese medicines, 5 have scientific literature supporting their effectiveness in treating bone loss. Among the top 20 predicted medicines for microgravity-induced bone loss, 15 have been studied in microgravity or simulated microgravity environments, while the remaining 5 are also applicable for treating osteoporosis. This research highlights the potential application of MBKG in the field of space drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guan-Jing Pan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuan Quan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Hong-Yu Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Klomchitcharoen S, Wechakarn P, Tangwattanasirikun T, Smerwong N, Netrapathompornkij P, Chatmeeboon T, Nangsue N, Thitasirivit V, Kaweewongsunthorn K, Piyanopharoj S, Phumiprathet P, Wongsawat Y. High-altitude balloon platform for studying the biological response of living organisms exposed to near-space environments. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27406. [PMID: 38496885 PMCID: PMC10944226 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The intangible desire to explore the mysteries of the universe has driven numerous advancements for humanity for centuries. Extraterrestrial journeys are becoming more realistic as a result of human curiosity and endeavors. Over the years, space biology research has played a significant role in understanding the hazardous effects of the space environment on human health during long-term space travel. The inevitable consequence of a space voyage is space ionizing radiation, which has deadly aftereffects on the human body. The paramount objective of this study is to provide a robust platform for performing biological experiments within the Earth's stratosphere by utilizing high-altitude balloons. This platform allows the use of a biological payload to simulate spaceflight missions within the unique properties of space that cannot be replicated in terrestrial facilities. This paper describes the feasibility and demonstration of a biological balloon mission suitable for students and scientists to perform space biology experiments within the boundary of the stratosphere. In this study, a high-altitude balloon was launched into the upper atmosphere (∼29 km altitude), where living microorganisms were exposed to a hazardous combination of UV irradiation, ultralow pressure and cold shock. The balloon carried the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate microbial survival potential under extreme conditions. The results indicated a notable reduction in biosample mortality two orders of magnitude (2-log) after exposure to 164.9 kJ m-2 UV. Postflight experiments have shown strong evidence that the effect of UV irradiation on living organisms is stronger than that of other extreme conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeth Klomchitcharoen
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Wechakarn
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Tanchanok Tangwattanasirikun
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Noparin Smerwong
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Phubase Netrapathompornkij
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Thanapat Chatmeeboon
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Norawit Nangsue
- Institute of Field Robotics, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Yodchanan Wongsawat
- Brain-Computer Interface Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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5
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Lang A, Binneboessel S, Nienhaus F, Bruno RR, Wolff G, Piayda K, Pfeiler S, Ezzahoini H, Oehler D, Kelm M, Winkels H, Gerdes N, Jung C. Acute and short-term fluctuations in gravity are associated with changes in circulatory plasma protein levels. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:25. [PMID: 38438462 PMCID: PMC10912449 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00370-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gravitational changes between micro- and hypergravity cause several adaptations and alterations in the human body. Besides muscular atrophy and immune system impairment, effects on the circulatory system have been described, which can be associated with a wide range of blood biomarker changes. This study examined nine individuals (seven males, two females) during a parabolic flight campaign (PFC). Thirty-one parabolas were performed in one flight day, resulting in ~22 s of microgravity during each parabola. Each participant was subjected to a single flight day with a total of 31 parabolas, totaling 11 min of microgravity during one parabolic flight. Before and after (1 hour (h) and 24 h), the flights blood was sampled to examine potential gravity-induced changes of circulating plasma proteins. Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) offers a proteomic solution, enabling the simultaneous analysis of a wide variety of plasma proteins. From 2925 unique proteins analyzed, 251 (8.58%) proteins demonstrated a differential regulation between baseline, 1 h and 24 h post flight. Pathway analysis indicated that parabolic flights led to altered levels of proteins associated with vesicle organization and apoptosis up to 24 h post microgravity exposure. Varying gravity conditions are associated with poorly understood physiological changes, including stress responses and fluid shifts. We provide a publicly available library of gravity-modulated circulating protein levels illustrating numerous changes in cellular pathways relevant for inter-organ function and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lang
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Binneboessel
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabian Nienhaus
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Raphael Romano Bruno
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Georg Wolff
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kerstin Piayda
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Pfeiler
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hakima Ezzahoini
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Oehler
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Malte Kelm
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Winkels
- Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Singh R, Jaiswal A, Singh RP. Simulated microgravity induces DNA damage concurrent with impairment of DNA repair and activation of cell-type specific DNA damage response in microglial and glioblastoma cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119679. [PMID: 38272357 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Long-term spaceflights affect the structural changes in brain, alter motor or cognitive function and associated development of neuro-optic syndrome in astronauts. Studies addressing the impact of microgravity on brain cells are very limited. Herein, we employed microglial (CHME3) and glioblastoma (U87MG and A172) cells to study their molecular and functional adaptations under simulated microgravity (SMG) exposure. A reduction in cell viability and proliferation with decreased levels of PCNA were observed in these cells. SMG caused extensive DNA damage with an increase in γH2A.X (ser139) phosphorylation and differential activation/expression of DNA damage response (DDR) proteins including ATM, ATR, Chk1, Chk2 and p53 in all the three cell lines. Unlike CHME3, the ATM/Chk2-dependent DDR pathway was activated in glioblastoma cells suggesting a marked difference in the adaptation between normal and cancer cells to SMG. Five different classes of DNA repair pathways including BER, NER, MMR, NHEJ and HR were suppressed in both cell lines with the notable exception of NHEJ (Ku70/80 and DNA-PK) activation in U87MG cells. SMG induced mitochondrial apoptosis with increased expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and reduced Bcl-2 level. SMG triggered apoptosis simultaneously via ERK1/2 and AKT activation, and inhibition of GSK3β activity which was reversed by MEK1 and PI3K inhibitors. Taken together, our study revealed that microgravity is a strong stressor to trigger DNA damage and apoptosis through activation of ERK1/2 and AKT, and impairment of DNA repair capacity, albeit with a cell-type difference in DDR and NHEJ regulation, in microglial and glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragini Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Aishwarya Jaiswal
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rana P Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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7
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Sarma MS, Shelhamer M. The human biology of spaceflight. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24048. [PMID: 38337152 PMCID: PMC10940193 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To expand the human exploration footprint and reach Mars in the 2030s, we must explore how humans survive and thrive in demanding, unusual, and novel ecologies (i.e., extreme environments). In the extreme conditions encountered during human spaceflight, there is a need to understand human functioning and response in a more rigorous theoretically informed way. Current models of human performance in space-relevant environments and human space science are often operationally focused, with emphasis on acute physiological or behavioral outcomes. However, integrating current perspectives in human biology allows for a more holistic and complete understanding of how humans function over a range of time in an extreme environment. Here, we show how the use of evolution-informed frameworks (i.e., models of life history theory to organize the adaptive pressures of spaceflight and biocultural perspectives) coupled with the use of mixed-methodological toolkits can shape models that better encompass the scope of biobehavioral human adjustment to long-duration space travel and extra-terrestrial habitation. Further, we discuss how we can marry human biology perspectives with the rigorous programmatic structures developed for spaceflight to model other unknown and nascent extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallika S. Sarma
- Human Spaceflight Lab, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21215
| | - Mark Shelhamer
- Human Spaceflight Lab, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21215
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8
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Schlaff CD, Helgeson MD, Wagner SC. Pathophysiologic Spine Adaptations and Countermeasures for Prolonged Spaceflight. Clin Spine Surg 2024; 37:43-48. [PMID: 37459484 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain due to spaceflight is a common complaint of returning astronauts. Alterations in musculoskeletal anatomy during spaceflight and the effects of microgravity (μg) have been well-studied; however, the mechanisms behind these changes remain unclear. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has released the Human Research Roadmap to guide investigators in developing effective countermeasure strategies for the Artemis Program, as well as commercial low-orbit spaceflight. Based on the Human Research Roadmap, the existing literature was examined to determine the current understanding of the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal components of the spinal column. In addition, countermeasure strategies will be required to mitigate these effects for long-duration spaceflight. Current pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic countermeasure strategies are suboptimal, as evidenced by continued muscle and bone loss, alterations in muscle phenotype, and bone metabolism. However, studies incorporating the use of ultrasound, beta-blockers, and other pharmacologic agents have shown some promise. Understanding these mechanisms will not only benefit space technology but likely lead to a return on investment for the management of Earth-bound diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody D Schlaff
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Capital Consortium
- The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Melvin D Helgeson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Capital Consortium
- The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Scott C Wagner
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Capital Consortium
- The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
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9
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Lecoq PE, Dupuis C, Mousset X, Benoit-Gonnin X, Peyrin JM, Aider JL. Influence of microgravity on spontaneous calcium activity of primary hippocampal neurons grown in microfluidic chips. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:15. [PMID: 38321051 PMCID: PMC10847089 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00355-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The influence of variations of gravity, either hypergravity or microgravity, on the brain of astronauts is a major concern for long journeys in space, to the Moon or to Mars, or simply long-duration missions on the ISS (International Space Station). Monitoring brain activity, before and after ISS missions already demonstrated important and long term effects on the brains of astronauts. In this study, we focus on the influence of gravity variations at the cellular level on primary hippocampal neurons. A dedicated setup has been designed and built to perform live calcium imaging during parabolic flights. During a CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) parabolic flight campaign, we were able to observe and monitor the calcium activity of 2D networks of neurons inside microfluidic devices during gravity changes over different parabolas. Our preliminary results clearly indicate a modification of the calcium activity associated to variations of gravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Ewen Lecoq
- PMMH, ESPCI Paris - PSL, Paris, 75005, France.
- Neurosciences Paris Seine IBPS, UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Sorbonne University, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France.
| | - Chloé Dupuis
- PMMH, ESPCI Paris - PSL, Paris, 75005, France
- Neurosciences Paris Seine IBPS, UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Sorbonne University, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Xavier Mousset
- PMMH, ESPCI Paris - PSL, Paris, 75005, France
- Neurosciences Paris Seine IBPS, UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Sorbonne University, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | | | - Jean-Michel Peyrin
- Neurosciences Paris Seine IBPS, UMR8246, Inserm U1130, Sorbonne University, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France.
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Shirzad M, Van Riesen J, Behboodpour N, Heath M. 10-min exposure to a 2.5% hypercapnic environment increases cerebral blood blow but does not impact executive function. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:143-150. [PMID: 38245339 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Space travel and exploration are associated with increased ambient CO2 (i.e., a hypercapnic environment). Some work reported that the physiological changes (e.g., increased cerebral blood flow [CBF]) associated with a chronic hypercapnic environment contributes to a "space fog" that adversely impacts cognition and psychomotor performance, whereas other work reported no change or a positive change. Here, we employed the antisaccade task to evaluate whether transient exposure to a hypercapnic environment influences top-down executive function (EF). Antisaccades require a goal-directed eye movement mirror-symmetrical to a target and are an ideal tool for identifying subtle EF changes. Healthy young adults (aged 19-25 years) performed blocks of antisaccade trials prior to (i.e., pre-intervention), during (i.e., concurrent) and after (i.e., post-intervention) 10-min of breathing factional inspired CO2 (FiCO2) of 2.5% (i.e., hypercapnic condition) and during a normocapnic (i.e., control) condition. In both conditions, CBF, ventilatory and cardiorespiratory responses were measured. Results showed that the hypercapnic condition increased CBF, ventilation and end-tidal CO2 and thus demonstrated an expected physiological adaptation to increased FiCO2. Notably, however, null hypothesis and equivalence tests indicated that concurrent and post-intervention antisaccade reaction times were refractory to the hypercapnic environment; that is, transient exposure to a FiCO2 of 2.5% did not produce a real-time or lingering influence on an oculomotor-based measure of EF. Accordingly, results provide a framework that - in part - establishes the FiCO2 percentage and timeline by which high-level EF can be maintained. Future work will explore CBF and EF dynamics during chronic hypercapnic exposure as more direct proxy for the challenges of space flight and exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Shirzad
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - James Van Riesen
- Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, University of Western Ontario, 1201 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Nikan Behboodpour
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Matthew Heath
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, University of Western Ontario, 1201 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.
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11
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Mehare A, Chakole S, Wandile B. Navigating the Unknown: A Comprehensive Review of Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome. Cureus 2024; 16:e53380. [PMID: 38435236 PMCID: PMC10907968 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects astronauts during and after their missions in space. This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of SANS, providing a thorough understanding of its definition, historical context, clinical presentation, epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, preventive measures, and management strategies. Various ocular and neurological symptoms, including visual impairment, optic disc edema, choroidal folds, retinal changes, and increased intracranial pressure, characterize SANS. While microgravity is a primary driver of SANS, other factors like radiation exposure, genetic predisposition, and environmental conditions within spacecraft contribute to its development. The duration of space missions is a significant factor, with longer missions associated with a higher incidence of SANS. This review explores the diagnostic criteria and variability in SANS presentation, shedding light on early detection and management challenges. The epidemiology section provides insights into the occurrence frequency, affected astronauts' demographics, and differences between long-term and short-term missions. Diagnostic tools, including ophthalmological assessments and imaging techniques, are crucial in monitoring astronaut health during missions. Preventive measures are vital in mitigating the impact of SANS. Current strategies, ongoing research in prevention methods, lifestyle and behavioral factors, and the potential role of artificial gravity are discussed in detail. Additionally, the review delves into interventions, potential pharmacological treatments, rehabilitation, and long-term management considerations for astronauts with SANS. The conclusion underscores the importance of continued research in SANS, addressing ongoing challenges, and highlighting unanswered questions. With the expansion of human space exploration, understanding and managing SANS is imperative to ensure the health and well-being of astronauts during long-duration missions. This review is a valuable resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and space agencies striving to enhance our knowledge and address the complexities of SANS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhidnya Mehare
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Swarupa Chakole
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Bhushan Wandile
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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12
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Melica ME, Cialdai F, La Regina G, Risaliti C, Dafichi T, Peired AJ, Romagnani P, Monici M, Lasagni L. Modeled microgravity unravels the roles of mechanical forces in renal progenitor cell physiology. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:20. [PMID: 38233961 PMCID: PMC10795253 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The glomerulus is a highly complex system, composed of different interdependent cell types that are subjected to various mechanical stimuli. These stimuli regulate multiple cellular functions, and changes in these functions may contribute to tissue damage and disease progression. To date, our understanding of the mechanobiology of glomerular cells is limited, with most research focused on the adaptive response of podocytes. However, it is crucial to recognize the interdependence between podocytes and parietal epithelial cells, in particular with the progenitor subset, as it plays a critical role in various manifestations of glomerular diseases. This highlights the necessity to implement the analysis of the effects of mechanical stress on renal progenitor cells. METHODS Microgravity, modeled by Rotary Cell Culture System, has been employed as a system to investigate how renal progenitor cells respond to alterations in the mechanical cues within their microenvironment. Changes in cell phenotype, cytoskeleton organization, cell proliferation, cell adhesion and cell capacity for differentiation into podocytes were analyzed. RESULTS In modeled microgravity conditions, renal progenitor cells showed altered cytoskeleton and focal adhesion organization associated with a reduction in cell proliferation, cell adhesion and spreading capacity. Moreover, mechanical forces appeared to be essential for renal progenitor differentiation into podocytes. Indeed, when renal progenitors were exposed to a differentiative agent in modeled microgravity conditions, it impaired the acquisition of a complex podocyte-like F-actin cytoskeleton and the expression of specific podocyte markers, such as nephrin and nestin. Importantly, the stabilization of the cytoskeleton with a calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A, rescued the differentiation of renal progenitor cells into podocytes in modeled microgravity conditions. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in the organization of the renal progenitor cytoskeleton due to unloading conditions negatively affect the regenerative capacity of these cells. These findings strengthen the concept that changes in mechanical cues can initiate a pathophysiological process in the glomerulus, not only altering podocyte actin cytoskeleton, but also extending the detrimental effect to the renal progenitor population. This underscores the significance of the cytoskeleton as a druggable target for kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Melica
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Gilda La Regina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Dafichi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Julie Peired
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - Laura Lasagni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
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13
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Graf J, Schulz H, Wehland M, Corydon TJ, Sahana J, Abdelfattah F, Wuest SL, Egli M, Krüger M, Kraus A, Wise PM, Infanger M, Grimm D. Omics Studies of Tumor Cells under Microgravity Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:926. [PMID: 38255998 PMCID: PMC10815863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is defined as a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth, expansion, and progression with metastasis. Various signaling pathways are involved in its development. Malignant tumors exhibit a high morbidity and mortality. Cancer research increased our knowledge about some of the underlying mechanisms, but to this day, our understanding of this disease is unclear. High throughput omics technology and bioinformatics were successful in detecting some of the unknown cancer mechanisms. However, novel groundbreaking research and ideas are necessary. A stay in orbit causes biochemical and molecular biological changes in human cancer cells which are first, and above all, due to microgravity (µg). The µg-environment provides conditions that are not reachable on Earth, which allow researchers to focus on signaling pathways controlling cell growth and metastasis. Cancer research in space already demonstrated how cancer cell-exposure to µg influenced several biological processes being involved in cancer. This novel approach has the potential to fight cancer and to develop future cancer strategies. Space research has been shown to impact biological processes in cancer cells like proliferation, apoptosis, cell survival, adhesion, migration, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, focal adhesion, and growth factors, among others. This concise review focuses on publications related to genetic, transcriptional, epigenetic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies on tumor cells exposed to real space conditions or to simulated µg using simulation devices. We discuss all omics studies investigating different tumor cell types from the brain and hematological system, sarcomas, as well as thyroid, prostate, breast, gynecologic, gastrointestinal, and lung cancers, in order to gain new and innovative ideas for understanding the basic biology of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Graf
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.G.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (F.A.); (M.K.); (P.M.W.)
| | - Herbert Schulz
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.G.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (F.A.); (M.K.); (P.M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.G.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (F.A.); (M.K.); (P.M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (T.J.C.); (J.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (T.J.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Fatima Abdelfattah
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.G.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (F.A.); (M.K.); (P.M.W.)
| | - Simon L. Wuest
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland (M.E.)
| | - Marcel Egli
- Space Biology Group, Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6052 Hergiswil, Switzerland (M.E.)
- National Center for Biomedical Research in Space, Innovation Cluster Space and Aviation (UZH Space Hub), University Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.G.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (F.A.); (M.K.); (P.M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Armin Kraus
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Petra M. Wise
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.G.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (F.A.); (M.K.); (P.M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (A.K.); (M.I.)
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.G.); (H.S.); (M.W.); (F.A.); (M.K.); (P.M.W.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (T.J.C.); (J.S.)
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14
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Elahi MM, Witt AN, Pryzdial ELG, McBeth PB. Thrombotic triad in microgravity. Thromb Res 2024; 233:82-87. [PMID: 38029549 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Thrombotic disease may be an underdiagnosed condition of prolonged exposure to microgravity and yet the underlying factors remain poorly defined. Recently, an internal jugular vein thrombosis was diagnosed in a low-risk female astronaut after an approximately 7-week space mission. Six of the additional 10 crew members demonstrated jugular venous flow risk factors, such as suspicious stagnation or retroversion. Fortunately, all were asymptomatic. Observations in space as well as clinical and in vitro microgravity studies on Earth, where experiments are designed to recapitulate the conditions of space, suggest effects on blood flow stasis, coagulation, and vascular function. In this article, the related literature on thrombotic disease in space is reviewed, with consideration of these elements of Virchow's triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Elahi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Alexandra N Witt
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada; Canadian Blood Services, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canada
| | - Edward L G Pryzdial
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada; Canadian Blood Services, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canada
| | - Paul B McBeth
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
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15
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Ludtka C, Allen JB. The Effects of Simulated and Real Microgravity on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. GRAVITATIONAL AND SPACE RESEARCH : PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR GRAVITATIONAL AND SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 12:46-59. [PMID: 38846256 PMCID: PMC11156189 DOI: 10.2478/gsr-2024-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
As considerations are being made for the limitations and safety of long-term human spaceflight, the vasculature is important given its connection to and impact on numerous organ systems. As a major constituent of blood vessels, vascular smooth muscle cells are of interest due to their influence over vascular tone and function. Additionally, vascular smooth muscle cells are responsive to pressure and flow changes. Therefore, alterations in these parameters under conditions of microgravity can be functionally disruptive. As such, here we review and discuss the existing literature that assesses the effects of microgravity, both actual and simulated, on smooth muscle cells. This includes the various methods for achieving or simulating microgravity, the animal models or cells used, and the various durations of microgravity assessed. We also discuss the various reported findings in the field, which include changes to cell proliferation, gene expression and phenotypic shifts, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and Ca2+ signaling. Additionally, we briefly summarize the literature on smooth muscle tissue engineering in microgravity as well as considerations of radiation as another key component of spaceflight to contextualize spaceflight experiments, which by their nature include radiation exposure. Finally, we provide general recommendations based on the existing literature's focus and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Ludtka
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Josephine B. Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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16
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Zuccarelli L, Baldassarre G, Winnard A, Harris KM, Weber T, Green DA, Petersen LG, Kamine TH, Roberts L, Kim DS, Greaves DK, Arya R, Laws JM, Elias A, Rittweger J, Grassi B, Goswami N. Effects of whole-body vibration or resistive-vibration exercise on blood clotting and related biomarkers: a systematic review. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:87. [PMID: 38057333 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-body vibration (WBV) and resistive vibration exercise (RVE) are utilized as countermeasures against bone loss, muscle wasting, and physical deconditioning. The safety of the interventions, in terms of the risk of inducing undesired blood clotting and venous thrombosis, is not clear. We therefore performed the present systematic review of the available scientific literature on the issue. The review was conducted following the guidelines by the Space Biomedicine Systematic Review Group, based on Cochrane review guidelines. The relevant context or environment of the studies was "ground-based environment"; space analogs or diseased conditions were not included. The search retrieved 801 studies; 77 articles were selected for further consideration after an initial screening. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. The main variables related to blood markers involved angiogenic and endothelial factors, fibrinolysis and coagulation markers, cytokine levels, inflammatory and plasma oxidative stress markers. Functional and hemodynamic markers involved blood pressure measurements, systemic vascular resistance, blood flow and microvascular and endothelial functions. The available evidence suggests neutral or potentially positive effects of short- and long-term interventions with WBV and RVE on variables related to blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammatory status, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, microvascular and endothelial functions. No significant warning signs towards an increased risk of undesired clotting and venous thrombosis were identified. If confirmed by further studies, WBV and RVE could be part of the countermeasures aimed at preventing or attenuating the muscular and cardiovascular deconditioning associated with spaceflights, permanence on planetary habitats and ground-based simulations of microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Katie M Harris
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Tobias Weber
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency (ESA), Cologne, Germany
- KBR GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - David A Green
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency (ESA), Cologne, Germany
- KBR GmbH, Cologne, Germany
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lonnie G Petersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tovy Haber Kamine
- Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Lara Roberts
- Kings College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David S Kim
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency (ESA), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Danielle K Greaves
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roopen Arya
- Kings College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Antoine Elias
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Sainte Musse Hospital, Toulon La Seyne Hospital Centre, Toulon, France
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Bruno Grassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Division of Physiology, Otto Löwi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Applied Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
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17
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Zhou Y, Lv W, Peng X, Cheng Y, Tu Y, Song G, Luo Q. Simulated microgravity attenuates skin wound healing by inhibiting dermal fibroblast migration via F-actin/YAP signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2751-2764. [PMID: 37795566 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Skin and its cell components continuously subject to extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical forces and are mechanical sensitive. Disturbed mechanical homeostasis may lead to changes in skin functions. Gravity is the integral mechanical force on the earth, however, how gravity contributes to the maintenance of skin function and how microgravity in space affects the wound healing are poorly understood. Here, using microgravity analogs, we show that simulated microgravity (SMG) inhibits the healing of cutaneous wound and the accumulation of dermal fibroblasts in the wound bed. In vitro, SMG inhibits the migration of human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF-1), and decreases the F-actin polymerization and YAP (yes-associated protein) activity. The SMG-inhibited migration can be recovered by activating YAP or F-actin polymerization using lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or jasplakinolide (Jasp), suggesting the involvement of F-actin/YAP signaling pathway in this process. In SMG rats, LPA treatment improves the cutaneous healing with increased dermal fibroblasts in the wound bed. Together, our results demonstrate that SMG attenuates the cutaneous wound healing by inhibiting dermal fibroblast migration, and propose the crucial role of F-actin/YAP mechano-transduction in the maintenance of skin homeostasis under normal gravity, and YAP as a possible therapeutic target for the skin care of astronauts in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiufen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yansiwei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Tu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, College of Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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18
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Du G, Zhang P, Guo J, Pang X, Kan G, Zeng B, Chen X, Liang J, Zhan Y. MF-Net: Automated Muscle Fiber Segmentation From Immunofluorescence Images Using a Local-Global Feature Fusion Network. J Digit Imaging 2023; 36:2411-2426. [PMID: 37714969 PMCID: PMC10584774 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-023-00890-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Histological assessment of skeletal muscle slices is very important for the accurate evaluation of weightless muscle atrophy. The accurate identification and segmentation of muscle fiber boundary is an important prerequisite for the evaluation of skeletal muscle fiber atrophy. However, there are many challenges to segment muscle fiber from immunofluorescence images, including the presence of low contrast in fiber boundaries in immunofluorescence images and the influence of background noise. Due to the limitations of traditional convolutional neural network-based segmentation methods in capturing global information, they cannot achieve ideal segmentation results. In this paper, we propose a muscle fiber segmentation network (MF-Net) method for effective segmentation of macaque muscle fibers in immunofluorescence images. The network adopts a dual encoder branch composed of convolutional neural networks and transformer to effectively capture local and global feature information in the immunofluorescence image, highlight foreground features, and suppress irrelevant background noise. In addition, a low-level feature decoder module is proposed to capture more global context information by combining different image scales to supplement the missing detail pixels. In this study, a comprehensive experiment was carried out on the immunofluorescence datasets of six macaques' weightlessness models and compared with the state-of-the-art deep learning model. It is proved from five segmentation indices that the proposed automatic segmentation method can be accurately and effectively applied to muscle fiber segmentation in shank immunofluorescence images.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peng Zhang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Guo
- Institute of Applied Acoustics, School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Xiangsheng Pang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghan Kan
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zeng
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jimin Liang
- School of Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, China.
| | - Yonghua Zhan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University & Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China.
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19
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Pang X, Zhang P, Chen X, Liu W. Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in skeletal muscle atrophy. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1289537. [PMID: 38046952 PMCID: PMC10690626 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1289537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscles underpin myriad human activities, maintaining an intricate balance between protein synthesis and degradation crucial to muscle mass preservation. Historically, disruptions in this balance-where degradation overshadows synthesis-have marked the onset of muscle atrophy, a condition diminishing life quality and, in grave instances, imperiling life itself. While multiple protein degradation pathways exist-including the autophagy-lysosome, calcium-dependent calpain, and cysteine aspartate protease systems-the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway emerges as an especially cardinal avenue for intracellular protein degradation, wielding pronounced influence over the muscle atrophy trajectory. This paper ventures a panoramic view of predominant muscle atrophy types, accentuating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway's role therein. Furthermore, by drawing from recent scholarly advancements, we draw associations between the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and specific pathological conditions linked to muscle atrophy. Our exploration seeks to shed light on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway's significance in skeletal muscle dynamics, aiming to pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies against muscle atrophy and affiliated muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiangSheng Pang
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoPing Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - WenMing Liu
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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20
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Ratushnyy AY, Buravkova LB. Microgravity Effects and Aging Physiology: Similar Changes or Common Mechanisms? BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1763-1777. [PMID: 38105197 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the use of countermeasures (including intense physical activity), cosmonauts and astronauts develop muscle atony and atrophy, cardiovascular system failure, osteopenia, etc. All these changes, reminiscent of age-related physiological changes, occur in a healthy person in microgravity quite quickly - within a few months. Adaptation to the lost of gravity leads to the symptoms of aging, which are compensated after returning to Earth. The prospect of interplanetary flights raises the question of gravity thresholds, below which the main physiological systems will decrease their functional potential, similar to aging, and affect life expectancy. An important role in the aging process belongs to the body's cellular reserve - progenitor cells, which are involved in physiological remodeling and regenerative/reparative processes of all physiological systems. With age, progenitor cell count and their regenerative potential decreases. Moreover, their paracrine profile becomes pro-inflammatory during replicative senescence, disrupting tissue homeostasis. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are mechanosensitive, and therefore deprivation of gravitational stimulus causes serious changes in their functional status. The review compares the cellular effects of microgravity and changes developing in senescent cells, including stromal precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Yu Ratushnyy
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123007, Russia.
| | - Ludmila B Buravkova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123007, Russia
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21
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White NJ, Wenthe A. Managing Hemostasis in Space. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2079-2087. [PMID: 37795614 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Human space travel requires exposure to weightlessness, ionizing radiation, isolation, and austerity. A recent report of internal jugular vein thrombosis in astronauts in low Earth orbit confirms that these exposures also affect vascular biology to influence diseases of thrombosis and hemostasis. This brief review summarizes the known influences of space travel on inflammation, blood coagulation, and the cardiovascular system and conceptualizes how they might combine to affect thrombosis and hemostasis. In the event of a major thrombotic or bleeding emergency, it is anticipated that the unique physiological influences of the space environment and logistical limitations of providing medical care in space would require a response that is unique from our current experience. We also look towards the future to discuss lessons learned from our current experiences on Earth and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle (N.J.W.)
- University of Washington Resuscitation Engineering Science Unit (RESCU) (N.J.W., A.W.)
| | - Andrew Wenthe
- University of Washington Resuscitation Engineering Science Unit (RESCU) (N.J.W., A.W.)
- U.S. Navy, Active Duty, Special Operations Combat Medic-SOCM (A.W.)
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22
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Cialdai F, Brown AM, Baumann CW, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Calvaruso M, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Choukér A, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Hahn C, Hatton J, Herranz R, Hellweg CE, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon J, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, van Ombergen A, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Puhl C, Rettberg P, Risaliti C, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Santucci D, Sperl M, Strollo F, Tabury K, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Szewczyk NJ, Monici M. How do gravity alterations affect animal and human systems at a cellular/tissue level? NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:84. [PMID: 37865644 PMCID: PMC10590411 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present white paper concerns the indications and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community to make progress in filling the gaps of knowledge that prevent us from answering the question: "How Do Gravity Alterations Affect Animal and Human Systems at a Cellular/Tissue Level?" This is one of the five major scientific issues of the ESA roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments". Despite the many studies conducted so far on spaceflight adaptation mechanisms and related pathophysiological alterations observed in astronauts, we are not yet able to elaborate a synthetic integrated model of the many changes occurring at different system and functional levels. Consequently, it is difficult to develop credible models for predicting long-term consequences of human adaptation to the space environment, as well as to implement medical support plans for long-term missions and a strategy for preventing the possible health risks due to prolonged exposure to spaceflight beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO). The research activities suggested by the scientific community have the aim to overcome these problems by striving to connect biological and physiological aspects in a more holistic view of space adaptation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Austin M Brown
- Honors Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Cory W Baumann
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Inst. of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Inst. for Cell and Neurobiol, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Inst. Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Sistems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Dept Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, IIT, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Dept. Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Dept of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, F-42000, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | | | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine E Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Dept., Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jack van Loon
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, ACTA/VU, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Dept. Orthopaedics, Univ. Med. Center Utrecht & Dept. Clinical Sciences, Utrecht Univ, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Dept, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Inst. Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Inst. for Traumatology, Res. Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Christopher Puhl
- Space Applications NV/SA for European Space Agency, Houston, USA
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Inst of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Dept. of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Dept of Engineering Mathematics, and Dept of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Dept. Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Ist. Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Felice Strollo
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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23
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Ha P, Kwak JH, Zhang Y, Shi J, Tran L, Liu TP, Pan HC, Lee S, Kim JK, Chen E, Shirazi-Fard Y, Stodieck LS, Lin A, Zheng Z, Dong SN, Zhang X, Wu BM, Ting K, Soo C. Bisphosphonate conjugation enhances the bone-specificity of NELL-1-based systemic therapy for spaceflight-induced bone loss in mice. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:75. [PMID: 37723136 PMCID: PMC10507033 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00319-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity-induced bone loss results in a 1% bone mineral density loss monthly and can be a mission critical factor in long-duration spaceflight. Biomolecular therapies with dual osteogenic and anti-resorptive functions are promising for treating extreme osteoporosis. We previously confirmed that NELL-like molecule-1 (NELL-1) is crucial for bone density maintenance. We further PEGylated NELL-1 (NELL-polyethylene glycol, or NELL-PEG) to increase systemic delivery half-life from 5.5 to 15.5 h. In this study, we used a bio-inert bisphosphonate (BP) moiety to chemically engineer NELL-PEG into BP-NELL-PEG and specifically target bone tissues. We found conjugation with BP improved hydroxyapatite (HA) binding and protein stability of NELL-PEG while preserving NELL-1's osteogenicity in vitro. Furthermore, BP-NELL-PEG showed superior in vivo bone specificity without observable pathology in liver, spleen, lungs, brain, heart, muscles, or ovaries of mice. Finally, we tested BP-NELL-PEG through spaceflight exposure onboard the International Space Station (ISS) at maximal animal capacity (n = 40) in a long-term (9 week) osteoporosis therapeutic study and found that BP-NELL-PEG significantly increased bone formation in flight and ground control mice without obvious adverse health effects. Our results highlight BP-NELL-PEG as a promising therapeutic to mitigate extreme bone loss from long-duration microgravity exposure and musculoskeletal degeneration on Earth, especially when resistance training is not possible due to incapacity (e.g., bone fracture, stroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Ha
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jin Hee Kwak
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yulong Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Jiayu Shi
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Luan Tran
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Timothy Pan Liu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hsin-Chuan Pan
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Samantha Lee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jong Kil Kim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Eric Chen
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Louis S Stodieck
- BioServe Space Technologies and Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Andy Lin
- Office of Advanced Research Computing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Stella Nuo Dong
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xinli Zhang
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Benjamin M Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Kang Ting
- Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Chia Soo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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24
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Shimizu R, Hirano I, Hasegawa A, Suzuki M, Otsuki A, Taguchi K, Katsuoka F, Uruno A, Suzuki N, Yumoto A, Okada R, Shirakawa M, Shiba D, Takahashi S, Suzuki T, Yamamoto M. Nrf2 alleviates spaceflight-induced immunosuppression and thrombotic microangiopathy in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:875. [PMID: 37626149 PMCID: PMC10457343 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05251-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight-related stresses impact health via various body systems, including the haematopoietic and immune systems, with effects ranging from moderate alterations of homoeostasis to serious illness. Oxidative stress appears to be involved in these changes, and the transcription factor Nrf2, which regulates expression of a set of cytoprotective and antioxidative stress response genes, has been implicated in the response to spaceflight-induced stresses. Here, we show through analyses of mice from the MHU-3 project, in which Nrf2-knockout mice travelled in space for 31 days, that mice lacking Nrf2 suffer more seriously from spaceflight-induced immunosuppression than wild-type mice. We discovered that a one-month spaceflight-triggered the expression of tissue inflammatory marker genes in wild-type mice, an effect that was even more pronounced in the absence of Nrf2. Concomitant with induction of inflammatory conditions, the consumption of coagulation-fibrinolytic factors and platelets was elevated by spaceflight and further accelerated by Nrf2 deficiency. These results highlight that Nrf2 mitigates spaceflight-induced inflammation, subsequent immunosuppression, and thrombotic microangiopathy. These observations reveal a new strategy to relieve health problems encountered during spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuko Shimizu
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ikuo Hirano
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hasegawa
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mikiko Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akihito Otsuki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumiki Katsuoka
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akira Uruno
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Norio Suzuki
- Division of Oxygen Biology, New Industry Creation hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akane Yumoto
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Risa Okada
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masaki Shirakawa
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Dai Shiba
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology and Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- The Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM) Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
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25
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Ravizza M, Giani L, Sheiban FJ, Pedrocchi A, DeWitt J, Ferrigno G. IMU-based classification of resistive exercises for real-time training monitoring on board the international space station with potential telemedicine spin-off. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289777. [PMID: 37561691 PMCID: PMC10414632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The microgravity exposure that astronauts undergo during space missions lasting up to 6 months induces biochemical and physiological changes potentially impacting on their health. As a countermeasure, astronauts perform an in-flight training program consisting in different resistive exercises. To train optimally and safely, astronauts need guidance by on-ground specialists via a real-time audio/video system that, however, is subject to a communication delay that increases in proportion to the distance between sender and receiver. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a wearable IMU-based biofeedback system to monitor astronauts in-flight training displaying real-time feedback on exercises execution. Such a system has potential spin-offs also on personalized home/remote training for fitness and rehabilitation. 29 subjects were recruited according to their physical shape and performance criteria to collect kinematics data under ethical committee approval. Tests were conducted to (i) compare the signals acquired with our system to those obtained with the current state-of-the-art inertial sensors and (ii) to assess the exercises classification performance. The magnitude square coherence between the signals collected with the two different systems shows good agreement between the data. Multiple classification algorithms were tested and the best accuracy was obtained using a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP). MLP was also able to identify mixed errors during the exercise execution, a scenario that is quite common during training. The resulting system represents a novel low-cost training monitor tool that has space application, but also potential use on Earth for individuals working-out at home or remotely thanks to its ease of use and portability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ravizza
- NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Giani
- NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Jamal Sheiban
- NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pedrocchi
- NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Ferrigno
- NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
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26
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Ong J, Mader TH, Gibson CR, Mason SS, Lee AG. Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS): an update on potential microgravity-based pathophysiology and mitigation development. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2409-2415. [PMID: 37072472 PMCID: PMC10397180 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02522-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-duration spaceflight is associated with neurologic and ophthalmic clinical and imaging findings in astronauts termed spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). These microgravity-induced findings have been well documented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and are clearly a potential risk for future human space exploration. The underlying pathogenesis of SANS is not well understood, although multiple hypotheses have emerged. Terrestrial analogues and potential countermeasures have also been studied to further understand and potentially mitigate SANS. In this manuscript, we review the current understanding of SANS, discuss the prevailing hypotheses for pathogenesis, and describe current developments in terrestrial analogues and potential countermeasures for SANS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Ong
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - C Robert Gibson
- KBR, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
- South Shore Eye Center, League City, TX, USA
| | | | - Andrew G Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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27
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Altaie S, Alrawi A, Xuexin D. A novel model of gravity challenge device. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2023.104911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Ong J, Tarver W, Brunstetter T, Mader TH, Gibson CR, Mason SS, Lee A. Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome: proposed pathogenesis, terrestrial analogues, and emerging countermeasures. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:895-900. [PMID: 36690421 PMCID: PMC10359702 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-322892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) refers to a distinct constellation of ocular, neurological and neuroimaging findings observed in astronauts during and following long duration spaceflight. These ocular findings, to include optic disc oedema, posterior globe flattening, chorioretinal folds and hyperopic shifts, were first described by NASA in 2011. SANS is a potential risk to astronaut health and will likely require mitigation prior to planetary travel with prolonged exposures to microgravity. While the exact pathogenesis of SANS is not completely understood, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this neuro-ocular phenomenon. In this paper, we briefly discuss the current hypotheses and contributing factors underlying SANS pathophysiology as well as analogues used to study SANS on Earth. We also review emerging potential countermeasures for SANS including lower body negative pressure, nutritional supplementation and translaminar pressure gradient modulation. Ongoing investigation within these fields will likely be instrumental in preparing and protecting astronaut vision for future spaceflight missions including deep space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Ong
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | | | - C Robert Gibson
- KBR, NASA Space Medicine Operations Division, Houston, Texas, USA
- South Shore Eye Center, League City, Texas, USA
| | | | - Andrew Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Stratis D, Trudel G, Rocheleau L, Pelchat M, Laneuville O. The transcriptome response of astronaut leukocytes to long missions aboard the International Space Station reveals immune modulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1171103. [PMID: 37426644 PMCID: PMC10324659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1171103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spaceflight leads to the deconditioning of multiple body systems including the immune system. We sought to characterize the molecular response involved by capturing changes in leukocyte transcriptomes from astronauts transitioning to and from long-duration spaceflight. Methods Fourteen male and female astronauts with ~6-month- long missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) had 10 blood samples collected throughout the three phases of the study: one pre-flight (PF), four in-flight (IF) while onboard the ISS, and five upon return to Earth (R). We measured gene expression through RNA sequencing of leukocytes and applied generalized linear modeling to assess differential expression across all 10 time points followed by the analysis of selected time points and functional enrichment of changing genes to identify shifts in biological processes. Results Our temporal analysis identified 276 differentially expressed transcripts grouped into two clusters (C) showing opposite profiles of expression with transitions to and from spaceflight: (C1) decrease-then-increase and (C2) increase-then-decrease. Both clusters converged toward average expression between ~2 and ~6 months in space. Further analysis of spaceflight transitions identified the decrease-then-increase pattern with most changes: 112 downregulated genes between PF and early spaceflight and 135 upregulated genes between late IF and R. Interestingly, 100 genes were both downregulated when reaching space and upregulated when landing on Earth. Functional enrichment at the transition to space related to immune suppression increased cell housekeeping functions and reduced cell proliferation. In contrast, egress to Earth is related to immune reactivation. Conclusion The leukocytes' transcriptome changes describe rapid adaptations in response to entering space followed by opposite changes upon returning to Earth. These results shed light on immune modulation in space and highlight the major adaptive changes in cellular activity engaged to adapt to extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stratis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Guy Trudel
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Physiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lynda Rocheleau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Pelchat
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Odette Laneuville
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Markina E, Andreeva E, Buravkova L. Stromal Lineage Precursors from Rodent Femur and Tibia Bone Marrows after Hindlimb Unloading: Functional Ex Vivo Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108594. [PMID: 37239936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodent hindlimb unloading (HU) model was developed to elucidate responses/mechanisms of adverse consequences of space weightlessness. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) were isolated from rat femur and tibia bone marrows and examined ex vivo after 2 weeks of HU and subsequent 2 weeks of restoration of load (HU + RL). In both bones, decrease of fibroblast colony forming units (CFU-f) after HU with restoration after HU + RL detected. In CFU-f and MMSCs, levels of spontaneous/induced osteocommitment were similar. MMSCs from tibia initially had greater spontaneous mineralization of extracellular matrix but were less sensitive to osteoinduction. There was no recovery of initial levels of mineralization in MMSCs from both bones during HU + RL. After HU, most bone-related genes were downregulated in tibia or femur MMSCs. After HU + RL, the initial level of transcription was restored in femur, while downregulation persisted in tibia MMSCs. Therefore, HU provoked a decrease of osteogenic activity of BM stromal precursors at transcriptomic and functional levels. Despite unidirectionality of changes, the negative effects of HU were more pronounced in stromal precursors from distal limb-tibia. These observations appear to be on demand for elucidation of mechanisms of skeletal disorders in astronauts in prospect of long-term space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Markina
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Andreeva
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila Buravkova
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
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Gerasimova-Meigal L, Meigal A, Gerasimova M, Sklyarova A, Sirotinina E. Cerebral Circulation and Brain Temperature during an Ultra-Short Session of Dry Immersion in Young Subjects. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:209-218. [PMID: 37218916 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of the study was to assess cerebral circulation in healthy young subjects during an ultra-short (45 min) session of ground-based microgravity modeled by "dry" immersion (DI), with the help of a multifunctional Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) analyzer. In addition, we tested a hypothesis that cerebral temperature would grow during a DI session. The supraorbital area of the forehead and forearm area were tested before, within, and after a DI session. Average perfusion, five oscillation ranges of the LDF spectrum, and brain temperature were assessed. Within a DI session, in the supraorbital area most of LDF parameters remained unchanged except for a 30% increase in respiratory associated (venular) rhythm. The temperature of the supraorbital area increased by up to 38.5 °C within the DI session. In the forearm area, the average value of perfusion and its nutritive component increased, presumably due to thermoregulation. In conclusion, the results suggest that a 45 min DI session does not exert a substantial effect on cerebral blood perfusion and systemic hemodynamics in young healthy subjects. Moderate signs of venous stasis were observed, and brain temperature increased during a DI session. These findings must be thoroughly validated in future studies because elevated brain temperature during a DI session can contribute to some reactions to DI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liudmila Gerasimova-Meigal
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Petrozavodsk State University, 33, Lenin Pr., 185910 Petrozavodsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Meigal
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Petrozavodsk State University, 33, Lenin Pr., 185910 Petrozavodsk, Russia
| | - Maria Gerasimova
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Petrozavodsk State University, 33, Lenin Pr., 185910 Petrozavodsk, Russia
| | - Anna Sklyarova
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Petrozavodsk State University, 33, Lenin Pr., 185910 Petrozavodsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Sirotinina
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Petrozavodsk State University, 33, Lenin Pr., 185910 Petrozavodsk, Russia
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Lv W, Peng X, Tu Y, Shi Y, Song G, Luo Q. YAP Inhibition Alleviates Simulated Microgravity-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence via Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12050990. [PMID: 37237856 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Weightlessness in space leads to bone loss, muscle atrophy, and impaired immune defense in astronauts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play crucial roles in maintaining the homeostasis and function of the tissue. However, how microgravity affects the characteristics MSCs and the related roles in the pathophysiological changes in astronauts remain barely known. Here we used a 2D-clinostat device to simulate microgravity. Senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the expression of senescent markers p16, p21, and p53 were used to evaluate the senescence of MSCs. Mitochondrial membrane potential (mΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ATP production were used to evaluate mitochondrial function. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate the expression and localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). We found that simulated microgravity (SMG) induced MSC senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mito-TEMPO (MT), a mitochondrial antioxidant, restored mitochondrial function and reversed MSC senescence induced by SMG, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction mediates SMG-induced MSC senescence. Further, it was found that SMG promoted YAP expression and its nuclear translocation in MSCs. Verteporfin (VP), an inhibitor of YAP, restored SMG-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in MSCs by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear localization. These findings suggest that YAP inhibition alleviates SMG-induced MSC senescence via targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, and YAP may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of weightlessness-related cell senescence and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiufen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yun Tu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yisong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Guanbin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Scott JPR, Green DA, Weerts G, Cheuvront SN. Effects of body size and countermeasure exercise on estimates of life support resources during all-female crewed exploration missions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5950. [PMID: 37045858 PMCID: PMC10097614 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Employing a methodology reported in a recent theoretical study on male astronauts, this study estimated the effects of body size and aerobic countermeasure (CM) exercise in a four-person, all-female crew composed of individuals drawn from a stature range (1.50- to 1.90-m) representative of current space agency requirements (which exist for stature, but not for body mass) upon total energy expenditure (TEE), oxygen (O2) consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2) and metabolic heat (Hprod) production, and water requirements for hydration, during space exploration missions. Assuming geometric similarity across the stature range, estimates were derived using available female astronaut data (mean age: 40-years; BMI: 22.7-kg·m-2; resting VO2 and VO2max: 3.3- and 40.5-mL·kg-1·min-1) on 30- and 1080-day missions, without and with, ISS-like countermeasure exercise (modelled as 2 × 30-min aerobic exercise at 75% VO2max, 6-day·week-1). Where spaceflight-specific data/equations were not available, terrestrial equivalents were used. Body size alone increased 24-h TEE (+ 30%), O2 consumption (+ 60%), CO2 (+ 60%) and Hprod (+ 60%) production, and water requirements (+ 17%). With CM exercise, the increases were + 25-31%, + 29%, + 32%, + 38% and + 17-25% across the stature range. Compared to the previous study of theoretical male astronauts, the effect of body size on TEE was markedly less in females, and, at equivalent statures, all parameter estimates were lower for females, with relative differences ranging from -5% to -29%. When compared at the 50th percentile for stature for US females and males, these differences increased to - 11% to - 41% and translated to larger reductions in TEE, O2 and water requirements, and less CO2 and Hprod during 1080-day missions using CM exercise. Differences between female and male theoretical astronauts result from lower resting and exercising O2 requirements (based on available astronaut data) of female astronauts, who are lighter than male astronauts at equivalent statures and have lower relative VO2max values. These data, combined with the current move towards smaller diameter space habitat modules, point to a number of potential advantages of all-female crews during future human space exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P R Scott
- Institut Médecine Physiologie Spatiale (MEDES), Toulouse, France.
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany.
| | - David A Green
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany
- KBR GmbH, Cologne, Germany
- Centre of Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Guillaume Weerts
- Space Medicine Team, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany
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Trivella MG, Capobianco E, L’Abbate A. Editorial: Physiology in extreme conditions: Adaptations and unexpected reactions, Volume II. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1181010. [PMID: 36998988 PMCID: PMC10043470 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1181010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Trivella
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria G. Trivella,
| | - Enrico Capobianco
- The Jackson Laboratory, Computational Science, Farmington, CT, United States
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Freeborn TJ, Critcher S, Hooper G. Segmental Tissue Resistance of Healthy Young Adults during Four Hours of 6-Degree Head-Down-Tilt Positioning. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2793. [PMID: 36904995 PMCID: PMC10006931 DOI: 10.3390/s23052793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: One effect of microgravity on the human body is fluid redistribution due to the removal of the hydrostatic gravitational gradient. These fluid shifts are expected to be the source of severe medical risks and it is critical to advance methods to monitor them in real-time. One technique to monitor fluid shifts captures the electrical impedance of segmental tissues, but limited research is available to evaluate if fluid shifts in response to microgravity are symmetrical due to the bilateral symmetry of the body. This study aims to evaluate this fluid shift symmetry. (2) Methods: Segmental tissue resistance at 10 kHz and 100 kHz was collected at 30 min intervals from the left/right arm, leg, and trunk of 12 healthy adults over 4 h of 6° head-down-tilt body positioning. (3) Results: Statistically significant increases were observed in the segmental leg resistances, first observed at 120 min and 90 min for 10 kHz and 100 kHz measurements, respectively. Median increases were approximately 11% to 12% for the 10 kHz resistance and 9% for the 100 kHz resistance. No statistically significant changes in the segmental arm or trunk resistance. Comparing the left and right segmental leg resistance, there were no statistically significant differences in the resistance changes based on the side of the body. (4) Conclusions: The fluid shifts induced by the 6° body position resulted in similar changes in both left and right body segments (that had statistically significant changes in this work). These findings support that future wearable systems to monitor microgravity-induced fluid shifts may only require monitoring of one side of body segments (reducing the hardware needed for the system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd J. Freeborn
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Shelby Critcher
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Hooper
- Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
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Stratis D, Trudel G, Rocheleau L, Pelchat M, Laneuville O. The Characteristic Response of the Human Leukocyte Transcriptome to 60 Days of Bed Rest and to Reambulation. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:365-375. [PMID: 36251376 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to isolate the microgravity effect of spaceflight from other space stressors by characterizing the leukocytes' transcriptome of participants to a 60-d bed rest study; an Earth model of microgravity. METHODS Twenty healthy men received a nutritional supplement or not and 10 blood samples were collected throughout three study phases: baseline data collection (BDC) (BDC-12, BDC-11), head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest (HDT1, HDT2, HDT30, HDT60), and reambulation (R1, R2, R12, R30). We measured gene expression through RNA sequencing of leukocytes, applied generalized linear models to assess differential expression followed by enrichment analysis to identify temporal changes (model 1) and to measure the impact of a nutritional supplement (model 2). RESULTS Baseline transcriptomes included 14,624 protein-coding transcripts and showed both high intraindividual correlations (mean Kendall coefficient, 0.91 ± 0.04) and interindividual homogeneity (0.89 ± 0.03). We identified 2415 differentially expressed protein-coding transcripts grouping into six clusters (C1-C6). At phase transitions, clusters showed either a decrease-then-increase (C3 and C5) or an increase-then-decrease (C1, C2, C6) pattern. All six clusters converged toward average expression at HDT30 and HDT60. Gene ontology terms at baseline related to immune functions while in bed rest and reambulation related to sequestration of ions, immune response, cellular stress, and mineralization. The nutritional intervention had no effect. CONCLUSIONS The temporal profiles of leukocytes' transcriptomes emphasized the dynamic nature of gene expression occurring during and after bed rest. Enriched biological processes among the differentially expressed genes included immune related and unrelated responses. The convergence toward no differential expression at days 30 and 60 of bed rest suggests a hypometabolic state. Current findings can guide future work on the complex responses and adaptation mechanisms to microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stratis
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
| | | | - Lynda Rocheleau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
| | - Martin Pelchat
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
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Le Roy B, Martin-Krumm C, Pinol N, Dutheil F, Trousselard M. Human challenges to adaptation to extreme professional environments: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105054. [PMID: 36682426 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
NASA is planning human exploration of the Moon, while preparations are underway for human missions to Mars, and deeper into the solar system. These missions will expose space travelers to unusual conditions, which they will have to adapt to. Similar conditions are found in several analogous environments on Earth, and studies can provide an initial understanding of the challenges for human adaptation. Such environments can be marked by an extreme climate, danger, limited facilities and supplies, isolation from loved ones, or mandatory interaction with others. They are rarely encountered by most human beings, and mainly concern certain professions in limited missions. This systematic review focuses on professional extreme environments and captures data from papers published since 2005. Our findings provide an insight into their physiological, biological, cognitive, and behavioral impacts for better understand how humans adapt or not to them. This study provides a framework for studying adaptation, which is particularly important in light of upcoming longer space expeditions to more distant destinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Le Roy
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; CNES, Paris, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France.
| | - Charles Martin-Krumm
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; École de Psychologues Praticiens, Catholic Institute of Paris, EA Religion, Culture et société, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Pinol
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Health Library, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, F 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, 34 Avenue Carnot, 63 037 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marion Trousselard
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; French Military Health Service Academy, Paris, France
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Blottner D, Moriggi M, Trautmann G, Hastermann M, Capitanio D, Torretta E, Block K, Rittweger J, Limper U, Gelfi C, Salanova M. Space Omics and Tissue Response in Astronaut Skeletal Muscle after Short and Long Duration Missions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044095. [PMID: 36835504 PMCID: PMC9962627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle adaptation to spaceflight are as yet not fully investigated and well understood. The MUSCLE BIOPSY study analyzed pre and postflight deep calf muscle biopsies (m. soleus) obtained from five male International Space Station (ISS) astronauts. Moderate rates of myofiber atrophy were found in long-duration mission (LDM) astronauts (~180 days in space) performing routine inflight exercise as countermeasure (CM) compared to a short-duration mission (SDM) astronaut (11 days in space, little or no inflight CM) for reference control. Conventional H&E scout histology showed enlarged intramuscular connective tissue gaps between myofiber groups in LDM post vs. preflight. Immunoexpression signals of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, collagen 4 and 6, COL4 and 6, and perlecan were reduced while matrix-metalloproteinase, MMP2, biomarker remained unchanged in LDM post vs. preflight suggesting connective tissue remodeling. Large scale proteomics (space omics) identified two canonical protein pathways associated to muscle weakness (necroptosis, GP6 signaling/COL6) in SDM and four key pathways (Fatty acid β-oxidation, integrin-linked kinase ILK, Rho A GTPase RHO, dilated cardiomyopathy signaling) explicitly in LDM. The levels of structural ECM organization proteins COL6A1/A3, fibrillin 1, FBN1, and lumican, LUM, increased in postflight SDM vs. LDM. Proteins from tricarboxylic acid, TCA cycle, mitochondrial respiratory chain, and lipid metabolism mostly recovered in LDM vs. SDM. High levels of calcium signaling proteins, ryanodine receptor 1, RyR1, calsequestrin 1/2, CASQ1/2, annexin A2, ANXA2, and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA1) pump, ATP2A, were signatures of SDM, and decreased levels of oxidative stress peroxiredoxin 1, PRDX1, thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, PRDX3, or superoxide dismutase [Mn] 2, SOD2, signatures of LDM postflight. Results help to better understand the spatiotemporal molecular adaptation of skeletal muscle and provide a large scale database of skeletal muscle from human spaceflight for the better design of effective CM protocols in future human deep space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Blottner
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroMuscular System & Signaling Group, Center of Space Medicine and Extreme Environments, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-450-528-347
| | - Manuela Moriggi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabor Trautmann
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Hastermann
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroMuscular System & Signaling Group, Center of Space Medicine and Extreme Environments, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniele Capitanio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Katharina Block
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joern Rittweger
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrich Limper
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Merheim Medical Center, Witten/Herdecke University, 51109 Cologne, Germany
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Salanova
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- NeuroMuscular System & Signaling Group, Center of Space Medicine and Extreme Environments, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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39
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Quercetin inclusion complex gels ameliorate radiation-induced brain injury by regulating gut microbiota. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114142. [PMID: 36527844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a serious adverse effect of radiotherapy. RIBI has garnered considerable clinical attention owing to its powerful effects on brain function and cognition; however, no effective treatment is available. The microbiota-gut-brain axis theory is a novel concept of treating RIBI by regulating gut microbiota. Quercetin, a particularly common flavonoid compound, has a wide range of biological activities and can regulate gut microbiota; however, it has poor solubility and dispersibility. In the present study, oral gels of inclusion complex comprising quercetin and HP-β-CD were prepared, which increased quercetin dispersion and extended its release time in the intestinal tract. First, the relative abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in RIBI mice changed after oral administration of quercetin inclusion complex gels (QICG). Second, the spontaneous activity behavior and short-term memory ability as well as anxiety level were improved. Third, changes in physical symptoms were observed, including a decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 levels. H&E staining revealed that gut epithelial injury and intestinal inflammation as well as hippocampal inflammation were ameliorated. Antibiotics treatment (Abx) mice were developed to disrupt the mice's original gut microbiota composition. No significant improvement was observed in behavior or histopathology after oral administration of QICG in Abx mice of RIBI, indicating that the effect of QICG on improving RIBI was regulated by intestinal microbiota. Finally, the QICG preparation is efficient, exerting a protective effect on RIBI by regulating gut microbiota via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which provides a novel idea for RIBI treatment.
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40
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Mathiyalagan P, Martelotto LG, Ounzain S, El-Osta A, Uchida S. Editorial: RNA-chromatin interactions: Biology, mechanism, disease and therapeutics. Front Genet 2023; 13:1069427. [PMID: 36712845 PMCID: PMC9877285 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1069427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Prabhu Mathiyalagan
- Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University, New York City, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Prabhu Mathiyalagan,
| | - Luciano G. Martelotto
- Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics, South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Assam El-Osta
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shizuka Uchida
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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41
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Liu J, Leng F, Gao Y, He W, Wang J, Xian CJ, Ma H, Chen K. Protection of primary cilia is an effective countermeasure against the impairment of osteoblast function induced by simulated microgravity. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 27:36-51. [PMID: 36512344 PMCID: PMC9806295 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism for the microgravity-induced decrease in bone formation remains unclear and there is a lack of effective specific preventative therapies. We recently reported that primary cilia of osteoblasts became shorter and even disappeared when the cells were exposed to random positioning machine (RPM)-simulated microgravity and that the microgravity-induced loss of osteogenic potential of osteoblasts could be attenuated when the resorption of primary cilia was prevented by treatment with 0.1 μM cytochalasin D. In the current study, it was further found that the loss of the osteogenic capacity of rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) was associated with the inhibition of the BMP-2/Smad1/5/8 signalling pathway, of which most of the signalling proteins including BMP-2, BMPRII, Smad1/5/8 and p-Smad1/5/8 were found localized to primary cilia. Accompanying the resorption of primary cilia following the cells being exposed to simulated microgravity, the expression levels of these signalling proteins were reduced significantly. Furthermore, the expression of miRNA-129-3p, a microRNA previously reported to control cilium biogenesis, was found to be reduced quickly and changed in a similar tendency with the length of primary cilia. Moreover, overexpression of miRNA-129-3p in ROBs significantly attenuated microgravity-induced inhibition of BMP-2 signalling and loss of osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. These results indicated the important role of miRNA-129-3p in microgravity-induced resorption of primary cilia of osteoblasts and the potential of replenishing the miRNA-129-3p as an effective countermeasure against microgravity-induced loss of primary cilia and impairment of osteoblast function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Fundamental Medical Science Research Laboratories, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support ForcePeople's Liberation Army of ChinaLanzhouChina
| | - Fei‐Fan Leng
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Life Science and EngineeringLanzhou University of TechnologyLanzhouChina
| | - Yu‐Hai Gao
- Fundamental Medical Science Research Laboratories, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support ForcePeople's Liberation Army of ChinaLanzhouChina
| | - Wen‐Fang He
- Fundamental Medical Science Research Laboratories, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support ForcePeople's Liberation Army of ChinaLanzhouChina
| | - Ju‐Fang Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Space RadiobiologyInstitute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of SciencesLanzhouChina
| | - Cory J. Xian
- UniSA Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Hui‐Ping Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support ForcePeople's Liberation Army of ChinaLanzhouChina
| | - Ke‐Ming Chen
- Fundamental Medical Science Research Laboratories, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support ForcePeople's Liberation Army of ChinaLanzhouChina
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42
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The impact of a short-period head-down tilt on executive function in younger adults. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20888. [PMID: 36463320 PMCID: PMC9719537 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25123-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgravity has been shown to be a significant stressor on the cardiovascular system and the brain due to the redistribution of fluids that occurs in the absence of gravitational force, but there is scarce literature surrounding the effects of microgravity on cerebral hemodynamics and cognition. Understanding the early effects that simulated gravity has on cognitive function is essential for developing proper physical and cognitive countermeasures to assure safe and effective cognitive/decisions making while astronauts prepare for the initial launch or when they arrive in a microgravity environment. Therefore, this study aims to determine how an acute simulation of microgravity would alter cerebral oxygenation and executive functions. Sixty-five young healthy participants (22 ± 6 years, 21 females) completed a thirty (30) minute horizontal (00 tilt) followed by a 90-min - 6° head-down-tilt (HDT) protocol. Cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex was monitored throughout the testing session using near-infrared spectroscopy. Cognition was also measured using a computerized Stroop Task. Our results demonstrate that cerebral oxygenation was higher during HDT compared to the horizontal supine position (9.11 ± 1.3 vs. 7.51 ± 1.8, p = 0.02). For the cognitive results, the non-executive performance of the Stroop task remained stable during HDT (652.46 ± 19.3 vs. 632.49 ± 14.5, p = 0.09). However, reaction time during the executive task performance was improved after the HDT (1058 ± 195-950 ± 158 ms, p < 0.01). Our results suggest that an acute bout of simulated microgravity can enhance executive functioning.
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43
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Wang S, Yang X, Han Z, Wu X, Fan YB, Sun LW. Changes of cortical bone pores structure and their effects on mechanical properties in tail-suspended rats. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2022.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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44
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Overbeek R, Schmitz J, Rehnberg L, Benyoucef Y, Dusse F, Russomano T, Hinkelbein J. Effectiveness of CPR in Hypogravity Conditions-A Systematic Review. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12121958. [PMID: 36556323 PMCID: PMC9785883 DOI: 10.3390/life12121958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as a form of basic life support, is critical for maintaining cardiac and cerebral perfusion during cardiac arrest, a medical condition with high expected mortality. Current guidelines emphasize the importance of rapid recognition and prompt initiation of high-quality CPR, including appropriate cardiac compression depth and rate. As space agencies plan missions to the Moon or even to explore Mars, the duration of missions will increase and with it the chance of life-threatening conditions requiring CPR. The objective of this review was to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of chest compressions as part of CPR following current terrestrial guidelines under hypogravity conditions such as those encountered on planetary or lunar surfaces; (2) Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted by two independent reviewers (PubMed, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, ResearchGate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)). Only controlled trials conducting CPR following guidelines from 2010 and after with advised compression depths of 50 mm and above were included; (3) Results: Four different publications were identified. All studies examined CPR feasibility in 0.38 G simulating the gravitational force on Mars. Two studies also simulated hypogravity on the Moon with a force of 0.17 G/0,16 G. All CPR protocols consisted of chest compressions only without ventilation. A compression rate above 100/s could be maintained in all studies and hypogravity conditions. Two studies showed a significant reduction of compression depth in 0.38 G (-7.2 mm/-8.71 mm) and 0.17 G (-12.6 mm/-9.85 mm), respectively, with nearly similar heart rates, compared to 1 G conditions. In the other two studies, participants with higher body weight could maintain a nearly adequate mean depth while effort measured by heart rate (+23/+13.85 bpm) and VO2max (+5.4 mL·kg-1·min-1) increased significantly; (4) Conclusions: Adequate CPR quality in hypogravity can only be achieved under increased physical stress to compensate for functional weight loss. Without this extra effort, the depth of compression quickly falls below the guideline level, especially for light-weight rescuers. This means faster fatigue during resuscitation and the need for more frequent changes of the resuscitator than advised in terrestrial guidelines. Alternative techniques in the straddling position should be further investigated in hypogravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco Overbeek
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Jan Schmitz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- German Society of Aerospace Medicine (DGLRM), 80331 Munich, Germany
- Space Medicine Group, European Society of Aerospace Medicine (ESAM), 51149 Cologne, Germany
| | - Lucas Rehnberg
- General Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- InnovaSpace, London SE28 0LZ, UK
| | - Yacine Benyoucef
- Spacemedex, Valbonne Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, IIS Aragon, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Fabian Dusse
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Jochen Hinkelbein
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- German Society of Aerospace Medicine (DGLRM), 80331 Munich, Germany
- Space Medicine Group, European Society of Aerospace Medicine (ESAM), 51149 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Johannes-Wesling-Universitätsklinikum Minden, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 32429 Minden, Germany
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45
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Chaloulakou S, Poulia KA, Karayiannis D. Physiological Alterations in Relation to Space Flight: The Role of Nutrition. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224896. [PMID: 36432580 PMCID: PMC9699067 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts exhibit several pathophysiological changes due to a variety of stressors related to the space environment, including microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and confinement. Space motion sickness, bone and muscle mass loss, cardiovascular deconditioning and neuro-ocular syndrome are some of the spaceflight-induced effects on human health. Optimal nutrition is of the utmost importance, and-in combination with other measures, such as physical activity and pharmacological treatment-has a key role in mitigating many of the above conditions, including bone and muscle mass loss. Since the beginning of human space exploration, space food has not fully covered astronauts' needs. They often suffer from menu fatigue and present unintentional weight loss, which leads to further alterations. The purpose of this review was to explore the role of nutrition in relation to the pathophysiological effects of spaceflight on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Chaloulakou
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, “Evangelismos” General Hospital of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Anna Poulia
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Karayiannis
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, “Evangelismos” General Hospital of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-213-2045035
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46
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Ong J, Zaman N, Waisberg E, Kamran SA, Lee AG, Tavakkoli A. Head-mounted digital metamorphopsia suppression as a countermeasure for macular-related visual distortions for prolonged spaceflight missions and terrestrial health. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 3:e26. [PMID: 38486901 PMCID: PMC10936292 DOI: 10.1017/wtc.2022.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
During long-duration spaceflight, astronauts are exposed to various risks including spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, which serves as a risk to astronaut vision and a potential physiological barrier to future spaceflight. When considering exploration missions that may expose astronauts to longer periods of microgravity, radiation exposure, and natural aging processes during spaceflight, more severe changes to functional vision may occur. The macula plays a critical role in central vision and disruptions to this key area in the eye may compromise functional vision and mission performance. In this article, we describe the development of a countermeasure technique to digitally suppress monocular central visual distortion with head-mounted display technology. We report early validation studies with this noninvasive countermeasure in individuals with simulated metamorphopsia. When worn by these individuals, this emerging wearable countermeasure technology has demonstrated a suppression of monocular visual distortion. We describe the considerations and further directions of this head-mounted technology for both astronauts and aging individuals on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Ong
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nasif Zaman
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Ethan Waisberg
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharif Amit Kamran
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Andrew G. Lee
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alireza Tavakkoli
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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47
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Marfia G, Navone SE, Guarnaccia L, Campanella R, Locatelli M, Miozzo M, Perelli P, Della Morte G, Catamo L, Tondo P, Campanella C, Lucertini M, Ciniglio Appiani G, Landolfi A, Garzia E. Space flight and central nervous system: Friends or enemies? Challenges and opportunities for neuroscience and neuro-oncology. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1649-1663. [PMID: 35678198 PMCID: PMC9544848 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Space environment provides many challenges to pilots, astronauts, and space scientists, which are constantly subjected to unique conditions, including microgravity, radiations, hypoxic condition, absence of the day and night cycle, etc. These stressful stimuli have the potential to affect many human physiological systems, triggering physical and biological adaptive changes to re‐establish the homeostatic state. A particular concern regards the risks for the effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system (CNS), as several lines of evidence reported a great impact on neuroplasticity, cognitive functions, neurovestibular system, short‐term memory, cephalic fluid shift, reduction in motor function, and psychological disturbances, especially during long‐term missions. Aside these potential detrimental effects, the other side of the coin reflects the potential benefit of applicating space‐related conditions on Earth‐based life sciences, as cancer research. Here, we focused on examining the effect of real and simulated microgravity on CNS functions, both in humans and in cellular models, browsing the different techniques to experience or mime microgravity on‐ground. Increasing evidence demonstrate that cancer cells, and brain cancer cells in particular, are negatively affected by microgravity, in terms of alteration in cell morphology, proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, representing an advancing novel side of space‐based investigations. Overall, deeper understandings about the mechanisms by which space environment influences CNS and tumor biology may be promisingly translated into many clinical fields, ranging from aerospace medicine to neuroscience and oncology, representing an enormous pool of knowledge for the implementation of countermeasures and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marfia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Elena Navone
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Guarnaccia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rolando Campanella
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Locatelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli' Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical-Surgical Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Perelli
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Della Morte
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Catamo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Tondo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Campanella
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "Aldo Di Loreto", Aeronautica Militare, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emanuele Garzia
- Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale "A. Mosso", Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
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48
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Tran QD, Tran V, Toh LS, Williams PM, Tran NN, Hessel V. Space Medicines for Space Health. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1231-1247. [PMID: 35978686 PMCID: PMC9377000 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists from around the world are studying the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation via the "off-Earth" International Space Station (ISS) laboratory platform. The ISS has helped scientists make discoveries that go beyond the basic understanding of Earth. Over 300 medical experiments have been performed to date, with the goal of extending the knowledge gained for the benefit of humanity. This paper gives an overview of these numerous space medical findings, critically identifies challenges and gaps, and puts the achievements into perspective toward long-term space traveling and also adding benefits to our home planet. The medical contents are trifold structured, starting with the well-being of space travelers (astronaut health studies), followed by medical formulation research under space conditions, and then concluding with a blueprint for space pharmaceutical manufacturing. The review covers essential elements of our Earth-based pharmaceutical research such as drug discovery, drug and formulation stability, drug-organ interaction, drug disintegration/bioavailability/pharmacokinetics, pathogen virulence, genome mutation, and body's resistance. The information compiles clinical, medicinal, biological, and chemical research as well as fundamentals and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy Don Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Vienna Tran
- Adelaide
Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Li Shean Toh
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M. Williams
- Faculty
of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Nam Nghiep Tran
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
| | - Volker Hessel
- School
of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- Andy
Thomas Centre for Space Resources, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- School of
Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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49
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Al KF, Chmiel JA, Stuivenberg GA, Reid G, Burton JP. Long-Duration Space Travel Support Must Consider Wider Influences to Conserve Microbiota Composition and Function. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081163. [PMID: 36013342 PMCID: PMC9409767 DOI: 10.3390/life12081163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The microbiota is important for immune modulation, nutrient acquisition, vitamin production, and other aspects for long-term human health. Isolated model organisms can lose microbial diversity over time and humans are likely the same. Decreasing microbial diversity and the subsequent loss of function may accelerate disease progression on Earth, and to an even greater degree in space. For this reason, maintaining a healthy microbiome during spaceflight has recently garnered consideration. Diet, lifestyle, and consumption of beneficial microbes can shape the microbiota, but the replenishment we attain from environmental exposure to microbes is important too. Probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and other methods of microbiota modulation currently available may be of benefit for shorter trips, but may not be viable options to overcome the unique challenges faced in long-term space travel. Novel fermented food products with particular impact on gut health, immune modulation, and other space-targeted health outcomes are worthy of exploration. Further consideration of potential microbial replenishment to humans, including from environmental sources to maintain a healthy microbiome, may also be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kait F. Al
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - John A. Chmiel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Gerrit A. Stuivenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Gregor Reid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jeremy P. Burton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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50
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Wang J, Zhen Z, Wang Y, Wu R, Hu Y, Fu Q, Li Y, Xin B, Song J, Li J, Ren Y, Feng L, Cheng H, Wang A, Hu L, Ling S, Li Y. Non-Invasive Skin Imaging Assessment of Human Stress During Head-Down Bed Rest Using a Portable Handheld Two-Photon Microscope. Front Physiol 2022; 13:899830. [PMID: 35957987 PMCID: PMC9358145 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.899830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight presents a series of physiological and pathological challenges to astronauts resulting from ionizing radiation, microgravity, isolation, and other spaceflight hazards. These risks cause a series of aging-related diseases associated with increased oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction. The skin contains many autofluorescent substances, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H), keratin, melanin, elastin, and collagen, which reflect physiological and pathological changes in vivo. In this study, we used a portable handheld two-photon microscope to conduct high-resolution in vivo skin imaging on volunteers during 15 days of head-down bed rest. The two-photon microscope, equipped with a flexible handheld scanning head, was used to measure two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) images of the left forearm, left front chest, and forehead of volunteers. Changes in TPEF, SHG, and the extended SHG-to-AF(TPEF) aging index of the dermis (SAAID) were measured. It was found that TPEF intensity increased during bed rest and was restored to normal levels after recovery. Meanwhile, SHG increased slightly during bed rest, and the skin aging index increased. Moreover, we found the skin TPEF signals of the left forearm were significantly negatively associated with the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2′-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) values of subjects during head-down bed rest. Meanwhile, the SHG signals were also significantly negatively correlated with MDA and 8-OHDG. A significant negative correlation between the extended SAAID of the left chest and serum antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels was also found. These results demonstrate that skin autofluorescence signals can reflect changes in human oxidant status. This study provides evidence for in-orbit monitoring of changes in human stress using a portable handheld two-photon microscope for skin imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Wang
- College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhen
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Runlong Wu
- College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Beijing Transcend Vivoscope Bio-Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Beijing Transcend Vivoscope Bio-Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bingmu Xin
- Engineering Research Center of Human Circadian Rhythm and Sleep, Space Science and Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinping Song
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yafei Ren
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lishuang Feng
- School of Instrumentation Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Heping Cheng
- College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Wang
- School of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Hu
- Department of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liming Hu, ; Shukuan Ling, ; Yingxian Li,
| | - Shukuan Ling
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liming Hu, ; Shukuan Ling, ; Yingxian Li,
| | - Yingxian Li
- State Key Lab of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liming Hu, ; Shukuan Ling, ; Yingxian Li,
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