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Hussain I, Ullah R, Simran BFNU, Kaur P, Kumar M, Raj R, Faraz M, Mehmoodi A, Malik J. Cardiovascular effects of long-duration space flight. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2305. [PMID: 39135704 PMCID: PMC11318032 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early studies exploring the physiological effects of space travel have indicated the body's capacity for reversible adaptation. However, the impact of long-duration spaceflight, exceeding 6 months, presents more intricate challenges. Effects on the Cardiovascular CV System Extended exposure to microgravity and radiation profoundly affects the CV system. Notable phenomena include fluid shifts toward the head and modified arterial pressure. These changes disrupt blood pressure regulation and elevate cardiac output. Additionally, the loss of venous compression leads to a reduction in central venous pressure. Fluid and Plasma Volume Changes The displacement of fluid from the vascular system to the interstitium, driven by baroreceptor stimulation, results in a 10%-15% decline in plasma volume. Cardiac Muscle and Hematocrit Variations Intriguingly, despite potential increases in cardiac workload, cardiac muscle atrophy and perplexing variations in hematocrit levels have been observed. The mechanism underlying atrophy appears to involve a shift in protein synthesis from the endoplasmic reticulum to the mitochondria via mortalin-mediated mechanisms. Arrhythmias and QT Interval Prolongation Instances of arrhythmias have been recurrently documented, although generally nonlethal, in both Russian and American space missions. Long-duration spaceflight has been associated with the prolongation of the QT interval, particularly in extended missions. Radiation Effects Exposure of the heart to the proton and heavy ion radiation pervasive in deep space contributes to coronary artery degeneration, augmented aortic stiffness, and carotid intima thickening through collagen-mediated processes. Moreover, it accelerates the onset of atherosclerosis and triggers proinflammatory responses. Reentry and Postflight Challenges Upon reentry, astronauts frequently experience orthostatic intolerance and altered sympathetic responses, which bear potential hazards in scenarios requiring rapid mobilization or evacuation. Conclusion Consequently, careful monitoring of these cardiac risks is imperative for forthcoming missions. While early studies illuminate the adaptability of the body to space travel's challenges, the intricacies of long-duration missions and their effects on the CV system necessitate continued investigation and vigilance to ensure astronaut health and mission success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Hussain
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Rehmat Ullah
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | | | - Parvinder Kaur
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Mahendra Kumar
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Rohan Raj
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Maria Faraz
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
| | - Amin Mehmoodi
- Department of MedicineIbn e Seena HospitalKabulAfghanistan
| | - Jahanzeb Malik
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineCardiovascular Analytics GroupIslamabadPakistan
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DeWitt JM, Benton ER. Secondary proton buildup in space radiation shielding. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:119-126. [PMID: 38670638 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.02.005] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The risk posed by prolonged exposure to space radiation represents a significant obstacle to long-duration human space exploration. Of the ion species present in the galactic cosmic ray spectrum, relativistic protons are the most abundant and as such are a relevant point of interest with regard to the radiation protection of space crews involved in future long-term missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This work compared the shielding effectiveness of a number of standard and composite materials relevant to the design and development of future spacecraft or planetary surface habitats. Absorbed dose was measured using Al2O3:C optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters behind shielding targets of varying composition and depth using the 1 GeV nominal energy proton beam available at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. Absorbed dose scored from computer simulations performed using the multi-purpose Monte Carlo radiation transport code FLUKA agrees well with measurements obtained via the shielding experiments. All shielding materials tested and modeled in this study were unable to reduce absorbed dose below that measured by the (unshielded) front detector, even after depths as large as 30 g/cm2. These results could be noteworthy given the broad range of proton energies present in the galactic cosmic ray spectrum, and the potential health and safety hazard such space radiation could represent to future human space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M DeWitt
- Department of Physics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
| | - E R Benton
- Department of Physics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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Giacinto O, Lusini M, Sammartini E, Minati A, Mastroianni C, Nenna A, Pascarella G, Sammartini D, Carassiti M, Miraldi F, Chello M, Pelliccia F. Cardiovascular Effects of Cosmic Radiation and Microgravity. J Clin Med 2024; 13:520. [PMID: 38256654 PMCID: PMC10816185 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020520] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent spaceflights involving nonprofessional people have opened the doors to the suborbital space tourism business. However, they have also drawn public attention to the safety and hazards associated with space travel. Unfortunately, space travel involves a myriad of health risks for people, ranging from DNA damage caused by radiation exposure to the hemodynamic changes that occur when living in microgravity. In fact, the primary pathogenetic role is attributed to cosmic radiation, since deep space lacks the protective benefit of Earth's magnetic shielding. The second risk factor for space-induced pathologies is microgravity, which may affect organ function and cause a different distribution of fluid inside the human body. Both cosmic radiation and microgravity may lead to the alteration of cellular homeostasis and molecular changes in cell function. These, in turn, might have a direct impact on heart function and structure. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the fact that spaceflights constitute a novel frontier in biomedical research. We summarize the most important clinical and experimental evidence regarding the cardiovascular effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity. Finally, we highlight that unraveling the mechanisms underlying how space radiation and microgravity affect the cardiovascular system is crucial for identifying potential countermeasures and developing effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Giacinto
- Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Lusini
- Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Minati
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ciro Mastroianni
- Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Nenna
- Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pascarella
- Research Unit of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Sammartini
- Research Unit of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Carassiti
- Research Unit of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Miraldi
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Chello
- Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pelliccia
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
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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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5
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Vera-Chang MN, Danforth JM, Stuart M, Goodarzi AA, Brand M, Richardson RB. Profound DNA methylomic differences between single- and multi-fraction alpha irradiations of lung fibroblasts. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:174. [PMID: 37891670 PMCID: PMC10612361 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01564-z] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha (α)-radiation is a ubiquitous environmental agent with epigenotoxic effects. Human exposure to α-radiation at potentially harmful levels can occur repetitively over the long term via inhalation of naturally occurring radon gas that accumulates in enclosed spaces, or as a result of a single exposure from a nuclear accident. Alterations in epigenetic DNA methylation (DNAm) have been implicated in normal aging and cancer pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the effects of aberrations in the methylome of human lung cells following exposure to single or multiple α-irradiation events on these processes remain unexplored. RESULTS We performed genome-wide DNAm profiling of human embryonic lung fibroblasts from control and irradiated cells using americium-241 α-sources. Cells were α-irradiated in quadruplicates to seven doses using two exposure regimens, a single-fraction (SF) where the total dose was given at once, and a multi-fraction (MF) method, where the total dose was equally distributed over 14 consecutive days. Our results revealed that SF irradiations were prone to a decrease in DNAm levels, while MF irradiations mostly increased DNAm. The analysis also showed that the gene body (i.e., exons and introns) was the region most altered by both the SF hypomethylation and the MF hypermethylation. Additionally, the MF irradiations induced the highest number of differentially methylated regions in genes associated with DNAm biomarkers of aging, carcinogenesis, and cardiovascular disease. The DNAm profile of the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes suggests that the fibroblasts manifested a defensive response to the MF α-irradiation. Key DNAm events of ionizing radiation exposure, including changes in methylation levels in mitochondria dysfunction-related genes, were mainly identified in the MF groups. However, these alterations were under-represented, indicating that the mitochondria undergo adaptive mechanisms, aside from DNAm, in response to radiation-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS We identified a contrasting methylomic profile in the lung fibroblasts α-irradiated to SF compared with MF exposures. These findings demonstrate that the methylome response of the lung cells to α-radiation is highly dependent on both the total dose and the exposure regimen. They also provide novel insights into potential biomarkers of α-radiation, which may contribute to the development of innovative approaches to detect, prevent, and treat α-particle-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn N Vera-Chang
- Radiobiology and Health Branch, Chalk River Laboratories, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, ON, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - John M Danforth
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, Robson DNA Science Centre, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Marilyne Stuart
- Environment and Waste Technologies Branch, Chalk River Laboratories, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, ON, K0J 1J0, Canada
| | - Aaron A Goodarzi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, Robson DNA Science Centre, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Marjorie Brand
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Richard B Richardson
- Radiobiology and Health Branch, Chalk River Laboratories, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, ON, K0J 1J0, Canada.
- McGill Medical Physics Unit, Cedars Cancer Centre-Glen Site, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Al-Shargie F, Al-Ameri S, Al-Hammadi A, Vladimirovna SD, Tariq U, Al-Nashash H. Detection of Astronaut's Stress Levels During 240-Day Confinement using EEG Signals and Machine Learning . ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-6. [PMID: 38082733 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Early detection of mental stress is particularly important in prolonged space missions. In this study, we propose utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) with multiple machine learning models to detect elevated stress levels during a 240-day confinement. We quantified the levels of stress using alpha amylase levels, reaction time (RT) to stimuli, accuracy of target detection, and functional connectivity of EEG estimated by Phase Locking Value (PLV). Our results show that, alpha amylase level increased every 60-days (with 0.76 correlation) In-mission resulting in four elevated levels of stress. The RT and accuracy of target detection did not show any significant difference with time In-mission. The functional connectivity network showed different patterns between the frontal/occipital with other regions, and parietal to central region. The machine learning classifiers differentiate between four levels of stress with classification accuracy of 91.8%, 91.4%, 90.2%, 87.8, and 81% using linear discriminate analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), Naïve bayes (NB) and decision trees (DT). Our results suggest that EEG and machine learning can be used to detect elevated levels of mental stress in isolation and confined environments.
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Nemec-Bakk AS, Sridharan V, Desai P, Landes RD, Hart B, Allen AR, Boerma M. Effects of Simulated 5-Ion Galactic Cosmic Radiation on Function and Structure of the Mouse Heart. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030795. [PMID: 36983950 PMCID: PMC10057791 DOI: 10.3390/life13030795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Missions into deep space will expose astronauts to the harsh space environment, and the degenerative tissue effects of space radiation are largely unknown. To assess the risks, in this study, male BALB/c mice were exposed to 500 mGy 5-ion simulated GCR (GCRsim) at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. In addition, male and female CD1 mice were exposed to GCRsim and administered a diet containing Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β)RI kinase (ALK5) inhibitor IPW-5371 as a potential countermeasure. An ultrasound was performed to investigate cardiac function. Cardiac tissue was collected to determine collagen deposition, the density of the capillary network, and the expression of the immune mediator toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and immune cell markers CD2, CD4, and CD45. In male BALB/c mice, the only significant effects of GCRsim were an increase in the CD2 and TLR4 markers. In male CD1 mice, GCRsim caused a significant increase in total collagens and a decrease in the expression of TLR4, both of which were mitigated by the TGF-β inhibitor diet. In female CD1 mice, GCRsim caused an increase in the number of capillaries per tissue area in the ventricles, which may be explained by the decrease in the left ventricular mass. However, this increase was not mitigated by TGF-β inhibition. In both male and female CD1 mice, the combination of GCRsim and TGF-β inhibition caused changes in left ventricular immune cell markers that were not seen with GCRsim alone. These data suggest that GCRsim results in minor changes to cardiac tissue in both an inbred and outbred mouse strain. While there were few GCRsim effects to be mitigated, results from the combination of GCRsim and the TGF-β inhibitor do point to a role for TGF-β in maintaining markers of immune cells in the heart after exposure to GCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S. Nemec-Bakk
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Parth Desai
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Reid D. Landes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Barry Hart
- Innovation Pathways, LLC of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
| | - Antiño R. Allen
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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8
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Le H, Rai V, Agrawal DK. Cholesterol: An Important Determinant of Muscle Atrophy in Astronauts. JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMEDICINE 2023; 6:67-79. [PMID: 37006714 PMCID: PMC10062007 DOI: 10.26502/jbb.2642-91280072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Since cholesterol is not routinely measured in astronauts before and after their return from space, there is no data on the role of blood cholesterol level in muscle atrophy and microgravity. Since the first moon landing, aerospace medicine became outdated and has not pushed boundaries like its rocket engineering counterpart. Since the 2019 astronaut twin study, there has yet to be another scientific breakthrough for aerospace medicine. Microgravity-induced muscle atrophy is the most known consequence of spaceflight. Yet, so far, there is no therapeutic solution to prevent it or any real efforts in understanding it on a cellular or molecular level. The most obvious reason to this unprecedented level of research is due to the small cohort of astronauts. With the establishment of private space industries and exponential recruitment of astronauts, there is more reason to push forward spaceflight-related health guidelines and ensure the safety of the brave humans who risk their lives for the progression of mankind. Spaceflight is considered the most challenging job and the failure to prevent injury or harm should be considered reckless negligence by the institutions that actively prevented sophistication of aerospace medicine. In this critical review, role of cholesterol is analyzed across the NASA-established parameters of microgravity-induced muscle atrophy with a focus on potential therapeutic targets for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoangvi Le
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
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The Effects of Combined Exposure to Simulated Microgravity, Ionizing Radiation, and Cortisol on the In Vitro Wound Healing Process. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020246. [PMID: 36672184 PMCID: PMC9857207 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human spaceflight is associated with several health-related issues as a result of long-term exposure to microgravity, ionizing radiation, and higher levels of psychological stress. Frequent reported skin problems in space include rashes, itches, and a delayed wound healing. Access to space is restricted by financial and logistical issues; as a consequence, experimental sample sizes are often small, which limits the generalization of the results. Earth-based simulation models can be used to investigate cellular responses as a result of exposure to certain spaceflight stressors. Here, we describe the development of an in vitro model of the simulated spaceflight environment, which we used to investigate the combined effect of simulated microgravity using the random positioning machine (RPM), ionizing radiation, and stress hormones on the wound-healing capacity of human dermal fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were exposed to cortisol, after which they were irradiated with different radiation qualities (including X-rays, protons, carbon ions, and iron ions) followed by exposure to simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine (RPM). Data related to the inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling phase of wound healing has been collected. Results show that spaceflight stressors can interfere with the wound healing process at any phase. Moreover, several interactions between the different spaceflight stressors were found. This highlights the complexity that needs to be taken into account when studying the effect of spaceflight stressors on certain biological processes and for the aim of countermeasures development.
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Pramanik J, Kumar A, Panchal L, Prajapati B. Countermeasures for Maintaining Cardiovascular Health in Space Missions. Curr Cardiol Rev 2023; 19:57-67. [PMID: 37005513 PMCID: PMC10518885 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x19666230330083225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During space exploration, the human body is subjected to altered atmospheric environments and gravity, exposure to radiation, sleep disturbance, and mental pressures; all these factors are responsible for cardiovascular diseases. Under microgravity, the physiological changes related to cardiovascular diseases are the cephalic fluid shift, dramatic reduction in central venous pressure, changes in blood rheology and endothelial function, cerebrovascular abnormalities, headaches, optic disc edema, intracranial hypertension, congestion of the jugular vein, facial swelling, and loss of taste. Generally, five countermeasures are used to maintain cardiovascular health (during and after space missions), including shielding, nutritional, medicinal, exercise, and artificial gravity. This article concludes with how to reduce space missions' impact on cardiovascular health with the help of various countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhilam Pramanik
- Department of Food Technology, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Akash Kumar
- Department of Food Technology, SRM University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Lakshay Panchal
- Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Haryana, India
| | - Bhupendra Prajapati
- Shree S.K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, India
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Siu M, Levin D, Christiansen R, Kelly E, Alouidor R, Kamine TH. Prophylactic Splenectomy and Hyposplenism in Spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2022; 93:877-881. [PMID: 36757247 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6079.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is debate whether astronauts traveling to space should undergo a prophylactic splenectomy prior to long duration spaceflight. Risks to the spleen during flight include radiation and trauma. However, splenectomy also carries significant risks.METHODS: Systematic review of data published over the past 5 decades regarding risks associated with splenectomies and risks associated with irradiation to the spleen from long duration spaceflight were analyzed. A total of 41 articles were reviewed.RESULTS: Acute risks of splenectomy include intraoperative mortality rate (from hemorrhage) of 3-5%, mortality rate from postoperative complications of 6%, thromboembolic event rate of 10%, and portal vein thrombosis rate of 5-37%. Delayed risks of splenectomy include overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) at 0.5% at 5 yr post splenectomy, mortality rate as high as 60% for pneumococcal infections, and development of malignancy with relative risk of 1.53. The risk of hematologic malignancy increases significantly when individuals reach 40 Gy of exposure, much higher than the 0.6 Gy of radiation experienced from a 12-mo round trip to Mars. Lower doses of radiation increase the risk of hyposplenism more so than hematologic malignancy.CONCLUSION:For protection against hematologic malignancy, the benefits of prophylactic splenectomy do not outweigh the risks. However, there is a possible risk of hyposplenism from long duration spaceflight. It would be beneficial to prophylactically provide vaccines against encapsulated organisms for long duration spaceflight to mitigate the risk of hyposplenism.Siu M, Levin D, Christiansen R, Kelly E, Alouidor R, Kamine TH. Prophylactic splenectomy and hyposplenism in spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(12):877-881.
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12
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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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13
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Bokhari RS, Beheshti A, Blutt SE, Bowles DE, Brenner D, Britton R, Bronk L, Cao X, Chatterjee A, Clay DE, Courtney C, Fox DT, Gaber MW, Gerecht S, Grabham P, Grosshans D, Guan F, Jezuit EA, Kirsch DG, Liu Z, Maletic-Savatic M, Miller KM, Montague RA, Nagpal P, Osenberg S, Parkitny L, Pierce NA, Porada C, Rosenberg SM, Sargunas P, Sharma S, Spangler J, Tavakol DN, Thomas D, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Wang C, Whitcomb L, Young DW, Donoviel D. Looking on the horizon; potential and unique approaches to developing radiation countermeasures for deep space travel. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:105-112. [PMID: 36336356 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Future lunar missions and beyond will require new and innovative approaches to radiation countermeasures. The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is focused on identifying and supporting unique approaches to reduce risks to human health and performance on future missions beyond low Earth orbit. This paper will describe three funded and complementary avenues for reducing the risk to humans from radiation exposure experienced in deep space. The first focus is on identifying new therapeutic targets to reduce the damaging effects of radiation by focusing on high throughput genetic screens in accessible, sometimes called lower, organism models. The second focus is to design innovative approaches for countermeasure development with special attention to nucleotide-based methodologies that may constitute a more agile way to design therapeutics. The final focus is to develop new and innovative ways to test radiation countermeasures in a human model system. While animal studies continue to be beneficial in the study of space radiation, they can have imperfect translation to humans. The use of three-dimensional (3D) complex in vitro models is a promising approach to aid the development of new countermeasures and personalized assessments of radiation risks. These three distinct and unique approaches complement traditional space radiation efforts and should provide future space explorers with more options to safeguard their short and long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihana S Bokhari
- Agile Decision Sciences, NRESS, Arlington, VA 22202, United States of America.
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, United States of America; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, United States of America
| | - Sarah E Blutt
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Dawn E Bowles
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham NC, United States of America
| | - David Brenner
- Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, United States of America
| | - Robert Britton
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Lawrence Bronk
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Xu Cao
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Anushree Chatterjee
- Sachi Bioworks, Louisville, CO 80027, United States of America; University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Delisa E Clay
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | | | - Donald T Fox
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - M Waleed Gaber
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 United States of America; Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 United States of America
| | - David Grosshans
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Fada Guan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Erin A Jezuit
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - David G Kirsch
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, 1250 Moursund St. Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, 1250 Moursund St. Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Kyle M Miller
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
| | - Ruth A Montague
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Prashant Nagpal
- Sachi Bioworks, Louisville, CO 80027, United States of America
| | - Sivan Osenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, 1250 Moursund St. Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Luke Parkitny
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, 1250 Moursund St. Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Niles A Pierce
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States of America; Division of Engineering & Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States of America; Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Porada
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Fetal Research and Therapy Program Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America
| | - Susan M Rosenberg
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77303, United States of America; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77303, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77303, United States of America; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77303, United States of America
| | - Paul Sargunas
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 United States of America
| | - Sadhana Sharma
- Sachi Bioworks, Louisville, CO 80027, United States of America
| | - Jamie Spangler
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 United States of America
| | | | - Dilip Thomas
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | | | - Chunbo Wang
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham NC, United States of America
| | - Luke Whitcomb
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Damian W Young
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Dorit Donoviel
- Translational Research Institute for Space Health, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America; Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
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14
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Zhao H, Qu M, Li Y, Wen K, Xu H, Song M, Xie D, Ao X, Gong Y, Sui L, Guan H, Zhou P, Xie J. An estimate assay for low-level exposure to ionizing radiation based on mass spectrometry quantification of γ-H2AX in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1031743. [PMID: 36388350 PMCID: PMC9651621 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1031743] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental ionizing radiation (IR) is ubiquitous, and large-dose exposure to IR is known to cause DNA damage and genotoxicity which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Whether such detrimental effects are caused by exposure to low-dose IR is still debated. Therefore, rapid and early estimation of absorbed doses of IR in individuals, especially at low levels, using radiation response markers is a pivotal step for early triage during radiological incidents to provide adequate and timely clinical interventions. However, there is currently a crucial shortage of methods capable of determining the extent of low-dose IR exposure to human beings. The phosphorylation of histone H2AX on serine 139 (designated γ-H2AX), a classic biological dosimeter, can be used to evaluate the DNA damage response. We have developed an estimation assay for low-level exposure to IR based on the mass spectrometry quantification of γ-H2AX in blood. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes sensitive to low-dose IR, maintaining low temperature (4°C) and adding enzyme inhibitor are proven to be key steps, possibly insuring that a stable and marked γ-H2AX signal in blood cells exposed to low-dose IR could be detected. For the first time, DNA damage at low dose exposures to IR as low as 0.01 Gy were observed using the sensitive variation of γ-H2AX with high throughput mass spectrometry quantification in human peripheral blood, which is more accurate than the previously reported methods by virtue of isotope-dilution mass spectrometry, and can observe the time effect of DNA damage. These in vitro cellular dynamic monitoring experiments show that DNA damage occurred rapidly and then was repaired slowly over the passage of post-irradiation time even after exposure to very low IR doses. This assay was also used to assess different radiation exposures at the in vitro cellular level. These results demonstrate the potential utility of this assay in radiation biodosimetry and environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Minmin Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Man Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dafei Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xingkun Ao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yihao Gong
- Department of Nuclear Physics, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
| | - Li Sui
- Department of Nuclear Physics, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Hua Guan
| | - Pingkun Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China,Pingkun Zhou
| | - Jianwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China,Jianwei Xie
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15
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Atherogenic potential of microgravity hemodynamics in the carotid bifurcation: a numerical investigation. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:39. [PMID: 36085153 PMCID: PMC9463447 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00223-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-duration spaceflight poses multiple hazards to human health, including physiological changes associated with microgravity. The hemodynamic adaptations occurring upon entry into weightlessness have been associated with retrograde stagnant flow conditions and thromboembolic events in the venous vasculature but the impact of microgravity on cerebral arterial hemodynamics and function remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of microgravity on hemodynamics and wall shear stress (WSS) characteristics in 16 carotid bifurcation geometries reconstructed from ultrasonography images using computational fluid dynamics modeling. Microgravity resulted in a significant 21% increase in flow stasis index, a 22-23% decrease in WSS magnitude and a 16-26% increase in relative residence time in all bifurcation branches, while preserving WSS unidirectionality. In two anatomies, however, microgravity not only promoted flow stasis but also subjected the convex region of the external carotid arterial wall to a moderate increase in WSS bidirectionality, which contrasted with the population average trend. This study suggests that long-term exposure to microgravity has the potential to subject the vasculature to atheroprone hemodynamics and this effect is modulated by subject-specific anatomical features. The exploration of the biological impact of those microgravity-induced WSS aberrations is needed to better define the risk posed by long spaceflights on cardiovascular health.
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16
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Huff JL, Plante I, Blattnig SR, Norman RB, Little MP, Khera A, Simonsen LC, Patel ZS. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Modeling for Astronauts: Making the Leap From Earth to Space. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:873597. [PMID: 35665268 PMCID: PMC9161032 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.873597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NASA has recently completed several long-duration missions to the International Space Station and is solidifying plans to return to the Moon, with an eye toward Mars and beyond. As NASA pushes the boundaries of human space exploration, the hazards of spaceflight, including space radiation, levy an increasing burden on astronaut health and performance. The cardiovascular system may be especially vulnerable due to the combined impacts of space radiation exposure, lack of gravity, and other spaceflight hazards. On Earth, the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) following moderate to high radiation doses is well-established from clinical, environmental, and occupational exposures (largely from gamma- and x-rays). Less is known about CVD risks associated with high-energy charged ions found in space and increasingly used in radiotherapy applications on Earth, making this a critical area of investigation for occupational radiation protection. Assessing CVD risk is complicated by its multifactorial nature, where an individual's risk is strongly influenced by factors such as family history, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. These known risk factors provide the basis for development of a variety of clinical risk prediction models (CPMs) that inform the likelihood of medical outcomes over a defined period. These tools improve clinical decision-making, personalize care, and support primary prevention of CVD. They may also be useful for individualizing risk estimates for CVD following radiation exposure both in the clinic and in space. In this review, we summarize unique aspects of radiation risk assessment for astronauts, and we evaluate the most widely used CVD CPMs for their use in NASA radiation risk assessment applications. We describe a comprehensive dual-use risk assessment framework that supports both clinical care and operational management of space radiation health risks using quantitative metrics. This approach is a first step in using personalized medicine for radiation risk assessment to support safe and productive spaceflight and long-term quality of life for NASA astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice L. Huff
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Janice L. Huff
| | - Ianik Plante
- KBR, Houston, TX, United States
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Steve R. Blattnig
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, United States
| | - Ryan B. Norman
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, United States
| | - Mark P. Little
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Amit Khera
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Lisa C. Simonsen
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Zarana S. Patel
- KBR, Houston, TX, United States
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, United States
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17
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Ly V, Velichala SR, Hargens AR. Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, and Ocular Health in Space. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:268. [PMID: 35207555 PMCID: PMC8875500 DOI: 10.3390/life12020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Life on Earth has evolved continuously under Earth's 1 G force and the protection of the magnetosphere. Thus, astronauts exhibit maladaptive physiological responses during space travel. Exposure to harmful cosmic radiation and weightlessness are unique conditions to the deep-space environment responsible for several spaceflight-associated risks: visual impairment, immune dysfunction, and cancer due to cosmic radiation in astronauts. The evidence thus reviewed indicates that microgravity and cosmic radiation have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular, lymphatic, and vision systems of astronauts on long-duration space missions. The mechanisms responsible for the decline in these systems are potentially due to cytoskeletal filament rearrangement, endothelial dysfunction, and muscular atrophy. These factors may alter fluid hemodynamics within cardiovascular and lymphatic vasculatures such that greater fluid filtration causes facial and intracranial edema. Thus, microgravity induces cephalad fluid shifts contributing to spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Moreover, visual impairment via retinal ischemia and altered nitric oxide production may alter endothelial function. Based on rodent studies, cosmic radiation may exacerbate the effects of microgravity as observed in impaired endothelium and altered immunity. Relevant findings help understand the extent of these risks associated with spaceflight and suggest relevant countermeasures to protect astronaut health during deep-space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan R. Hargens
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC San Diego Medical Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; (V.L.); (S.R.V.)
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18
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Nemec-Bakk AS, Sridharan V, Landes RD, Singh P, Cao M, Dominic P, Seawright JW, Chancellor JC, Boerma M. Effects of low-dose oxygen ions on cardiac function and structure in female C57BL/6J mice. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 32:105-112. [PMID: 35065756 PMCID: PMC8803400 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Astronauts in space vehicles beyond low-Earth orbit will be exposed to high charge and energy (HZE) ions, and there is concern about potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Thus far, most animal studies that assess cardiac effects of HZE particles have included only males. This study assessed the effects of oxygen ions (16O) as a representative ion of the intravehicular radiation environment on the heart of female mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female C57BL/6 J mice at 6 months of age were exposed to 16O (600 MeV/n) at 0.25-0.26 Gy/min to a total dose of 0, 0.1, or 0.25 Gy. Cardiac function and abdominal aorta blood velocity were measured with ultrasonography at 3, 5, 7, and 9 months after irradiation. At 2 weeks, 3 months, and 9 months, cardiac tissue was collected to assess collagen deposition and markers of immune cells. RESULTS Ultrasonography revealed increased left ventricle mass, diastolic volume and diameter but there was no change in the abdominal aorta. There was no indication of cardiac fibrosis however, a 75 kDa peptide of left ventricular collagen type III and α-smooth muscle cell actin were increased suggesting some remodeling had occurred. Left ventricular protein levels of the T-cell marker CD2 was significantly increased at all time points, while the neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase was decreased at 2 weeks and 9 months. CONCLUSIONS These results taken together suggest 16O ion exposure did not result in cardiac fibrosis or cardiac dysfunction in female mice. However, it does appear mild cardiac remodeling occurs in response to HZE radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Nemec-Bakk
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Reid D Landes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Preeti Singh
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Maohua Cao
- College of Dentistry, Texas A&M University, Dallas TX, USA
| | - Paari Dominic
- Department of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Cardiovascular Diseases & Sciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | | | - Jeffery C Chancellor
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Department of Preventative Medicine & Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Outer Space Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CA, Canada
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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19
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Baran R, Marchal S, Garcia Campos S, Rehnberg E, Tabury K, Baselet B, Wehland M, Grimm D, Baatout S. The Cardiovascular System in Space: Focus on In Vivo and In Vitro Studies. Biomedicines 2021; 10:59. [PMID: 35052739 PMCID: PMC8773383 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On Earth, humans are subjected to a gravitational force that has been an important determinant in human evolution and function. During spaceflight, astronauts are subjected to several hazards including a prolonged state of microgravity that induces a myriad of physiological adaptations leading to orthostatic intolerance. This review summarises all known cardiovascular diseases related to human spaceflight and focusses on the cardiovascular changes related to human spaceflight (in vivo) as well as cellular and molecular changes (in vitro). Upon entering microgravity, cephalad fluid shift occurs and increases the stroke volume (35-46%) and cardiac output (18-41%). Despite this increase, astronauts enter a state of hypovolemia (10-15% decrease in blood volume). The absence of orthostatic pressure and a decrease in arterial pressures reduces the workload of the heart and is believed to be the underlying mechanism for the development of cardiac atrophy in space. Cellular and molecular changes include altered cell shape and endothelial dysfunction through suppressed cellular proliferation as well as increased cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Human spaceflight is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Through the use of microgravity platforms, multiple physiological changes can be studied and stimulate the development of appropriate tools and countermeasures for future human spaceflight missions in low Earth orbit and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronni Baran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (R.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Shannon Marchal
- Department of Astronomy, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Sebastian Garcia Campos
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emil Rehnberg
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Markus Wehland
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (R.B.); (D.G.)
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (S.G.C.); (M.W.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Department of Astronomy, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.R.); (K.T.); (B.B.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Parsons IT, Nicol ED, Holdsworth D, Guettler N, Rienks R, Davos CH, Halle M, Parati G. Cardiovascular risk in high-hazard occupations: the role of occupational cardiology. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021; 29:702-713. [PMID: 34918040 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Work is beneficial for health, but many individuals develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) during their working lives. Occupational cardiology is an emerging field that combines traditional cardiology sub-specialisms with prevention and risk management unique to specific employment characteristics and conditions. In some occupational settings incapacitation through CVD has the potential to be catastrophic due to the nature of work and/or the working environment. These are often termed 'hazardous' or 'high-hazard' occupations. Consequently, many organizations that employ individuals in high-hazard roles undertake pre-employment medicals and periodic medical examinations to screen for CVD. The identification of CVD that exceeds predefined employer (or regulatory body) risk thresholds can result in occupational restriction, or disqualification, which may be temporary or permanent. This article will review the evidence related to occupational cardiology for several high-hazard occupations related to aviation and space, diving, high altitude, emergency workers, commercial transportation, and the military. The article will focus on environmental risk, screening, surveillance, and risk management for the prevention of events precipitated by CVD. Occupational cardiology is a challenging field that requires a broad understanding of general cardiology, environmental, and occupational medicine principles. There is a current lack of consensus and contemporary evidence which requires further research. Provision of evidence-based, but individualized, risk stratification and treatment plans is required from specialists that understand the complex interaction between work and the cardiovascular system. There is a current lack of consensus and contemporary evidence in occupational cardiology and further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain T Parsons
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Research and Clinical Innovation, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK.,School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Edward D Nicol
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Research and Clinical Innovation, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - David Holdsworth
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Research and Clinical Innovation, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Norbert Guettler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, German Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine, Fuerstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Rienk Rienks
- CardioExpert, Outpatient Clinic for Sports and Occupational Cardiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Constantinos H Davos
- Division of Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Martin Halle
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Cardiovascular Research, DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Department of Cardiology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
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21
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Sihver L, Mortazavi SMJ. Biological Protection in Deep Space Missions. J Biomed Phys Eng 2021; 11:663-674. [PMID: 34904063 PMCID: PMC8649166 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
During deep space missions, astronauts are exposed to highly ionizing radiation, incl. neutrons, protons and heavy ions from galactic cosmic rays (GCR), solar wind (SW) and solar energetic particles
(SEP). This increase the risks for cancerogenisis, damages in central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular diseases, etc. Large SEP events can even cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS).
Long term manned deep space missions will therefor require unique radiation protection strategies. Since it has been shown that physical shielding alone is not sufficient, this paper
propose pre-flight screening of the aspirants for evaluation of their level of adaptive responses. Methods for boosting their immune system, should also be further investigated,
and the possibility of using radiation effect modulators are discussed. In this paper, especially, the use of vitamin C as a promising non-toxic, cost-effective, easily available
radiation mitigator (which can be used hours after irradiation), is described. Although it has previously been shown that vitamin C can decrease radiation-induced chromosomal damage in rodents,
it must be further investigated before any conclusions about its radiation mitigating properties in humans can be concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lembit Sihver
- PhD, Department of Radiation Physics, Atominstitut, Technische Universität Wien, Stadionallee 2, 1020 Vienna, Austria
- PhD, Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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22
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Arone A, Ivaldi T, Loganovsky K, Palermo S, Parra E, Flamini W, Marazziti D. The Burden of Space Exploration on the Mental Health of Astronauts: A Narrative Review. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2021; 18:237-246. [PMID: 34984067 PMCID: PMC8696290 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Space travel, a topic of global interest, has always been a fascinating matter, as its potential appears to be infinite. The development of advanced technologies has made it possible to achieve objectives previously considered dreams and to widen more and more the limits that the human species can overcome. The dangers that astronauts may face are not minimal, and the impacts on physical and mental health may be significant. Specifically, symptoms of emotional dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, disruption of sleep-wake rhythms, visual phenomena and significant changes in body weight, along with morphological brain changes, are some of the most frequently reported occurrences during space missions. Given the renewed interest and investment on space explorations, the aim of this paper was thus to summarize the evidence of the currently available literature, and to offer an overview of the factors that might impair the psychological well-being and mental health of astronauts. To achieve the goal of this paper, the authors accessed some of the main databases of scientific literature and collected evidence from articles that successfully fulfilled the purpose of this work. The results of this review demonstrated how the psychological and psychiatric problems occurring during space missions are manifold and related to a multiplicity of variables, thus requiring further attention from the scientific community as new challenges lie ahead, and prevention of mental health of space travelers should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tea Ivaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Konstantin Loganovsky
- Department of Radiation Psychoneurology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, State Institution “National Research Centre for Radiation Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Parra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Walter Flamini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Medical and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
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23
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Matar M, Gokoglu SA, Prelich MT, Gallo CA, Iqbal AK, Britten RA, Prabhu RK, Myers JG. Machine Learning Models to Predict Cognitive Impairment of Rodents Subjected to Space Radiation. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:713131. [PMID: 34588962 PMCID: PMC8473791 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.713131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This research uses machine-learned computational analyses to predict the cognitive performance impairment of rats induced by irradiation. The experimental data in the analyses is from a rodent model exposed to ≤15 cGy of individual galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) ions: 4He, 16O, 28Si, 48Ti, or 56Fe, expected for a Lunar or Mars mission. This work investigates rats at a subject-based level and uses performance scores taken before irradiation to predict impairment in attentional set-shifting (ATSET) data post-irradiation. Here, the worst performing rats of the control group define the impairment thresholds based on population analyses via cumulative distribution functions, leading to the labeling of impairment for each subject. A significant finding is the exhibition of a dose-dependent increasing probability of impairment for 1 to 10 cGy of 28Si or 56Fe in the simple discrimination (SD) stage of the ATSET, and for 1 to 10 cGy of 56Fe in the compound discrimination (CD) stage. On a subject-based level, implementing machine learning (ML) classifiers such as the Gaussian naïve Bayes, support vector machine, and artificial neural networks identifies rats that have a higher tendency for impairment after GCR exposure. The algorithms employ the experimental prescreen performance scores as multidimensional input features to predict each rodent's susceptibility to cognitive impairment due to space radiation exposure. The receiver operating characteristic and the precision-recall curves of the ML models show a better prediction of impairment when 56Fe is the ion in question in both SD and CD stages. They, however, do not depict impairment due to 4He in SD and 28Si in CD, suggesting no dose-dependent impairment response in these cases. One key finding of our study is that prescreen performance scores can be used to predict the ATSET performance impairments. This result is significant to crewed space missions as it supports the potential of predicting an astronaut's impairment in a specific task before spaceflight through the implementation of appropriately trained ML tools. Future research can focus on constructing ML ensemble methods to integrate the findings from the methodologies implemented in this study for more robust predictions of cognitive decrements due to space radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Matar
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | | | | | - Asad K. Iqbal
- ZIN Technologies, Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Richard A. Britten
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - R. K. Prabhu
- Universities Space Research Association, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jerry G. Myers
- NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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24
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Boerma M, Davis CM, Jackson IL, Schaue D, Williams JP. All for one, though not one for all: team players in normal tissue radiobiology. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 98:346-366. [PMID: 34129427 PMCID: PMC8781287 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1941383] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE As part of the special issue on 'Women in Science', this review offers a perspective on past and ongoing work in the field of normal (non-cancer) tissue radiation biology, highlighting the work of many of the leading contributors to this field of research. We discuss some of the hypotheses that have guided investigations, with a focus on some of the critical organs considered dose-limiting with respect to radiation therapy, and speculate on where the field needs to go in the future. CONCLUSIONS The scope of work that makes up normal tissue radiation biology has and continues to play a pivotal role in the radiation sciences, ensuring the most effective application of radiation in imaging and therapy, as well as contributing to radiation protection efforts. However, despite the proven historical value of preclinical findings, recent decades have seen clinical practice move ahead with altered fractionation scheduling based on empirical observations, with little to no (or even negative) supporting scientific data. Given our current appreciation of the complexity of normal tissue radiation responses and their temporal variability, with tissue- and/or organ-specific mechanisms that include intra-, inter- and extracellular messaging, as well as contributions from systemic compartments, such as the immune system, the need to maintain a positive therapeutic ratio has never been more urgent. Importantly, mitigation and treatment strategies, whether for the clinic, emergency use following accidental or deliberate releases, or reducing occupational risk, will likely require multi-targeted approaches that involve both local and systemic intervention. From our personal perspective as five 'Women in Science', we would like to acknowledge and applaud the role that many female scientists have played in this field. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, some of whom are fellow contributors to this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Catherine M. Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Isabel L. Jackson
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dörthe Schaue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline P. Williams
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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25
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An easy-to-use function to assess deep space radiation in human brains. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11687. [PMID: 34083566 PMCID: PMC8175378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90695-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Health risks from radiation exposure in space are an important factor for astronauts’ safety as they venture on long-duration missions to the Moon or Mars. It is important to assess the radiation level inside the human brain to evaluate the possible hazardous effects on the central nervous system especially during solar energetic particle (SEP) events. We use a realistic model of the head/brain structure and calculate the radiation deposit therein by realistic SEP events, also under various shielding scenarios. We then determine the relation between the radiation dose deposited in different parts of the brain and the properties of the SEP events and obtain some simple and ready-to-use functions which can be used to quickly and reliably forecast the event dose in the brain. Such a novel tool can be used from fast nowcasting of the consequences of SEP events to optimization of shielding systems and other mitigation strategies of astronauts in space.
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26
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Laiakis EC, Shuryak I, Deziel A, Wang YW, Barnette BL, Yu Y, Ullrich RL, Fornace AJ, Emmett MR. Effects of Low Dose Space Radiation Exposures on the Splenic Metabolome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3070. [PMID: 33802822 PMCID: PMC8002539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Future space missions will include a return to the Moon and long duration deep space roundtrip missions to Mars. Leaving the protection that Low Earth Orbit provides will unavoidably expose astronauts to higher cumulative doses of space radiation, in addition to other stressors, e.g., microgravity. Immune regulation is known to be impacted by both radiation and spaceflight and it remains to be seen whether prolonged effects that will be encountered in deep space can have an adverse impact on health. In this study, we investigated the effects in the overall metabolism of three different low dose radiation exposures (γ-rays, 16O, and 56Fe) in spleens from male C57BL/6 mice at 1, 2, and 4 months after exposure. Forty metabolites were identified with significant enrichment in purine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and amino acids. Early perturbations were more prominent in the γ irradiated samples, while later responses shifted towards more prominent responses in groups with high energy particle irradiations. Regression analysis showed a positive correlation of the abundance of identified fatty acids with time and a negative association with γ-rays, while the degradation pathway of purines was positively associated with time. Taken together, there is a strong suggestion of mitochondrial implication and the possibility of long-term effects on DNA repair and nucleotide pools following radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evagelia C. Laiakis
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Igor Shuryak
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Annabella Deziel
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
| | - Brooke L. Barnette
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.L.B.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.E.)
| | - Yongjia Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.L.B.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.E.)
| | | | - Albert J. Fornace
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (A.D.); (Y.-W.W.); (A.J.F.J.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Mark R. Emmett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.L.B.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.E.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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27
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Meerman M, Bracco Gartner TCL, Buikema JW, Wu SM, Siddiqi S, Bouten CVC, Grande-Allen KJ, Suyker WJL, Hjortnaes J. Myocardial Disease and Long-Distance Space Travel: Solving the Radiation Problem. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:631985. [PMID: 33644136 PMCID: PMC7906998 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.631985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced cardiovascular disease is a well-known complication of radiation exposure. Over the last few years, planning for deep space missions has increased interest in the effects of space radiation on the cardiovascular system, as an increasing number of astronauts will be exposed to space radiation for longer periods of time. Research has shown that exposure to different types of particles found in space radiation can lead to the development of diverse cardiovascular disease via fibrotic myocardial remodeling, accelerated atherosclerosis and microvascular damage. Several underlying mechanisms for radiation-induced cardiovascular disease have been identified, but many aspects of the pathophysiology remain unclear. Existing pharmacological compounds have been evaluated to protect the cardiovascular system from space radiation-induced damage, but currently no radioprotective compounds have been approved. This review critically analyzes the effects of space radiation on the cardiovascular system, the underlying mechanisms and potential countermeasures to space radiation-induced cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Meerman
- Division Heart and Lung, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tom C L Bracco Gartner
- Division Heart and Lung, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Buikema
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sean M Wu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sailay Siddiqi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | | | - Willem J L Suyker
- Division Heart and Lung, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jesper Hjortnaes
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Division Heart and Lung, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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28
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Chancellor J, Nowadly C, Williams J, Aunon-Chancellor S, Chesal M, Looper J, Newhauser W. Everything you wanted to know about space radiation but were afraid to ask. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2021; 39:113-128. [PMID: 33902392 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2021.1897273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The space radiation environment is a complex combination of fast-moving ions derived from all atomic species found in the periodic table. The energy spectrum of each ion species varies widely but is prominently in the range of 400-600 MeV/n. The large dynamic range in ion energy is difficult to simulate in ground-based radiobiology experiments. Most ground-based irradiations with mono-energetic beams of a single one ion species are delivered at comparatively high dose rates. In some cases, sequences of such beams are delivered with various ion species and energies to crudely approximate the complex space radiation environment. This approximation may cause profound experimental bias in processes such as biologic repair of radiation damage, which are known to have strong temporal dependencies. It is possible that this experimental bias leads to an over-prediction of risks of radiation effects that have not been observed in the astronaut cohort. None of the primary health risks presumably attributed to space radiation exposure, such as radiation carcinogenesis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, etc., have been observed in astronaut or cosmonaut crews. This fundamentally and profoundly limits our understanding of the effects of GCR on humans and limits the development of effective radiation countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery Chancellor
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Outer Space Insititute, Universit of British Columbia, CA
| | - Craig Nowadly
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacqueline Williams
- Departments of Environmental Medicine & Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Serena Aunon-Chancellor
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, LSU Health Science Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Astronaut Office, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Megan Chesal
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jayme Looper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Wayne Newhauser
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Physics, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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29
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Wuu YR, Hu B, Okunola H, Paul AM, Blaber EA, Cheng-Campbell M, Beheshti A, Grabham P. LET-Dependent Low Dose and Synergistic Inhibition of Human Angiogenesis by Charged Particles: Validation of miRNAs that Drive Inhibition. iScience 2020; 23:101771. [PMID: 33376971 PMCID: PMC7756138 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Space radiation inhibits angiogenesis by two mechanisms depending on the linear energy transfer (LET). Using human 3D micro-vessel models, blockage of the early motile stage of angiogenesis was determined to occur after exposure to low LET ions (<3 KeV/AMU), whereas inhibition of the later stages occurs after exposure to high LET ions (>8 KeV/AMU). Strikingly, the combined effect is synergistic, detectible as low as 0.06 Gy making mixed ion space radiation more potent. Candidates for bystander transmission are microRNAs (miRNAs), and analysis on miRNA-seq data from irradiated mice shows that angiogenesis would in theory be downregulated. Further analysis of three previously identified miRNAs showed downregulation of their targets associated with angiogenesis and confirmed their involvement in angiogenesis pathways and increased health risks associated with cardiovascular disease. Finally, synthetic molecules (antagomirs) designed to inhibit the predicted miRNAs were successfully used to reverse the inhibition of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ruh Wuu
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Burong Hu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Hazeem Okunola
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, VC 11-243, 630 West 168 Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Amber M. Paul
- Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, MD 21046, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Blaber
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for Biotechnology & InterdisciplinaryStudies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Margareth Cheng-Campbell
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Center for Biotechnology & InterdisciplinaryStudies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, VC 11-243, 630 West 168 Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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30
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Pariset E, Penninckx S, Kerbaul CD, Guiet E, Macha AL, Cekanaviciute E, Snijders AM, Mao JH, Paris F, Costes SV. 53BP1 Repair Kinetics for Prediction of In Vivo Radiation Susceptibility in 15 Mouse Strains. Radiat Res 2020; 194:485-499. [PMID: 32991727 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00122.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We present a novel mathematical formalism to predict the kinetics of DNA damage repair after exposure to both low- and high-LET radiation (X rays; 350 MeV/n 40Ar; 600 MeV/n 56Fe). Our method is based on monitoring DNA damage repair protein 53BP1 that forms radiation-induced foci (RIF) at locations of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) in the nucleus and comparing its expression in primary skin fibroblasts isolated from 15 mice strains. We previously reported strong evidence for clustering of nearby DSB into single repair units as opposed to the classic "contact-first" model where DSB are considered immobile. Here we apply this clustering model to evaluate the number of remaining RIF over time. We also show that the newly introduced kinetic metrics can be used as surrogate biomarkers for in vivo radiation toxicity, with potential applications in radiotherapy and human space exploration. In particular, we observed an association between the characteristic time constant of RIF repair measured in vitro and survival levels of immune cells collected from irradiated mice. Moreover, the speed of DNA damage repair correlated not only with radiation-induced cellular survival in vivo, but also with spontaneous cancer incidence data collected from the Mouse Tumor Biology database, suggesting a relationship between the efficiency of DSB repair after irradiation and cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Pariset
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Columbia, Maryland 21046.,Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California 94035
| | - Sébastien Penninckx
- Namur Research Institute for Life Science, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium.,Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
| | | | - Elodie Guiet
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
| | | | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California 94035
| | - Antoine M Snijders
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Jian-Hua Mao
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - François Paris
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France 44007
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California 94035
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Afshinnekoo E, Scott RT, MacKay MJ, Pariset E, Cekanaviciute E, Barker R, Gilroy S, Hassane D, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Nelman-Gonzalez M, Crucian BE, Ponomarev SA, Orlov OI, Shiba D, Muratani M, Yamamoto M, Richards SE, Vaishampayan PA, Meydan C, Foox J, Myrrhe J, Istasse E, Singh N, Venkateswaran K, Keune JA, Ray HE, Basner M, Miller J, Vitaterna MH, Taylor DM, Wallace D, Rubins K, Bailey SM, Grabham P, Costes SV, Mason CE, Beheshti A. Fundamental Biological Features of Spaceflight: Advancing the Field to Enable Deep-Space Exploration. Cell 2020; 183:1162-1184. [PMID: 33242416 PMCID: PMC8441988 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research on astronaut health and model organisms have revealed six features of spaceflight biology that guide our current understanding of fundamental molecular changes that occur during space travel. The features include oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysregulation, epigenetic changes (including gene regulation), telomere length alterations, and microbiome shifts. Here we review the known hazards of human spaceflight, how spaceflight affects living systems through these six fundamental features, and the associated health risks of space exploration. We also discuss the essential issues related to the health and safety of astronauts involved in future missions, especially planned long-duration and Martian missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ryan T Scott
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Matthew J MacKay
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Eloise Pariset
- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Egle Cekanaviciute
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Richard Barker
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Simon Gilroy
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sara R Zwart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mayra Nelman-Gonzalez
- KBR, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Brian E Crucian
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Sergey A Ponomarev
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg I Orlov
- Institute for the Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 123007 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dai Shiba
- JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center, and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Integrative Genomics, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8573, Japan
| | - Stephanie E Richards
- Bionetics, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA
| | - Parag A Vaishampayan
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jonathan Foox
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jacqueline Myrrhe
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Istasse
- European Space Agency, Research and Payloads Group, Data Exploitation and Utilisation Strategy Office, 2200 AG Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Nitin Singh
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - Jessica A Keune
- Space Medicine Operations Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Hami E Ray
- ASRC Federal Space and Defense, Inc., Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jack Miller
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Martha Hotz Vitaterna
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Deanne M Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathleen Rubins
- Astronaut Office, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
| | - Susan M Bailey
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Department of Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Khaksarighiri S, Guo J, Wimmer-Schweingruber R, Narici L, Lohf H. Calculation of dose distribution in a realistic brain structure and the indication of space radiation influence on human brains. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 27:33-48. [PMID: 34756228 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important steps in the near-future space age will be a crew mission returning to the Moon and even a manned mission to Mars. Unfortunately, such a mission will expose astronauts to unavoidable cosmic radiation in deep space and on the Martian or lunar surface. Thus, a better understanding of the radiation environment for such a mission and the consequent biological impacts on humans, in particular the human brains, is critical. The need for this better understanding is strongly suggested by investigations on animal models and on human patients who were undergoing irradiation for cancer therapy in the head. These have revealed unexpected alterations in the central nervous system behavior and sensitivity of mature neurons in the brain to charged particles. However, such experiments shall not be carried out realistically in space using humans. Therefore, to investigate the impact of cosmic radiation on human brains and the potential influence on the brain functions, we model and study the cosmic particle-induced radiation dose in a realistic head structure. Specifically speaking, 134 slices of computed tomography (CT) images of an actual human head have been used as a 3D phantom in Geant4 (GEometry ANd Tracking), which is a Monte Carlo tool for simulating energetic particles impinging into different parts of the brain and deliver radiation dose therein. As a first step, we compare the influence of different brain structures (e.g., with or without bones, with or without soft tissues) to the resulting dose therein to demonstrate the necessity of using a realistic brain structure for our investigation. Afterward, we calculate energy-dependent functions of dose distribution, for the most important (some of the most abundant and most biologically-relevant) particle types encountered during a deep space mission inside a spacecraft or habitat such as protons, helium ions, neutrons and some major heavier ions like carbon, nitrogen, and iron particles. Furthermore, two different scenarios have been modeled as a comparison: a human head without shielding protection and a human head with an aluminum shielding shell around (of varying thickness). These functions can then be used to fold with energetic cosmic-ray particle spectra of the ambient environment for obtaining the dose rate distribution at different lobes of the human brain. Our calculation of these functions can serve as a ready tool and a baseline for further evaluations of the radiation in the brain encountered during a space mission with different radiation fields, such as on the surface of the Moon or Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Khaksarighiri
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, University of Kiel, Kiel, DE24118, Germany
| | - Jingnan Guo
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, University of Kiel, Kiel, DE24118, Germany; School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Comparative Planetology, USTC, Hefei, China.
| | | | - Livio Narici
- Departments of Physics, the University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy; INFN sect Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Henning Lohf
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, University of Kiel, Kiel, DE24118, Germany
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Vernice NA, Meydan C, Afshinnekoo E, Mason CE. Long-term spaceflight and the cardiovascular system. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2020; 3:284-291. [PMID: 33391848 PMCID: PMC7757439 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While early investigations into the physiological effects of spaceflight suggest the body's ability to reversibly adapt, the corresponding effects of long-term spaceflight (>6 months) are much less conclusive. Prolonged exposure to microgravity and radiation yields profound effects on the cardiovascular system, including a massive cephalad fluid translocation and altered arterial pressure, which attenuate blood pressure regulatory mechanisms and increase cardiac output. Also, central venous pressure decreases as a result of the loss of venous compression. The stimulation of baroreceptors by the cephalad shift results in an approximately 10%–15% reduction in plasma volume, with fluid translocating from the vascular lumen to the interstitium. Despite possible increases in cardiac workload, myocyte atrophy and notable, yet unexplained, alterations in hematocrit have been observed. Atrophy is postulated to result from shunting of protein synthesis from the endoplasmic reticulum to the mitochondria via mortalin-mediated action. While data are scarce regarding their causative agents, arrhythmias have been frequently reported, albeit sublethal, during both Russian and American expeditions, with QT interval prolongation observed in long, but not short duration, spaceflight. Exposure of the heart to the proton and heavy ion radiation of deep space has also been shown to result in coronary artery degeneration, aortic stiffness, carotid intima thickening via collagen-mediated action, accelerated atherosclerosis, and induction of a pro-inflammatory state. Upon return, long-term spaceflight frequently results in orthostatic intolerance and altered sympathetic responses, which can prove hazardous should any rapid mobilization or evacuation be required, and indicates that these cardiac risks should be especially monitored for future missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Vernice
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ebrahim Afshinnekoo
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- The Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Sengupta B, Medlin D, Sprunk M, Napolitano J, D'Avanzo J, Ran Zheng X, Dean D, Takacs E. X-ray cabinet to deliver highly characterized low-dose soft x-ray radiation to biological samples. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2020; 91:034104. [PMID: 32259947 DOI: 10.1063/1.5109233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We have designed, built, and tested a climate-controlled, radiation-shielded incubator cabinet for the purpose of analyzing the effects of low-dose x-ray radiation on biological tissues and cell cultures. Bremsstrahlung x rays incident on exchangeable fluorescence plates produce strong, quasi-monochromatic radiation directed toward a small container of biological samples. The x-ray source, sample, and detector are enclosed in an incubator-maintaining the optimal environment for biological samples to increase longevity to a maximum of 72 h. To demonstrate the capabilities of the setup, an example experiment is presented. Rat vascular smooth muscle cell growth was observed after irradiation with characteristic x rays of iron, copper, and calcium to impart doses of 2 mGy each. Cultures show significant spectrum dependent increases in cell number over controls at 48 h after irradiation. The experiment lends credence to the efficacy of the apparatus and shows promise for future low-dose bio-radiation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishwambhar Sengupta
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Donald Medlin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Michael Sprunk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Justin Napolitano
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Jaclyn D'Avanzo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Xiao Ran Zheng
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Delphine Dean
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Endre Takacs
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
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McDonald JT, Stainforth R, Miller J, Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Rathi KS, Hardiman G, Taylor D, Costes SV, Chauhan V, Meller R, Beheshti A. NASA GeneLab Platform Utilized for Biological Response to Space Radiation in Animal Models. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E381. [PMID: 32045996 PMCID: PMC7072278 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ionizing radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) is one of the major risk factors that will impact the health of astronauts on extended missions outside the protective effects of the Earth's magnetic field. The NASA GeneLab project has detailed information on radiation exposure using animal models with curated dosimetry information for spaceflight experiments. Methods: We analyzed multiple GeneLab omics datasets associated with both ground-based and spaceflight radiation studies that included in vivo and in vitro approaches. A range of ions from protons to iron particles with doses from 0.1 to 1.0 Gy for ground studies, as well as samples flown in low Earth orbit (LEO) with total doses of 1.0 mGy to 30 mGy, were utilized. Results: From this analysis, we were able to identify distinct biological signatures associating specific ions with specific biological responses due to radiation exposure in space. For example, we discovered changes in mitochondrial function, ribosomal assembly, and immune pathways as a function of dose. Conclusions: We provided a summary of how the GeneLab's rich database of omics experiments with animal models can be used to generate novel hypotheses to better understand human health risks from GCR exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Stainforth
- Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A-1C1, Canada; (R.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Jack Miller
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
| | - Thomas Cahill
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
| | - Komal S. Rathi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Deanne Taylor
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- The Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- The Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
| | - Vinita Chauhan
- Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A-1C1, Canada; (R.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Robert Meller
- Department of Neurobiology and Pharmacology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA;
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA;
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Carnell LS, Homer M, Hoots K, Meeks H, Prasanna PGS, Rios C, Simonsen LC, Taliaferro LP, Wathen LK. Medical countermeasures for radiation induced health effects: report of an Interagency Panel Session held at the NASA Human Research Program Investigator's Workshop, 26 January 2017. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 97:S117-S124. [PMID: 31490103 PMCID: PMC8463010 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1665214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
An Interagency Panel Session organized by the NASA Human Research Program (HRP) Space Radiation Program Element (SRPE) was held during the NASA HRP Investigator’s Workshop (IWS) in Galveston, Texas on 26 January 2017 to identify complementary research areas that will advance the testing and development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) in support of radioprotection and radiation mitigation on the ground and in space. There were several areas of common interest identified among the various participating agencies. This report provides a summary of the topics discussed by each agency along with potential areas of intersection for mutual collaboration opportunities. Common goals induded repurposing of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals for use as radioprotectors and/or mitigators, low-dose/chronic exposure paradigms, late effects post-radiation exposure, mixed-field exposures of gamma-neutron, performance decrements, and methods to determine individual exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Homer
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Keith Hoots
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Heather Meeks
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA, USA
| | - Pataje G S Prasanna
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Radiation Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carmen Rios
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Lanyn P Taliaferro
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lynne K Wathen
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Washington, DC, USA
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Kononikhin AS, Brzhozovskiy AG, Ryabokon AM, Fedorchenko K, Zakharova NV, Spasskii AI, Popov IA, Ilyin VK, Solovyova ZO, Pastushkova LK, Polyakov AV, Varfolomeev SD, Larina IM, Nikolaev EN. Proteome Profiling of the Exhaled Breath Condensate after Long-Term Spaceflights. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4518. [PMID: 31547269 PMCID: PMC6770753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive studies of the effects of prolonged exposure to space conditions and the overload experienced during landing on physiological and biochemical changes in the human body are extremely important in the context of planning long-distance space flights, which can be associated with constant overloads and various risk factors for significant physiological changes. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) can be considered as a valuable subject for monitoring physiological changes and is more suitable for long-term storage than traditional monitoring subjects such as blood and urine. Herein, the EBC proteome changes due to the effects of spaceflight factors are analyzed. Thirteen EBC samples were collected from five Russian cosmonauts (i) one month before flight (background), (ii) immediately upon landing modules in the field (R0) after 169-199 days spaceflights, and (iii) on the seventh day after landing (R+7). Semi-quantitative label-free EBC proteomic analysis resulted in 164 proteins, the highest number of which was detected in EBC after landing (R0). Pathways enrichment analysis using the GO database reveals a large group of proteins which take part in keratinization processes (CASP14, DSG1, DSP, JUP, and so on). Nine proteins (including KRT2, KRT9, KRT1, KRT10, KRT14, DCD, KRT6C, KRT6A, and KRT5) were detected in all three groups. A two-sample Welch's t-test identified a significant change in KRT2 and KRT9 levels after landing. Enrichment analysis using the KEGG database revealed the significant participation of detected proteins in pathogenic E. coli infection (ACTG1, TUBA1C, TUBA4A, TUBB, TUBB8, and YWHAZ), which may indicate microbiota changes associated with being in space. This assumption is confirmed by microbial composition analysis. In general, the results suggest that EBC can be used for noninvasive monitoring of health status and respiratory tract pathologies during spaceflights, and that the obtained data are important for the development of medicine for use in extreme situations. Data are available from ProteomeXchange using the identifier PXD014191.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey S Kononikhin
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, CDISE, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia.
- Russian Federation State Scientific Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander G Brzhozovskiy
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, CDISE, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
- Russian Federation State Scientific Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna M Ryabokon
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Kristina Fedorchenko
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Natalia V Zakharova
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander I Spasskii
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor A Popov
- Laboratory of ion and molecular physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, 141701 Moscow, Russia
- V.L. Talrose Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, N.N. Semenov Federal Center of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav K Ilyin
- Russian Federation State Scientific Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zoya O Solovyova
- Russian Federation State Scientific Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Kh Pastushkova
- Russian Federation State Scientific Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V Polyakov
- Russian Federation State Scientific Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey D Varfolomeev
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina M Larina
- Russian Federation State Scientific Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
- Laboratory of ion and molecular physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, 141701 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Evgeny N Nikolaev
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, CDISE, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia.
- V.L. Talrose Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, N.N. Semenov Federal Center of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
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Miousse IR, Skinner CM, Sridharan V, Seawright JW, Singh P, Landes RD, Cheema AK, Hauer-Jensen M, Boerma M, Koturbash I. Changes in one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation in the hearts of mice exposed to space environment-relevant doses of oxygen ions ( 16O). LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2019; 22:8-15. [PMID: 31421852 PMCID: PMC6703167 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease constitutes an important threat to humans after space missions beyond the Earth's magnetosphere. Epigenetic alterations have an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Previous research in animal models has shown that protons and 56Fe ions cause long-term changes in DNA methylation and expression of repetitive elements in the heart. However, astronauts will be exposed to a variety of ions, including the smaller fragmented products of heavy ions after they interact with the walls of the space craft. Here, we investigated the effects of 16O on the cardiac methylome and one-carbon metabolism in male C57BL/6 J mice. Left ventricles were examined 14 and 90 days after exposure to space-relevant doses of 0.1, 0.25, or 1 Gy of 16O (600 MeV/n). At 14 days, the two higher radiation doses elicited global DNA hypomethylation in the 5'-UTR of Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements 1 (LINE-1) compared to unirradiated, sham-treated mice, whereas specific LINE-1 elements exhibited hypermethylation at day 90. The pericentromeric major satellites were affected both at the DNA methylation and expression levels at the lowest radiation dose. DNA methylation was elevated, particularly after 90 days, while expression showed first a decrease followed by an increase in transcript abundance. Metabolomics analysis revealed that metabolites involved in homocysteine remethylation, central to DNA methylation, were unaffected by radiation, but the transsulfuration pathway was impacted after 90 days, with a large increase in cystathione levels at the lowest dose. In summary, we observed dynamic changes in the cardiac epigenome and metabolome three months after exposure to a single low dose of oxygen ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle R Miousse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Charles M Skinner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - John W Seawright
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Preeti Singh
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Reid D Landes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Amrita K Cheema
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Martin Hauer-Jensen
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Igor Koturbash
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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An oscillometric approach in assessing early vascular ageing biomarkers following long-term space flights. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL CARDIOLOGY HYPERTENSION 2019; 2:100013. [PMID: 33447746 PMCID: PMC7803044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchy.2019.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The environmental conditions in space, particularly exposure to cosmic radiation, coupled with decreased mobility, altered glucose metabolism, and hemodynamic changes may promote cardiovascular disease Therefore, we assessed early vascular aging markers and hemodynamics using a novel oscillometric blood pressure device. Methodology In eight cosmonauts (46.5 ± 5.3 yrs, 77.6 ± 8.2 kg, 176 ± 6.2 cm, 7 men/1woman), we determined heart rate, peripheral blood pressure, central blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity in the supine position using an oscillometric brachial device coupled with transfer function analysis. We obtained measurements at baseline (65–90 days before flight) and four days (R+4) and eight days (R+8) after return from six months mission onboard the International Space Station. Results Compared to baseline, heart rate increased significantly on R+4 (58.6 ± 6.4 vs. 70.3 ± 5.2 bpm) but did not differ on R+8. Central systolic blood pressure increased from 112.5 ± 13.5 on baseline to 125.6 ± 18.5 on R+4 and 121.6 ± 9.5 mmHg, albeit showing no statistical significance compared to baseline (p = 0.243/0.295). Peripheral diastolic and systolic as well as central diastolic blood pressure measurements followed this trend. Pulse wave velocity increased non-significantly from baseline (6.7 ± 0.8 m/s) to R+4 (7.2 ± 0.8 m/s, p = 0.499) and stayed elevated on R+8 (7.1 ± 0.5 m/s, p = 0.614). Conclusion The important finding of our study is that six months in a near-earth orbit do not lead to clinically significant changes in early vascular ageing biomarkers. However, these findings cannot be extrapolated to the conditions encountered in deep space. Non-invasive testing of vascular biomarkers may have utility in detecting vascular risks during space travel at an early stage.
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Camberos V, Baio J, Bailey L, Hasaniya N, Lopez LV, Kearns-Jonker M. Effects of Spaceflight and Simulated Microgravity on YAP1 Expression in Cardiovascular Progenitors: Implications for Cell-Based Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2742. [PMID: 31167392 PMCID: PMC6600678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight alters many processes of the human body including cardiac function and cardiac progenitor cell behavior. The mechanism behind these changes remains largely unknown; however, simulated microgravity devices are making it easier for researchers to study the effects of microgravity. To study the changes that take place in cardiac progenitor cells in microgravity environments, adult cardiac progenitor cells were cultured aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as well as on a clinostat and examined for changes in Hippo signaling, a pathway known to regulate cardiac development. Cells cultured under microgravity conditions, spaceflight-induced or simulated, displayed upregulation of downstream genes involved in the Hippo pathway such as YAP1 and SOD2. YAP1 is known to play a role in cardiac regeneration which led us to investigate YAP1 expression in a sheep model of cardiovascular repair. Additionally, to mimic the effects of microgravity, drug treatment was used to induce Hippo related genes as well as a regulator of the Hippo pathway, miRNA-302a. These studies provide insight into the changes that occur in space and how the effects of these changes relate to cardiac regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Camberos
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Jonathan Baio
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Leonard Bailey
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Nahidh Hasaniya
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Larry V Lopez
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Mary Kearns-Jonker
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
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Elliott J, Adegbie D, Bhagwat R, Sule ES, Ahmad M. Taking radiation exposure and cardiovascular health a step further… one small step for man, one giant leap for medical research. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2019; 39:660-661. [PMID: 30743249 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ab05fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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42
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Musa AE, Shabeeb D. Radiation-Induced Heart Diseases: Protective Effects of Natural Products. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E126. [PMID: 31075882 PMCID: PMC6572037 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for the majority of deaths worldwide. Radiation-induced heart diseases (RIHD) is one of the side effects following exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Exposure could be from various forms such as diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy for cancer treatment, as well as nuclear disasters and nuclear accidents. RIHD is mostly observed after radiotherapy for thoracic malignancies, especially left breast cancer. RIHD may affect the supply of blood to heart muscles, leading to an increase in the risk of heart attacks to irradiated persons. Due to its dose-limiting consequence, RIHD has a negative effect on the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy. Several methods have been proposed for protection against RIHD. In this paper, we review the use of natural products, which have shown promising results for protection against RIHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Eleojo Musa
- Department of Medical Physics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), International Campus, Tehran 1416753955, Iran.
- Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, TUMS, Tehran 1416753955, Iran.
| | - Dheyauldeen Shabeeb
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Misan 62010, Iraq.
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43
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Beheshti A, McDonald JT, Miller J, Grabham P, Costes SV. GeneLab Database Analyses Suggest Long-Term Impact of Space Radiation on the Cardiovascular System by the Activation of FYN Through Reactive Oxygen Species. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030661. [PMID: 30717456 PMCID: PMC6387434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Space radiation has recently been considered a risk factor for astronauts’ cardiac health. As an example, for the case of how to query and identify datasets within NASA’s GeneLab database and demonstrate the database utility, we used an unbiased systems biology method for identifying key genes/drivers for the contribution of space radiation on the cardiovascular system. This knowledge can contribute to designing appropriate experiments targeting these specific pathways. Microarray data from cardiomyocytes of male C57BL/6 mice followed-up for 28 days after exposure to 900 mGy of 1 GeV proton or 150 mGy of 1 GeV/n 56Fe were compared to human endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured for 7 days on the International Space Station (ISS). We observed common molecular pathways between simulated space radiation and HUVECs flown on the ISS. The analysis suggests FYN is the central driver/hub for the cardiovascular response to space radiation: the known oxidative stress induced immediately following radiation would only be transient and would upregulate FYN, which in turn would reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, protecting the cardiovascular system. The transcriptomic signature of exposure to protons was also much closer to the spaceflight signature than 56Fe’s signature. To our knowledge, this is the first time GeneLab datasets were utilized to provide potential biological indications that the majority of ions on the ISS are protons, clearly illustrating the power of omics analysis. More generally, this work also demonstrates how to combine animal radiation studies done on the ground and spaceflight studies to evaluate human risk in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Beheshti
- WYLE Labs, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field CA 94035, USA.
| | - J Tyson McDonald
- Department of Physics, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668 USA.
| | - Jack Miller
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Peter Grabham
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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44
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Amini P, Rezapoor S, Shabeeb D, Eleojo Musa A, Najafi M, Motevaseli E. Evaluating the Protective Effect of a Combination of Curcumin and Selenium-L-Methionine on Radiation Induced Dual Oxidase Upregulation. PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.15171/ps.2018.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of heart diseases among survivors of Chernobyl disaster as well as Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb explosion. Similar results were observed for lung and left breast cancer patients. Experimental studies have proposed the chronic upregulation of some pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines. Recent studies have shown that upregulation of pro-oxidant enzymes play a key role in the development of late effects of ionizing radiation such as fibrosis. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-13 (IL-13) are two important cytokines that have shown ability to induce production of free radicals through dual oxidases (Duox) i.e. Duox1 and Duox2. In this study, we aimed to detect the expression of IL-4 receptor-a1 (IL-4Ra1), IL-13 receptor-a2 (IL-13Ra2), Duox1 and Duox2 genes following irradiation of rat’s heart. In addition, we evaluated the possible role of the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine on the regulation of these genes. Methods: Twenty rats were divided into 4 groups as follows; G1: control; G2: treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine; G3: radiation; G4: radiation plus treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine. Rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after irradiation for detecting the expression of IL-4Ra1, IL-13Ra2, Duox1 and Duox2. Results: Results showed that exposure to ionizing radiation caused upregulation of IL-4Ra1 by more than 4-fold as well as Duox1 and Duox2 by more than 5-fold. However, results showed no detectable expression for IL-13Ra2. Treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine could attenuate the upregulation of all genes. Conclusion: This study has shown that exposing rat’s heart tissues to radiation leads to chronic upregulation of IL-4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2 as well as pro-oxidant enzymes. Treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine showed ability to attenuate the upregulation of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Amini
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Rezapoor
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dheyauldeen Shabeeb
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (International Campus), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Eleojo Musa
- Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (International Campus), Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Elahe Motevaseli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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45
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Li N, Wang C, Sun S, Zhang C, Lü D, Chen Q, Long M. Microgravity-Induced Alterations of Inflammation-Related Mechanotransduction in Endothelial Cells on Board SJ-10 Satellite. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1025. [PMID: 30108515 PMCID: PMC6079262 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) are mechanosensitive cells undergoing morphological and functional changes in space. Ground-based study has provided a body of evidences about how ECs can respond to the effect of simulated microgravity, however, these results need to be confirmed by spaceflight experiments in real microgravity. In this work, we cultured EA.hy926 ECs on board the SJ-10 Recoverable Scientific Satellite for 3 and 10 days, and analyzed the effects of space microgravity on the ECs. Space microgravity suppressed the glucose metabolism, modulated the expression of cellular adhesive molecules such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and CD44, and depressed the pro-angiogenesis and pro-inflammation cytokine secretion. Meanwhile, it also induced the depolymerization of actin filaments and microtubules, promoted the vimentin accumulation, restrained the collagen I and fibronectin deposition, regulated the mechanotransduction through focal adhesion kinase and Rho GTPases, and enhanced the exosome-mediated mRNA transfer. Unlike the effect of simulated microgravity, neither three-dimensional growth nor enhanced nitric oxide production was observed in our experimental settings. This work furthers the understandings in the effects and mechanisms of space microgravity on ECs, and provides useful information for future spaceflight experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Microgravity - National Microgravity Laboratory, Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microgravity - National Microgravity Laboratory, Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shujin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microgravity - National Microgravity Laboratory, Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microgravity - National Microgravity Laboratory, Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyuan Lü
- Key Laboratory of Microgravity - National Microgravity Laboratory, Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microgravity - National Microgravity Laboratory, Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mian Long
- Key Laboratory of Microgravity - National Microgravity Laboratory, Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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46
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Exposure to galactic cosmic radiation compromises DNA repair and increases the potential for oncogenic chromosomal rearrangement in bronchial epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11038. [PMID: 30038404 PMCID: PMC6056477 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Participants in deep space missions face protracted exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). In this setting, lung cancer is a significant component of the overall risk of radiation-exposure induced death. Here we investigate persistent effects of GCR exposure on DNA repair capacity in lung-derived epithelial cells, using an enzyme-stimulated chromosomal rearrangement as an endpoint. Replicate cell cultures were irradiated with energetic 48Ti ions (a GCR component) or reference γ-rays. After a six-day recovery, they were challenged by expression of a Cas9/sgRNA pair that creates double-strand breaks simultaneously in the EML4 and ALK loci, misjoining of which creates an EML4-ALK fusion oncogene. Misjoining was significantly elevated in 48Ti-irradiated populations, relative to the baseline rate in mock-irradiated controls. The effect was not seen in γ-ray irradiated populations exposed to equal or higher radiation doses. Sequence analysis of the EML4-ALK joints from 48Ti-irradiated cultures showed that they were far more likely to contain deletions, sometimes flanked by short microhomologies, than equivalent samples from mock-irradiated cultures, consistent with a shift toward error-prone alternative nonhomologous end joining repair. Results suggest a potential mechanism by which a persistent physiological effect of GCR exposure may increase lung cancer risk.
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47
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Evaluation of psychological stress in confined environments using salivary, skin, and facial image parameters. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8264. [PMID: 29844534 PMCID: PMC5974367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26654-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting the influence of psychological stress is particularly important in prolonged space missions. In this study, we determined potential markers of psychological stress in a confined environment. We examined 23 Japanese subjects staying for 2 weeks in a confined facility at Tsukuba Space Center, measuring salivary, skin, and facial image parameters. Saliva was collected at four points in a single day to detect diurnal variation. Increases in salivary cortisol were detected after waking up on the 4th and 11th days, and at 15:30 on the 1st and in the second half of the stay. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sebum content of the skin were higher compared with outside the facility on the 4th and 1st days respectively. Increased IL-1β in the stripped stratum corneum was observed on the 14th day, and 7 days after leaving. Differences in facial expression symmetry at the time of facial expression changes were observed on 11th and 14th days. Thus, we detected a transition of psychological stress using salivary cortisol profiles and skin physiological parameters. The results also suggested that IL-1β in the stripped stratum corneum and facial expression symmetry are possible novel markers for conveniently detecting psychological stress.
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48
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Nukala U, Thakkar S, Krager KJ, Breen PJ, Compadre CM, Aykin-Burns N. Antioxidant Tocols as Radiation Countermeasures (Challenges to be Addressed to Use Tocols as Radiation Countermeasures in Humans). Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:E33. [PMID: 29473853 PMCID: PMC5836023 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation countermeasures fall under three categories, radiation protectors, radiation mitigators, and radiation therapeutics. Radiation protectors are agents that are administered before radiation exposure to protect from radiation-induced injuries by numerous mechanisms, including scavenging free radicals that are generated by initial radiochemical events. Radiation mitigators are agents that are administered after the exposure of radiation but before the onset of symptoms by accelerating the recovery and repair from radiation-induced injuries. Whereas radiation therapeutic agents administered after the onset of symptoms act by regenerating the tissues that are injured by radiation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals generated by radiation exposure by donating H atoms. The vitamin E family consists of eight different vitamers, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Though alpha-tocopherol was extensively studied in the past, tocotrienols have recently gained attention as radiation countermeasures. Despite several studies performed on tocotrienols, there is no clear evidence on the factors that are responsible for their superior radiation protection properties over tocopherols. Their absorption and bioavailability are also not well understood. In this review, we discuss tocopherol's and tocotrienol's efficacy as radiation countermeasures and identify the challenges to be addressed to develop them into radiation countermeasures for human use in the event of radiological emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujwani Nukala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA.
| | - Shraddha Thakkar
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Kimberly J Krager
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Philip J Breen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Tocol Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Little Rock, AR 77205, USA.
| | - Cesar M Compadre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Tocol Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Little Rock, AR 77205, USA.
| | - Nukhet Aykin-Burns
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
- Tocol Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Little Rock, AR 77205, USA.
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The effect of well-characterized, very low-dose x-ray radiation on fibroblasts. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190330. [PMID: 29300773 PMCID: PMC5754078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of low-dose radiation on fibroblast cells irradiated by spectrally and dosimetrically well-characterized soft x-rays. To achieve this, a new cell culture x-ray irradiation system was designed. This system generates characteristic fluorescent x-rays to irradiate the cell culture with x-rays of well-defined energies and doses. 3T3 fibroblast cells were cultured in cups with Mylar® surfaces and were irradiated for one hour with characteristic iron (Fe) K x-ray radiation at a dose rate of approximately 550 μGy/hr. Cell proliferation, total protein analysis, flow cytometry, and cell staining were performed on fibroblast cells to determine the various effects caused by the radiation. Irradiated cells demonstrated increased proliferation and protein production compared to control samples. Flow cytometry revealed that a higher percentage of irradiated cells were in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle compared to control counterparts, which is consistent with other low-dose studies. Cell staining results suggest that irradiated cells maintained normal cell functions after radiation exposure, as there were no qualitative differences between the images of the control and irradiated samples. The result of this study suggest that low-dose soft x-ray radiation might cause an initial pause, followed by a significant increase, in proliferation. An initial “pause” in cell proliferation could be a protective mechanism of the cells to minimize DNA damage caused by radiation exposure. The new cell irradiation system developed here allows for unprecedented control over the properties of the x-rays given to the cell cultures. This will allow for further studies on various cell types with known spectral distribution and carefully measured doses of radiation, which may help to elucidate the mechanisms behind varied cell responses to low-dose x-rays reported in the literature.
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Abstract
National space agencies and private corporations aim at an extended presence of humans in space in the medium to long term. Together with currently suboptimal technology, microgravity and cosmic rays raise health concerns about deep-space exploration missions. Both of these physical factors affect the cardiovascular system, whose gravity-dependence is pronounced. Heart and vascular function are, therefore, susceptible to substantial changes in weightlessness. The altered cardiovascular function in space causes physiological problems in the postflight period. A compromised cardiovascular system can be excessively vulnerable to space radiation, synergistically resulting in increased damage. The space radiation dose is significantly lower than in patients undergoing radiotherapy, in whom cardiac damage is well-documented following cancer therapy in the thoracic region. Nevertheless, epidemiological findings suggest an increased risk of late cardiovascular disease even with low doses of radiation. Moreover, the peculiar biological effectiveness of heavy ions in cosmic rays might increase this risk substantially. However, whether radiation-induced cardiovascular effects have a threshold at low doses is still unclear. The main countermeasures to mitigate the effect of the space environment on cardiac function are physical exercise, antioxidants, nutraceuticals, and radiation shielding.
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