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Cuyutupa VR, Moser D, Diedrich V, Cheng Y, Billaud JN, Haugg E, Singer D, Bereiter-Hahn J, Herwig A, Choukér A. Blood transcriptomics mirror regulatory mechanisms during hibernation-a comparative analysis of the Djungarian hamster with other mammalian species. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1149-1160. [PMID: 37542567 PMCID: PMC10499953 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02842-8] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Hibernation enables many species of the mammalian kingdom to overcome periods of harsh environmental conditions. During this physically inactive state metabolic rate and body temperature are drastically downregulated, thereby reducing energy requirements (torpor) also over shorter time periods. Since blood cells reflect the organism´s current condition, it was suggested that transcriptomic alterations in blood cells mirror the torpor-associated physiological state. Transcriptomics on blood cells of torpid and non-torpid Djungarian hamsters and QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed key target molecules (TMIPA), which were subjected to a comparative literature analysis on transcriptomic alterations during torpor/hibernation in other mammals. Gene expression similarities were identified in 148 TMIPA during torpor nadir among various organs and phylogenetically different mammalian species. Based on TMIPA, IPA network analyses corresponded with described inhibitions of basic cellular mechanisms and immune system-associated processes in torpid mammals. Moreover, protection against damage to the heart, kidney, and liver was deduced from this gene expression pattern in blood cells. This study shows that blood cell transcriptomics can reflect the general physiological state during torpor nadir. Furthermore, the understanding of molecular processes for torpor initiation and organ preservation may have beneficial implications for humans in extremely challenging environments, such as in medical intensive care units and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Rojas Cuyutupa
- Laboratory of Translational Research 'Stress and Immunity', Department of Anesthesiology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Dominique Moser
- Laboratory of Translational Research 'Stress and Immunity', Department of Anesthesiology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Victoria Diedrich
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yiming Cheng
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Elena Haugg
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dominique Singer
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bereiter-Hahn
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Annika Herwig
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of Translational Research 'Stress and Immunity', Department of Anesthesiology, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich, 81377, Germany.
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2
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Tong Q, Dong WJ, Xu MD, Hu ZF, Guo P, Han XY, Cui LY. Characteristics and a comparison of the gut microbiota in two frog species at the beginning and end of hibernation. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1057398. [PMID: 37206336 PMCID: PMC10191234 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1057398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Season has been suggested to contribute to variation in the gut microbiota of animals. The complicated relationships between amphibians and their gut microbiota and how they change throughout the year require more research. Short-term and long-term hypothermic fasting of amphibians may affect gut microbiota differently; however, these changes have not been explored. In this study, the composition and characteristics of the gut microbiota of Rana amurensis and Rana dybowskii during summer, autumn (short-term fasting) and winter (long-term fasting) were studied by high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Both frog species had higher gut microbiota alpha diversity in summer than autumn and winter, but no significant variations between autumn and spring. The summer, autumn, and spring gut microbiotas of both species differed, as did the autumn and winter microbiomes. In summer, autumn and winter, the dominant phyla in the gut microbiota of both species were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. All animals have 10 OTUs (>90% of all 52 frogs). Both species had 23 OTUs (>90% of all 28 frogs) in winter, accounting for 47.49 ± 3.84% and 63.17 ± 3.69% of their relative abundance, respectively. PICRUSt2 analysis showed that the predominant functions of the gut microbiota in these two Rana were focused on carbohydrate metabolism, Global and overview maps, Glycan biosynthesis metabolism, membrane transport, and replication and repair, translation. The BugBase analysis estimated that among the seasons in the R. amurensis group, Facultatively_Anaerobic, Forms_Biofilms, Gram_Negative, Gram_Positive, Potentially_Pathogenic were significantly different. However, there was no difference for R. dybowskii. The research will reveal how the gut microbiota of amphibians adapts to environmental changes during hibernation, aid in the conservation of endangered amphibians, particularly those that hibernate, and advance microbiota research by elucidating the role of microbiota under various physiological states and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tong
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Hejiang Forestry Research Institute of Heilongjiang Province, Jiamusi, China
| | - Wen-jing Dong
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Ming-da Xu
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Zong-fu Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-yun Han
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Li-yong Cui
- Hejiang Forestry Research Institute of Heilongjiang Province, Jiamusi, China
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3
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Yang Y, Yuan J, Field RL, Ye D, Hu Z, Xu K, Xu L, Gong Y, Yue Y, Kravitz AV, Bruchas MR, Cui J, Brestoff JR, Chen H. Induction of a torpor-like hypothermic and hypometabolic state in rodents by ultrasound. Nat Metab 2023; 5:789-803. [PMID: 37231250 PMCID: PMC10229429 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Torpor is an energy-conserving state in which animals dramatically decrease their metabolic rate and body temperature to survive harsh environmental conditions. Here, we report the noninvasive, precise and safe induction of a torpor-like hypothermic and hypometabolic state in rodents by remote transcranial ultrasound stimulation at the hypothalamus preoptic area (POA). We achieve a long-lasting (>24 h) torpor-like state in mice via closed-loop feedback control of ultrasound stimulation with automated detection of body temperature. Ultrasound-induced hypothermia and hypometabolism (UIH) is triggered by activation of POA neurons, involves the dorsomedial hypothalamus as a downstream brain region and subsequent inhibition of thermogenic brown adipose tissue. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing of POA neurons reveals TRPM2 as an ultrasound-sensitive ion channel, the knockdown of which suppresses UIH. We also demonstrate that UIH is feasible in a non-torpid animal, the rat. Our findings establish UIH as a promising technology for the noninvasive and safe induction of a torpor-like state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoheng Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jinyun Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachael L Field
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dezhuang Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zhongtao Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yimei Yue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alexxai V Kravitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Pharmacology, and Bioengineering, Center for Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jianmin Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan R Brestoff
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Division of Neurotechnology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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4
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Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Renaud L, Wang H, Williamson T, Chung D, Chan S, Overton I, Hardiman G. Investigating the effects of chronic low-dose radiation exposure in the liver of a hypothermic zebrafish model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:918. [PMID: 36650199 PMCID: PMC9845366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26976-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mankind's quest for a manned mission to Mars is placing increased emphasis on the development of innovative radio-protective countermeasures for long-term space travel. Hibernation confers radio-protective effects in hibernating animals, and this has led to the investigation of synthetic torpor to mitigate the deleterious effects of chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposure. Here we describe an induced torpor model we developed using the zebrafish. We explored the effects of radiation exposure on this model with a focus on the liver. Transcriptomic and behavioural analyses were performed. Radiation exposure resulted in transcriptomic perturbations in lipid metabolism and absorption, wound healing, immune response, and fibrogenic pathways. Induced torpor reduced metabolism and increased pro-survival, anti-apoptotic, and DNA repair pathways. Coupled with radiation exposure, induced torpor led to a stress response but also revealed maintenance of DNA repair mechanisms, pro-survival and anti-apoptotic signals. To further characterise our model of induced torpor, the zebrafish model was compared with hepatic transcriptomic data from hibernating grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and active controls revealing conserved responses in gene expression associated with anti-apoptotic processes, DNA damage repair, cell survival, proliferation, and antioxidant response. Similarly, the radiation group was compared with space-flown mice revealing shared changes in lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Cahill
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Willian Abraham da Silveira
- School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Department of Biological Sciences, Science Centre, Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke-On-Trent, ST4 2DF, UK
- International Space University, 1 Rue Jean-Dominique Cassini, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Tucker Williamson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sherine Chan
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- JLABS at the Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
| | - Ian Overton
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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5
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Puspitasari A, Squarcio F, Quartieri M, Totis C, Hitrec T, Takahashi A, Yoshida Y, Hanamura K, Yako T, Cerri M, Simoniello P, Durante M, Tinganelli W. Synthetic torpor protects rats from exposure to accelerated heavy ions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16405. [PMID: 36180516 PMCID: PMC9525701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hibernation or torpor is considered a possible tool to protect astronauts from the deleterious effects of space radiation that contains high-energy heavy ions. We induced synthetic torpor in rats by injecting adenosine 5'-monophosphate monohydrate (5'-AMP) i.p. and maintaining in low ambient temperature room (+ 16 °C) for 6 h immediately after total body irradiation (TBI) with accelerated carbon ions (C-ions). The 5'-AMP treatment in combination with low ambient temperature reduced skin temperature and increased survival following 8 Gy C-ion irradiation compared to saline-injected animals. Analysis of the histology of the brain, liver and lungs showed that 5'-AMP treatment following 2 Gy TBI reduced activated microglia, Iba1 positive cells in the brain, apoptotic cells in the liver, and damage to the lungs, suggesting that synthetic torpor spares tissues from energetic ion radiation. The application of 5'-AMP in combination with either hypoxia or low temperature environment for six hours following irradiation of rat retinal pigment epithelial cells delays DNA repair and suppresses the radiation-induced mitotic catastrophe compared to control cells. We conclude that synthetic torpor protects animals from cosmic ray-simulated radiation and the mechanism involves both hypothermia and hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anggraeini Puspitasari
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany.,Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Gunma, 371-8511, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Fabio Squarcio
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Martina Quartieri
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Cristina Totis
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Timna Hitrec
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Gunma, 371-8511, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yukari Yoshida
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Gunma, 371-8511, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kenji Hanamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yako
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Gunma, 371-8511, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare (INFN)-Sezione Di Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Science and Technology, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Durante
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Walter Tinganelli
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum Für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany.
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6
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Sgarbi G, Hitrec T, Amici R, Baracca A, Di Cristoforo A, Liuzzi F, Luppi M, Solaini G, Squarcio F, Zamboni G, Cerri M. Mitochondrial respiration in rats during hypothermia resulting from central drug administration. J Comp Physiol B 2022; 192:349-360. [PMID: 35001173 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-021-01421-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The ability to induce a hypothermia resembling that of natural torpor would be greatly beneficial in medical and non-medical fields. At present, two procedures based on central nervous pharmacological manipulation have been shown to be effective in bringing core body temperature well below 30 °C in the rat, a non-hibernator: the first, based on the inhibition of a key relay in the central thermoregulatory pathway, the other, based on the activation of central adenosine A1 receptors. Although the role of mitochondria in the activation and maintenance of torpor has been extensively studied, no data are available for centrally induced hypothermia in non-hibernators. Thus, in the present work the respiration rate of mitochondria in the liver and in the kidney of rats following the aforementioned hypothermia-inducing treatments was studied. Moreover, to have an internal control, the same parameters were assessed in a well-consolidated model, i.e., mice during fasting-induced torpor. Our results show that state 3 respiration rate, which significantly decreased in the liver of mice, was unchanged in rats. An increase of state 4 respiration rate was observed in both species, although it was not statistically significant in rats under central adenosine stimulation. Also, a significant decrease of the respiratory control ratio was detected in both species. Finally, no effects were detected in kidney mitochondria in both species. Overall, in these hypothermic conditions liver mitochondria of rats remained active and apparently ready to be re-activated to produce energy and warm up the cells. These findings can be interpreted as encouraging in view of the finalization of a translational approach to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Sgarbi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S. Donato, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Timna Hitrec
- Laboratory of Autonomic and Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Amici
- Laboratory of Autonomic and Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Baracca
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S. Donato, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Cristoforo
- Laboratory of Autonomic and Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Liuzzi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S. Donato, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Luppi
- Laboratory of Autonomic and Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Solaini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S. Donato, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Squarcio
- Laboratory of Autonomic and Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zamboni
- Laboratory of Autonomic and Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cerri
- Laboratory of Autonomic and Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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7
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Strigari L, Strolin S, Morganti AG, Bartoloni A. Dose-Effects Models for Space Radiobiology: An Overview on Dose-Effect Relationships. Front Public Health 2021; 9:733337. [PMID: 34820349 PMCID: PMC8606590 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.733337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Space radiobiology is an interdisciplinary science that examines the biological effects of ionizing radiation on humans involved in aerospace missions. The dose-effect models are one of the relevant topics of space radiobiology. Their knowledge is crucial for optimizing radioprotection strategies (e.g., spaceship and lunar space station-shielding and lunar/Mars village design), the risk assessment of the health hazard related to human space exploration, and reducing damages induced to astronauts from galactic cosmic radiation. Dose-effect relationships describe the observed damages to normal tissues or cancer induction during and after space flights. They are developed for the various dose ranges and radiation qualities characterizing the actual and the forecast space missions [International Space Station (ISS) and solar system exploration]. Based on a Pubmed search including 53 papers reporting the collected dose-effect relationships after space missions or in ground simulations, 7 significant dose-effect relationships (e.g., eye flashes, cataract, central nervous systems, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chromosomal aberrations, and biomarkers) have been identified. For each considered effect, the absorbed dose thresholds and the uncertainties/limitations of the developed relationships are summarized and discussed. The current knowledge on this topic can benefit from further in vitro and in vivo radiobiological studies, an accurate characterization of the quality of space radiation, and the numerous experimental dose-effects data derived from the experience in the clinical use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic or treatments with doses similar to those foreseen for the future space missions. The growing number of pooled studies could improve the prediction ability of dose-effect relationships for space exposure and reduce their uncertainty level. Novel research in the field is of paramount importance to reduce damages to astronauts from cosmic radiation before Beyond Low Earth Orbit exploration in the next future. The study aims at providing an overview of the published dose-effect relationships and illustrates novel perspectives to inspire future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Strigari
- Department of Medical Physics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Strolin
- Department of Medical Physics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Giuseppe Morganti
- Radiation Oncology Center, School of Medicine, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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8
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Pollock RD, Hodkinson PD, Smith TG. Oh G: The x, y and z of human physiological responses to acceleration. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:2367-2384. [PMID: 34730860 DOI: 10.1113/ep089712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the topic of this review? This review focuses on the main physiological challenges associated with exposure to acceleration in the Gx, Gy and Gz directions and to microgravity. What advances does it highlight? Our current understanding of the physiology of these environments and latest strategies to protect against them are discussed in light of the limited knowledge we have in some of these areas. ABSTRACT The desire to go higher, faster and further has taken us to environments where the accelerations placed on our bodies far exceed or are much lower than that attributable to Earth's gravity. While on the ground, racing drivers of the fastest cars are exposed to high degrees of lateral acceleration (Gy) during cornering. In the air, while within the confines of the lower reaches of Earth's atmosphere, fast jet pilots are routinely exposed to high levels of acceleration in the head-foot direction (Gz). During launch and re-entry of suborbital and orbital spacecraft, astronauts and spaceflight participants are exposed to high levels of chest-back acceleration (Gx), whereas once in space the effects of gravity are all but removed (termed microgravity, μG). Each of these environments has profound effects on the homeostatic mechanisms within the body and can have a serious impact, not only for those with underlying pathology but also for healthy individuals. This review provides an overview of the main challenges associated with these environments and our current understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological adaptations to them. Where relevant, protection strategies are discussed, with the implications of our future exposure to these environments also being considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross D Pollock
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peter D Hodkinson
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas G Smith
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Anaesthesia, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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9
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Choukér A, Ngo-Anh TJ, Biesbroek R, Heldmaier G, Heppener M, Bereiter-Hahn J. European space agency's hibernation (torpor) strategy for deep space missions: Linking biology to engineering. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:618-626. [PMID: 34606822 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Long-duration space missions to Mars will impose extreme stresses of physical and psychological nature on the crew, as well as significant logistical and technical challenges for life support and transportation. Main challenges include optimising overall mass and maintaining crew physical and mental health. These key scopes have been taken up as the baseline for a study by the European Space Agency (ESA) using its Concurrent Design Facility (CDF). It focussed on the biology of hibernation in reducing metabolism and hence stress, and its links to the infrastructure and life support. We concluded that torpor of crew members can reduce the payload with respect to oxygen, food and water but will require monitoring and artificial intelligence (AI) assisted monitoring of the crew. These studies additionally offer new potential applications for patient care on Earth. Keywords: Space flight, concurrent design facility, metabolic reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of Translational Research "Stress and Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Thu Jennifer Ngo-Anh
- Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, European Space Agency, P.O. Box 299, 2200 AG, Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Robin Biesbroek
- Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, European Space Agency, P.O. Box 299, 2200 AG, Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Heldmaier
- Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, Marburg University, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 8, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marc Heppener
- (c)/o Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, European Space Agency, P.O. Box 299, 2200 AG, Noordwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Bereiter-Hahn
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Lauestr. 19, D 6438, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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10
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Zakharova NM, Tarahovsky YS, Komelina NP, Khrenov MO, Kovtun AL. Pharmacological torpor prolongs rat survival in lethal normobaric hypoxia. J Therm Biol 2021; 98:102906. [PMID: 34016333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to hypoxia is one of the most prominent features of natural hibernation and is expected to be present in the pharmacological torpor (PT) that simulates hibernation. We studied resistance to lethal hypoxia (3.5% oxygen content) in rats under PT. To initiate PT, we used the previously developed pharmacological composition (PC) which, after a single intravenous injection, can induce a daily decrease in Tb by 7 °C-8 °C at the environmental temperature of 22 °C-23 °C. Half-survival (median) time of rats in lethal hypoxia was found to increase from 5 ± 0.8 min in anesthetized control rats to 150 ± 12 min in rats injected with PC, which is a 30-fold increase. Behavioral tests after PT and hypoxia, including the traveling distance, the number of rearing and grooming episodes, revealed that animal responses are significantly restored within a week. It is assumed that the discovered unprecedented resistance of artificially torpid rats to lethal hypoxia may open up broad prospects for the therapeutic use of PT for preconditioning to various damaging factors, treatment of diseases, and extend the so-called "golden hour" for lifesaving interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yury S Tarahovsky
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
| | - Natalia P Komelina
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Maxim O Khrenov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
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11
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Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Renaud L, Williamson T, Wang H, Chung D, Overton I, Chan SSL, Hardiman G. Induced Torpor as a Countermeasure for Low Dose Radiation Exposure in a Zebrafish Model. Cells 2021; 10:906. [PMID: 33920039 PMCID: PMC8071006 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the Artemis programme with the goal of returning to the moon is spurring technology advances that will eventually take humans to Mars and herald a new era of interplanetary space travel. However, long-term space travel poses unique challenges including exposure to ionising radiation from galactic cosmic rays and potential solar particle events, exposure to microgravity and specific nutritional challenges arising from earth independent exploration. Ionising radiation is one of the major obstacles facing future space travel as it can generate oxidative stress and directly damage cellular structures such as DNA, in turn causing genomic instability, telomere shortening, extracellular-matrix remodelling and persistent inflammation. In the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) this can lead to leaky gut syndrome, perforations and motility issues, which impact GIT functionality and affect nutritional status. While current countermeasures such as shielding from the spacecraft can attenuate harmful biological effects, they produce harmful secondary particles that contribute to radiation exposure. We hypothesised that induction of a torpor-like state would confer a radioprotective effect given the evidence that hibernation extends survival times in irradiated squirrels compared to active controls. To test this hypothesis, a torpor-like state was induced in zebrafish using melatonin treatment and reduced temperature, and radiation exposure was administered twice over the course of 10 days. The protective effects of induced-torpor were assessed via RNA sequencing and qPCR of mRNA extracted from the GIT. Pathway and network analysis were performed on the transcriptomic data to characterise the genomic signatures in radiation, torpor and torpor + radiation groups. Phenotypic analyses revealed that melatonin and reduced temperature successfully induced a torpor-like state in zebrafish as shown by decreased metabolism and activity levels. Genomic analyses indicated that low dose radiation caused DNA damage and oxidative stress triggering a stress response, including steroidal signalling and changes to metabolism, and cell cycle arrest. Torpor attenuated the stress response through an increase in pro-survival signals, reduced oxidative stress via the oxygen effect and detection and removal of misfolded proteins. This proof-of-concept model provides compelling initial evidence for utilizing an induced torpor-like state as a potential countermeasure for radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Cahill
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Willian Abraham da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Tucker Williamson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.W.); (S.S.L.C.)
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Ian Overton
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK;
| | - Sherine S. L. Chan
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.W.); (S.S.L.C.)
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
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12
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Dias IB, Bouma HR, Henning RH. Unraveling the Big Sleep: Molecular Aspects of Stem Cell Dormancy and Hibernation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:624950. [PMID: 33867999 PMCID: PMC8047423 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.624950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident stem cells may enter a dormant state, also known as quiescence, which allows them to withstand metabolic stress and unfavorable conditions. Similarly, hibernating mammals can also enter a state of dormancy used to evade hostile circumstances, such as food shortage and low ambient temperatures. In hibernation, the dormant state of the individual and its cells is commonly known as torpor, and is characterized by metabolic suppression in individual cells. Given that both conditions represent cell survival strategies, we here compare the molecular aspects of cellular quiescence, particularly of well-studied hematopoietic stem cells, and torpor at the cellular level. Critical processes of dormancy are reviewed, including the suppression of the cell cycle, changes in metabolic characteristics, and cellular mechanisms of dealing with damage. Key factors shared by hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and torpor include a reversible activation of factors inhibiting the cell cycle, a shift in metabolism from glucose to fatty acid oxidation, downregulation of mitochondrial activity, key changes in hypoxia-inducible factor one alpha (HIF-1α), mTOR, reversible protein phosphorylation and autophagy, and increased radiation resistance. This similarity is remarkable in view of the difference in cell populations, as stem cell quiescence regards proliferating cells, while torpor mainly involves terminally differentiated cells. A future perspective is provided how to advance our understanding of the crucial pathways that allow stem cells and hibernating animals to engage in their 'great slumbers.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Itamar B. Dias
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hjalmar R. Bouma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robert H. Henning
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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13
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Zakharova NM, Tarahovsky YS, Komelina NP, Fadeeva IS, Kovtun AL. Long-term pharmacological torpor of rats with feedback-controlled drug administration. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2021; 28:18-21. [PMID: 33612175 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The maintenance of pharmacological torpor and hypothermia (body temperature 28 °C - 33 °C) in rats for a week is presented. For this purpose, our laboratory has developed a device (BioFeedback-2) for the feed-back controlled multiple injections of small doses of a pharmacological composition that we created earlier. On the 7th day, the rat spontaneously come out of the pharmacological torpor, the body temperature returned to normal, and on the 8th day, the animal could consume food and water. The proposed approach for maintaining multi-day pharmacological torpor can be applied in medicine, as well as for protecting astronauts during long missions in space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yury S Tarahovsky
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
| | - Natalia P Komelina
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Irina S Fadeeva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
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14
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Hibernation as a Tool for Radiation Protection in Space Exploration. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010054. [PMID: 33466717 PMCID: PMC7828799 DOI: 10.3390/life11010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With new and advanced technology, human exploration has reached outside of the Earth's boundaries. There are plans for reaching Mars and the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, and even to build a permanent base on the Moon. However, human beings have evolved on Earth with levels of gravity and radiation that are very different from those that we have to face in space. These issues seem to pose a significant limitation on exploration. Although there are plausible solutions for problems related to the lack of gravity, it is still unclear how to address the radiation problem. Several solutions have been proposed, such as passive or active shielding or the use of specific drugs that could reduce the effects of radiation. Recently, a method that reproduces a mechanism similar to hibernation or torpor, known as synthetic torpor, has started to become possible. Several studies show that hibernators are resistant to acute high-dose-rate radiation exposure. However, the underlying mechanism of how this occurs remains unclear, and further investigation is needed. Whether synthetic hibernation will also protect from the deleterious effects of chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposure is currently unknown. Hibernators can modulate their neuronal firing, adjust their cardiovascular function, regulate their body temperature, preserve their muscles during prolonged inactivity, regulate their immune system, and most importantly, increase their radioresistance during the inactive period. According to recent studies, synthetic hibernation, just like natural hibernation, could mitigate radiation-induced toxicity. In this review, we see what artificial hibernation is and how it could help the next generation of astronauts in future interplanetary missions.
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15
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Shi Z, Qin M, Huang L, Xu T, Chen Y, Hu Q, Peng S, Peng Z, Qu LN, Chen SG, Tuo QH, Liao DF, Wang XP, Wu RR, Yuan TF, Li YH, Liu XM. Human torpor: translating insights from nature into manned deep space expedition. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:642-672. [PMID: 33314677 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During a long-duration manned spaceflight mission, such as flying to Mars and beyond, all crew members will spend a long period in an independent spacecraft with closed-loop bioregenerative life-support systems. Saving resources and reducing medical risks, particularly in mental heath, are key technology gaps hampering human expedition into deep space. In the 1960s, several scientists proposed that an induced state of suppressed metabolism in humans, which mimics 'hibernation', could be an ideal solution to cope with many issues during spaceflight. In recent years, with the introduction of specific methods, it is becoming more feasible to induce an artificial hibernation-like state (synthetic torpor) in non-hibernating species. Natural torpor is a fascinating, yet enigmatic, physiological process in which metabolic rate (MR), body core temperature (Tb ) and behavioural activity are reduced to save energy during harsh seasonal conditions. It employs a complex central neural network to orchestrate a homeostatic state of hypometabolism, hypothermia and hypoactivity in response to environmental challenges. The anatomical and functional connections within the central nervous system (CNS) lie at the heart of controlling synthetic torpor. Although progress has been made, the precise mechanisms underlying the active regulation of the torpor-arousal transition, and their profound influence on neural function and behaviour, which are critical concerns for safe and reversible human torpor, remain poorly understood. In this review, we place particular emphasis on elaborating the central nervous mechanism orchestrating the torpor-arousal transition in both non-flying hibernating mammals and non-hibernating species, and aim to provide translational insights into long-duration manned spaceflight. In addition, identifying difficulties and challenges ahead will underscore important concerns in engineering synthetic torpor in humans. We believe that synthetic torpor may not be the only option for manned long-duration spaceflight, but it is the most achievable solution in the foreseeable future. Translating the available knowledge from natural torpor research will not only benefit manned spaceflight, but also many clinical settings attempting to manipulate energy metabolism and neurobehavioural functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychaitry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.,Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China.,State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Meng Qin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qin Hu
- College of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100024, China
| | - Sha Peng
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Zhuang Peng
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Li-Na Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Shan-Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Qin-Hui Tuo
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Duan-Fang Liao
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychaitry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ren-Rong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychaitry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Ying-Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China.,State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.,Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
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16
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Romanella SM, Sprugnoli G, Ruffini G, Seyedmadani K, Rossi S, Santarnecchi E. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation & Space Exploration: Opportunities and Challenges. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:294-319. [PMID: 32937115 PMCID: PMC8361862 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
As NASA prepares for longer space missions aiming for the Moon and Mars, astronauts' health and performance are becoming a central concern due to the threats associated with galactic cosmic radiation, unnatural gravity fields, and life in extreme environments. In space, the human brain undergoes functional and structural changes related to fluid shift and changes in intracranial pressure. Behavioral abnormalities, such as cognitive deficits, sleep disruption, and visuomotor difficulties, as well as psychological effects, are also an issue. We discuss opportunities and challenges of noninvasive brain stimulation (NiBS) methods - including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) - to support space exploration in several ways. NiBS includes safe and portable techniques already applied in a wide range of cognitive and motor domains, as well as therapeutically. NiBS could be used to enhance in-flight performance, supporting astronauts during pre-flight Earth-based training, as well as to identify biomarkers of post-flight brain changes for optimization of rehabilitation/compensatory strategies. We review these NiBS techniques and their effects on brain physiology, psychology, and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Romanella
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy
| | - G Sprugnoli
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Radiology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - G Ruffini
- Neuroelectrics Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - K Seyedmadani
- University Space Research Association NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA; Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - S Rossi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy; Human Physiology Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - E Santarnecchi
- Siena Brain Investigation & Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Section, University of Siena, Italy; Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Huang W, Liao CC, Han Y, Lv J, Lei M, Li Y, Lv Q, Dong D, Zhang S, Pan YH, Luo J. Co-activation of Akt, Nrf2, and NF-κB signals under UPR ER in torpid Myotis ricketti bats for survival. Commun Biol 2020; 3:658. [PMID: 33177645 PMCID: PMC7658203 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats hibernate to survive stressful conditions. Examination of whole cell and mitochondrial proteomes of the liver of Myotis ricketti revealed that torpid bats had endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPRER), global reduction in glycolysis, enhancement of lipolysis, and selective amino acid metabolism. Compared to active bats, torpid bats had higher amounts of phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase (p-Akt) and UPRER markers such as PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Torpid bats also had lower amounts of the complex of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) (p65)/I-κBα. Cellular redistribution of 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and reduced binding between PERK and GRP78 were also seen in torpid bats. Evidence of such was not observed in fasted, cold-treated, or normal mice. These data indicated that bats activate Akt, Nrf2, and NF-κB via the PERK-ATF4 regulatory axis against endoplasmic reticulum stresses during hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chen-Chung Liao
- Proteomics Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yijie Han
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junyan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), Institute of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), Institute of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Qingyun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), Institute of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Dong Dong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shuyi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Yi-Husan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education and Shanghai), Institute of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Jian Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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18
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DiCarlo AL, Perez Horta Z, Rios CI, Satyamitra MM, Taliaferro LP, Cassatt DR. Study logistics that can impact medical countermeasure efficacy testing in mouse models of radiation injury. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 97:S151-S167. [PMID: 32909878 PMCID: PMC7987915 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1820599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To address confounding issues that have been noted in planning and conducting studies to identify biomarkers of radiation injury, develop animal models to simulate these injuries, and test potential medical countermeasures to mitigate/treat damage caused by radiation exposure. METHODS The authors completed an intensive literature search to address several key areas that should be considered before embarking on studies to assess efficacy of medical countermeasure approaches in mouse models of radiation injury. These considerations include: (1) study variables; (2) animal selection criteria; (3) animal husbandry; (4) medical management; and (5) radiation attributes. RESULTS It is important to select mouse strains that are capable of responding to the selected radiation exposure (e.g. genetic predispositions might influence radiation sensitivity and proclivity to certain phenotypes of radiation injury), and that also react in a manner similar to humans. Gender, vendor, age, weight, and even seasonal variations are all important factors to consider. In addition, the housing and husbandry of the animals (i.e. feed, environment, handling, time of day of irradiation and animal restraint), as well as the medical management provided (e.g. use of acidified water, antibiotics, routes of administration of drugs, consideration of animal numbers, and euthanasia criteria) should all be addressed. Finally, the radiation exposure itself should be tightly controlled, by ensuring a full understanding and reporting of the radiation source, dose and dose rate, shielding and geometry of exposure, while also providing accurate dosimetry. It is important to understand how all the above factors contribute to the development of radiation dose response curves for a given animal facility with a well-defined murine model. CONCLUSIONS Many potential confounders that could impact the outcomes of studies to assess efficacy of a medical countermeasure for radiation-induced injuries are addressed, and recommendations are made to assist investigators in carrying out research that is robust, reproducible, and accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L DiCarlo
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Zulmarie Perez Horta
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Carmen I Rios
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Merriline M Satyamitra
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lanyn P Taliaferro
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - David R Cassatt
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
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19
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Squire T, Ryan A, Bernard S. Radioprotective effects of induced astronaut torpor and advanced propulsion systems during deep space travel. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 26:105-113. [PMID: 32718676 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human metabolic suppression is not a new concept, with 1950s scientific literature and movies demonstrating its potential use for deep space travel (Hock, 1960). An artificially induced state of metabolic suppression in the form of torpor would improve the amount of supplies required and therefore lessen weight and fuel required for missions to Mars and beyond (Choukèr et al., 2019). Transfer habitats for human stasis to Mars have been conceived (Bradford et al., 2018). Evidence suggests that animals, when hibernating, demonstrate relative radioprotection compared to their awake state. Experiments have also demonstrated relative radioprotection in conditions of hypothermia as well as during sleep (Bellesi et al., 2016 and Andersen et al., 2009). Circadian rhythm disrupted cells also appear to be more susceptible to radiation damage compared to those that are under a rhythmic control (Dakup et al., 2018). An induced torpor state for astronauts on deep space missions may provide a biological radioprotective state due to a decreased metabolism and hypothermic conditions. A regular enforced circadian rhythm might further limit DNA damage from radiation. The As Low As Reasonably Achievable (A.L.A.R.A.) radiation protection concept defines time, distance and shielding as ways to decrease radiation exposure. Whilst distance cannot be altered in space and shielding either passively or actively may be beneficial, time of exposure may be drastically decreased with improved propulsion systems. Whilst chemical propulsion systems have superior thrust to other systems, they lack high changes in velocity and fuel efficiency which can be achieved with nuclear or electric based propulsion systems. Radiation toxicity could be limited by reduced transit times, combined with the radioprotective effects of enforced circadian rhythms during a state of torpor or hibernation. OBJECTIVES 1. Investigate how the circadian clock and body temperature may contribute to radioprotection during human torpor on deep space missions. 2. Estimate radiation dose received by astronauts during a transit to Mars with varying propulsion systems. METHODS We simulated three types of conditions to investigate the potential radioprotective effect of the circadian clock and decreased temperature on cells being exposed to radiation such that may be the case during astronaut torpor. These conditions were: - Circadian clock strength: strong vs weak. - Light exposure: dark-dark vs light-dark cycle - Body temperature: 37C vs hypothermia vs torpor. We estimated transit times for a mission to Mars from Earth utilizing chemical, nuclear and electrical propulsion systems. Transit times were generated using the General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) and Matlab. These times were then input into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Online Tool for the Assessment of Radiation In Space (OLTARIS) computer simulator to estimate doses received by an astronaut for the three propulsion methods. RESULTS Our simulation demonstrated an increase in radioprotection with decreasing temperature. The greatest degree of radioprotection was shown in cells that maintained a strong circadian clock during torpor. This was in contrast to relatively lower radioprotection in cells with a weak clock during normothermia. We were also able to demonstrate that if torpor weakened the circadian clock, a protective effect could be partially restored by an external drive such as lighting schedules to aid entrainment i.e.: Blue light exposure for periods of awake and no light for rest times For the propulsion simulation, estimated transit times from Earth to Mars were 258 days for chemical propulsion with 165.9mSv received, 209 days for nuclear propulsion with 134.4mSv received and 80 days for electrical propulsion with 51.4mSv received. CONCLUSION A state of torpor for astronauts on deep space missions may not only improve weight, fuel and storage requirements but also provide a potential biological radiation protection strategy. Moreover, maintaining a controlled circadian rhythm during torpor conditions may aid radioprotection. In the not too distant future, propulsion techniques will be improved to limit transit time and hence decrease radiation dose to astronauts. Limiting exposure time and enhancing physiological radioprotection during transit could provide superior radioprotection benefits compared with active and passive radiation shielding strategies alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Squire
- The Canberra Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology. Garran. Australian Capital Territory, Australia; University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine. Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - A Ryan
- University of Sydney, Applied and Plasma Physics Research Group. School of Aerospace Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Camperdown, NSW 2006. Australia
| | - S Bernard
- Université de Lyon. CNRS UMR5208 Institut Camille Jordan. Villeurbanne, France & Inria Grenoble, France
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Criscuolo F, Sueur C, Bergouignan A. Human Adaptation to Deep Space Environment: An Evolutionary Perspective of the Foreseen Interplanetary Exploration. Front Public Health 2020; 8:119. [PMID: 32391303 PMCID: PMC7193087 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term and deep space exploration is a prevailing dream that is becoming a reality. Is that so? The answer to this question depends on how the main actors of space exploration, i.e., politicians, scientists, and engineers, define “long-term” and the ultimate goals of the current space programs. Presently, long-term refers to few months or years, which is equivalent to the time necessary for a manned mission to reach another planet and return to Earth. Such a space mission is a tremendous scientific challenge associated with multidisciplinary issues spanning from technology to medicine biology, social, and psychological science. It has been a priority of the main westernized societies that has attracted the brightest and most innovative scientific minds since World War II. At first the stakes were mainly political in order to demonstrate to other countries power and strength. It progressively became a scientific motivation to uncover the secrets of the Universe and life's origin, and potentially to find traces of distant life. More recently, a desire to colonize space and exploit resources on other planets has emerged as a new dream. Although the journey to Mars is still a prospective and traveling in deep space a further elusive goal, one can question the ultimate implications of deep space exploration over the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cédric Sueur
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Audrey Bergouignan
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Anschutz Health & Wellness Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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21
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Griko Y, Palma E, Galicia E, Selch F. Factors limiting the duration of artificially induced torpor in mice. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2020; 24:34-41. [PMID: 31987478 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of artificial induction of a torpid state in animals that do not naturally do so, as well as in humans, offers a great potential in biomedicine and in human spaceflight. However, the mechanisms of action that provide a coordinated and concomitant downregulation with a safe recovery from this state are poorly understood. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the metabolic rate of mice can be reduced by nearly 94% and can remain stable under hypothermic conditions for a prolonged period of up to 11 h. The present study was carried out in order to test the limitations and identify potential factors that can enable the safe and reversible arousal of non-hibernating mice from deep artificially-induced torpor to an active state. Results demonstrate that the energy budget may be a limiting factor for the prolongation and safe recovery from the hypometabolic state. While the continuation of torpor may be possible for additional hours, we found that a reduction of 40% or more in the plasma glucose level increases the risk of heart fibrillation, which results in death during arousal. Therefore, the plasma glucose level could be a component of the criteria indicating the reversibility of torpor. Another important factor complementing the energetic necessity that may limit the duration of torpor in mice is a gradual reduction in body mass during torpor. Under the conditions of our experiment, body mass declines by nearly 15% after 16 h from the initiation of torpor and may continue to decline if the mice are allowed to remain in torpor longer. Extrapolation of this data suggests that there may be a critical mass relating to animal mortality and thus limiting the duration of torpor. Control and maintenance of the body mass and glucose level in a torpid animal may extend the longevity of torpor and mitigate the risk of cardiac failure during rewarming to the metabolically active state. The cardiac complications that occur during arousal from torpor in many cases could be mitigated and even avoided by applying appropriate temperature-arising kinetics and providing a sufficient dynamic range to maintain cardiac output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Griko
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035 USA.
| | - Ervin Palma
- California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA 94542, United States
| | - Eugene Galicia
- Carnegie Mellon University Silicon Valley, Moffett Field CA 94035, United States
| | - Florian Selch
- Carnegie Mellon University Silicon Valley, Moffett Field CA 94035, United States
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22
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Regan MD, Flynn-Evans EE, Griko YV, Kilduff TS, Rittenberger JC, Ruskin KJ, Buck CL. Shallow metabolic depression and human spaceflight: a feasible first step. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:637-647. [PMID: 31999524 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00725.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic torpor is an induced state of deep metabolic depression (MD) in an organism that does not naturally employ regulated and reversible MD. If applied to spaceflight crewmembers, this metabolic state may theoretically mitigate numerous biological and logistical challenges of human spaceflight. These benefits have been the focus of numerous recent articles where, invariably, they are discussed in the context of hypothetical deep MD states in which the metabolism of crewmembers is profoundly depressed relative to basal rates. However, inducing these deep MD states in humans, particularly humans aboard spacecraft, is currently impossible. Here, we discuss shallow MD as a feasible first step toward synthetic torpor during spaceflight and summarize perspectives following a recent NASA-hosted workshop. We discuss methods to safely induce shallow MD (e.g., sleep and slow wave enhancement via acoustic and photoperiod stimulation; moderate sedation via dexmedetomidine), which we define as an ~20% depression of metabolic rate relative to basal levels. We also discuss different modes of shallow MD application (e.g., habitual versus targeted, whereby shallow MD is induced routinely throughout a mission or only under certain circumstances, respectively) and different spaceflight scenarios that would benefit from its use. Finally, we propose a multistep development plan toward the application of synthetic torpor to human spaceflight, highlighting shallow MD's role. As space agencies develop missions to send humans further into space than ever before, shallow MD has the potential to confer health benefits for crewmembers, reduce demands on spacecraft capacities, and serve as a testbed for deeper MD technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Regan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Erin E Flynn-Evans
- Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory, Human Systems Integration Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Yuri V Griko
- Countermeasure Development Laboratory, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Thomas S Kilduff
- Biosciences Division, Center for Neuroscience, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
| | - Jon C Rittenberger
- Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital Emergency Medicine Program, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania
| | - Keith J Ruskin
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
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23
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Zucchelli M, Bastianini S, Ventrella D, Barone F, Elmi A, Romagnoli N, Hitrec T, Berteotti C, Di Cristoforo A, Luppi M, Amici R, Bacci ML, Cerri M. Autonomic effects induced by pharmacological activation and inhibition of Raphe Pallidus neurons in anaesthetized adult pigs. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 47:281-285. [PMID: 31625617 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Raphe Pallidus (RPa) is a region of the brainstem that was shown to modulate the sympathetic outflow to many tissues and organs involved in thermoregulation and energy expenditure. In rodents, the pharmacological activation of RPa neurons was shown to increase the activity of the brown adipose tissue, heart rate, and expired CO2 , whereas their inhibition was shown to induce cutaneous vasodilation and a state of hypothermia that, when prolonged, leads to a state resembling torpor referred to as synthetic torpor. If translatable to humans, this synthetic torpor-inducing procedure would be advantageous in many clinical settings. A first step to explore such translatability, has been to verify whether the neurons within the RPa play the same role described for rodents in a larger mammal such as the pig. In the present study, we show that the physiological responses inducible by the pharmacological stimulation of RPa neurons are very similar to those observed in rodents. Injection of the GABAA agonist GABAzine in the RPa induced an increase in heart rate (from 99 to 174 bpm), systolic (from 87 to 170 mm Hg) and diastolic (from 51 to 98 mm Hg) arterial pressure, and end-tidal CO2 (from 49 to 62 mm Hg). All these changes were reversed by the injection in the same area of the GABAA agonist muscimol. These results support the possibility for RPa neurons to be a key target in the research for a safe and effective procedure for the induction of synthetic torpor in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mino Zucchelli
- Neurochirurgia Pediatrica, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Bastianini
- Neurochirurgia Pediatrica, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Barone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Noemi Romagnoli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Timna Hitrec
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Berteotti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Cristoforo
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Luppi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Amici
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria L Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Hemorrhagic shock is the leading cause of preventable death after trauma. Hibernation-based treatment approaches have been of increasing interest for various biomedical applications. Owing to apparent similarities in tissue perfusion and metabolic activity between severe blood loss and the hibernating state, hibernation-based approaches have also emerged for the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. Research has shown that hibernators are protected from shock-induced injury and inflammation. Utilizing the adaptive mechanisms that prevent injury in these animals may help alleviate the detrimental effects of hemorrhagic shock in non-hibernating species. This review describes hibernation-based preclinical and clinical approaches for the treatment of severe blood loss. Treatments include the delta opioid receptor agonist D-Ala-Leu-enkephalin (DADLE), the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide, combinations of adenosine, lidocaine, and magnesium (ALM) or D-beta-hydroxybutyrate and melatonin (BHB/M), and therapeutic hypothermia. While we focus on hemorrhagic shock, many of the described treatments may be used in other situations of hypoxia or ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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25
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Jackson TC, Kochanek PM. A New Vision for Therapeutic Hypothermia in the Era of Targeted Temperature Management: A Speculative Synthesis. Ther Hypothermia Temp Manag 2019; 9:13-47. [PMID: 30802174 PMCID: PMC6434603 DOI: 10.1089/ther.2019.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three decades of animal studies have reproducibly shown that hypothermia is profoundly cerebroprotective during or after a central nervous system (CNS) insult. The success of hypothermia in preclinical acute brain injury has not only fostered continued interest in research on the classic secondary injury mechanisms that are prevented or blunted by hypothermia but has also sparked a surge of new interest in elucidating beneficial signaling molecules that are increased by cooling. Ironically, while research into cold-induced neuroprotection is enjoying newfound interest in chronic neurodegenerative disease, conversely, the scope of the utility of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) across the field of acute brain injury is somewhat controversial and remains to be fully defined. This has led to the era of Targeted Temperature Management, which emphasizes a wider range of temperatures (33–36°C) showing benefit in acute brain injury. In this comprehensive review, we focus on our current understandings of the novel neuroprotective mechanisms activated by TH, and discuss the critical importance of developmental age germane to its clinical efficacy. We review emerging data on four cold stress hormones and three cold shock proteins that have generated new interest in hypothermia in the field of CNS injury, to create a framework for new frontiers in TH research. We make the case that further elucidation of novel cold responsive pathways might lead to major breakthroughs in the treatment of acute brain injury, chronic neurological diseases, and have broad potential implications for medicines of the distant future, including scenarios such as the prevention of adverse effects of long-duration spaceflight, among others. Finally, we introduce several new phrases that readily summarize the essence of the major concepts outlined by this review—namely, Ultramild Hypothermia, the “Responsivity of Cold Stress Pathways,” and “Hypothermia in a Syringe.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis C Jackson
- 1 John G. Rangos Research Center, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,2 Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick M Kochanek
- 1 John G. Rangos Research Center, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,2 Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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26
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A pharmacological composition for induction of a reversible torpor-like state and hypothermia in rats. Life Sci 2019; 219:190-198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Hibernation and Radioprotection: Gene Expression in the Liver and Testicle of Rats Irradiated under Synthetic Torpor. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020352. [PMID: 30654467 PMCID: PMC6359347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hibernation has been proposed as a tool for human space travel. In recent years, a procedure to induce a metabolic state known as “synthetic torpor” in non-hibernating mammals was successfully developed. Synthetic torpor may not only be an efficient method to spare resources and reduce psychological problems in long-term exploratory-class missions, but may also represent a countermeasure against cosmic rays. Here we show the preliminary results from an experiment in rats exposed to ionizing radiation in normothermic conditions or synthetic torpor. Animals were irradiated with 3 Gy X-rays and organs were collected 4 h after exposure. Histological analysis of liver and testicle showed a reduced toxicity in animals irradiated in torpor compared to controls irradiated at normal temperature and metabolic activity. The expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) in the liver was significantly downregulated in the group of animal in synthetic torpor. In the testicle, more genes involved in the DNA damage signaling were downregulated during synthetic torpor. These data show for the first time that synthetic torpor is a radioprotector in non-hibernators, similarly to natural torpor in hibernating animals. Synthetic torpor can be an effective strategy to protect humans during long term space exploration of the solar system.
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28
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Silvani A, Cerri M, Zoccoli G, Swoap SJ. Is Adenosine Action Common Ground for NREM Sleep, Torpor, and Other Hypometabolic States? Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 33:182-196. [PMID: 29616880 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00007.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This review compares two states that lower energy expenditure: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and torpor. Knowledge on mechanisms common to these states, and particularly on the role of adenosine in NREM sleep, may ultimately open the possibility of inducing a synthetic torpor-like state in humans for medical applications and long-term space travel. To achieve this goal, it will be important, in perspective, to extend the study to other hypometabolic states, which, unlike torpor, can also be experienced by humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Silvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.,National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), Section of Bologna, Bologna , Italy
| | - Giovanna Zoccoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Steven J Swoap
- Department of Biology, Williams College , Williamstown, Massachusetts
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Hibernating astronauts-science or fiction? Pflugers Arch 2018; 471:819-828. [PMID: 30569200 PMCID: PMC6533228 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-018-2244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For long-duration manned space missions to Mars and beyond, reduction of astronaut metabolism by torpor, the metabolic state during hibernation of animals, would be a game changer: Water and food intake could be reduced by up to 75% and thus reducing payload of the spacecraft. Metabolic rate reduction in natural torpor is linked to profound changes in biochemical processes, i.e., shift from glycolysis to lipolysis and ketone utilization, intensive but reversible alterations in organs like the brain and kidney, and in heart rate control via Ca2+. This state would prevent degenerative processes due to organ disuse and increase resistance against radiation defects. Neuro-endocrine factors have been identified as main targets to induce torpor although the exact mechanisms are not known yet. The widespread occurrence of torpor in mammals and examples of human hypometabolic states support the idea of human torpor and its beneficial applications in medicine and space exploration.
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30
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Jiang X, Gu T, Liu Y, Wang C, Shi E, Zhang G, Xiu Z. Protection of the rat brain from hypothermic circulatory arrest injury by a chipmunk protein. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 156:525-536. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
While human hibernation would provide many advantages for medical applications and space exploration, the intrinsic risks of the procedure itself, as well as those involved if the procedure were to be misused, need to be assessed. Moreover, the distinctive brain state that is present during a hibernation-like state raises questions regarding the state of consciousness of the subject. Since, in animal studies, the cortical activity of this state differs from that of sleep, coma, or even general anesthesia, and resembles a sort of "slowed wakefulness", it is uncertain whether residual consciousness may still be present. In this review, I will present a brief summary of the literature on hibernation and of the current state of the art in inducing a state of artificial hibernation (synthetic torpor); I will then focus on the brain changes that are observed during hibernation, on how these could modify the neural substrate of consciousness, and on the possible use of hibernation as a model for quantum biology. Finally, some ethical considerations on the use of synthetic torpor technology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy. Tel.: +39 051 2091731; Fax: +39 051 2091737; E-mail:
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32
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Kolomiytseva IK, Perepelkina NI, Zakharova NM. Blood Plasma Phospholipids and Cholesterol during Hibernation of the Long-Tailed Ground Squirrel. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350918030107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Cortese F, Klokov D, Osipov A, Stefaniak J, Moskalev A, Schastnaya J, Cantor C, Aliper A, Mamoshina P, Ushakov I, Sapetsky A, Vanhaelen Q, Alchinova I, Karganov M, Kovalchuk O, Wilkins R, Shtemberg A, Moreels M, Baatout S, Izumchenko E, de Magalhães JP, Artemov AV, Costes SV, Beheshti A, Mao XW, Pecaut MJ, Kaminskiy D, Ozerov IV, Scheibye-Knudsen M, Zhavoronkov A. Vive la radiorésistance!: converging research in radiobiology and biogerontology to enhance human radioresistance for deep space exploration and colonization. Oncotarget 2018; 9:14692-14722. [PMID: 29581875 PMCID: PMC5865701 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While many efforts have been made to pave the way toward human space colonization, little consideration has been given to the methods of protecting spacefarers against harsh cosmic and local radioactive environments and the high costs associated with protection from the deleterious physiological effects of exposure to high-Linear energy transfer (high-LET) radiation. Herein, we lay the foundations of a roadmap toward enhancing human radioresistance for the purposes of deep space colonization and exploration. We outline future research directions toward the goal of enhancing human radioresistance, including upregulation of endogenous repair and radioprotective mechanisms, possible leeways into gene therapy in order to enhance radioresistance via the translation of exogenous and engineered DNA repair and radioprotective mechanisms, the substitution of organic molecules with fortified isoforms, and methods of slowing metabolic activity while preserving cognitive function. We conclude by presenting the known associations between radioresistance and longevity, and articulating the position that enhancing human radioresistance is likely to extend the healthspan of human spacefarers as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cortese
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dmitry Klokov
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chalk River, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andreyan Osipov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Jakub Stefaniak
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiobiology and Gerontology, Institute of Biology of Komi Science Center of Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jane Schastnaya
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles Cantor
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Aliper
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, D. Rogachev Federal Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Mamoshina
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Computer Science Department, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Igor Ushakov
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alex Sapetsky
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Quentin Vanhaelen
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irina Alchinova
- Laboratory of Physicochemical and Ecological Pathophysiology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute for Space Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Karganov
- Laboratory of Physicochemical and Ecological Pathophysiology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Canada Cancer and Aging Research Laboratories, Ltd., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ruth Wilkins
- Environmental and Radiation and Health Sciences Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrey Shtemberg
- Laboratory of Extreme Physiology, Institute of Medical and Biological Problems RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marjan Moreels
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, (SCK·CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, (SCK·CEN), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evgeny Izumchenko
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Cancer Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Artem V. Artemov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Afshin Beheshti
- Wyle Laboratories, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Wen Mao
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Pecaut
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences (BMES), Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Dmitry Kaminskiy
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Deep Knowledge Life Sciences, London, UK
| | - Ivan V. Ozerov
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Biogerontology Research Foundation, London, UK
- Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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50 years of comparative biochemistry: The legacy of Peter Hochachka. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 224:1-11. [PMID: 29501788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Peter Hochachka was an early pioneer in the field of comparative biochemistry. He passed away in 2002 after 4 decades of research in the discipline. To celebrate his contributions and to coincide with what would have been his 80th birthday, a group of his former students organized a symposium that ran as a satellite to the 2017 Canadian Society of Zoologists annual meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada). This Special Issue of CBP brings together manuscripts from symposium attendees and other authors who recognize the role Peter played in the evolution of the discipline. In this article, the symposium organizers and guest editors look back on his career, celebrating his many contributions to research, acknowledging his role in training of generations of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in comparative biochemistry and physiology.
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Griko Y, Regan MD. Synthetic torpor: A method for safely and practically transporting experimental animals aboard spaceflight missions to deep space. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2018; 16:101-107. [PMID: 29475515 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Animal research aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station has provided vital information on the physiological, cellular, and molecular effects of spaceflight. The relevance of this information to human spaceflight is enhanced when it is coupled with information gleaned from human-based research. As NASA and other space agencies initiate plans for human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), incorporating animal research into these missions is vitally important to understanding the biological impacts of deep space. However, new technologies will be required to integrate experimental animals into spacecraft design and transport them beyond LEO in a safe and practical way. In this communication, we propose the use of metabolic control technologies to reversibly depress the metabolic rates of experimental animals while in transit aboard the spacecraft. Compared to holding experimental animals in active metabolic states, the advantages of artificially inducing regulated, depressed metabolic states (called synthetic torpor) include significantly reduced mass, volume, and power requirements within the spacecraft owing to reduced life support requirements, and mitigated radiation- and microgravity-induced negative health effects on the animals owing to intrinsic physiological properties of torpor. In addition to directly benefitting animal research, synthetic torpor-inducing systems will also serve as test beds for systems that may eventually hold human crewmembers in similar metabolic states on long-duration missions. The technologies for inducing synthetic torpor, which we discuss, are at relatively early stages of development, but there is ample evidence to show that this is a viable idea and one with very real benefits to spaceflight programs. The increasingly ambitious goals of world's many spaceflight programs will be most quickly and safely achieved with the help of animal research systems transported beyond LEO; synthetic torpor may enable this to be done as practically and inexpensively as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Griko
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, United States.
| | - Matthew D Regan
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53706, United States
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Pharmacologically induced reversible hypometabolic state mitigates radiation induced lethality in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14900. [PMID: 29097738 PMCID: PMC5668348 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic hypothermia has proven benefits in critical care of a number of diseased states, where inflammation and oxidative stress are the key players. Here, we report that adenosine monophosphate (AMP) triggered hypometabolic state (HMS), 1–3 hours after lethal total body irradiation (TBI) for a duration of 6 hours, rescue mice from radiation-induced lethality and this effect is mediated by the persistent hypothermia. Studies with caffeine and 6N-cyclohexyladenosine, a non-selective antagonist and a selective agonist of adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) respectively, indicated the involvement of adenosine receptor (AR) signaling. Intracerebroventricular injection of AMP also suggested possible involvement of central activation of AR signaling. AMP, induced HMS in a strain and age independent fashion and did not affect the behavioural and reproductive capacities. AMP induced HMS, mitigated radiation-induced oxidative DNA damage and loss of HSPCs. The increase in IL-6 and IL-10 levels and a shift towards anti-inflammatory milieu during the first 3–4 hours seems to be responsible for the augmented survival of HSPCs. The syngeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) studies further supported the role of radiation-induced inflammation in loss of bone marrow cellularity after TBI. We also showed that the clinically plausible mild hypothermia effectively mitigates TBI induced lethality in mice.
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Krautkramer KA, Dhillon RS, Denu JM, Carey HV. Metabolic programming of the epigenome: host and gut microbial metabolite interactions with host chromatin. Transl Res 2017; 189:30-50. [PMID: 28919341 PMCID: PMC5659875 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian gut microbiota has been linked to host developmental, immunologic, and metabolic outcomes. This collection of trillions of microbes inhabits the gut and produces a myriad of metabolites, which are measurable in host circulation and contribute to the pathogenesis of human diseases. The link between endogenous metabolite availability and chromatin regulation is a well-established and active area of investigation; however, whether microbial metabolites can elicit similar effects is less understood. In this review, we focus on seminal and recent research that establishes chromatin regulatory roles for both endogenous and microbial metabolites. We also highlight key physiologic and disease settings where microbial metabolite-host chromatin interactions have been established and/or may be pertinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Krautkramer
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wis; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, Wis.
| | - Rashpal S Dhillon
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wis; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, Wis
| | - John M Denu
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wis; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, Wis; Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wis
| | - Hannah V Carey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wis
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Cannone N, Corinti T, Malfasi F, Gerola P, Vianelli A, Vanetti I, Zaccara S, Convey P, Guglielmin M. Moss survival through in situ cryptobiosis after six centuries of glacier burial. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4438. [PMID: 28667295 PMCID: PMC5493655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04848-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptobiosis is a reversible ametabolic state of life characterized by the ceasing of all metabolic processes, allowing survival of periods of intense adverse conditions. Here we show that 1) entire moss individuals, dated by 14C, survived through cryptobiosis during six centuries of cold-based glacier burial in Antarctica, 2) after re-exposure due to glacier retreat, instead of dying (due to high rates of respiration supporting repair processes), at least some of these mosses were able to return to a metabolically active state and remain alive. Moss survival was assessed through growth experiments and, for the first time, through vitality measurements. Future investigations on the genetic pathways involved in cryptobiosis and the subsequent recovery mechanisms will provide key information on their applicability to other systematic groups, with implications for fields as divergent as medicine, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Cannone
- Dept. Sciences and High Technology, Insubria University, Via Valleggio, 11 - 22100, Como (CO), Italy.
| | - T Corinti
- Dept. Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Insubria University, Via Dunant, 3 - 21100, Varese (VA), Italy
| | - F Malfasi
- Dept. Sciences and High Technology, Insubria University, Via Valleggio, 11 - 22100, Como (CO), Italy
| | - P Gerola
- Dept. Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Insubria University, Via Dunant, 3 - 21100, Varese (VA), Italy
| | - A Vianelli
- Dept. Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Insubria University, Via Dunant, 3 - 21100, Varese (VA), Italy
| | - I Vanetti
- Dept. Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Insubria University, Via Dunant, 3 - 21100, Varese (VA), Italy
| | - S Zaccara
- Dept. Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Insubria University, Via Dunant, 3 - 21100, Varese (VA), Italy
| | - P Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - M Guglielmin
- Dept. Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Insubria University, Via Dunant, 3 - 21100, Varese (VA), Italy
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Glossmann HH, Lutz OMD. Torpor: The Rise and Fall of 3-Monoiodothyronamine from Brain to Gut-From Gut to Brain? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:118. [PMID: 28620354 PMCID: PMC5450037 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
3-Monoiodothyronamine (T1AM), first isolated from rat brain, is reported to be an endogenous, rapidly acting metabolite of thyroxine. One of its numerous effects is the induction of a "torpor-like" state in experimental animals. A critical analysis of T1AM, to serve as an endogenous cryogen, is given. The proposed biosynthetic pathway for formation of T1AM, which includes deiodinases and ornithine decarboxylase in the upper intestinum, is an unusual one. To reach the brain via systemic circulation, enterohepatic recycling and passage through the liver may occur. The possible role of gut microbiota is discussed. T1AM concentrations in human serum, measured by a specific monoclonal assay are up to three orders of magnitude higher compared to values obtained by MS/MS technology. The difference is explained by the presence of a high-affinity binder for T1AM (Apolipoprotein B-100) in serum, which permits the immunoassay to measure the total concentration of the analyte but limits MS/MS technology to detect only the unbound (free) analyte, a view, which is contested here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut H. Glossmann
- Institut für Biochemische Pharmakologie, Innsbruck, Austria
- *Correspondence: Hartmut H. Glossmann,
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