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Friedrich J, Fischer MH, Raab M. Invariant representations in abstract concept grounding - the physical world in grounded cognition. Psychon Bull Rev 2024:10.3758/s13423-024-02522-3. [PMID: 38806790 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-024-02522-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Grounded cognition states that mental representations of concepts consist of experiential aspects. For example, the concept "cup" consists of the sensorimotor experiences from interactions with cups. Typical modalities in which concepts are grounded are: The sensorimotor system (including interoception), emotion, action, language, and social aspects. Here, we argue that this list should be expanded to include physical invariants (unchanging features of physical motion; e.g., gravity, momentum, friction). Research on physical reasoning consistently demonstrates that physical invariants are represented as fundamentally as other grounding substrates, and therefore should qualify. We assess several theories of concept representation (simulation, conceptual metaphor, conceptual spaces, predictive processing) and their positions on physical invariants. We find that the classic grounded cognition theories, simulation and conceptual metaphor theory, have not considered physical invariants, while conceptual spaces and predictive processing have. We conclude that physical invariants should be included into grounded cognition theories, and that the core mechanisms of simulation and conceptual metaphor theory are well suited to do this. Furthermore, conceptual spaces and predictive processing are very promising and should also be integrated with grounded cognition in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Friedrich
- German Sport University Cologne, Germany, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Martin H Fischer
- Psychology Department, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, House 14 D - 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Markus Raab
- German Sport University Cologne, Germany, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
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2
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Wang M, Chen S, Zhong C, Liu L, Wang G, Huang X, Yang X, Yang H, Li L. The influence of simulated weightlessness on the composition and function of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism products. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:18-28. [PMID: 38670645 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.01.002] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of simulated weightlessness on gut microbiota, bile acid metabolism, and inflammatory cytokines compared to the control group. The study compared the changes in gut microbiota at the phylum and genus levels in the feces of control and weightlessness rats after 1 and 8 weeks using fecal 16S rRNA sequencing. In the weightlessness group, there was an increase in the proportion of anaerobic bacteria and biofilm-forming bacteria, and a decrease in the proportion of aerobic and Gram-negative bacteria. Further investigations explored the impact of weightlessness on bile acid metabolism products. The levels of glycine ursodeoxycholic acid, glycine chenodeoxycholic acid, glycine deoxycholic acid and glycine cholic acid levels were lower in rats undergoing weightlessness for 1 week compared to the control group.Moreover, the study examined the relationship between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism products.It was observed that, unlike the control group, there were significant positive correlations between Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, Synergistetes, and GUDCA levels in rats after 1 week of weightlessness. Finally, ELISA results indicated significant differences in the levels of MDA, GSH, NLRP3, and SIgA inflammatory cytokines between rats undergoing weightlessness for 1 week and the control group rats. Our research confirmed that the simulated weightlessness environment significantly affects the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in rats, potentially leading to changes in inflammatory cytokines and causing intestinal tissue inflammation. Further exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism under weightless conditions will be crucial for understanding the functional changes in the intestines caused by weightlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changqing Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Department of Pathology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heming Yang
- Department of General Surgery, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, No. 9 Anxiang North Lane, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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Tomsia M, Cieśla J, Śmieszek J, Florek S, Macionga A, Michalczyk K, Stygar D. Long-term space missions' effects on the human organism: what we do know and what requires further research. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1284644. [PMID: 38415007 PMCID: PMC10896920 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1284644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Space has always fascinated people. Many years have passed since the first spaceflight, and in addition to the enormous technological progress, the level of understanding of human physiology in space is also increasing. The presented paper aims to summarize the recent research findings on the influence of the space environment (microgravity, pressure differences, cosmic radiation, etc.) on the human body systems during short-term and long-term space missions. The review also presents the biggest challenges and problems that must be solved in order to extend safely the time of human stay in space. In the era of increasing engineering capabilities, plans to colonize other planets, and the growing interest in commercial space flights, the most topical issues of modern medicine seems to be understanding the effects of long-term stay in space, and finding solutions to minimize the harmful effects of the space environment on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Cieśla
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Śmieszek
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Szymon Florek
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata Macionga
- School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Michalczyk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dominika Stygar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- SLU University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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4
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Ge J, Yue Y, Nie HY, Liu KG, Li H, Lin HG, Zhang T, Yan HF, Sun HW, Yang JW, Zhou JL, Cui Y. Simulated microgravity altered the gene expression profiles and inhibited the proliferation of Kupffer cells in the early phase by downregulating LMO2 and EZH2. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:21-34. [PMID: 38245345 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Microgravity is a primary challenge that need to overcome, when human travel to space. Our study provided evidence that Kupffer cells (KCs) are sensitive to simulated microgravity (SMG), and no similar research report has been found in the literature. Using transcriptome sequencing technology, it was showed that 631 genes were upregulated and 801 genes were downregulated in KCs after treatment under SMG for 3 days. The GO analysis indicated that the proliferation of KCs was affected when exposed to SMG for 3 days. CCK-8 assay confirmed that the proliferation of KCs was inhibited in the third day under the environment of SMG. Furthermore, we identified 8 key genes that affect the proliferation of KCs and predicted 2 transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the 8 key genes. Significantly, we found that microgravity could affect the expression of LMO2 and EZH2 to reduce the transcription of Racgap1, Ccna2, Nek2, Aurka, Plk1, Haus4, Cdc20, Bub1b, which resulting in the reduction in KCs proliferation. These finding suggested that the inhibition of KCs proliferation under microgravity may influence the homeostasis of liver, and LMO2 and EZH2 can be the targets in management of KCs' disturbance in the future practice of space medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ge
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yuan Yue
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hong-Yun Nie
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Kai-Ge Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Hai-Guan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hong-Feng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hong-Wei Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jian-Wu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jin-Lian Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Shishkina V, Kostin A, Alexeeva N, Klochkova S, Nikityuk D, Volodkin A, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M, Atiakshin D. Histoarchitecture of stromal collagen fibers in gastrointestinal hollow organs of mice after a 30-day space flight. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23287. [PMID: 38163118 PMCID: PMC10757000 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The digestive organs are highly sensitive to the influence of orbital flight factors and can limit the professional activities of crew members aboard the International Space Station. Connective tissue, as a system-forming matrix of the integrative-buffer metabolic environment, is of particular relevance in space biomedicine, ensuring the functioning of internal organs under an altered gravitational stimulus. However, the adaptive mechanisms of the fibrous extracellular matrix of the gastric and intestinal connective tissue have not been fully investigated under prolonged microgravity weightlessness. Using histochemical techniques, we experimentally studied the state of collagen fibers in the specific tissue microenvironment of the gastric and intestinal membranes in C57BL/6 N mice after a 30-day space flight, subsequent 7-day ground readaptation, and in animals of the relevant control groups. The 30-day stay of laboratory animals aboard the Bion-M 1 biosatellite resulted in a reduction in the fibrous extracellular matrix of connective tissue in the studied digestive organs, excepting the gastric lamina propria. Increased fibrillogenesis was revealed in the gastrointestinal mucous membranes of animals 7 days after biosatellite landing compared with the parameters of animals in the space flight group. During the experiment with ground simulated orbital flight conditions, changes in collagen fibers were not significant compared to the vivarium control group. Thus, the results obtained evidence gravisensitivity of the fibrous extracellular matrix of the intraorgan connective tissue. This fact also highlights the necessity to further improve gastrointestinal tract-related preventive measures for astronauts during orbital flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya Shishkina
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Andrey Kostin
- RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - Nataliya Alexeeva
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | | | - Dmitry Nikityuk
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Research Center for Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety", 109240 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem Volodkin
- RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russia
- Institute for Hematopathology, 22547 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Dmitrii Atiakshin
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
- RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russia
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Kang L, Li Q, Jing Y, Ren F, Li E, Zeng X, Xu Y, Wang D, Wang Q, Sun G, Wei L, Diao Y. Auricularia auricula Anionic Polysaccharide Nanoparticles for Gastrointestinal Delivery of Pinus koraiensis Polyphenol Used in Bone Protection under Weightlessness. Molecules 2024; 29:245. [PMID: 38202827 PMCID: PMC10780251 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010245] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Auricularia auricula polysaccharides used in Pinus koraiensis polyphenol encapsulation and delivery under weightlessness are rarely reported. In this study, an anionic polysaccharide fragment named AAP Iα with a molecular weight of 133.304 kDa was isolated and purified to construct a polyphenol encapsulation system. Nanoparticles named NPs-PP loaded with a rough surface for Pinus koraiensis polyphenol (PP) delivery were fabricated by AAP Iα and ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL). SEM and the DLS tracking method were used to observe continuous changes in AAP Iα, ε-PL and PP on the nanoparticles' rough surface assembly, as well as the dispersion and stability. Hydrophilic, monodisperse and highly negative charged nanoparticles can be formed at AAP Iα 0.8 mg/mL, ε-PL 20 μg/mL and PP 80 μg/mL. FT-IR was used to determine their electrostatic interactions. Release kinetic studies showed that nanoparticles had an ideal gastrointestinal delivery effect. NPs-PP loaded were assembled through electrostatic interactions between polyelectrolytes after hydrogen bonding formation in PP-AAP Iα and PP-ε-PL, respectively. Colon adhesion properties and PP delivery in vivo of nanoparticles showed that NPs-PP loaded had high adhesion efficiency to the colonic mucosa under simulated microgravity and could enhance PP bioavailability. These results suggest that AAP Iα can be used in PP encapsulation and delivery under microgravity in astronaut food additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Kang
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Qiao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Yonghui Jing
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Feiyan Ren
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Erzhuo Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Xiangyin Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Yier Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Dongwei Wang
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Qiang Wang
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
| | - Guicai Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Lijun Wei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China (E.L.)
| | - Yan Diao
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China (Y.J.); (F.R.)
- Collaboration Innovation Center for Tissue Repair Material Engineering Technology, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China
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Dakkumadugula A, Pankaj L, Alqahtani AS, Ullah R, Ercisli S, Murugan R. Space nutrition and the biochemical changes caused in Astronauts Health due to space flight: A review. Food Chem X 2023; 20:100875. [PMID: 38144801 PMCID: PMC10740090 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts required food that is healthy, nutritious, and tasted good, while also meeting their dietary needs. To ensure the astronauts' nutritional needs are met, a Nutritional Status Assessment Supplemental Medical Objective (Nutrition SMO) is conducted. This involves collecting blood and urine samples from the astronauts, which are then tested and analysed. The assessment looks for indications of bone health, muscle loss, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal functions, cardiovascular health, iron metabolism, ophthalmic changes, and immune changes that occur during space flight under conditions of microgravity or weightlessness. It was discovered that iron levels in astronauts tend to increase due to the decrease in body volume during space flight. It requires skilful optimization considering nutrient delivery, shelf life, and packaging of space food, while minimizing resource usage and ensuring reliability, safety, and addressing the physiological and psychological effects on the crew members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Dakkumadugula
- Food Science and Technology, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India
| | - Lakshaa Pankaj
- Food Science and Technology, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India
| | - Ali S. Alqahtani
- Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sezai Ercisli
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey
- HGF Agro, Ata Teknokent, TR-25240, Erzurum, Turkiye
| | - Rajadurai Murugan
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India
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Samoilenko T, Shishkina V, Antakova L, Goryushkina Y, Kostin A, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M, Atiakshin D. Smooth Muscle Actin as a Criterion for Gravisensitivity of Stomach and Jejunum in Laboratory Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16539. [PMID: 38003728 PMCID: PMC10671600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle tissue (SMT) is one of the main structural components of visceral organs, acting as a key factor in the development of adaptive and pathological conditions. Despite the crucial part of SMT in the gastrointestinal tract activity, the mechanisms of its gravisensitivity are still insufficiently studied. The study evaluated the content of smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the membranes of the gastric fundus and jejunum in C57BL/6N mice (30-day space flight), in Mongolian gerbils Meriones unguiculatus (12-day orbital flight) and after anti-orthostatic suspension according to E.R. Morey-Holton. A morphometric analysis of α-SMA in the muscularis externa of the stomach and jejunum of mice and Mongolian gerbils from space flight groups revealed a decreased area of the immunopositive regions, a fact indicating a weakening of the SMT functional activity. Gravisensitivity of the contractile structures of the digestive system may be due to changes in the myofilament structural components of the smooth myocytes or myofibroblast actin. A simulated antiorthostatic suspension revealed no significant changes in the content of the α-SMA expression level, a fact supporting an alteration in the functional properties of the muscularis externa of the digestive hollow organs under weightless environment. The data obtained contribute to the novel mechanisms of the SMT contractile apparatus remodeling during orbital flights and can be used to improve preventive measures in space biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Samoilenko
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Viktoriya Shishkina
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Lyubov Antakova
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Yelena Goryushkina
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Andrey Kostin
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Hematopathology, 22547 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Dmitrii Atiakshin
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, Moskovsky Prospekt 189a, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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9
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Cialdai F, Brown AM, Baumann CW, Angeloni D, Baatout S, Benchoua A, Bereiter-Hahn J, Bottai D, Buchheim JI, Calvaruso M, Carnero-Diaz E, Castiglioni S, Cavalieri D, Ceccarelli G, Choukér A, Ciofani G, Coppola G, Cusella G, Degl'Innocenti A, Desaphy JF, Frippiat JP, Gelinsky M, Genchi G, Grano M, Grimm D, Guignandon A, Hahn C, Hatton J, Herranz R, Hellweg CE, Iorio CS, Karapantsios T, van Loon J, Lulli M, Maier J, Malda J, Mamaca E, Morbidelli L, van Ombergen A, Osterman A, Ovsianikov A, Pampaloni F, Pavezlorie E, Pereda-Campos V, Przybyla C, Puhl C, Rettberg P, Risaliti C, Rizzo AM, Robson-Brown K, Rossi L, Russo G, Salvetti A, Santucci D, Sperl M, Strollo F, Tabury K, Tavella S, Thielemann C, Willaert R, Szewczyk NJ, Monici M. How do gravity alterations affect animal and human systems at a cellular/tissue level? NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:84. [PMID: 37865644 PMCID: PMC10590411 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present white paper concerns the indications and recommendations of the SciSpacE Science Community to make progress in filling the gaps of knowledge that prevent us from answering the question: "How Do Gravity Alterations Affect Animal and Human Systems at a Cellular/Tissue Level?" This is one of the five major scientific issues of the ESA roadmap "Biology in Space and Analogue Environments". Despite the many studies conducted so far on spaceflight adaptation mechanisms and related pathophysiological alterations observed in astronauts, we are not yet able to elaborate a synthetic integrated model of the many changes occurring at different system and functional levels. Consequently, it is difficult to develop credible models for predicting long-term consequences of human adaptation to the space environment, as well as to implement medical support plans for long-term missions and a strategy for preventing the possible health risks due to prolonged exposure to spaceflight beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO). The research activities suggested by the scientific community have the aim to overcome these problems by striving to connect biological and physiological aspects in a more holistic view of space adaptation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cialdai
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Austin M Brown
- Honors Tutorial College, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Cory W Baumann
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Debora Angeloni
- Inst. of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Juergen Bereiter-Hahn
- Inst. for Cell and Neurobiol, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Dept. Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Judith-Irina Buchheim
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Calvaruso
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | - Eugénie Carnero-Diaz
- Inst. Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, NMNH, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Ceccarelli
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexander Choukér
- Laboratory of "Translational Research, Stress & Immunity", Department of Anesthesiology, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Coppola
- Institute of Applied Science and Intelligent Sistems - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cusella
- Dept of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Dept Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, IIT, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Desaphy
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint & Soft Tissue Research, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giada Genchi
- Smart Bio-Interfaces, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025, Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | - Maria Grano
- Dept. Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Dept. Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Dept of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alain Guignandon
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, F-42000, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | | | - Raúl Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christine E Hellweg
- Radiation Biology Dept., Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Jack van Loon
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, ACTA/VU, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeanette Maier
- Dept. of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jos Malda
- Dept. Orthopaedics, Univ. Med. Center Utrecht & Dept. Clinical Sciences, Utrecht Univ, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emina Mamaca
- European and International Affairs Dept, Ifremer centre Bretagne, Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - Andreas Osterman
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Virology, LMU Munich & DZIF, Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Ovsianikov
- 3D Printing and Biofabrication, Inst. Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Pampaloni
- Buchmann Inst. for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Pavezlorie
- Ludwig Boltzmann Inst. for Traumatology, Res. Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronica Pereda-Campos
- GSBMS/URU EVOLSAN - Medecine Evolutive, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Cyrille Przybyla
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas les Flots, France
| | - Christopher Puhl
- Space Applications NV/SA for European Space Agency, Houston, USA
| | - Petra Rettberg
- DLR, Inst of Aerospace Medicine, Research Group Astrobiology, Köln, Germany
| | - Chiara Risaliti
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Rizzo
- Dept. of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kate Robson-Brown
- Dept of Engineering Mathematics, and Dept of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Dept. Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Russo
- Inst. Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Cefalù, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Santucci
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Ist. Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Felice Strollo
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sara Tavella
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genoa, DIMES, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Group NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Monica Monici
- ASAcampus Joint Laboratory, ASA Res. Div., DSBSC-University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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10
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Patel OV, Partridge C, Plaut K. Space Environment Impacts Homeostasis: Exposure to Spaceflight Alters Mammary Gland Transportome Genes. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050872. [PMID: 37238741 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane transporters and ion channels that play an indispensable role in metabolite trafficking have evolved to operate in Earth's gravity. Dysregulation of the transportome expression profile at normogravity not only affects homeostasis along with drug uptake and distribution but also plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diverse localized to systemic diseases including cancer. The profound physiological and biochemical perturbations experienced by astronauts during space expeditions are well-documented. However, there is a paucity of information on the effect of the space environment on the transportome profile at an organ level. Thus, the goal of this study was to analyze the effect of spaceflight on ion channels and membrane substrate transporter genes in the periparturient rat mammary gland. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation (p < 0.01) of amino acid, Ca2+, K+, Na+, Zn2+, Cl-, PO43-, glucose, citrate, pyruvate, succinate, cholesterol, and water transporter genes in rats exposed to spaceflight. Genes associated with the trafficking of proton-coupled amino acids, Mg2+, Fe2+, voltage-gated K+-Na+, cation-coupled chloride, as well as Na+/Ca2+ and ATP-Mg/Pi exchangers were suppressed (p < 0.01) in these spaceflight-exposed rats. These findings suggest that an altered transportome profile contributes to the metabolic modulations observed in the rats exposed to the space environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman V Patel
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, USA
| | - Charlyn Partridge
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA
| | - Karen Plaut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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11
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Yue Y, Yang J, Lu S, Ge J, Nie H, Liu K, Liu F, Li H, Yan H, Zhang T, Sun P, Sun H, Yang J, Zhou J, Cui Y. Simulated microgravity altered the proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix formation of L929 fibroblasts and the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13341. [PMID: 37231921 PMCID: PMC10167414 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13341] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity can adversely affect the fitness of astronauts. The integrity of the skin plays a crucial role in protecting against mechanical forces and infections, fluid imbalance, and thermal dysregulation. In brief, the skin wound may cause unknown challenges to the implementation of space missions. Wound healing is a physiological process that relies on the synergistic action of inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and various growth factors to maintain the integrity of skin after trauma. Fibroblasts are present almost throughout the entire process of wound repair, especially in the scar formation at the endpoint of wound healing. However, there is limited knowledge about the extent to which fibroblasts are affected by the lack of gravity during wound healing. In this study, we utilized the rotary cell culture system, a ground-based facility that mimics the weightless condition, to study the alterations of L929 fibroblast cells under simulated microgravity (SMG). Our results demonstrated that the SM condition exerted negative influences on the proliferation and ECM formation of the L929 fibroblast. Whereas, the apoptosis of fibroblast was significantly upregulated upon exposure to SMG conditions. Moreover, the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 (TGF-β1/smad3) signaling pathway of L929 fibroblast related to wound repair was also altered significantly under a weightless environment. Overall, our study provided evidence that fibroblasts are strongly sensitive to SMG and elucidated the potential value of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway modulating wound healing in the future practice of space medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yue
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jia‐Qi Yang
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Sheng‐Yu Lu
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jun Ge
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Yun Nie
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Kai‐Ge Liu
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of General SurgeryFuyang Tumor HospitalFuyangChina
| | - Hao Li
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Feng Yan
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Pei‐Ming Sun
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Wei Sun
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jian‐Wu Yang
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jin‐Lian Zhou
- Department of PathologyStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of General SurgeryThe 306th Hospital of PLA‐Peking University Teaching HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of General SurgeryStrategic Support Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
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12
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Gravity and the Gut: A Hypothesis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:1933-1947. [PMID: 36455220 PMCID: PMC9722391 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-a disorder of gut-brain interaction that affects up to 10% of the world's population-remains uncertain. It is puzzling that a disorder so prevalent and archetypal among humans can be explained by disparate theories, respond to treatments with vastly different mechanisms of action, and present with a dazzling array of comorbidities. It is reasonable to question whether there is a unifying factor that binds these divergent theories and observations, and if so, what that factor might be. This article offers a testable hypothesis that seeks to accommodate the manifold theories, clinical symptoms, somatic comorbidities, neuropsychological features, and treatment outcomes of IBS by describing the syndrome in relation to a principal force of human evolution: gravity. In short, the hypothesis proposed here is that IBS may result from ineffective anatomical, physiological, and neuropsychological gravity management systems designed to optimize gastrointestinal form and function, protect somatic and visceral integrity, and maximize survival in a gravity-bound world. To explain this unconventional hypothesis of IBS pathogenesis, referred to herein as the gravity hypothesis, this article reviews the influence of gravity on human evolution; discusses how Homo sapiens imperfectly evolved to manage this universal force of attraction; and explores the mechanical, microbial, and neuropsychological consequences of gravity intolerance with a focus on explaining IBS. This article concludes by considering the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of this new hypothesis and proposes experiments to support or reject this line of inquiry. It is hoped that the ideas in this thought experiment may also help encourage new or different ways of thinking about this common disorder.
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13
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Vinken M. Hepatology in space: Effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on the liver. Liver Int 2022; 42:2599-2606. [PMID: 36183343 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microgravity as experienced during spaceflight affects a number of physiological processes in various organs. However, effects on the liver have yet been poorly documented. Nevertheless, the liver is a metabolically highly active organ involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and xenobiotic biotransformation. The present paper provides an overview of the effects of microgravity on the liver observed in experimental animals during actual spaceflight and upon simulation of microgravity on Earth. These include (i) induction of liver injury and inflammation associated with apoptosis and oxidative stress, (ii) changes in liver carbohydrate metabolism resulting in the onset of a diabetogenic phenotype, (iii) modifications in hepatic lipid metabolism leading to early non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and (iv) alterations of the hepatic xenobiotic biotransformation machinery. Although most of these observations remain to be fully validated in humans, appropriate measures to counteract liver pathogenesis should be considered, especially in view of long-term space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Hao Y, Lu L, Liu A, Lin X, Xiao L, Kong X, Li K, Liang F, Xiong J, Qu L, Li Y, Li J. Integrating bioinformatic strategies in spatial life science research. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbac415. [PMID: 36198665 PMCID: PMC9677476 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As space exploration programs progress, manned space missions will become more frequent and farther away from Earth, putting a greater emphasis on astronaut health. Through the collaborative efforts of researchers from various countries, the effect of the space environment factors on living systems is gradually being uncovered. Although a large number of interconnected research findings have been produced, their connection seems to be confused, and many unknown effects are left to be discovered. Simultaneously, several valuable data resources have emerged, accumulating data measuring biological effects in space that can be used to further investigate the unknown biological adaptations. In this review, the previous findings and their correlations are sorted out to facilitate the understanding of biological adaptations to space and the design of countermeasures. The biological effect measurement methods/data types are also organized to provide references for experimental design and data analysis. To aid deeper exploration of the data resources, we summarized common characteristics of the data generated from longitudinal experiments, outlined challenges or caveats in data analysis and provided corresponding solutions by recommending bioinformatics strategies and available models/tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Lu
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Anna Liu
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Lin
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Xiaoyue Kong
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Fengji Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jianghui Xiong
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Lina Qu
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of DGHD, MOE, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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15
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McMackin P, Adam J, Griffin S, Hirsa A. Amyloidogenesis via interfacial shear in a containerless biochemical reactor aboard the International Space Station. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:41. [PMID: 36127358 PMCID: PMC9489778 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluid interfaces significantly influence the dynamics of protein solutions, effects that can be isolated by performing experiments in microgravity, greatly reducing the amount of solid boundaries present, allowing air-liquid interfaces to become dominant. This investigation examined the effects of protein concentration on interfacial shear-induced fibrillization of insulin in microgravity within a containerless biochemical reactor, the ring-sheared drop (RSD), aboard the international space station (ISS). Human insulin was used as a model amyloidogenic protein for studying protein kinetics with applications to in situ pharmaceutical production, tissue engineering, and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, infectious prions, and type 2 diabetes. Experiments investigated three main stages of amyloidogenesis: nucleation studied by seeding native solutions with fibril aggregates, fibrillization quantified using intrinsic fibrillization rate after fitting measured solution intensity to a sigmoidal function, and gelation observed by detection of solidification fronts. Results demonstrated that in surface-dominated amyloidogenic protein solutions: seeding with fibrils induces fibrillization of native protein, intrinsic fibrillization rate is independent of concentration, and that there is a minimum fibril concentration for gelation with gelation rate and rapidity of onset increasing monotonically with increasing protein concentration. These findings matched well with results of previous studies within ground-based analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McMackin
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Joe Adam
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Shannon Griffin
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA
| | - Amir Hirsa
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA. .,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, 12180, NY, USA.
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16
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Al KF, Chmiel JA, Stuivenberg GA, Reid G, Burton JP. Long-Duration Space Travel Support Must Consider Wider Influences to Conserve Microbiota Composition and Function. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081163. [PMID: 36013342 PMCID: PMC9409767 DOI: 10.3390/life12081163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The microbiota is important for immune modulation, nutrient acquisition, vitamin production, and other aspects for long-term human health. Isolated model organisms can lose microbial diversity over time and humans are likely the same. Decreasing microbial diversity and the subsequent loss of function may accelerate disease progression on Earth, and to an even greater degree in space. For this reason, maintaining a healthy microbiome during spaceflight has recently garnered consideration. Diet, lifestyle, and consumption of beneficial microbes can shape the microbiota, but the replenishment we attain from environmental exposure to microbes is important too. Probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and other methods of microbiota modulation currently available may be of benefit for shorter trips, but may not be viable options to overcome the unique challenges faced in long-term space travel. Novel fermented food products with particular impact on gut health, immune modulation, and other space-targeted health outcomes are worthy of exploration. Further consideration of potential microbial replenishment to humans, including from environmental sources to maintain a healthy microbiome, may also be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kait F. Al
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - John A. Chmiel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Gerrit A. Stuivenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Gregor Reid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jeremy P. Burton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.F.A.); (J.A.C.); (G.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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17
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Locatelli L, Castiglioni S, Maier JAM. From Cultured Vascular Cells to Vessels: The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Vascular Dysfunction in Space. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:862059. [PMID: 35480977 PMCID: PMC9036997 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.862059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Life evolved on this planet under the pull of gravity, shielded from radiation by the magnetosphere and shaped by circadian rhythms due to Earth’s rotation on its axis. Once living beings leave such a protective environment, adaptive responses are activated to grant survival. In view of long manned mission out of Earth’s orbit, it is relevant to understand how humans adapt to space and if the responses activated might reveal detrimental in the long run. Here we review present knowledge about the effects on the vessels of various extraterrestrial factors on humans as well as in vivo and in vitro experimental models. It emerges that the vasculature activates complex adaptive responses finalized to supply oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues and to remove metabolic waste and carbon dioxide. Most studies point to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as mediators of vascular alterations in space. Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in these adaptive processes might offer hints to design proper and personalized countermeasures to predict a safe future in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Locatelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Jeanette A M Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Centre for Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces (CIMaINa), Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
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18
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Sun P, Yang J, Wang B, Ma H, Zhang Y, Guo J, Chen X, Zhao J, Sun H, Yang J, Yang H, Cui Y. The effects of combined environmental factors on the intestinal flora of mice based on ground simulation experiments. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11373. [PMID: 34059794 PMCID: PMC8166921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition and function of intestinal microbial communities are important for human health. However, these intestinal floras are sensitive to changes in the environment. Adverse changes to intestinal flora can affect the health of astronauts, resulting in difficulties in implementing space missions. We randomly divided mice into three groups and placed each group in either a normal environment, simulated microgravity environment or a combined effects environment, which included simulated microgravity, low pressure and noise. Fecal samples of the mice were collected for follow-up analysis based on metagenomics technology. With the influence of different space environmental factors, the species composition at the phylum and genus levels were significantly affected by the combined effects environment, especially the abundance of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Furthermore, screening was conducted to identify biomarkers that could be regarded as environmental markers. And there have also been some noticeable changes in the function of intestinal floras. Moreover, the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was also found to be changed under different environmental conditions, such as bacitracin and vancomycin. The combined effects environment could significantly affect the species composition, function, and the expression of ARGs of intestinal flora of mice which may provide a theoretical basis for space medical supervision and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiming Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Department of General Surgery, The 306th Hospital of Chinese PLA-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bo Wang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jinhu Guo
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Hongwei Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Heming Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
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