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Zhou W, Li Y, Hou Y, Dan W, Chen L, Shi F, Zhao F, Fang L. Simulated microgravity increases CD226 + Lin - CD117 - Sca1 + mesenchymal stem cells in mice. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15971. [PMID: 38467556 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15971] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Microgravity is one of the most common causes counting for the bone loss. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) contribute greatly to the differentiation and function of bone related cells. The development of novel MSCs biomarkers is critical for implementing effective therapies for microgravity induced bone loss. We aimed to find the new molecules involved in the differentiation and function of MSCs in mouse simulated microgravity model. We found CD226 was preferentially expressed on a subset of MSCs. Simulation of microgravity treatment significantly increased the proportion of CD226+ Lin- CD117- Sca1+ MSCs. The CD226+ MSCs produced higher IL-6, M-CSF, RANKL and lower CD200 expression, and promoted osteoclast differentiation. This study provides pivotal information to understand the role of CD226 in MSCs, and inspires new ideas for prevention of bone loss related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi' an, China
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Medical School of Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Yongli Hou
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenli Dan
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Fang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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2
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Minoretti P, Fortuna G, Lavdas K, D'Acquino D. Potential Biomarkers of Resilience to Microgravity Hazards in Astronauts. Cureus 2024; 16:e57173. [PMID: 38681405 PMCID: PMC11056033 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Space exploration exposes astronauts to the unique environment of microgravity, which poses significant health challenges. Identifying biomarkers that can predict an individual's resilience to the stressors of microgravity holds great promise for optimizing astronaut selection and developing personalized countermeasures. This narrative review examines the principal health risks associated with microgravity and explores potential biomarkers indicative of resilience. The biomarkers being evaluated represent a broad spectrum of physiological domains, including musculoskeletal, neurological, immunological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and cutaneous systems. Earth-based microgravity analogs, such as dry immersion and head-down tilt bed rest, may provide valuable platforms to validate candidate biomarkers. However, biomarker sensitivity and specificity must be further evaluated to ensure efficacy and reliability. Establishing a panel of biomarkers predictive of resilience to microgravity-induced health risks would significantly enhance astronaut health and mission success, especially for long-duration exploration missions. Insights gained may also translate to health conditions on Earth characterized by reduced physical activity and mechanical loading.
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3
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Buescher FM, Schmitz MT, Frett T, Kramme J, de Boni L, Elmenhorst EM, Mulder E, Moestl S, Heusser K, Frings-Meuthen P, Jordan J, Rittweger J, Pesta D. Effects of 30 days bed rest and exercise countermeasures on PBMC bioenergetics. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14102. [PMID: 38294173 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14102] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
AIM Altered mitochondrial function across various tissues is a key determinant of spaceflight-induced physical deconditioning. In comparison to tissue biopsies, blood cell bioenergetics holds promise as a systemic and more readily accessible biomarker, which was evaluated during head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR), an established ground-based analog for spaceflight-induced physiological changes in humans. More specifically, this study explored the effects of HDTBR and an exercise countermeasure on mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS We subjected 24 healthy participants to a strict 30-day HDTBR protocol. The control group (n = 12) underwent HDTBR only, while the countermeasure group (n = 12) engaged in regular supine cycling exercise followed by veno-occlusive thigh cuffs post-exercise for 6 h. We assessed routine blood parameters 14 days before bed rest, the respiratory capacity of PBMCs via high-resolution respirometry, and citrate synthase activity 2 days before and at day 30 of bed rest. We confirmed PBMC composition by flow cytometry. RESULTS The change of the PBMC maximal oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OXPHOS) amounted to an 11% increase in the countermeasure group, while it decreased by 10% in the control group (p = 0.04). The limitation of OXPHOS increased in control only while other respiratory states were not affected by either intervention. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between white blood cells, lymphocytes, and basophils with PBMC bioenergetics in both groups. CONCLUSION This study reveals that a regular exercise countermeasure has a positive impact on PBMC mitochondrial function, confirming the potential application of blood cell bioenergetics for human spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- F-M Buescher
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - M T Schmitz
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - T Frett
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Kramme
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L de Boni
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - E M Elmenhorst
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - E Mulder
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Moestl
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - K Heusser
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - P Frings-Meuthen
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Jordan
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Rittweger
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - D Pesta
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Yin Y, Yang J, Gao G, Zhou H, Chi B, Yang HY, Li J, Wang Y. Enhancing cell-scale performance via sustained release of the varicella-zoster virus antigen from a microneedle patch under simulated microgravity. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:763-775. [PMID: 38164004 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01440a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The immune system of astronauts might become weakened in the microgravity environment in space, and the dormant varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the body might be reactivated, seriously affecting their work and safety. For working in orbit for the long term, there is currently no efficient and durable delivery system of general vaccines in a microgravity environment. Accordingly, based on the previous foundation, we designed, modified, and synthesized a biodegradable and biocompatible copolymer, polyethylene glycol-polysulfamethazine carbonate urethane (PEG-PSCU) that could be mainly adopted to fabricate a novel sustained-release microneedle (S-R MN) patch. Compared with conventional biodegradable microneedles, this S-R MN patch could not only efficiently encapsulate protein vaccines (varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E, VZV gE) but also further prolong the release time of VZV gE in a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment. Eventually, we verified the activation of dendritic cells by VZV gE released from the S-R MN patch in an SMG environment and the positive bioeffect of activated dendritic cells on lymphocytes using an in vitro lymph node model. This study is of great significance for the exploration of long-term specific immune responses to the VZV in an SMG environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Junyuan Yang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Ge Gao
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Huaijuan Zhou
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bowen Chi
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China.
| | - Hong Yu Yang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin City 132022, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Jinhua Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yilong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, 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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Leuti A, Fava M, Pellegrini N, Forte G, Fanti F, Della Valle F, De Dominicis N, Sergi M, Maccarrone M. Simulated Microgravity Affects Pro-Resolving Properties of Primary Human Monocytes. Cells 2024; 13:100. [PMID: 38201304 PMCID: PMC10778078 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Space-related stressors such as microgravity are associated with cellular and molecular alterations of the immune and inflammatory homeostasis that have been linked to the disorders that astronauts suffer from during their missions. Most of the research of the past 30 years has consistently established that innate adaptive immune cells represent a target of microgravity, which leads to their defective or dysfunctional activation, as well as to an altered ability to produce soluble mediators-e.g., cytokines/chemokines and bioactive lipids-that altogether control tissue homeostasis. Bioactive lipids include a vast array of endogenous molecules of immune origin that control the induction, intensity and outcome of the inflammatory events. However, none of the papers published so far focus on a newly characterized class of lipid mediators called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which orchestrate the "resolution of inflammation"-i.e., the active control and confinement of the inflammatory torrent mostly driven by eicosanoids. SPMs are emerging as crucial players in those processes that avoid acute inflammation to degenerate into a chronic event. Given that SPMs, along with their metabolism and signaling, are being increasingly linked to many inflammatory disorders, their study seems of the outmost importance in the research of pathological processes involved in space-related diseases, also with the perspective of developing therapeutic countermeasures. Here, we show that microgravity, simulated in the rotary cell culture system (RCCS) developed by NASA, rearranges SPM receptors both at the gene and protein level, in human monocytes but not in lymphocytes. Moreover, RCCS treatment reduces the biosynthesis of a prominent SPM like resolvin (Rv) D1. These findings strongly suggest that not only microgravity can impair the functioning of immune cells at the level of bioactive lipids directly involved in proper inflammation, but it does so in a cell-specific manner, possibly perturbing immune homeostasis with monocytes being primary targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Leuti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marina Fava
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Niccolò Pellegrini
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Giulia Forte
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Federico Fanti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Francesco Della Valle
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (F.F.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Noemi De Dominicis
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical and Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Majumder N, Ghosh S. 3D biofabrication and space: A 'far-fetched dream' or a 'forthcoming reality'? Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108273. [PMID: 37863444 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108273] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The long duration space missions across the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) often expose the voyagers to an abrupt zero gravity influence. The severe extraterrestrial cosmic radiation directly causes a plethora of moderate to chronic healthcare crises. The only feasible solution to manage critical injuries on board is surgical interventions or immediate return to Earth. This led the group of space medicine practitioners to adopt principles from tissue engineering and develop human tissue equivalents as an immediate regenerative therapy on board. The current review explicitly demonstrates the constructive application of different tissue-engineered equivalents matured under the available ground-based microgravity simulation facilities. Further, it elucidates how augmenting the superiority of biomaterial-based 3D bioprinting technology can enhance their clinical applicability. Additionally, the regulatory role of weightlessness condition on the underlying cellular signaling pathways governing tissue morphogenesis has been critically discussed. This information will provide future directions on how 3D biofabrication can be used as a plausible tool for healing on-flight chronic health emergencies. Thus, in our review, we aimed to precisely debate whether 3D biofabrication is deployed to cater to on-flight healthcare anomalies or space-like conditions are being utilized for generating 3D bioprinted human tissue constructs for efficient drug screening and regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilotpal Majumder
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
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Hicks J, Olson M, Mitchell C, Juran CM, Paul AM. The Impact of Microgravity on Immunological States. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:670-682. [PMID: 37855736 PMCID: PMC10615652 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As we explore other planetary bodies, astronauts will face unique environmental and physiological challenges. The human immune system has evolved under Earth's gravitational force. Consequently, in the microgravity environment of space, immune function is altered. This can pose problematic consequences for astronauts on deep space missions where medical intervention will be limited. Studying the unique environment of microgravity has its challenges, yet current research has uncovered immunological states that are probable during exploration missions. As microgravity-induced immune states are uncovered, novel countermeasure developments and personalized mitigation programs can be designed to improve astronaut health. This can also benefit immune-related monitoring programs for disorders on Earth. This is a comprehensive review, including gaps in knowledge, of simulated and spaceflight microgravity studies in human and rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Hicks
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
| | - Makaila Olson
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
| | - Carol Mitchell
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
| | - Cassandra M. Juran
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA
| | - Amber M. Paul
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Division, Moffett Field, CA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA
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