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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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2
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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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Theotokis P, Manthou ME, Deftereou TE, Miliaras D, Meditskou S. Addressing Spaceflight Biology through the Lens of a Histologist-Embryologist. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020588. [PMID: 36836946 PMCID: PMC9965490 DOI: 10.3390/life13020588] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryogenesis and fetal development are highly delicate and error-prone processes in their core physiology, let alone if stress-associated factors and conditions are involved. Space radiation and altered gravity are factors that could radically affect fertility and pregnancy and compromise a physiological organogenesis. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information examining the effects of cosmic exposures on reproductive and proliferating outcomes with regard to mammalian embryonic development. However, explicit attention has been given to investigations exploring discrete structures and neural networks such as the vestibular system, an entity that is viewed as the sixth sense and organically controls gravity beginning with the prenatal period. The role of the gut microbiome, a newly acknowledged field of research in the space community, is also being challenged to be added in forthcoming experimental protocols. This review discusses the data that have surfaced from simulations or actual space expeditions and addresses developmental adaptations at the histological level induced by an extraterrestrial milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
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Ogneva IV. Single Cell in a Gravity Field. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1601. [PMID: 36295035 PMCID: PMC9604728 DOI: 10.3390/life12101601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The exploration of deep space or other bodies of the solar system, associated with a long stay in microgravity or altered gravity, requires the development of fundamentally new methods of protecting the human body. Most of the negative changes in micro- or hypergravity occur at the cellular level; however, the mechanism of reception of the altered gravity and transduction of this signal, leading to the formation of an adaptive pattern of the cell, is still poorly understood. At the same time, most of the negative changes that occur in early embryos when the force of gravity changes almost disappear by the time the new organism is born. This review is devoted to the responses of early embryos and stem cells, as well as terminally differentiated germ cells, to changes in gravity. An attempt was made to generalize the data presented in the literature and propose a possible unified mechanism for the reception by a single cell of an increase and decrease in gravity based on various deformations of the cortical cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V Ogneva
- Cell Biophysics Laboratory, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 76a, Khoroshevskoyoe Shosse, 123007 Moscow, Russia
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Ahrari K, Omolaoye TS, Goswami N, Alsuwaidi H, du Plessis SS. Effects of space flight on sperm function and integrity: A systematic review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:904375. [PMID: 36035496 PMCID: PMC9402907 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.904375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advancement in space exploration and the intention to establish an inhabitable human settlement on Mars, it is important to investigate the effects of exposure to space/microgravity and the associated radiations on procreation. Sperm function and integrity are fundamental to male reproduction and can potentially be affected by the environmental changes experienced in space. Therefore, this study was conducted to systematically gather, filter, and collate all the relevant information on the effects of spaceflight on male reproductive parameters and functions. A search was performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted from the major electronic databases including PubMed, and other credible literature sources. MeSH search terms that were employed included “spermatozoa”, “microgravity”, and “ionizing radiation”. The literature search did not discriminate against papers published before a certain date due to the very limited number of articles available. However, there was a restriction on the male gender and language (English). The parameters included in this study are sperm motility, total sperm count, sperm DNA fragmentation hormonal levels and testicular histology. Following a comprehensive literature search, a total of 273 articles were retrieved and screened, 252 articles were excluded due to the irrelevance to the topic, duplication, and non-original articles. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria and are included in the current study. Findings from these studies showed that sperm motility was decreased after exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation. Total sperm count was also found to be reduced by microgravity only. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by both ionizing radiation and microgravity. Testosterone levels and testicular weight were also decreased by microgravity. Although there is a dearth in the literature regarding the effects of microgravity and ionizing radiation on male reproductive parameters, the available findings showed that exposure to microgravity poses a risk to male reproductive health. Therefore, it is essential to develop countermeasures to either manage, treat, or prevent these consequential adverse effects. Hence, this review also highlights some potential countermeasure approaches that may mitigate the harmful effects of microgravity and associated exposures on male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khulood Ahrari
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Temidayo S. Omolaoye
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Temidayo S. Omolaoye,
| | - Nandu Goswami
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Division of Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center of Vascular Biology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanan Alsuwaidi
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stefan S. du Plessis
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Qin F, Liu N, Nie J, Shen T, Xu Y, Pan S, Pei H, Zhou G. Circadian effects of ionizing radiation on reproductive function and clock genes expression in male mouse. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:103. [PMID: 34635049 PMCID: PMC8507176 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-01021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to the ionizing radiation (IR) encountered outside the magnetic field of the Earth poses a persistent threat to the reproductive functions of astronauts. The potential effects of space IR on the circadian rhythms of male reproductive functions have not been well characterized so far. METHODS Here, we investigated the circadian effects of IR exposure (3 Gy X-rays) on reproductive functional markers in mouse testicular tissue and epididymis at regular intervals over a 24-h day. For each animal, epididymis was tested for sperm motility, and the testis tissue was used for daily sperm production (DSP), testosterone levels, and activities of testicular enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and acid phosphatase (ACP)), and the clock genes mRNA expression such as Clock, Bmal1, Ror-α, Ror-β, or Ror-γ. RESULTS Mice exposed to IR exhibited a disruption in circadian rhythms of reproductive markers, as indicated by decreased sperm motility, increased daily sperm production (DSP), and reduced activities of testis enzymes such as G6PDH, SDH, LDH, and ACP. Moreover, IR exposure also decreased mRNA expression of five clock genes (Clock, Bmal1, Ror-α, Ror-β, or Ror-γ) in testis, with alteration in the rhythm parameters. CONCLUSION These findings suggested potential health effects of IR exposure on reproductive functions of male astronauts, in terms of both the daily overall level as well as the circadian rhythmicity.
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MESH Headings
- ARNTL Transcription Factors/genetics
- Acid Phosphatase
- Animals
- CLOCK Proteins/genetics
- Circadian Rhythm/radiation effects
- Epididymis/radiation effects
- Gene Expression/radiation effects
- Genitalia, Male/radiation effects
- Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase
- L-Iditol 2-Dehydrogenase
- L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Models, Animal
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 1/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 2/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Radiation Exposure
- Radiation, Ionizing
- Reproductive Physiological Phenomena/radiation effects
- Sperm Motility/radiation effects
- Spermatozoa/radiation effects
- Testis/enzymology
- Testis/radiation effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenju Qin
- School of Chemistry and Life science, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China.
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Ningang Liu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jing Nie
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tao Shen
- School of Chemistry and Life science, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- School of Chemistry and Life science, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China
| | - Shuxian Pan
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hailong Pei
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Guangming Zhou
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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Costa F, Ambesi-Impiombato FS, Beccari T, Conte C, Cataldi S, Curcio F, Albi E. Spaceflight Induced Disorders: Potential Nutritional Countermeasures. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:666683. [PMID: 33968917 PMCID: PMC8096993 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.666683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel is an extreme experience even for the astronaut who has received extensive basic training in various fields, from aeronautics to engineering, from medicine to physics and biology. Microgravity puts a strain on members of space crews, both physically and mentally: short-term or long-term travel in orbit the International Space Station may have serious repercussions on the human body, which may undergo physiological changes affecting almost all organs and systems, particularly at the muscular, cardiovascular and bone compartments. This review aims to highlight recent studies describing damages of human body induced by the space environment for microgravity, and radiation. All novel conditions, to ally unknown to the Darwinian selection strategies on Earth, to which we should add the psychological stress that astronauts suffer due to the inevitable forced cohabitation in claustrophobic environments, the deprivation from their affections and the need to adapt to a new lifestyle with molecular changes due to the confinement. In this context, significant nutritional deficiencies with consequent molecular mechanism changes in the cells that induce to the onset of physiological and cognitive impairment have been considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Costa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmela Conte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Samuela Cataldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Abstract
Extended travel in deep space poses potential hazards to the reproductive function of female and male astronauts, including exposure to cosmic radiation, microgravity, increased gravity (hypergravity), psychological stress, physical stress and circadian rhythm disruptions. This Review focuses on the effects of microgravity, hypergravity and cosmic radiation. Cosmic radiation contains protons, helium nuclei and high charge and energy (HZE) particles. Studies performed on Earth in which rodents were exposed to experimentally generated HZE particles have demonstrated a high sensitivity of ovarian follicles and spermatogenic cells to HZE particles. Exposure to microgravity during space flight and to simulated microgravity on Earth disrupts spermatogenesis and testicular testosterone synthesis in rodents, whereas the male reproductive system seems to adapt to exposure to moderate hypergravity. A few studies have investigated the effects of microgravity on female reproduction, with findings of disrupted oestrous cycling and in vitro follicle development being cause for concern. Many remaining data gaps need to be addressed, including the effects of microgravity, hypergravity and space radiation on the male and female reproductive tracts, hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of reproduction and prenatal development of the reproductive system as well as the combined effects of the multiple reproductive hazards encountered in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Krüger M, Melnik D, Kopp S, Buken C, Sahana J, Bauer J, Wehland M, Hemmersbach R, Corydon TJ, Infanger M, Grimm D. Fighting Thyroid Cancer with Microgravity Research. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102553. [PMID: 31137658 PMCID: PMC6566201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgravity in space or simulated by special ground-based devices provides an unusual but unique environment to study and influence tumour cell processes. By investigating thyroid cancer cells in microgravity for nearly 20 years, researchers got insights into tumour biology that had not been possible under normal laboratory conditions: adherently growing cancer cells detach from their surface and form three-dimensional structures. The cells included in these multicellular spheroids (MCS) were not only altered but behave also differently to those grown in flat sheets in normal gravity, more closely mimicking the conditions in the human body. Therefore, MCS became an invaluable model for studying metastasis and developing new cancer treatment strategies via drug targeting. Microgravity intervenes deeply in processes such as apoptosis and in structural changes involving the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix, which influence cell growth. Most interestingly, follicular thyroid cancer cells grown under microgravity conditions were shifted towards a less-malignant phenotype. Results from microgravity research can be used to rethink conventional cancer research and may help to pinpoint the cellular changes that cause cancer. This in turn could lead to novel therapies that will enhance the quality of life for patients or potentially develop new preventive countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Daniela Melnik
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Christoph Buken
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Johann Bauer
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Gravitational Biology, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Gravitational Biology and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Mechanical Engineering, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Griko YV, Rask JC, Raychev R. Advantage of Animal Models with Metabolic Flexibility for Space Research Beyond Low Earth Orbit. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/space.2016.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri V. Griko
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | - Jon C. Rask
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
- KBRwyle, Moffett Field, California
| | - Raycho Raychev
- Space Challenges Program, EnduroSat, Inc., Sofia, Bulgaria
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11
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Albi E, Krüger M, Hemmersbach R, Lazzarini A, Cataldi S, Codini M, Beccari T, Ambesi-Impiombato FS, Curcio F. Impact of Gravity on Thyroid Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E972. [PMID: 28471415 PMCID: PMC5454885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental health requires a correct functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, and immune systems, and affects behavior and cognitive functions. Microgravity, as occurs during space missions, induces morphological and functional changes within the thyroid gland. Here, we review relevant experiments exposing cell cultures (normal and cancer thyroid cells) to simulated and real microgravity, as well as wild-type and transgenic mice to hypergravity and spaceflight conditions. Well-known mechanisms of damage are presented and new ones, such as changes of gene expression for extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton proteins, thyrocyte phenotype, sensitivity of thyrocytes to thyrotropin due to thyrotropin receptor modification, parafollicular cells and calcitonin production, sphingomyelin metabolism, and the expression and movement of cancer molecules from thyrocytes to colloids are highlighted. The identification of new mechanisms of thyroid injury is essential for the development of countermeasures, both on the ground and in space, against thyroid cancer. We also address the question whether normal and cancer cells show a different sensitivity concerning changes of environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic and Policlinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Gravitational Biology, Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Andrea Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABiON, Perugia, via Ponchielli 4, 06073 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Samuela Cataldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, San Costanzo, via Romana, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Francesco Curcio
- Dipartimento di Area Medica (DAME), University of Udine, p.le M. Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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12
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Rithidech KN, Jangiam W, Tungjai M, Gordon C, Honikel L, Whorton EB. Induction of Chronic Inflammation and Altered Levels of DNA Hydroxymethylation in Somatic and Germinal Tissues of CBA/CaJ Mice Exposed to (48)Ti Ions. Front Oncol 2016; 6:155. [PMID: 27446801 PMCID: PMC4921787 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the lung is one of the target organs at risk for cancer induction from exposure to heavy ions found in space, information is insufficient on cellular/molecular responses linked to increased cancer risk. Knowledge of such events may aid in the development of new preventive measures. Furthermore, although it is known that germinal cells are sensitive to X- or γ-rays, there is little information on the effects of heavy ions on germinal cells. Our goal was to investigate in vivo effects of 1 GeV/n (48)Ti ions (one of the important heavy ions found in the space environment) on somatic (lung) and germinal (testis) tissues collected at various times after a whole body irradiation of CBA/CaJ mice (0, 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 Gy, delivered at 1 cGy/min). We hypothesized that (48)Ti-ion-exposure induced damage in both tissues. Lung tissue was collected from each mouse from each treatment group at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postirradiation. For the testis, we collected samples at 6 months postirradiation. Hence, only late-occurring effects of (48)Ti ions in the testis were studied. There were five mice per treatment group at each harvest time. We investigated inflammatory responses after exposure to (48)Ti ions by measuring the levels of activated nuclear factor kappa B and selected pro-inflammatory cytokines in both tissues of the same mouse. These measurements were coupled with the quantitation of the levels of global 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Our data clearly showed the induction of chronic inflammation in both tissues of exposed mice. A dose-dependent reduction in global 5hmC was found in the lung at all time-points and in testes collected at 6 months postirradiation. In contrast, significant increases in global 5mC were found only in lung and testes collected at 6 months postirradiation from mice exposed to 0.5 Gy of 1 GeV/n (48)Ti ions. Overall, our data showed that (48)Ti ions may create health risks in both lung and testicular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Witawat Jangiam
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Montree Tungjai
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chris Gordon
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Louise Honikel
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Riwaldt S, Bauer J, Wehland M, Slumstrup L, Kopp S, Warnke E, Dittrich A, Magnusson NE, Pietsch J, Corydon TJ, Infanger M, Grimm D. Pathways Regulating Spheroid Formation of Human Follicular Thyroid Cancer Cells under Simulated Microgravity Conditions: A Genetic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:528. [PMID: 27070589 PMCID: PMC4848984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microgravity induces three-dimensional (3D) growth in numerous cell types. Despite substantial efforts to clarify the underlying mechanisms for spheroid formation, the precise molecular pathways are still not known. The principal aim of this paper is to compare static 1g-control cells with spheroid forming (MCS) and spheroid non-forming (AD) thyroid cancer cells cultured in the same flask under simulated microgravity conditions. We investigated the morphology and gene expression patterns in human follicular thyroid cancer cells (UCLA RO82-W-1 cell line) after a 24 h-exposure on the Random Positioning Machine (RPM) and focused on 3D growth signaling processes. After 24 h, spheroid formation was observed in RPM-cultures together with alterations in the F-actin cytoskeleton. qPCR indicated more changes in gene expression in MCS than in AD cells. Of the 24 genes analyzed VEGFA, VEGFD, MSN, and MMP3 were upregulated in MCS compared to 1g-controls, whereas ACTB, ACTA2, KRT8, TUBB, EZR, RDX, PRKCA, CAV1, MMP9, PAI1, CTGF, MCP1 were downregulated. A pathway analysis revealed that the upregulated genes code for proteins, which promote 3D growth (angiogenesis) and prevent excessive accumulation of extracellular proteins, while genes coding for structural proteins are downregulated. Pathways regulating the strength/rigidity of cytoskeletal proteins, the amount of extracellular proteins, and 3D growth may be involved in MCS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Riwaldt
- Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Clinic, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Johann Bauer
- Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Markus Wehland
- Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Clinic, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Lasse Slumstrup
- Institute of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Sascha Kopp
- Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Clinic, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Warnke
- Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Clinic, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Anita Dittrich
- Institute of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Nils E Magnusson
- Medical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Jessica Pietsch
- Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Clinic, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Institute of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Clinic, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Clinic, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Institute of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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14
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Murata Y, Yasuda T, Watanabe-Asaka T, Oda S, Mantoku A, Takeyama K, Chatani M, Kudo A, Uchida S, Suzuki H, Tanigaki F, Shirakawa M, Fujisawa K, Hamamoto Y, Terai S, Mitani H. Histological and Transcriptomic Analysis of Adult Japanese Medaka Sampled Onboard the International Space Station. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138799. [PMID: 26427061 PMCID: PMC4591011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand how humans adapt to the space environment, many experiments can be conducted on astronauts as they work aboard the Space Shuttle or the International Space Station (ISS). We also need animal experiments that can apply to human models and help prevent or solve the health issues we face in space travel. The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) is a suitable model fish for studying space adaptation as evidenced by adults of the species having mated successfully in space during 15 days of flight during the second International Microgravity Laboratory mission in 1994. The eggs laid by the fish developed normally and hatched as juveniles in space. In 2012, another space experiment (“Medaka Osteoclast”) was conducted. Six-week-old male and female Japanese medaka (Cab strain osteoblast transgenic fish) were maintained in the Aquatic Habitat system for two months in the ISS. Fish of the same strain and age were used as the ground controls. Six fish were fixed with paraformaldehyde or kept in RNA stabilization reagent (n = 4) and dissected for tissue sampling after being returned to the ground, so that several principal investigators working on the project could share samples. Histology indicated no significant changes except in the ovary. However, the RNA-seq analysis of 5345 genes from six tissues revealed highly tissue-specific space responsiveness after a two-month stay in the ISS. Similar responsiveness was observed among the brain and eye, ovary and testis, and the liver and intestine. Among these six tissues, the intestine showed the highest space response with 10 genes categorized as oxidation–reduction processes (gene ontogeny term GO:0055114), and the expression levels of choriogenin precursor genes were suppressed in the ovary. Eleven genes including klf9, klf13, odc1, hsp70 and hif3a were upregulated in more than four of the tissues examined, thus suggesting common immunoregulatory and stress responses during space adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Murata
- Department of Radiation Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takako Yasuda
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomomi Watanabe-Asaka
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shoji Oda
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akiko Mantoku
- Department of Biological Information, Graduated School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takeyama
- Department of Biological Information, Graduated School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Chatani
- Department of Biological Information, Graduated School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akira Kudo
- Department of Biological Information, Graduated School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Koichi Fujisawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Hamamoto
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- * E-mail: (HM); (ST)
| | - Hiroshi Mitani
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
- * E-mail: (HM); (ST)
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15
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Li P, Shi J, Zhang P, Wang K, Li J, Liu H, Zhou Y, Xu X, Hao J, Sun X, Pang X, Li Y, Wu H, Chen X, Ge Q. Simulated microgravity disrupts intestinal homeostasis and increases colitis susceptibility. FASEB J 2015; 29:3263-73. [PMID: 25877215 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-271700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The immune systems can be altered by spaceflight in many aspects, but microgravity-related mucosal immune changes and its clinical significance have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether simulated microgravity influences the intestinal homeostasis and increases the susceptibility to colon inflammation. The hindlimb unloading (HU) mouse model was used to simulate the microgravity condition. Three percent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was given to mice to induce colitis. Compared to ground control (Ctrl) mice, the HU ones revealed an impaired intestinal homeostasis and increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis. This includes an early-onset, 4-fold expansion of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), more than 2-fold decrease in regulatory T (Treg) cell numbers and IL-10 production, ∼2-fold increase in colonic IL-1β expression, 2-fold increase in circulating neutrophils, and colonic neutrophil infiltration. The application of antibiotics ameliorated the Treg and IL-10 reductions but did not significantly dampen neutrophilia and elevated expression of colonic IL-1β. These results indicate that the intestinal microflora and innate immune system both respond to simulated microgravity and together, contribute to the proinflammatory shift in the gut microenvironment. The data also emphasize the necessity for evaluating the susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in distant space travels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Li
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Junxiu Shi
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Ke Wang
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Jinglong Li
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Hongju Liu
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Xi Xu
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Jie Hao
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Xiuyuan Sun
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Xuewen Pang
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Yan Li
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Hounan Wu
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
| | - Qing Ge
- *Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China
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16
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Albi E, Curcio F, Lazzarini A, Floridi A, Cataldi S, Lazzarini R, Loreti E, Ferri I, Ambesi-Impiombato FS. How microgravity changes galectin-3 in thyroid follicles. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:652863. [PMID: 25328888 PMCID: PMC4190981 DOI: 10.1155/2014/652863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
After long-term exposure to real microgravity thyroid gland in vivo undergoes specific changes, follicles are made up of larger thyrocytes that produce more cAMP and express more thyrotropin-receptor, caveolin-1, and sphingomyelinase and sphingomyelin-synthase; parafollicular spaces lose C cells with consequent reduction of calcitonin production. Here we studied four immunohistochemical tumor markers (HBME-1, MIB-1, CK19, and Galectin-3) in thyroid of mice housed in the Mouse Drawer System and maintained for 90 days in the International Space Station. Results showed that MIB-1 proliferative index and CK19 are negative whereas HBME-1 and Galectin-3 are overexpressed. The positivity of Galectin-3 deserves attention not only for its expression but also and especially for its localization. Our results highlighted that, in microgravity conditions, Galectin-3 leaves thyrocytes and diffuses in colloid. It is possible that the gravity force contributes to the maintenance of the distribution of the molecules in both basal membrane side and apical membrane side and that the microgravity facilitates slippage of Galectin-3 in colloid probably due to membrane remodelling-microgravity induced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Albi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABiON, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABiON, 06100 Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | | | - Samuela Cataldi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABiON, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - Remo Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABiON, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Loreti
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy
| | - Ivana Ferri
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy
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17
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Ruggiu A, Cancedda R. Bone mechanobiology, gravity and tissue engineering: effects and insights. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2014; 9:1339-51. [PMID: 25052837 DOI: 10.1002/term.1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Bone homeostasis strongly depends on fine tuned mechanosensitive regulation signals from environmental forces into biochemical responses. Similar to the ageing process, during spaceflights an altered mechanotransduction occurs as a result of the effects of bone unloading, eventually leading to loss of functional tissue. Although spaceflights represent the best environment to investigate near-zero gravity effects, there are major limitations for setting up experimental analysis. A more feasible approach to analyse the effects of reduced mechanostimulation on the bone is represented by the 'simulated microgravity' experiments based on: (1) in vitro studies, involving cell cultures studies and the use of bioreactors with tissue engineering approaches; (2) in vivo studies, based on animal models; and (3) direct analysis on human beings, as in the case of the bed rest tests. At present, advanced tissue engineering methods allow investigators to recreate bone microenvironment in vitro for mechanobiology studies. This group and others have generated tissue 'organoids' to mimic in vitro the in vivo bone environment and to study the alteration cells can go through when subjected to unloading. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the bone tissue response to mechanostimuli will help developing new strategies to prevent loss of tissue caused by altered mechanotransduction, as well as identifying new approaches for the treatment of diseases via drug testing. This review focuses on the effects of reduced gravity on bone mechanobiology by providing the up-to-date and state of the art on the available data by drawing a parallel with the suitable tissue engineering systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ruggiu
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine, Genova, Italy
| | - Ranieri Cancedda
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine & IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova, Italy
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18
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Albi E, Ambesi-Impiombato FS, Lazzarini A, Lazzarini R, Floridi A, Cataldi S, Loreti E, Ferri I, Curcio F. Reinterpretation of mouse thyroid changes under space conditions: the contribution of confinement to damage. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:563-567. [PMID: 24945896 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
During space missions, astronauts work in a state of separation from their daily social environment and in physical confinement. It has been shown that confinement influences mood and brain cortical activity, but no data has been obtained with regard to its effect on the thyroid gland, the structure and function of which change during spaceflights. Here, we report the results of a study on the effects of confinement on mouse thyroid, which was implemented with the Mice Drawer System Facility maintained on the ground, a system used for spaceflight experiments. The results show that confinement changes the microscopic structure of the thyroid gland and that it exhibits symptoms similar to those that result from physiological and/or pathological hyperfunction. What is left unchanged, however, is the sphingomyelinase-thyrotropin receptor relationship, which is important for thyrotropin response with a consequential production of hormones that act on the metabolism of almost all tissues and reduces the production of calcitonin, a hormone involved in bone metabolism. During space missions, the overexpression of pleiotrophin, a widespread cytokine up-regulated after tissue injury that acts on bone remodeling, attenuates changes to the thyroid that are spaceflight-dependent; therefore we studied the thyroids of pleiotrophin-transgenic mice in the Mice Drawer System Facility. In confinement, pleiotrophin overexpression does not protect from the loss of calcitonin. The contribution of confinement to thyroid damage during spaceflights is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Albi
- 1 Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology , CRABiON, Perugia, Italy
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19
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Albi E, Curcio F, Lazzarini A, Floridi A, Cataldi S, Lazzarini R, Loreti E, Ferri I, Ambesi-Impiombato FS. A firmer understanding of the effect of hypergravity on thyroid tissue: cholesterol and thyrotropin receptor. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98250. [PMID: 24866829 PMCID: PMC4035327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining a good health requires the maintenance of a body homeostasis which largely depends on correct functioning of thyroid gland. The cells of the thyroid tissue are strongly sensitive to hypogravity, as already proven in mice after returning to the earth from long-term space missions. Here we studied whether hypergravity may be used to counteract the physiological deconditioning of long-duration spaceflight. We investigated the influence of hypergravity on key lipids and proteins involved in thyroid tissue function. We quantified cholesterol (CHO) and different species of sphingomyelin (SM) and ceramide, analysed thyrotropin (TSH) related molecules such as thyrotropin-receptor (TSHR), cAMP, Caveolin-1 and molecule signalling such as Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3). The hypergravity treatment resulted in the upregulation of the TSHR and Caveolin-1 and downregulation of STAT3 without changes of cAMP. TSHR lost its specific localization and spread throughout the cell membrane; TSH treatment facilitated the shedding of α subunit of TSHR and its releasing into the extracellular space. No specific variations were observed for each species of SM and ceramide. Importantly, the level of CHO was strongly reduced. In conclusion, hypergravity conditions induce change in CHO and TSHR of thyroid gland. The possibility that lipid rafts are strongly perturbed by hypergravity-induced CHO depletion by influencing TSH-TSHR interaction was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Albi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABioN, Perugia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABioN, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Samuela Cataldi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABioN, Perugia, Italy
| | - Remo Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABioN, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Loreti
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology - University of Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria Della Misericordia - Piazzale Menghini, Italy
| | - Ivana Ferri
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology - University of Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria Della Misericordia - Piazzale Menghini, Italy
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20
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Warnke E, Pietsch J, Wehland M, Bauer J, Infanger M, Görög M, Hemmersbach R, Braun M, Ma X, Sahana J, Grimm D. Spheroid formation of human thyroid cancer cells under simulated microgravity: a possible role of CTGF and CAV1. Cell Commun Signal 2014; 12:32. [PMID: 24885050 PMCID: PMC4020378 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-12-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) formed scaffold-free under microgravity are of high interest for research and medicine. Their formation mechanism can be studied in space in real microgravity or on Earth using ground-based facilities (GBF), which simulate microgravity. On Earth, these experiments are more cost-efficient and easily performable. However, each GBF might exert device-specific and altered superimposingly gravity-dependent effects on the cells. RESULTS FTC-133 human thyroid cancer cells were cultivated on a 2D clinostat (CN) and a random positioning machine (RPM) and compared with corresponding 1 g control cells. Harvested cell samples were investigated by microscopy, quantitative realtime-PCR and Multi-Analyte Profiling. Spheroid formation and growth occurred during 72 h of cultivation on both devices. Cytokine secretion and gene activation patterns frequently altered in different ways, when the cells were cultured either on the RPM or the CN. A decreased expression of CAV1 and CTGF in MCTS compared to adherent cells was observed after cultivation on both machines. CONCLUSION The development of MCTS proceeds similarly on the RPM and the CN resembling the situation observed under real microgravity conditions, while no MCTS formation was observed at 1 g under identical experimental conditions. Simultaneously, changes in the regulation of CTGF and CAV1 appeared in a comparable manner on both machines. A relationship between these molecules and MCTS formation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Warnke
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Pietsch
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Bauer
- Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mark Görög
- DLR, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- DLR, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Braun
- Institute for Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants (IMBIO), University of Bonn, Gravitational Biology Group, Kirschallee 1, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Xiao Ma
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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21
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Grimm D, Wehland M, Pietsch J, Aleshcheva G, Wise P, van Loon J, Ulbrich C, Magnusson NE, Infanger M, Bauer J. Growing tissues in real and simulated microgravity: new methods for tissue engineering. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2014; 20:555-66. [PMID: 24597549 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2013.0704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering in simulated (s-) and real microgravity (r-μg) is currently a topic in Space medicine contributing to biomedical sciences and their applications on Earth. The principal aim of this review is to highlight the advances and accomplishments in the field of tissue engineering that could be achieved by culturing cells in Space or by devices created to simulate microgravity on Earth. Understanding the biology of three-dimensional (3D) multicellular structures is very important for a more complete appreciation of in vivo tissue function and advancing in vitro tissue engineering efforts. Various cells exposed to r-μg in Space or to s-μg created by a random positioning machine, a 2D-clinostat, or a rotating wall vessel bioreactor grew in the form of 3D tissues. Hence, these methods represent a new strategy for tissue engineering of a variety of tissues, such as regenerated cartilage, artificial vessel constructs, and other organ tissues as well as multicellular cancer spheroids. These aggregates are used to study molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis, cancer development, and biology and for pharmacological testing of, for example, chemotherapeutic drugs or inhibitors of neoangiogenesis. Moreover, they are useful for studying multicellular responses in toxicology and radiation biology, or for performing coculture experiments. The future will show whether these tissue-engineered constructs can be used for medical transplantations. Unveiling the mechanisms of microgravity-dependent molecular and cellular changes is an up-to-date requirement for improving Space medicine and developing new treatment strategies that can be translated to in vivo models while reducing the use of laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grimm
- 1 Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University , Aarhus, Denmark
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22
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Rivera PD, Shih HY, Leblanc JA, Cole MG, Amaral WZ, Mukherjee S, Zhang S, Lucero MJ, Decarolis NA, Chen BPC, Eisch AJ. Acute and fractionated exposure to high-LET (56)Fe HZE-particle radiation both result in similar long-term deficits in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Radiat Res 2013; 180:658-67. [PMID: 24320054 DOI: 10.1667/rr13480.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astronauts on multi-year interplanetary missions will be exposed to a low, chronic dose of high-energy, high-charge particles. Studies in rodents show acute, nonfractionated exposure to these particles causes brain changes such as fewer adult-generated hippocampal neurons and stem cells that may be detrimental to cognition and mood regulation and thus compromise mission success. However, the influence of a low, chronic dose of these particles on neurogenesis and stem cells is unknown. To examine the influence of galactic cosmic radiation on neurogenesis, adult-generated stem and progenitor cells in Nestin-CreER(T2)/R26R-YFP transgenic mice were inducibly labeled to allow fate tracking. Mice were then sham exposed or given one acute 100 cGy (56)Fe-particle exposure or five fractionated 20 cGy (56)Fe-particle exposures. Adult-generated hippocampal neurons and stem cells were quantified 24 h or 3 months later. Both acute and fractionated exposure decreased the amount of proliferating cells and immature neurons relative to sham exposure. Unexpectedly, neither acute nor fractionated exposure decreased the number of adult neural stem cells relative to sham expsoure. Our findings show that single and fractionated exposures of (56)Fe-particle irradiation are similarly detrimental to adult-generated neurons. Implications for future missions and ground-based studies in space radiation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip D Rivera
- a Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9070; and
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23
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Xu X, Tan C, Li P, Zhang S, Pang X, Liu H, Li L, Sun X, Zhang Y, Wu H, Chen X, Ge Q. Changes of cytokines during a spaceflight analog--a 45-day head-down bed rest. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77401. [PMID: 24143230 PMCID: PMC3797033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight is associated with deregulation in the immune system. Head-down bed rest (HDBR) at -6° is believed to be the most practical model for examining multi-system responses to microgravity in humans during spaceflight. In the present study, a 45-day HDBR was performed to investigate the alterations in human immune cell distributions and their functions in response to various stimuli. The effect of countermeasure, Rhodiola rosea (RR) treatment, was also examined. A significant decrease of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) productions by activated T cells, increase of IL-1β and IL-18 by activated B and myeloid cells were observed during HDBR. The upregulation of serum cortisol was correlated with the changes of IL-1 family cytokines. In addition, a significant increase of memory T and B cell and regulatory T cells (Treg) were also detected. The uptake of RR further decreased IFN-γ level and slowed down the upregulation of IL-1 family cytokines. These data suggest that for prolonged HDBR and spaceflight, the decreased protective T cell immunity and enhanced proinflammatory cytokines should be closely monitored. The treatment with RR may play an important role in suppressing proinflammatory cytokines but not in boosting protective T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Pingping Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shusong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xuewen Pang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hongju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hounan Wu
- Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (QG); (HW); (XC)
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (QG); (HW); (XC)
| | - Qing Ge
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (QG); (HW); (XC)
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24
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McCarville JL, Clarke ST, Shastri P, Liu Y, Kalmokoff M, Brooks SPJ, Green-Johnson JM. Spaceflight influences both mucosal and peripheral cytokine production in PTN-Tg and wild type mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68961. [PMID: 23874826 PMCID: PMC3707889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight is associated with several health issues including diminished immune efficiency. Effects of long-term spaceflight on selected immune parameters of wild type (Wt) and transgenic mice over-expressing pleiotrophin under the human bone-specific osteocalcin promoter (PTN-Tg) were examined using the novel Mouse Drawer System (MDS) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) over a 91 day period. Effects of this long duration flight on PTN-Tg and Wt mice were determined in comparison to ground controls and vivarium-housed PTN-Tg and Wt mice. Levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) were measured in mucosal and systemic tissues of Wt and PTN-Tg mice. Colonic contents were also analyzed to assess potential effects on the gut microbiota, although no firm conclusions could be made due to constraints imposed by the MDS payload and the time of sampling. Spaceflight-associated differences were observed in colonic tissue and systemic lymph node levels of IL-2 and TGF-β1 relative to ground controls. Total colonic TGF-β1 levels were lower in Wt and PTN-Tg flight mice in comparison to ground controls. The Wt flight mouse had lower levels of IL-2 and TGF-β1 compared to the Wt ground control in both the inguinal and brachial lymph nodes, however this pattern was not consistently observed in PTN-Tg mice. Vivarium-housed Wt controls had higher levels of active TGF-β1 and IL-2 in inguinal lymph nodes relative to PTN-Tg mice. The results of this study suggest compartmentalized effects of spaceflight and on immune parameters in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L. McCarville
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra T. Clarke
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Padmaja Shastri
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yi Liu
- Università degil Studi di Genova, Dipartimento di Oncologia, Biologia e Genetica, Genova, Italy
- Istituo Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
| | - Martin Kalmokoff
- Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Julia M. Green-Johnson
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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25
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Albi E, Curcio F, Spelat R, Lazzarini A, Lazzarini R, Cataldi S, Loreti E, Ferri I, Ambesi-Impiombato FS. Loss of parafollicular cells during gravitational changes (microgravity, hypergravity) and the secret effect of pleiotrophin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48518. [PMID: 23284618 PMCID: PMC3526598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally known that bone loss is one of the most important complications for astronauts who are exposed to long-term microgravity in space. Changes in blood flow, systemic hormones, and locally produced factors were indicated as important elements contributing to the response of osteoblastic cells to loading, but research in this field still has many questions. Here, the possible biological involvement of thyroid C cells is being investigated. The paper is a comparison between a case of a wild type single mouse and a over-expressing pleiotrophin single mouse exposed to hypogravity conditions during the first animal experiment of long stay in International Space Station (91 days) and three similar mice exposed to hypergravity (2Gs) conditions. We provide evidence that both microgravity and hypergravity induce similar loss of C cells with reduction of calcitonin production. Pleiotrophin over-expression result in some protection against negative effects of gravity change. Potential implication of the gravity mechanic forces in the regulation of bone homeostasis via thyroid equilibrium is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Albi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, Centro Ricerche Analisi Biochimico Specialistiche, Perugia, Italy
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26
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Albi E, Curcio F, Spelat R, Lazzarini A, Lazzarini R, Loreti E, Ferri I, Ambesi-Impiombato FS. Observing the mouse thyroid sphingomyelin under space conditions: a case study from the MDS mission in comparison with hypergravity conditions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2012; 12:1035-1041. [PMID: 23082746 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This is a case report of apparent thyroid structural and functional alteration in a single mouse subjected to low Earth orbit spaceflight for 91 days. Histological examination of the thyroid gland revealed an increase in the average follicle size compared to that of three control animals and three animals exposed to hypergravity (2g) conditions. Immunoblotting analysis detected an increase in two thyroid gland enzymes, sphingomyelinase and sphingomyelin-synthase1. In addition, sphingomyelinase, an enzyme confined to the cell nucleus in the control animals, was found in the mouse exposed to hypogravity to be homogeneously distributed throughout the cell bodies. It represents the first animal observation of the influence of weightlessness on sphingomyelin metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Albi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABioN, 06073 Perugia, Italy. ealbi.nlbp.slc.@crabion.it
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