1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu Y, Pei W, Hu W. A Current Overview of the Biological Effects of Combined Space Environmental Factors in Mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:861006. [PMID: 35493084 PMCID: PMC9039719 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.861006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct from Earth’s environment, space environmental factors mainly include space radiation, microgravity, hypomagnetic field, and disrupted light/dark cycles that cause physiological changes in astronauts. Numerous studies have demonstrated that space environmental factors can lead to muscle atrophy, bone loss, carcinogenesis, immune disorders, vascular function and cognitive impairment. Most current ground-based studies focused on single environmental factor biological effects. To promote manned space exploration, a better understanding of the biological effects of the spaceflight environment is necessary. This paper summarizes the latest research progress of the combined biological effects of double or multiple space environmental factors on mammalian cells, and discusses their possible molecular mechanisms, with the hope of providing a scientific theoretical basis to develop appropriate countermeasures for astronauts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weiwei Pei, ; Wentao Hu,
| | - Wentao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weiwei Pei, ; Wentao Hu,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cortés-Sánchez JL, Callant J, Krüger M, Sahana J, Kraus A, Baselet B, Infanger M, Baatout S, Grimm D. Cancer Studies under Space Conditions: Finding Answers Abroad. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010025. [PMID: 35052703 PMCID: PMC8773191 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we discuss the current state of knowledge in cancer research under real and simulated microgravity conditions and point out further research directions in this field. Outer space is an extremely hostile environment for human life, with radiation, microgravity, and vacuum posing significant hazards. Although the risk for cancer in astronauts is not clear, microgravity plays a thought-provoking role in the carcinogenesis of normal and cancer cells, causing such effects as multicellular spheroid formation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, alteration of gene expression and protein synthesis, and apoptosis. Furthermore, deleterious effects of radiation on cells seem to be accentuated under microgravity. Ground-based facilities have been used to study microgravity effects in addition to laborious experiments during parabolic flights or on space stations. Some potential 'gravisensors' have already been detected, and further identification of these mechanisms of mechanosensitivity could open up ways for therapeutic influence on cancer growth and apoptosis. These novel findings may help to find new effective cancer treatments and to provide health protection for humans on future long-term spaceflights and exploration of outer space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Cortés-Sánchez
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Jonas Callant
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Armin Kraus
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (J.C.); (B.B.); (S.B.)
- Department Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (J.L.C.-S.); (M.K.); (A.K.); (M.I.)
- Research Group ‘Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt-und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen’ (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-21379702
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boada M, Perez-Poch A, Ballester M, García-Monclús S, González DV, García S, Barri PN, Veiga A. Microgravity effects on frozen human sperm samples. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2249-2257. [PMID: 32683528 PMCID: PMC7492354 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Microgravity has severe effects on cellular and molecular structures as well as on metabolic interactions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of microgravity (μg) exposure on human frozen sperm samples. METHODS Sibling samples from 15 normozoospermic healthy donors were frozen using glycerol as cryoprotectant and analyzed under microgravity and ground conditions. Microgravity was obtained by parabolic flights using a CAP10B plane. The plane executed 20 parabolic maneuvers with a mean of 8.5 s of microgravity for each parabola. RESULTS Frozen sperm samples preserved in cryostraws and stored in a secure and specific nitrogen vapor cryoshipper do not suffer significant alterations after μg exposure. Comparing the study group (μg) and the control group (1 g), similar results were obtained in the main parameters studied: sperm motility (M/ml) 13.72 ± 12.57 vs 13.03 ± 12.13 (- 0.69 95% CI [- 2.9; 1.52]), progressive a + b sperm motility (%) 21.83 ± 11.69 vs 22.54 ± 12.83 (0.03 95% CI [- 0.08; 0.15]), sperm vitality (%) 46.42 ± 10.81 vs 44.62 ± 9.34 (- 0.04 95% CI [- 0.13; 0.05]), morphologically normal spermatozoa (%) 7.03 ± 2.61 vs 8.09 ± 3.61 (0.12 95% CI [0.01; 0.24]), DNA sperm fragmentation by SCD (%) 13.33 ± 5.12 vs 13.88 ± 6.14 (0.03 95% CI [- 0.09; 0.16]), and apoptotic spermatozoa by MACS (%) 15.47 ± 15.04 vs 23.80 ± 23.63 (- 0.20 95% CI [- 0.66; 1.05]). CONCLUSION The lack of differences obtained between frozen samples exposed to μg and those maintained in ground conditions provides the possibility of considering the safe transport of human male gametes to space. Nevertheless, further research is needed to validate the results and to consider the possibility of creating a human sperm bank outside the Earth. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03760783.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Boada
- Women's Health Dexeus, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Avinguda Carles III 71-75, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Perez-Poch
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, UPC BarcelonaTech, EEBE Campus Diagonal-Besòs, C. E. Maristany 16, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Ballester
- Women's Health Dexeus, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Avinguda Carles III 71-75, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S García-Monclús
- Women's Health Dexeus, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Avinguda Carles III 71-75, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D V González
- Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, Sabadell Airport, Carretera de Bellaterra s/n, 08205 Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S García
- Women's Health Dexeus, Unit of Biostatistics, Avinguda Carles III 71-75, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P N Barri
- Women's Health Dexeus, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Avinguda Carles III 71-75, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Veiga
- Women's Health Dexeus, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Avinguda Carles III 71-75, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Stem Cell Bank, Centre of Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona, Hospital Duran i Reynals, Gran Via de l'Hospitalet 199, 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Testes and duct deferens of mice during space flight: cytoskeleton structure, sperm-specific proteins and epigenetic events. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9730. [PMID: 31278362 PMCID: PMC6611814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46324-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To analyze the effect of gravity on the structure of germinal tissues, we examined tissues of the testes and duct deferens of mice that were exposed to space flight conditions for 21–24 days (experiment Rodent Research-4, SpaceX-10 mission, February 2017, USA). We evaluated the levels of cytoskeletal proteins, sperm-specific proteins, and epigenetic events; in particular, we evaluated levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and of enzymes that regulate DNA methylation/demethylation. We did not detect changes in the levels of cytoskeletal proteins, sperm-specific proteins, DNA-methylases, DNA demethylases, DNA acetylases, or histone deacetylases. However, there were changes at the gene expression level. In particular, there was an increase in the demethylase Tet2 and a decrease in the histone deacetylase Hdac1. These gene expression changes may be of key importance during the early period of readaptation since they could lead to an increase in the expression of target genes.
Collapse
|
8
|
He Y, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhang H, Li Z, Xiao L, Hu J, Ma Y, Zhang Q, Zhao X. Comparative Profiling of MicroRNAs Reveals the Underlying Toxicological Mechanism in Mice Testis Following Carbon Ion Radiation. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818778633. [PMID: 29977176 PMCID: PMC6024298 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818778633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the toxicity of heavy ion radiation to mice testis by microRNA (miRNA) sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. Testicular indices and histology were measured following enterocoelia irradiation with a 2 Gy carbon ion beam, with the testes exhibiting the most serious injuries at 4 weeks after carbon ion radiation (CIR) exposure. Illumina sequencing technology was used to sequence small RNA libraries of the control and irradiated groups at 4 weeks after CIR. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses implicated differential miRNAs in the regulation of target genes involved in metabolism, development, and reproduction. Here, 8 miRNAs, including miR-34c-5p, miR-138, and 6 let-7 miRNA family members previously reported in testis after radiation, were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to validate miRNA sequencing data. The differentially expressed miRNAs described here provided a novel perspective for the role of miRNAs in testis toxicity following CIR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zongshuai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Quanwei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
In space, multiple unique environmental factors, particularly microgravity and space radiation, pose constant threat to the DNA integrity of living organisms. Specifically, space radiation can cause damage to DNA directly, through the interaction of charged particles with the DNA molecules themselves, or indirectly through the production of free radicals. Although organisms have evolved strategies on Earth to confront such damage, space environmental conditions, especially microgravity, can impact DNA repair resulting in accumulation of severe DNA lesions. Ultimately these lesions, namely double strand breaks, chromosome aberrations, micronucleus formation, or mutations, can increase the risk for adverse health effects, such as cancer. How spaceflight factors affect DNA damage and the DNA damage response has been investigated since the early days of the human space program. Over the years, these experiments have been conducted either in space or using ground-based analogs. This review summarizes the evidence for DNA damage induction by space radiation and/or microgravity as well as spaceflight-related impacts on the DNA damage response. The review also discusses the conflicting results from studies aimed at addressing the question of potential synergies between microgravity and radiation with regard to DNA damage and cellular repair processes. We conclude that further experiments need to be performed in the true space environment in order to address this critical question.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pani G, Verslegers M, Quintens R, Samari N, de Saint-Georges L, van Oostveldt P, Baatout S, Benotmane MA. Combined Exposure to Simulated Microgravity and Acute or Chronic Radiation Reduces Neuronal Network Integrity and Survival. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155260. [PMID: 27203085 PMCID: PMC4874625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During orbital or interplanetary space flights, astronauts are exposed to cosmic radiations and microgravity. However, most earth-based studies on the potential health risks of space conditions have investigated the effects of these two conditions separately. This study aimed at assessing the combined effect of radiation exposure and microgravity on neuronal morphology and survival in vitro. In particular, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity after acute (X-rays) or during chronic (Californium-252) exposure to ionizing radiation using mouse mature neuron cultures. Acute exposure to low (0.1 Gy) doses of X-rays caused a delay in neurite outgrowth and a reduction in soma size, while only the high dose impaired neuronal survival. Of interest, the strongest effect on neuronal morphology and survival was evident in cells exposed to microgravity and in particular in cells exposed to both microgravity and radiation. Removal of neurons from simulated microgravity for a period of 24 h was not sufficient to recover neurite length, whereas the soma size showed a clear re-adaptation to normal ground conditions. Genome-wide gene expression analysis confirmed a modulation of genes involved in neurite extension, cell survival and synaptic communication, suggesting that these changes might be responsible for the observed morphological effects. In general, the observed synergistic changes in neuronal network integrity and cell survival induced by simulated space conditions might help to better evaluate the astronaut's health risks and underline the importance of investigating the central nervous system and long-term cognition during and after a space flight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pani
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
- Cell Systems and Imaging Research Group (CSI), Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Applied Nutrition, Department of Pharmacology and Bio-molecular Sciences (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mieke Verslegers
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Roel Quintens
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Nada Samari
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Louis de Saint-Georges
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Patrick van Oostveldt
- Cell Systems and Imaging Research Group (CSI), Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
- Cell Systems and Imaging Research Group (CSI), Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohammed Abderrafi Benotmane
- Radiobiology Unit, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Environment, Health and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
A functional interplay between 5-lipoxygenase and μ-calpain affects survival and cytokine profile of human Jurkat T lymphocyte exposed to simulated microgravity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:782390. [PMID: 25309925 PMCID: PMC4182306 DOI: 10.1155/2014/782390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence strongly indicates that both simulated and authentic weightlessness exert a broad range of effects on mammalian tissues and cells, including impairment of immune cell function and increased apoptotic death. We previously reported that microgravity-dependent activation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) might play a central role in the initiation of apoptosis in human T lymphocytes, suggesting that the upregulation of this enzyme might be (at least in part) responsible for immunodepression observed in astronauts during space flights. Herein, we supplement novel information about the molecular mechanisms underlying microgravity-triggered apoptotic cell death and immune system deregulation, demonstrating that under simulated microgravity human Jurkat T cells increase the content of cytosolic DNA fragments and cytochrome c (typical hallmarks of apoptosis) and have an upregulated expression and activity of µ-calpain. These events were paralleled by the unbalance of interleukin- (IL-) 2 and interferon- (INF-) γ, anti- and proapoptotic cytokines, respectively, that seemed to be dependent on the functional interplay between 5-LOX and µ-calpain. Indeed, we report unprecedented evidence that 5-LOX inhibition reduced apoptotic death, restored the initial IL-2/INF-γ ratio, and more importantly reverted µ-calpain activation induced by simulated microgravity.
Collapse
|