Life Sciences in Space Research最新文献

{"title":"Regulatory measures for mitigating physical and mental health impacts in aerospace environment: A systematic review","authors":"Rong Liang ,&nbsp;Jing Gao ,&nbsp;Xiaohui Liu ,&nbsp;Xinyao Li ,&nbsp;Haonan Chang ,&nbsp;Rongdian Yang ,&nbsp;Jiajia Yang ,&nbsp;Dong Ming","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long-term spaceflight poses significant challenges to astronauts' physical and mental health, resulting in physiological issues such as osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular dysfunction, as well as psychological problems like depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and cognitive decline. As the duration of space missions continues to increase, the above challenges cannot be ignored. Therefore, identifying effective regulatory measures is essential. This article provides a concise review of the latest domestic and international research on strategies to mitigate physiological and psychological risks in aerospace environment. Including coping strategies for musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and psychological problems, such as exercise, physical stimulation, psychotherapy, and medication, especially traditional Chinese medicine, which need to be further explored and applied. Its ultimate goal is to offer insights for ensuring the safe execution of space missions by astronauts and advancing the field of space medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 106-114"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143828774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of weightlessness on dynamic deformation and haemodynamic parameters of the heart","authors":"Li Cai ,&nbsp;Jing Xue ,&nbsp;Yongheng Wang ,&nbsp;Youqiong Liu ,&nbsp;Hao Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiovascular disease remains an important challenge for human space travel, it is particularly important for astronaut health to accurately simulate cardiac conditions in weightless environments. In this study, a coupled flow-solid model of the left ventricular (LV) and mitral valve (MV) is developed by the immersed boundary/finite element (IB/FE) method, and the boundary conditions of the model were determined from the relationship between gravitational level, LV sphericity and LV end-diastolic pressure. Based on this model, the dynamic deformation and haemodynamic parameters of the LV and the MV are investigated in different gravitational environments, such as Zero Gravity, the Moon (0.167 g), the Mars (0.38 g) and the Earth. The validity and accuracy of the model is verified by comparing the Zero Gravity simulation results with the real data obtained from the space flight experiment. The prediction results of the model can provide some references on how to combat the adverse effects of weightlessness during spaceflight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 86-99"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Case for Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) for the International Space Station and Future Planetary Spaceflight: Clinical Relevance and Technical Implementation","authors":"Baltaj S. Sandhur ,&nbsp;Joshua Ong ,&nbsp;Ritu Sampige ,&nbsp;Ryung Lee ,&nbsp;Hamza Memon ,&nbsp;Nicholas Panzo ,&nbsp;Cihan Mehmet Kadipasaoglu ,&nbsp;Yannie Guo ,&nbsp;Benjamin Soares ,&nbsp;Daniela Osteicoechea ,&nbsp;Ethan Waisberg ,&nbsp;Alex Suh ,&nbsp;Tuan Nguyen ,&nbsp;Mouayad Masalkhi ,&nbsp;Prithul Sarker ,&nbsp;Nasif Zaman ,&nbsp;Alireza Tavakkoli ,&nbsp;John Berdahl ,&nbsp;Patricia Chévez-Barrios ,&nbsp;Thomas H. Mader ,&nbsp;Andrew G. Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spaceflight presents unique challenges to ocular health which must be addressed when considering future long-term missions to Mars and beyond, specifically with increased risk to the anterior segment of the eye. While the posterior segment has been heavily researched via examinations with Heidelberg's Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)2 Module aboard the International Space Station (ISS), evaluation of the anterior segment is not as extensively performed. Despite the capabilities of the Spectralis, which allows for anterior segment imaging via the Anterior Segment Module (ASM), transforming the OCT into an Anterior Segment OCT (AS-OCT), there is limited information available regarding anterior segment effects due to microgravity and spaceflight. Imaging of the anterior segment allows for high resolution details of structures such as the cornea, anterior chamber angles and depth, iris, and lens that may all become affected due to the unique environment astronauts are exposed to during spaceflight. We advocate for the routine use of AS-OCT in ocular examinations aboard the ISS and during spaceflight, offering valuable insight into ocular changes that occur and to help guide management for various anterior segment pathologies one may face, ultimately benefitting both current and future efforts for space travel.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sleep deprivation and glymphatic system dysfunction as a risk factor for SANS during long-duration spaceflight","authors":"Joshua M. Venegas,&nbsp;Mark Rosenberg","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A unique constellation of ocular structural changes and visual anomalies known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) affects 70 % of crew members after long-duration spaceflight. Current hypotheses regarding the etiology of SANS discuss cephalad fluid shifts and venous congestion, which are correlated with elevated intra-cranial pressure (ICP) and enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS). These PVS comprise the glymphatic system (GS), a recently discovered network of influx and efflux pathways for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and metabolites in the central nervous system (CNS). Both glymphatic clearance and traditionally understood CSF circulation are affected by sleep-wake cycles, displaying a significant increase in fluid flow during sleep. Natural sleep has been associated with a 60 % increase in interstitial space in animal studies, which likely enhances GS exchange and outflow. Corresponding studies in humans using contrast-enhanced MRI associate sleep with greater glymphatic clearance compared to wakefulness. The sleep problems of astronauts during long-duration spaceflight have been well documented, ranging from sleep disruption and decreased quality to insufficient sleep duration. With recent terrestrial studies providing evidence that sleep deprivation impairs molecular clearance from the human brain, it follows that similar glymphatic dysfunction may arise due to these conditions in astronauts. Thus, in addition to impairing crew member work performance on long-duration space missions, sleep deprivation may exert long-term neuro-ocular effects via decreased glymphatic efficiency and clearance. The adverse impact of the resulting cognitive and visual disturbances presents a major future performance risk to astronauts. This work discusses the existing body of literature regarding the connections between circadian disruption and glymphatic disruption as a potential contributing mechanism for the development of SANS. This association should receive focused attention in future research as a potential risk factor for SANS. In addition, interventions that enhance extraterrestrial sleep quality and duration may prove to be practical countermeasures for the prevention of this syndrome.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 39-42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human thermoregulation in microgravity environments: Insights from a computational model","authors":"Chithramol M.K.,&nbsp;Shine S.R.","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A three-dimensional computational model of human thermoregulation has been developed to analyze body temperature distribution in microgravity. By incorporating appropriate modifications, the model effectively captures physiological changes observed in microgravity, including fluid shifts, reduced blood flow, metabolic changes, musculoskeletal adaptations, impaired sweating, and environmental effects. Comparisons with experimental data across various physical and environmental conditions demonstrate that the model effectively predicts the body core and skin temperature distribution. Results indicate that microgravity exposure consistently increases core body temperature (CBT) across all conditions, with fluid shifts being the most significant factor influencing thermal balance. Exposure to hot environments posed the greatest risk, as it caused a more pronounced rise in body temperature compared to cold and normal conditions. Predictions in a microgravity environment are compared with available space station experimental data from astronauts, showing strong agreement and confirming the model’s accuracy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 18-38"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zebrafish selection strategy for the first zebrafish cultivation experiment on the Chinese space station","authors":"Chaoxian Jia ,&nbsp;Xianyuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Haoyuan Sun ,&nbsp;Peifan Gu ,&nbsp;Yongchun Yuan ,&nbsp;Wenting Gao ,&nbsp;Weibo Zheng ,&nbsp;Jin Yu ,&nbsp;Tao Zhang ,&nbsp;Gaohong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the continuous advancement of space exploration activities, the development of Biological Life Support Systems (BLSS) has become crucial for supporting long-duration space missions. This paper focuses on preparation process for the multifunctional closed aquatic ecosystem (CAES) experiment based on Ceratophyllum, zebrafish, and microorganisms, conducted in the Life and Ecological Science Experiment Cabinet of the Chinese Space Station. Given the complexity and high difficulty of the experimental objectives, the selection of zebrafish individuals is critical. Prior to the experiment, the selection process considered factors such as the adaptability of zebrafish in confined spaces, social compatibility, and physiological status. A set of screening criteria was established based on preliminary experiments with 120 zebrafish, analyzing aspects like anxiety behavior, response speed, swimming posture, and shoaling behavior. Finally, based on these screening criteria, four zebrafish were selected from the pre-screened pool before the space experiment. These four zebrafish successfully survived for 43 days in the space environment and completed the predetermined scientific objectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 43-52"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes of iron dynamics in the duodenum and bone marrow under partial gravity condition in mice","authors":"Yasumasa Ikeda ,&nbsp;Masafumi Funamoto ,&nbsp;Mizuho Yamamoto ,&nbsp;Hai Du Ly-Nguyen ,&nbsp;Masaki Imanishi ,&nbsp;Koichiro Tsuchiya","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>With the advancement of the space age, research on physiological changes during long-term space missions has become increasingly important. Spaceflight-induced anemia, along with muscle and bone loss, is a significant concern for astronaut health, potentially disrupting iron metabolism and absorption. However, the mechanisms underlying intestinal iron absorption in space remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study investigated iron dynamics in the duodenum and bone marrow of mice exposed to partial gravity (PG) to assess potential alterations in iron absorption and storage.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using samples provided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Kibo mouse sample share), we analyzed duodenal and bone marrow tissues from mice reared in PG (1/6G) and compared them to those of mice reared in ground gravity (control gravity (CG): 1G). We conducted Perls staining to visualize iron distribution, measured iron concentrations, and analyzed iron regulatory proteins (ferritin heavy chain, divalent metal transporter 1, and ferroportin) using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Iron staining, concentration, and ferritin heavy chain expression in the duodenum were reduced in the PG group compared with those in the CG group. The expression of iron transporters (divalent metal protein 1 and ferroportin) was also attenuated. Furthermore, the PG group showed fewer macrophages and more goblet cells in duodenal villi. Stainability of iron and ferritin heavy chain expression in the sternal bone marrow similarly decreased in the PG group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings indicate reduced iron retention in the duodenum under partial gravity, suggesting that the space environment may impair iron absorption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 10-17"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143737864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Activation of the visual system by space radiation: A novel study on Ca2+ signalling in ex-vivo rabbit eyes exposed to visible light, X-rays and high-energy protons","authors":"I. Borromeo ,&nbsp;A. Mentana ,&nbsp;G. Baiocco ,&nbsp;S. Beninati ,&nbsp;V. Boretti ,&nbsp;G. Cappadozzi ,&nbsp;L. Di Fino ,&nbsp;A. Facoetti ,&nbsp;L. Lunati ,&nbsp;M. Paci ,&nbsp;M. Pinto ,&nbsp;M. Pullia ,&nbsp;A. Rizzo ,&nbsp;G. Santi Amantini ,&nbsp;S. Toma ,&nbsp;L. Narici","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Space radiation interactions with the visual system have been the subject of many investigations, starting from astronauts reporting the perception of light flashes (visual illusions in absence of light stimuli). These perceptions have been attributed to single-ion hits, able to induce an electrophysiological response in the eye. Searching for a more general mechanism of radiation interaction with cortical neuronal networks and with sensory systems, a valuable hypothesis is that of the perturbation to calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis.</div><div>We here report results on radiation-induced perturbation of Ca²⁺ signalling obtained with an <em>ex-vivo</em> whole rabbit eye model. Surgically enucleated eyes (from animals intended for human consumption) were kept in viable conditions and exposed to visible light (varying the duration of the exposure), to kilovoltage X-rays (reference radiation, dose range 10–200 mGy) and to 230 MeV protons (representative of the main component of space radiation, dose range 10–20 mGy). After extraction of the vitreous humor, sample stability and homogeneity in the animal population and organ conditions were verified by measuring the concentration of biogenic polyamines, while eye integrity was tested by measuring the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymatic activity. The activation of the visual response is attributed to a change in the Ca²⁺ concentration (expressed μg calcium/μg amines) comparing, for each animal, the left eye used as a control and the right eye exposed to light or ionizing radiation. The vitrectomy was conducted immediately after the exposure.</div><div>A significant increase in Ca²⁺ concentration was measured after white light exposure with a duration longer than 1 min, with a saturation to a ∼150 % relative change for exposure durations of 3 and 5 min. The model was therefore validated for the visual system activation by light, but no increase in Ca²⁺ concentration was found for ionizing radiation exposures in the investigated dose ranges. Only at the highest X-ray dose of 200 mGy, eyes were severely damaged, as demonstrated by the drastic increase in LDH activity. Based on these findings, the limitations of the study are critically discussed, and improvement strategies are suggested, also considering the rapid kinetics of the perturbation that might hinder the measurement of small ionizing radiation-induced transient Ca²⁺ changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143737865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of Hydrogen-rich water on retinal degeneration in the outer nuclear layer of simulated weightlessness rats","authors":"Yuxue Mu ,&nbsp;Weihang Li ,&nbsp;Dongyu Wei ,&nbsp;Xinyi Zhang ,&nbsp;Lilingxuan Yao ,&nbsp;Xiaofeng Xu ,&nbsp;Xiaocheng Wang ,&nbsp;Zuoming Zhang ,&nbsp;Tao Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long-term spaceflight can lead to changes in eye structure and decreased visual function. At present, there are almost no effective methods to prevent and treat eye damage caused by microgravity environments. Oxidative stress has been identified as one of the contributing mechanisms of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), and hydrogen (H₂) has demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has a protective effect against eye injury induced by tail-suspension simulated weightlessness in rats, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In this experiment, we utilized an 8-week tail-suspension model to simulate weightlessness, and employed histopathology, visual electrophysiology, and biochemical indices to evaluate retinal structure, function, and related molecular mechanisms leading to retinal damage. We also assessed the therapeutic efficacy of HRW treatment. Results demonstrated that tail-suspension simulated weightlessness induced thinning of the retinal outer nuclear layer, decreased visual function, and promoted retinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in rats. HRW treatment effectively alleviated the degenerative changes in the retinal outer nuclear layer, improved retinal function, and reduced retinal inflammation in treated rats. Our findings revealed that HRW reduced the retinal oxidative stress response and enhanced mitochondrial function through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Overall, HRW may be a promising candidate for the treatment of eye injuries in simulated microgravity environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 158-169"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143697477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular and biomechanical changes of the cornea and lens in spaceflight","authors":"Nicholas Panzo ,&nbsp;Hamza Memon ,&nbsp;Joshua Ong ,&nbsp;Alex Suh ,&nbsp;Ritu Sampige ,&nbsp;Ryung Lee ,&nbsp;Ethan Waisberg ,&nbsp;Cihan M Kadipasaoglu ,&nbsp;John Berdahl ,&nbsp;Patricia Chévez-Barrios ,&nbsp;Andrew G. Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 151-157"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143686239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}