Life Sciences in Space Research最新文献

{"title":"Goldfish regenerated scale culture at low temperatures improves osteoblast and osteoclast survival in scales without loss of the osteoblast and osteoclast response to changes in gravity","authors":"Nobuo Suzuki ,&nbsp;Kouhei Kuroda ,&nbsp;Mika Ikegame ,&nbsp;Harumi Takino ,&nbsp;Keito Tsunoda ,&nbsp;Riku Izumi ,&nbsp;Yoshiaki Tabuchi ,&nbsp;Yukihiro Furusawa ,&nbsp;Koji Yachiguchi ,&nbsp;Masato Endo ,&nbsp;Hajime Matsubara ,&nbsp;Sachiko Yano ,&nbsp;Toru Shimazu ,&nbsp;Masato Honda ,&nbsp;Yusuke Maruyama ,&nbsp;Kazuki Watanabe ,&nbsp;Akihisa Takahashi ,&nbsp;Jun Hirayama ,&nbsp;Atsuhiko Hattori","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biological samples that can be stored for long periods are desirable for experiments in space because of the potential for postponement of space vehicle launches. In this study, we determined whether culturing goldfish scales at lower temperatures increased survival of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the scales without affecting their biological activities. After one-week storage of regenerated goldfish scales at 4 °C, both alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated osteoclasts (active type of osteoclasts) were detectable. Importantly, the multinucleated osteoclasts formed actin rings and expressed cathepsin K, indicating that the osteoclasts had resorptive activity. Additionally, a one-week storage of goldfish scales at 4 °C showed little effect on osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in the scales. Therefore, after one-week storage at 4 °C, the regenerated scales were treated with vibrational acceleration due to gravity (3 G) for 10 min and then incubated at 15 °C for 6 h. ALP and TRAP activities in the regenerated scales sensitively responded to 3 G hypergravity: compared to unexposed scales, ALP activity significantly increased and TRAP activity significantly decreased in the regenerated scales. Next, the regenerated scales were stored at 4 °C and launched on the space shuttle Atlantis STS-132 (ULF4) to study the effects of vibration (maximum 6.8 G, 2 min) and subsequent hypergravity (maximum 3 G, 8 min 30 s) induced by the launch process. The results showed the vibration and subsequent hypergravity increased significantly ALP activity in the regenerated scales at 4 °C. In addition, our experiment with the Cell Biology Experiment Facility in outer space revealed that osteoblast activity in the regenerated scales decreased in response to microgravity after 6 days-storage of the scale at 4 °C. These findings show that goldfish scales can be stored at 4 °C for around one week, while maintaining the responsiveness of the osteoblast and osteoclast in the scales to changes in gravity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 128-136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143843373","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":"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":"2025-08-01","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":"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":"2025-08-01","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":"Parabolic flight as a research platform to investigate ophthalmic changes in microgravity","authors":"Tuan Nguyen ,&nbsp;Joshua Ong ,&nbsp;Sarah Aman ,&nbsp;Alex Weaver ,&nbsp;Ana Garcia ,&nbsp;Amy Song ,&nbsp;Fatma Shakarchi ,&nbsp;Ethan Waisberg ,&nbsp;Andrew G. Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parabolic flight serves as an important terrestrial analog to study acute physiological changes in microgravity without the need for space travel. During a parabolic flight, alternating hypergravity and microgravity phases, lasting up to 40 seconds, enable research into ophthalmic changes. In this review, we discuss the application of parabolic flight as a platform to study microgravity-related changes that might impact ophthalmology including intraocular pressure, intracranial pressure, choroidal blood flow, and modified eye movement patterns. We further highlight how these insights could aid our understanding of vestibulo-ocular reflexes and conditions such as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). While the brief duration of microgravity exposure limits some applications, parabolic flight continues to provide a controlled environment for examining acute gravitational effects on eye health and evaluating many space medicine interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 100-105"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143816389","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":"Tryptophan metabolites are altered when Caco-2 cells are exposed to simulated microgravity","authors":"Giulia Tolle ,&nbsp;Amalia Di Petrillo ,&nbsp;Massimo Claudio Fantini ,&nbsp;Gabriele Serreli ,&nbsp;Monica Deiana ,&nbsp;Giacomo Fais ,&nbsp;Nicola Lai ,&nbsp;Pierluigi Caboni","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microgravity, as experienced during spaceflights, can disrupt cellular function and metabolism, including critical pathways such as tryptophan metabolism. This study investigates how simulated microgravity influences the tryptophan pathway and serotonin production in intestinal Caco-2 cells under different experimental conditions. Cells were exposed to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), known pro-inflammatory agents, and co-cultured with human fecal samples to evaluate the impact of microbiota-derived factors. Using targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), significant alterations in tryptophan metabolites were observed under simulated microgravity. A significant increase in serotonin and quinolinic acid levels was observed when Caco-2 cells were exposed to simulated microgravity compared to those maintained under terrestrial conditions. Treating Caco-2 cells with DSS we observed an increase in serotonin, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid levels in samples exposed to simulated microgravity compared to controls. Furthermore, exposure to simulated microgravity in conjunction with LPS treatment led to a significant increase in quinolinic acid levels. Additionally, in microgravity conditions, when Caco-2 cells were co-cultured with stool samples, an increase of serotonin and tryptophan levels was observed. All together, these findings suggest that microgravity, in combination with specific inflammation stimuli, can modulate serotonin synthesis in intestinal cells, potentially contributing to the alteration of gastrointestinal regulation during long term space missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 139-144"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882756","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":"2025-08-01","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":"Corrigendum to ‘Hemerocallis citrina Baroni ameliorates chronic sleep deprivation-induced cognitive deficits and depressive-like behaviours in mice’ [Life Sciences in Space Research, Volume 40, February 2024, Pages 35-43]","authors":"Ning Jiang ,&nbsp;Yiwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Caihong Yao ,&nbsp;Fang Chen ,&nbsp;Yupei Liu ,&nbsp;Yuzhen Chen ,&nbsp;Yan Wang ,&nbsp;Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary ,&nbsp;Xinmin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.03.010","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 202-203"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704402","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":"2025-08-01","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":"Sleep deprivation and glymphatic dysfunction: Perspectives on the risk of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)","authors":"Peter Wostyn ,&nbsp;Maiken Nedergaard","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 137-138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143869670","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":"Parabolic flight as a space-flight analogon impacts angiogenesis and lipid metabolism","authors":"Vera Paar ,&nbsp;Elke Boxhammer ,&nbsp;Fitore Marmullaku ,&nbsp;Uta C. Hoppe ,&nbsp;Michael Lichtenauer ,&nbsp;Peter Jirak","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to examine the effects of weightlessness and microgravity, induced by parabolic flight, on specific biomarkers associated with angiogenesis, lipid homeostasis, and cardiovascular diseases, including angiogenin (ANG), angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT-1), angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor subunit AA (PDGF-AA).</div><div>14 healthy volunteers (mean age: 28.9 years; 6 females) participated in short-term sessions of weightlessness and microgravity using parabolic flights. Venous blood samples were collected at different time points (baseline, 1 h, and 24 h after parabolic flight) and frozen as serum samples. Initially, Proteome Profiler Angiogenesis Array was used to screen pooled serum samples of each time point for potential alterations of angiogenesis-associated proteins. Additionally, individual blood samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</div><div>Proteome Arrays revealed an overall decrease of angiogenesis-associated proteins in response to parabolic flight. On the other hand, proteins associated with lipid homeostasis, such as Leptin and TIMP-4, were significantly elevated in response to parabolic flight. Individual analysis of selected proteins solely revealed a slight increase of ANGPTL4 and HSP70 levels 1 hour post-flight, although without statistical significance (<em>p</em> = 0.7705). Nevertheless, 24 h after parabolic flight, ANGPTL4 concentrations in serum significantly decreased compared to the preceding time point (<em>p</em> = 0.0020). Similarly, HSP70 was tendentially elevated 1 h after flight (<em>p</em> = 0.8135), though significantly declined at the end of the experiment (BL vs. 24 h: <em>p</em> = 0.0435; 1 h vs. 24 h: <em>p</em> = 0.0031). No significant differences could be observed in ANG, ANGPT1, TGF-β1, VEGF, and PDGF-AA concentrations at any time point.</div><div>The findings of this study suggest that exposure to gravitational changes, such as weightlessness and microgravity, may lead to relevant changes in angiogenesis and lipid homeostasis. The upregulation of Leptin and TIMP-4, as well as ANGPTL4 in short-term response to parabolic flight poses a risk to disturbances in lipid metabolism, potentially increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular or hepatic events. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of microgravity and weightlessness on angiogenesis and lipid metabolism to protect astronaut health during prolonged space missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 115-127"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839139","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}