Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via D. Trentacoste 2, 20134, Milan,, Italy.
Published: October 2022
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Microgravity-induced bone loss is a major concern for space travelers. Ground-based microgravity simulators are crucial to study the effect of microgravity exposure on biological systems and to address the limitations posed by restricted access to real space. In this work, for the first time, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach to characterize the morphological, biochemical, and molecular changes underlying the response of human bone marrow stromal cells to long-term simulated microgravity exposure during osteogenic differentiation. Our results show that osteogenic differentiation is reduced while energy metabolism is promoted. We found novel proteins were dysregulated under simulated microgravity, including CSC1-like protein, involved in the mechanotransduction of pressure signals, and PTPN11, SLC44A1 and MME which are involved in osteoblast differentiation pathways and which may become the focus of future translational projects. The investigation of cell proteome highlighted how simulated microgravity affects a relatively low number of proteins compared to time and/or osteogenic factors and has allowed us to reconstruct a hypothetical pipeline for cell response to simulated microgravity. Further investigation focused on the application of nanomaterials may help to increase understanding of how to treat or minimize the effects of microgravity.
Introduction: During centrifuge-simulated suborbital spaceplane flights, launch and re-entry frequently cause visual symptoms, and G-induced loss of consciousness can occur. G-related effects may be more prominent during re-entry from microgravity on actual flights. A modified anti-G maneuver that does not involve a breath strain and is suitable for members of the public may be effective against these effects.
Introduction: Facial expression perception is the process by which someone can interpret the emotion of another individual using their facial cues. Below-average scores on tests designed to measure facial expression recognition (FER) accuracies are associated with inappropriate behavioral responses and are often linked to mental or neurological disorders. Head-down bed rest microgravity analog studies show changes in facial emotion processing that may indicate a behavioral health risk during spaceflight.
Men and women have different cardiovascular responses to spaceflight; however, few studies have focused on direct comparisons between sexes. We investigated the mechanisms of aortic stiffening in socially and sexually mature 20-week-old male and female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats exposed to hindlimb unloading (HLU) for 14 days. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was greater in the aortic arch of females after HLU versus control females (n = 6-8).
Many simulated micro-gravity (micro-G) experiments on earth suggest that micro-G conditions are not compatible with early mammalian embryo development. Recently, the first two "space embryo" studies have been published showing that early mouse embryo development can occur in real microgravity (real micro-G) conditions in orbit. In the first of these studies, published in 2020, Lei and collaborators developed automated mini-incubator (AMI) devices for mouse embryos facilitating cultivation, microscopic observation, and fixation.
The mechanism by which chondrocytes respond to reduced mechanical loading environments and the subsequent risk of developing osteoarthritis remains unclear. This is of particular concern for astronauts. In space the reduced joint loading forces during prolonged microgravity (10 g) exposure could lead to osteoarthritis (OA), compromising quality of life post-spaceflight.
