UNITED STATES: In a groundbreaking study shedding light on the effects of space travel on human health, scientists from the University of Ottawa have unveiled compelling evidence suggesting that astronauts’ immune systems weaken during space missions, rendering them more susceptible to infections.
Published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, the research provides crucial insights into the possible risks faced by astronauts on long-duration space flights.
The study focused on 14 astronauts, comprising three women and eleven men, who spent between 4.5 and 6.5 months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from 2015 to 2019.
By analyzing genes in white blood cells associated with the immune system, researchers discovered a significant downregulation of these genes while astronauts were in space.
However, upon their return to Earth, the expression of these genes rebounded, indicating a recovery of immune system strength.
Dr. Odette Laneuville, an associate professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa and the lead author of the research, explained, “Here, we demonstrate that whereas the expression of numerous immune-related genes rapidly declines when astronauts reach space, the opposite occurs when they return to Earth following a six-month stay on the ISS”.
These findings illuminate a potential link between space travel and increased vulnerability to infections among astronauts. A weakened immune system heightens the risk of contracting infectious diseases while in space, providing a possible explanation for the observation that astronauts tend to shed more live virus particles in microgravity environments.
Dr. Guy Trudel, a rehabilitation physician and professor at the University of Ottawa, expressed concern about the implications of weakened immunity, emphasizing that it could limit astronauts’ ability to carry out demanding missions in space.
Furthermore, he noted that in the event of severe infections or immune-related conditions, astronauts would face significant challenges in accessing medical care, medication, or even evacuation while in space.
The study adds to a growing body of research highlighting the adverse effects of space travel on various aspects of human health.
The combination of exposure to cosmic radiation and the microgravity environment of space has been shown to negatively impact “most physiological functions,” as noted by the study’s authors.
Previous research has demonstrated reduced bone mineral density and strength in astronauts who have spent prolonged periods aboard the ISS, with some individuals failing to fully recover these metrics upon returning to Earth.
However, the University of Ottawa study offers a glimmer of hope, as it indicates that most genes related to immune function return to their pre-flight levels of expression within a year of astronauts’ return to Earth, and often even sooner.
The researchers now aim to harness these findings to develop countermeasures that can mitigate immune suppression during long-duration space missions.
By better understanding the impact of space travel on the immune system, scientists can strive to safeguard the well-being and health of astronauts during future space exploration endeavours.
As humanity sets its sights on longer and more ambitious space missions, such as crewed trips to Mars, it becomes increasingly crucial to address the potential health risks faced by astronauts.
The findings of this study serve as a vital stepping stone in our quest to unravel the mysteries of space and ensure the safety of those who venture beyond Earth’s atmosphere in pursuit of scientific discovery.
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