scholarly journals Effect of Space Flight on the Behavior of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial ARPE-19 Cells and Evaluation of Coenzyme Q10 Treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Cialdai ◽  
Davide Bolognini ◽  
Leonardo Vignali ◽  
Nicola Iannotti ◽  
Stefano Cacchione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coenzyme Q10 ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Cell Dysfunction ◽  
Cytoskeleton Remodeling ◽  
Molecular Effects ◽  
Perinuclear Area

Abstract Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) are exposed to the damaging effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. One of the most critical and sensitive districts of their organism is the eye, and in particular the retina, so that more than half of them develops a complex of alterations designated as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome. We explored the cellular and molecular effects induced on human retinal pigment ARPE-19 cell line by their transfer to and three days stay on board the ISS in the context of an experiment funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). Treatment of cells on board ISS with the well-known bioenergetic, antioxidant and antiapoptotic coenzyme Q10 was also evaluated. In the ground control experiment the cells were exposed to the same conditions as on the ISS, except for microgravity and radiation. Transfer of ARPE-19 retinal cells to the ISS and their living on board for three days did not impact on cell viability or apoptosis but induced cytoskeleton remodeling consisting in vimentin redistribution from the cellular boundaries to the perinuclear area, underlining the collapse of the network of intermediate vimentin filaments under unloading conditions. Morphological changes endured by ARPE-19 cells grown on board the ISS were associated with changes in the transcriptomic profile related to cellular response to space environment, and were consistent with cell dysfunction adaptations. In addition, results obtained from ARPE-19 cells treated on board ISS with coenzyme Q10 showed its potential ability to increase cell resistance to damaging insults.

Abstract 516: Knockdown of the Hypertension Associated Gene NOSTRIN Alters Glomerular Barrier Function in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Hypertension ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Kirsch ◽  
Jessica Kaufeld ◽  
Ron Korstanje ◽  
Dirk Hentschel ◽  
Hermann Haller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glomerular Filtration ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Glomerular Filtration Barrier ◽  
Cell Dysfunction ◽  
Larval Zebrafish ◽  
Filtration Barrier ◽  
Important Regulator ◽  
Glomerular Barrier ◽  
Prime Source

The bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) has been associated with the development and progression of vascular and renal disease. NOSTRIN (for eNOS Traffic Inducer) has primarily been recognized as one important regulator of eNOS, the prime source of NO in the cardiovascular system, with a possible role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and the development of increased intrahepatic resistance in liver disease. Here, we identified NOSTRIN in the center of a QTL-overlap region in rat and human trait loci that are associated with hypertension. Glomerular NOSTRIN expression is detectable in podocytes in human and rat glomeruli and podocytic NOSTRIN expression is diminished in hypertensive kidney disease. We show that knockdown of NOSTRIN alters the glomerular filtration barrier function in larval zebrafish, inducing proteinuria and leading to ultrastructural morphological changes on the endothelial as well as epithelial side and the GBM of the glomerular capillary loop. We also demonstrate that NOSTRIN interacts with proteins associated with the podocyte slit membrane. We conclude that NOSTRIN expression is an important factor for the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Disease related alteration of NOSTRIN expression may not only affect the vascular endothelium and therefore contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction but may also contribute to the development of podocyte disease and proteinuria.

METHANOGENIC ARCHAEA IN THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
V.I. Oshurkova ◽  
◽  
Е.А. Deshevaya ◽  
N.E. Suzina ◽  
N.E. Shubralova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Space ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Methanogenic Archaea ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
External Exposure ◽  
International Space ◽  
Methanosarcina Mazei ◽  
Dormant Cells ◽  
Space Vacuum ◽  
Vacuum Uv

Next phase of experiment TEST is aimed to evaluate microbial viability after a prolonged external exposure on the International space station (ISS). Methanogenic archaea isolated from various habitats have been tested in ground facilities for the ability to survive exposure to such open space factors as UV and vacuum. Methanosarcina mazei S-6T (VKM B-1636T) was found to be the most viable and, therefore, suitable for the experiment. Our investigations showed that the Methanosarcina mazei population maintained viability in the course of 24-month exposure. On this evidence we conclude that genome of this metanogenic archaea possesses mechanisms against the space vacuum, UV and thermal differences that, probably, underlie the ability of the strain to form peculiar cyst-like dormant cells.

Conceptual Design of an Experiment for the International Space Station About Shape Memory Composite in Space Environment

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loredana Santo ◽  
Denise Bellisario ◽  
Giovanni Matteo Tedde ◽  
Fabrizio Quadrini
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Aging Effect ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Solar Sails ◽  
International Space ◽  
Shape Memory Composite

Shape memory polymers (SMP) and composites (SMPC) may be used for many applications in Space, from self-deployable structures (such as solar sails, panels, shields, booms and antennas), to grabbing systems for Space debris removal, up to new-concept actuators for telescope mirror tuning. Experiments on the International Space Station are necessary for testing prototypes in relevant environment, above all for the absence of gravity which affects deployment of slender structures but also to evaluate the aging effects of the Space environment. In fact, several aging mechanisms are possible, from polymer cracking to cross-linking and erosion, and different behaviors are expected as well, from consolidating the temporary shape to composite degradation. Evaluating the possibility of shape recovery because of sun exposure is another interesting point. In this study, a possible experiment on the ISS is shown with the aim of evaluating the aging effect of Space on material performances. The sample structure is described as well as the testing strategy.

Thermoelectric Applications as Related to Biomedical Engineering for Nasa Johnson Space Center

1997 ◽  
Vol 478 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. D. Kramer ◽  
P.E.
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
International Space ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Environment Noise ◽  
Scientific Value

AbstractThis paper presents current NASA biomedical developments and applications using thermoelectrics. Discussion will include future technology enhancements that would be most beneficial to the application of thermoelectric technology.A great deal of thermoelectric applications have focused on electronic cooling. As with all technological developments within NASA, if the application cannot be related to the average consumer, the technology will not be mass-produced and widely available to the public (a key to research and development expenditures and thermoelectric companies). Included are discussions of thermoelectric applications to cool astronauts during launch and reentry. The earth-based applications, or spin-offs, include such innovations as tank and race car driver cooling, to cooling infants with high temperatures, as well as, the prevention of hair loss during chemotherapy. In order to preserve the scientific value of metabolic samples during long-term space missions, cooling is required to enable scientific studies. Results of one such study should provide a better understanding of osteoporosis and may lead to a possible cure for the disease.In the space environment, noise has to be kept to a minimum. In long-term space applications such as the International Space Station, thermoelectric technology provides the acoustic relief and the reliability for food, as well as, scientific refrigeration/freezers. Applications and future needs are discussed as NASA moves closer to a continued space presence in Mir, International Space Station, and Lunar-Mars Exploration.

scholarly journals Spectral OCT-Angiography in En Face Mode for Detection of Morphological Changes in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium before and after Selective Micro-Pulse Laser Exposure in Patients with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-201
Author(s):  
P. L. Volodin ◽  
E. V. Ivanova ◽  
E. Iu. Polyakova ◽  
A. V. Fomin
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Laser System ◽  
Subretinal Fluid ◽  
Micropulse Laser ◽  
En Face ◽  
Before And After

Purpose — to study the morphological changes of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) by optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) in En Face mode before and after selective micropulse laser irradiation in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), determine the correspondence between the topographic location of RPE defects and detachment on the OCT-angiogram in En Face mode and points of leakage on the FAG.Patients and methods. There were 20 patients (21 eyes) with CSC before and after laser treatment under the observation. All patients underwent high-resolution FAG and OCT-A using Angio Retina 2×2 or 3×3 mm protocol and Angio Retina HD 6×6 mm. The treatment was carried out in a selective micropulse mode with individual selection of parameters using the Navilas 577s navigation laser system (OD-OS, Germany) or the IQ 577 laser system (IRIDEX, USA).Results were evaluated at 2 weeks and 1 month after treatment. Results. In all cases, the leaking points of the subretinal fluid on FAG corresponded to the topographic location of defects and detachments of RPE detachment on OKT-A En Face. According to OCT-A En Face, the following morphological changes were revealed: in 5 cases — single defects of RPE, in 7 cases — multiple defects of RPE, in 9 cases of slit-like detachment of RPE, in 3 patients a combination of slit-like detachment and defect RPE. The sizes of RPE defects varied in the range from 21 to 159 microns, while their rounded shape prevailed. 1 month after the selective micropulse laser effect on OCT-A in the En Face mode, the defects were closed and the RPE detachments fit in all patients, which resulted in resorption of the subretinal fluid and the neurosensory retina attachment.Findings. OCT-A in En Face mode is a highly informative diagnostic method that allows noninvasive detection of morphological changes in RPE with a clear topographic localization relative to the retinal vascular network, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of selective micropulse laser treatment in patients with CSC. 

Premature senescence of endothelial cells: Methusaleh's dilemma

2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (5) ◽  
pp. H1729-H1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Chen ◽  
Michael S. Goligorsky
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Premature Senescence ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Cell Dysfunction ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Suppression Mechanism ◽  
Senescence Program ◽  
Experimental Findings

Senescence has been considered a programmed cellular response, parallel to apoptosis, that is turned on when a cell reaches Hayflick's limit. Once cells enter the senescence program, they cease to proliferate and undergo a series of morphological and functional changes. Studies support a central role for Rb protein in controlling this process after it receives senescent signals from the p53 and p16 pathways. Cellular senescence is considered an essential contributor to the aging process and has been shown to be an important tumor suppression mechanism. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that senescence may also be involved in the pathogenesis of stem cell dysfunction and chronic human diseases. Under these circumstances cells undergo stress-induced premature senecence, which has several specific features. Focusing on endothelial cells, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the stresses and their pathways that prompt the premature senescence response, evaluate their correlation with the apoptotic response, and examine their links to the development of chronic diseases and the impaired function of endothelial progenitor cells, with the emphasis on vasculopathy. Emerging novel therapeutic interventions based on recent experimental findings are also reviewed.

The Constrained Vapor Bubble Experiment: Results From the International Space Station

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arya Chatterjee ◽  
Joel L. Plawsky ◽  
Peter C. Wayner ◽  
David F. Chao ◽  
Ronald J. Sicker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Pipe ◽  
International Space Station ◽  
Vapor Bubble ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Optical Measurements ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
International Space ◽  
Constrained Vapor Bubble

The constrained vapor bubble (CVB) experiment is an experiment in thermal fluid science currently operating on the International Space Station. Flown as the first experiment on the Fluids Integrated Rack on the Destiny module of the US part of the space station, the experiment promises to provide new and exciting insights into the working of a wickless micro heat pipe in the micro-gravity environment. The CVB consists of a relatively simple setup — a quartz cuvette with sharp corners partially filled with pentane as the working fluid. Along with temperature and pressure measurements, the curvature of the pentane menisci formed at the corners of the cuvette can be determined using optical measurements. This is the first time the data collected in space environment is being presented to the public. The data shows that, while the performance of the CVB heat pipe is enhanced due to increased fluid flow, the loss of convection as a heat loss mechanism in the space environment, leads to some interesting consequences. We present some significant differences in the operating characteristics of the heat pipe between the space and Earth’s gravity environments and show that this has important ramifications in designing effective radiators for the space environment.

Passive Space-Environment-Effect Measurement on the International Space Station

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yugo Kimoto ◽  
Keiichi Yano ◽  
Junichiro Ishizawa ◽  
Eiji Miyazaki ◽  
Ichiro Yamagata
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Effect Measurement ◽  
Environment Effect ◽  
International Space
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