Space Heartbreak: Heart Tissues Weaken to Half Strength on ISS
Investigating Heart Health in Space
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are delving into how spaceflight affects astronauts' hearts. To uncover these effects, they sent 48 bioengineered heart tissue samples to the International Space Station. This study aims to reveal the impact of the unique conditions of space on heart function over an extended period.
Advanced Bioengineering on Board
The heart tissue samples were created using human induced pluripotent stem cells, allowing them to mimic real human heart tissue. These samples were grown in specialized 'organ-on-a-chip' devices, which are tiny models of human organs. This innovative technology enabled scientists to monitor the heart tissues closely while in the microgravity environment of space.
Impact of Microgravity on Heart Function
In the low-gravity conditions of space, the heart tissues showed significant changes. The strength of their contractions, known as twitch forces, decreased to about half of what was observed in similar samples on Earth. Additionally, the heart cells began to beat irregularly, raising concerns about their overall health and performance.
Concerning Findings and Health Risks
The study revealed elevated levels of inflammation and oxidative damage in the space-bound heart tissues. Proteins that help heart cells contract became shorter and more disordered, similar to changes seen in heart disease. Furthermore, the mitochondria in the cells, which produce energy, lost their shape and became less efficient, indicating that the heart cells were under significant stress.
Implications for Long-Term Space Missions
These findings have serious implications for future long-duration space missions, such as trips to the Moon or Mars. Reduced heart muscle function and irregular heartbeats could pose significant health risks for astronauts. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing strategies to protect heart health during extended time in space.
Conclusion
The study underscores the challenges that spaceflight poses to heart health, highlighting the need for further research. By refining their 'heart-on-a-chip' technology, scientists hope to better understand the molecular causes of heart dysfunction in space. These insights will be essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts on future deep space missions.
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