Dose-Effects Models for Space Radiobiology: An Overview on Dose-Effect Relationships

Abstract

Space radiobiology is an interdisciplinary science that examines the biological effects of ionizing radiation on humans involved in aerospace missions. The dose-effect models are one of the relevant topics of space radiobiology. Their knowledge is crucial for optimizing radioprotection strategies (e.g., spaceship and lunar space station-shielding and lunar/Mars village design), the risk assessment of the health hazard related to human space exploration, and reducing damages induced to astronauts from galactic cosmic radiation. Dose-effect relationships describe the observed damages to normal tissues or cancer induction during and after space flights. They are developed for the various dose ranges and radiation qualities characterizing the actual and the forecast space missions [International Space Station (ISS) and solar system exploration]. Based on a Pubmed search including 53 papers reporting the collected dose-effect relationships after space missions or in ground simulations, 7 significant dose-effect relationships (e.g., eye flashes, cataract, central nervous systems, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chromosomal aberrations, and biomarkers) have been identified. For each considered effect, the absorbed dose thresholds and the uncertainties/limitations of the developed relationships are summarized and discussed. The current knowledge on this topic can benefit from further in vitro and in vivo radiobiological studies, an accurate characterization of the quality of space radiation, and the numerous experimental dose-effects data derived from the experience in the clinical use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic or treatments with doses similar to those foreseen for the future space missions. The growing number of pooled studies could improve the prediction ability of dose-effect relationships for space exposure and reduce their uncertainty level. Novel research in the field is of paramount importance to reduce damages to astronauts from cosmic radiation before Beyond Low Earth Orbit exploration in the next future. The study aims at providing an overview of the published dose-effect relationships and illustrates novel perspectives to inspire future research.

An estimate assay for low-level exposure to ionizing radiation based on mass spectrometry quantification of γ-H2AX in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

“…As mankind moves into space, the space radiation environment poses considerable harm to the lives and health of astronauts ( 5 , 6 , 44 ). The IR hazards to astronauts inside and outside the aircraft cabin mainly depend on the composition of space radiation particles, among which protons are the most important components, followed by heavy ions ( 45 , 46 ). Since AHH1 cells are more suitable for γ-H2AX research, the γ-H2AX levels in AHH1 cells after protons and heavy ions exposure were further profiled ( 47 , 48 ).…”

Cultivation of Vitamin C-Rich Vegetables for Space-Radiation Mitigation

“…The space environment is replete with high-energy particles, originating from both solar and cosmic sources, collectively referred to as space radiation [28]. This radiation poses a significant threat to astronaut health, due to its ionizing nature which is capable of permeating spacecraft shielding and interacting with biological tissues [28].…”

“…The space environment is replete with high-energy particles, originating from both solar and cosmic sources, collectively referred to as space radiation [28]. This radiation poses a significant threat to astronaut health, due to its ionizing nature which is capable of permeating spacecraft shielding and interacting with biological tissues [28]. Prolonged exposure to space radiation is known to induce DNA damage and compromise the immune system, rendering astronauts more susceptible to a spectrum of illnesses [29].…”

Condensed Matter Systems Exposed to Radiation: Multiscale Theory, Simulations, and Experiment

“…A combination of MM of space environments and MM of radiation of DNA and cells (as discussed for ion-beam cancer therapy in section 1.8) may also provide a more accurate model of the risk to astronauts when in space and determine mitigation strategies for their exposure to space radiation during the longer term space missions now envisaged as humans establish a permanent presence in space. 809,810 Envisaged Impact: The exploitation of MM in revealing physical and chemical processes in space has the potential to have an enormous impact on our understanding of how stars and planets form and how life has evolved on Earth (and whether it is likely to have evolved elsewhere in the universe). MM will also provide the most extensive test of whether we can replicate structures and mechanisms in the ISM and on planetary/lunar bodies in terrestrial laboratories, determining the future direction of laboratory astrochemistry.…”