The Blood-Brain Barrier in Space: Implications for Space Travelers and for Human Health on Earth

Amselem, Shimon; Eyal, Sara

doi:10.3389/fddev.2022.931221

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 95 publications

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“…Considering that circadian disruption can induce inflammation, it is plausible to suggest that one of the potential causes of the decrease in cholinesterase activity observed in the present study is the occurrence of inflammation in such a situation. Moreover, previous studies have indicated that circadian disruption can contribute to the occurrence of inflammation (4,22,23).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Rapid Changes of Light/Dark Cycle on Cholinesterase Activity in the Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex of Rats

Mirzaii-Dizgah,

Shahali

et al. 2024

Ann Mil Health Sci Res

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Background: Spaceflight poses unique physiological stressors, including circadian rhythm disruption, which can impact astronaut health and brain function. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of rapid day/night changes on cholinesterase activity in the rats' cerebellum and prefrontal cortex. Methods: Rats were divided into 2 groups (n = 8 per group): control and circadian disruption with a 45-minute light/45-minute dark cycle. After 14 days of intervention, the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex were harvested from each rat. The samples were washed in ice-cold normal saline solution, weighed, homogenized in phosphate buffer using 1 ml of buffer per 100 mg of tissue, and centrifuged. Moreover, the supernatants were used for the measurement of cholinesterase activity by the photometric method. Results: Mean cholinesterase activity was significantly lower in rats exposed to circadian disruption than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that cholinesterase activity in rats' cerebellum and prefrontal cortex reduces following exposure to rapid light/dark rhythm.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Rapid Changes of Light/Dark Cycle on Cholinesterase Activity in the Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex of Rats

Mirzaii-Dizgah,

Shahali

et al. 2024

Ann Mil Health Sci Res

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“…Such alterations may be harnessed for better understanding of the structure of blood-brain-barrier receptors and therapeutic proteins. 52 An important aspect of the impact of microgravity is that it substantially improves the growth of protein crystals. 53 Reducedgravity conditions may improve crystal formation for proteins that are prone to forming disordered aggregates at high concentrations, such as huntingtin, due to a reduction in buoyancy-driven convection.…”

Section: Microgravity Environmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monoclonal Antibodies from Space: Improved Crystallization Under Microgravity During Manufacturing in Orbit

Amselem,

Kogan,

Loboda

et al. 2024

J Explor Res Pharmacol

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This article explores the significant improvements in manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) enabled by the microgravity environment in orbiting space vehicles. mAbs, which are extensively incorporated into modern cancer treatments based on their ability to specifically target and kill tumor cells, traditionally require intravenous (IV) delivery. However, the inconvenience, potential risks of infection, and adverse systemic effects associated with IV administration have led to a move towards subcutaneous (SC) self-administration formulations. Current limitations hindering the development of SC injections are high viscosity and limited solubility of mAbs at high concentrations. The microgravity environment of space provides potential solutions to these challenges by promoting the formation of colloidal crystalline protein suspensions of low-viscosity and high concentration suitable for SC injection. Although conducting research and manufacturing in microgravity poses its own set of challenges, the benefits of improving the delivery, storage, and stability of mAbs are substantial. SpacePharma has developed novel, autonomous, remote-controlled, microfluidics-based lab-on-chip microgravity systems as a platform for the rapid screening and improved growth of crystallized monoclonal antibodies inside micron-size droplets. The advancements in this field have significant potential to improve patient care by enabling large-scale manufacturing of crystallized mAb therapies in the emerging space economy.

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“…BBB tissue chips in space may experience altered cell adhesion, tight junction barrier properties, and cellular signaling differently when compared to studies on Earth due to the absence of gravity. These microgravity-induced changes can impact the functionality and integrity of the BBB model and therefore, further studies are needed to optimize the condition of BBB tissue chips before moving forward to studying BBB in space utilizing tissue chip technology ( Amselem Shimon and Eyal, 2022 ).…”

Section: Influences That Affect Bbb Tissue Chips In Space and On Earthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blood-brain-barrier modeling with tissue chips for research applications in space and on Earth

Yau

Jogdand

Chen

2023

Front. Space Technol.

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Tissue chip technology has revolutionized biomedical applications and the medical science field for the past few decades. Currently, tissue chips are one of the most powerful research tools aiding in in vitro work to accurately predict the outcome of studies when compared to monolayer two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. While 2D cell cultures held prominence for a long time, their lack of biomimicry has resulted in a transition to 3D cell cultures, including tissue chips technology, to overcome the discrepancies often seen in in vitro studies. Due to their wide range of applications, different organ systems have been studied over the years, one of which is the blood brain barrier (BBB) which is discussed in this review. The BBB is an incredible protective unit of the body, keeping out pathogens from entering the brain through vasculature. However, there are some microbes and certain diseases that disrupt the function of this barrier which can lead to detrimental outcomes. Over the past few years, various designs of the BBB have been proposed and modeled to study drug delivery and disease modeling on Earth. More recently, researchers have started to utilize tissue chips in space to study the effects of microgravity on human health. BBB tissue chips in space can be a tool to understand function mechanisms and therapeutics. This review addresses the limitations of monolayer cell culture which could be overcome with utilizing tissue chips technology. Current BBB models on Earth and how they are fabricated as well as what influences the BBB cell culture in tissue chips are discussed. Then, this article reviews how application of these technologies together with incorporating biosensors in space would be beneficial to help in predicting a more accurate physiological response in specific tissue or organ chips. Finally, the current platforms used in space and some solutions to overcome some shortcomings for future BBB tissue chip research are also discussed.

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The Blood-Brain Barrier in Space: Implications for Space Travelers and for Human Health on Earth

Cited by 5 publications

References 95 publications

Effect of Rapid Changes of Light/Dark Cycle on Cholinesterase Activity in the Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex of Rats

Effect of Rapid Changes of Light/Dark Cycle on Cholinesterase Activity in the Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex of Rats

Monoclonal Antibodies from Space: Improved Crystallization Under Microgravity During Manufacturing in Orbit

Blood-brain-barrier modeling with tissue chips for research applications in space and on Earth

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