The Cytoprotective Role of Antioxidants in Mammalian Cells Under Rapidly Varying UV Conditions During Stratospheric Balloon Campaign

Abstract

The current age of dynamic development of the space industry brings the mankind closer to routine manned space flights and space tourism. This progress leads to a demand for intensive astrobiological research aimed at improving strategies of the pharmacological protection of the human cells against extreme conditions. Although routine research in space remains out of our reach, it is worth noticing that the unique severe environment of the Earth’s stratosphere has been found to mimic subcosmic conditions, giving rise to the opportunity to use the stratospheric surface as a research model for the astrobiological studies. Our study included launching into the stratosphere a balloon containing mammalian normal and cancer cells treated with various compounds to examine whether these substances are capable of protecting the cells against stress caused by rapidly varying temperature, pressure, and radiation, especially UV. Owing to oxidative stress caused by irradiation and temperature shock, we used natural compounds which display antioxidant properties, namely, catechin isolated from green tea, honokiol derived from magnolia, curcumin from turmeric, and cinnamon extract. “After-flight” laboratory tests have shown the most active antioxidants as potential agents which can minimize harmful impact of extreme conditions on human cells.

Oxygen-generating biocatalytic nanomaterials for tumor hypoxia relief in cancer radiotherapy

“…Since the RT efficacy is very dependent on the oxygen content of the tumor, which can reinforce DNA damage and prevent cancer cells from repairing DNA, [3][4][5][6] a considerable number of smart oxygen-generating nanomaterials have been exploited to relieve the oxygen deficiency in the TME. However, the efficacy of RT alone as a cancer treatment is still not ideal.…”

“…Then, the produced O 2 À can form adducts with DNA, thus fixing DNA damage and making it difficult to repair. [3][4][5][6] The inhibitory effects of RT on hypoxic tumor cells are usually poor due to insufficient ROS enrichment. 7,8 Compared with normoxic cells, killing hypoxic cells requires a three times higher radiation dose, indicating that hypoxic cells are tolerant to RT.…”

The Impact of Harsh Stratospheric Conditions on Survival and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Non-Spore Forming Multidrug Resistant Human Pathogenic Bacteria Causing Hospital-Associated Infections

“…Experimental Design Three sets of samples were prepared: The experimental, flight control, and ground control groups. Experimental and flight control groups were both placed in the payload; however, the flight control samples were covered with aluminum foil, which acted as protection from direct sunlight, UV, and ionizing radiation and provided thermal isolation [20]. The ground control group was kept on the ground in normal atmospheric conditions during the flight.…”