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Published on: January 5, 2017
Simulated microgravity disrupts intestinal homeostasis and increases colitis susceptibility
Pingping Li1, Junxiu Shi1, Peng Zhang1
1*Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Peking University Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Sciences Center, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China; and College of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, China.
Simulated microgravity impairs gut homeostasis, increasing susceptibility to colon inflammation. This highlights the need to assess inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk for space travel.
Area of Science:
- Spaceflight immunology
- Gastrointestinal health
- Microbiome research
Background:
- Spaceflight alters immune function, but microgravity's impact on mucosal immunity and gut health is understudied.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for astronaut health during long-duration missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how simulated microgravity affects intestinal homeostasis.
- To determine if microgravity increases susceptibility to colon inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a hindlimb unloading (HU) mouse model to simulate microgravity.
- Induced colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in HU and control mice.
- Analyzed changes in gut microbiota, immune cell populations (Treg), and cytokine expression (IL-10, IL-1β).
Main Results:
- Simulated microgravity impaired intestinal homeostasis and increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis.
- Observed significant alterations in gut microbiota composition, including increased segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB).
- Found reduced regulatory T (Treg) cells and IL-10, alongside increased IL-1β, neutrophils, and colonic neutrophil infiltration in HU mice.
Conclusions:
- Both intestinal microflora and the innate immune system are affected by simulated microgravity, leading to a pro-inflammatory gut environment.
- These findings underscore the importance of evaluating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility for astronauts undertaking space travel.
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