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Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle's adaptation to long-term spaceflight
Jörn Rittweger1,2, Kirsten Albracht3,4, Martin Flück5
11Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany.
NPJ Microgravity
|September 25, 2018
Summary
Spaceflight causes muscle loss, but exercise countermeasures can be effective. Intensive training is crucial, as individual responses to spaceflight vary, impacting muscle health and metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Space physiology
- Exercise science
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Spaceflight leads to significant muscle wasting.
- Understanding molecular adaptations is key to developing effective countermeasures.
- Previous studies highlight the need for personalized exercise protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate muscle size, architecture, function, and molecular changes in astronauts during spaceflight.
- To compare the effects of different exercise intensities on muscle adaptations.
- To identify molecular markers indicative of muscle loading history.
Main Methods:
- The Sarcolab pilot study involved two astronauts over a 6-month space mission.
- Plantar flexor muscle parameters (size, architecture, function) were assessed pre- and post-flight.
- Molecular analyses included FAK-Y397 abundance and proteomic/metabolomic profiling.
Main Results:
- Astronaut B, who trained more vigorously, showed significantly less muscle decrement than astronaut A.
- FAK-Y397 abundance correlated with the difference in muscle loading and preservation.
- Both astronauts experienced declines in aerobic metabolism, but exercise mitigated losses in muscle mass and strength.
Conclusions:
- Exercise countermeasures are effective in mitigating spaceflight-induced muscle loss, especially with sufficient intensity.
- Intersubject variability in response necessitates tailored and intensive exercise programs.
- Exercise benefits extend beyond muscle mass to influence systemic metabolism.