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Myocardial Disease and Long-Distance Space Travel: Solving the Radiation Problem
Manon Meerman1,2, Tom C L Bracco Gartner1,2, Jan Willem Buikema2,3
1Division Heart and Lung, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|March 1, 2021
Summary
Space radiation poses significant cardiovascular risks to astronauts, causing diseases through fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and microvascular damage. Current countermeasures are insufficient, necessitating further research into radiation-induced cardiovascular disease and radioprotective strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Space Medicine
- Radiation Biology
Background:
- Radiation exposure, particularly space radiation, is a known cause of cardiovascular disease.
- Increased space mission durations necessitate understanding space radiation's impact on astronaut cardiovascular health.
- Space radiation can induce cardiovascular damage through myocardial fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and microvascular injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze the effects of space radiation on the cardiovascular system.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease.
- To review potential countermeasures for space radiation-induced cardiovascular damage.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on space radiation and cardiovascular effects.
- Analysis of identified pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Evaluation of current pharmacological countermeasures.
Main Results:
- Space radiation contributes to cardiovascular disease via fibrotic remodeling, accelerated atherosclerosis, and microvascular damage.
- While some mechanisms are identified, the full pathophysiology of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease remains unclear.
- Existing pharmacological agents have been tested, but no radioprotective compounds are currently approved for space travel.
Conclusions:
- Space radiation presents a serious threat to cardiovascular health during long-duration missions.
- Further research is crucial to fully understand the mechanisms and develop effective radioprotective strategies.
- Development and approval of radioprotective compounds are essential for astronaut safety.
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