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Problems of space gastroenterology and microenvironment
1Institute for Medical-Biological Problems of the USSR, Ministry of Health, Moscow.
Die Nahrung
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Space travel alters digestive functions, impacting enzyme activity, gut flora, and organ function. Short missions cause temporary changes, while extended missions lead to more significant, yet transient, digestive system disruptions.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Human physiology
Background:
- Space missions and hypokinesia induce physiological changes.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) function is sensitive to altered gravity and stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the effects of space missions on GI secretion, motility, and absorption.
- To detail changes in digestive enzymes, gut microbiota, and organ function.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on space missions and hypokinesia.
- Analysis of reported changes in GI parameters in humans and animals.
Main Results:
- Short-term missions: transient changes in digestive enzyme activity, gut flora instability, and accelerated gastric emptying.
- Extended missions: hypersecretory gastric syndrome and reduced pancreatic function.
- Compensatory-adaptive changes in membranous enzymes and varying degrees of intestinal dysbiosis.
Conclusions:
- Spaceflight significantly impacts GI function, with effects varying based on mission duration.
- Adaptations occur, but dysbiosis and functional declines in key digestive organs are observed.