[Effects of a long-term space flight on human biochemical status]

Biochemical status of cosmonauts was examined during long (4-6 months) space flights. A Reflotron device and test strips with an active principle based on "dry chemistry" methods were used. Blood plasma samples were collected from the finger for later laboratory analyses. Parameters characterizing metabolic status and functions of various body systems and organs were tested in blood and plasma samples. Space flight was found associated with increased peripheral blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, lactate, total protein, lactate dehydrogenase and amylase activities. The detected shifts were reversible. A hypothesis on minimal levels of energy metabolism under conditions of weightlessness was confirmed by reduced malate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase activities in the blood during the flights. No correlation between the detected shifts and space flight duration was revealed.