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Recent scientific studies have revealed that the impact of space radiation on human bone and blood tissue is profound – Illustration: SHUTTERSTOCK
According to the study published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, the blood of all 14 astronauts who participated in NASA’s Space Shuttle program exhibited DNA mutations.
This group of astronauts participated in various Space Shuttle missions between 1998 and 2001, with an average mission duration of 12 days.
Researchers collected blood samples from the astronauts twice: the first sample was taken 10 days before space travel, and the second sample was taken on the day of landing. White blood cells were collected three days after landing. These samples were frozen at -80°C and remained untouched for 20 years.
Professor of cardiology David Goukassian from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, the lead author of the study, stated that astronauts work in a challenging environment, exposed to space radiation and factors that may lead to somatic mutations.
The study aimed to understand potential health risks when astronauts are exposed to various harmful factors during space exploration missions. This is crucial for planning safe space missions in the future.
Researchers used DNA sequencing and biological analysis to identify 34 mutations in 17 genes that regulate cell division and development. They found that the most common mutations occurred in TP53, a gene that produces tumor-suppressing proteins, and DNMT3A, one of the most frequently mutated genes in acute myeloid leukemia.
Although these mutations are abnormal compared to the current age of the astronauts, researchers stated that there is no immediate cause for concern.
“The presence of these mutations doesn’t necessarily mean that the astronauts in this study will develop cardiovascular disease or cancer. However, this could happen if they (or future astronauts) are continuously and extensively exposed to the harsh space environment,” said Professor Goukassian.
For now, the research team cannot make definitive conclusions. Further in-depth studies about the health of the astronaut group and their susceptibility to diseases are still underway.
As NASA initiates the Artemis program, previous health observations of astronauts will be key to the success not only of future lunar missions but also those to Mars and beyond.
According to the researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NASA’s medical team should screen astronauts for somatic mutations every 3 to 5 years. This will enable NASA to make informed predictions about astronauts at a higher risk of developing diseases based on these research findings.
The screening process will also open doors to precise medical approaches for early intervention and prevention of dangerous diseases for those embarking on space missions.
Previously, another scientific study indicated that astronauts participating in space missions lasting more than three months exhibited signs of bone loss, even after a year of returning to Earth. This demonstrates the profound impact of space radiation on human bone tissue.