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Project Title:  Stress Response and Neurovestibular Compensation and the Potential Ameliorative Effects of Team Support Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2023 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
TRISH--TRISH 
Start Date: 08/01/2021  
End Date: 07/31/2023  
Task Last Updated: 01/07/2024 
Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Sarma, Mallika  Ph.D. / Johns Hopkins University 
Address:  Human Spaceflight Lab, Department of Otolaryngology 
710 Ross Research Building 
Baltimore , MD 21287-0006 
Email: msarma1@jhu.edu 
Phone: 248-930-2729  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: Johns Hopkins University 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Shelhamer, Mark  Sc.D. MENTOR: Johns Hopkins University 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX16AO69A-P0601 
Responsible Center: TRISH 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 14579 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2021 TRISH-RFA-2101-PD: Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) Postdoctoral Fellowships 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX16AO69A-P0601 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:
Human Research Program Elements: None
Human Research Program Risks: None
Human Research Program Gaps: None
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 07/31/2023 per TRISH. (Ed., 5/31/23)

NOTE: End date changed to 08/31/2023 per TRISH. Original end date was 07/31/2022. (Ed., 8/4/22)

Task Description: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

Long-duration space flight will likely produce neurovestibular challenges that could have severe negative consequences on astronaut safety and mission success. Basic neurovestibular functions such as fine-motor and sensorimotor control are essential for vehicle control and operation of key scientific experiments. It is therefore imperative that astronauts are able to successfully adapt neurovestibular systems upon exposure to new challenging environments. However, the adaptation process can be adversely impacted by a variety of factors, including stressors from disruptions to sleep, the environment, having to perform, and engaging with new people, all of which are anticipated in a mission setting. The challenge to neurovestibular systems during space flight, compounded with other stressors, will impact the ability to maintain safe and effective space travel and eventual long-term habitation; yet this remains understudied.

When experiencing these compounding stressors, the physiological stress response may influence neurovestibular responses. Specifically, the level of stress may impact how well the neurovestibular system adapts to change. In addition, any such mission will have a crew, where a team of individuals are dependent on each other. NASA has conducted substantial research about the negative stress associated with interpersonal issues in isolation and confinement that contribute to compounded stressors. However, the positive factors of team support may dampen the negative effects of a greater stress response, with positive implications on the function of other physiological systems, including the vestibular system.

This project will study 1) how stress response can impact neurovestibular adaptation and 2) how social support may ameliorate the detrimental effects of stress response on neurovestibular adaptation. With these insights, we can develop countermeasures to mitigate space flight risks related to human health countermeasures and human factors and behavioral performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: This research critically examines multiple stressors in a mission-relevant experimental setting. The benefits of this research include establishing a framework to better evaluate acceptable ranges of an easily collectable biomarker like salivary cortisol (CORT) for spaceflight specific work. It also introduces group dynamics as a potential countermeasure for multivariate negative effects -- e.g., introducing active social support protocols may have long-lasting impacts on stress reduction as well as downstream effects on vestibular function, improve crew satisfaction and performance, mitigate against social isolation effects etc. The translational clinical implications include developing therapeutic interventions for individuals struggling with vestibular lesions, pathologies such as vertigo, and other vestibular perturbations.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2023 
Task Progress: Several publications have been added to the Cumulative Bibliography for this project (Ed., 1/6/24).

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 08/06/2024) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Articles in Other Journals or Periodicals Kim AW, Swana S, Sarma M. "Evaluating the buffering role of perceived social support and coping resources against the adult mental health impacts of COVID-19 psychosocial stress: a cross-sectional study in South Africa." medRxiv preprint server. Posted June 22, 2023. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.20.23291688 , Jun-2023
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Niclou A, Sarma M, Levy S, Ocobock C. "To the extreme! How biological anthropology can inform exercise physiology in extreme environments." Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology. 2023 Oct 1;284:111476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111476 , Oct-2023
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Kim AW, Swana S, Sarma MS. "Evaluating the buffering role of perceived social support and coping resources against the adult mental health impacts of COVID-19 psychosocial stress: A cross-sectional study in South Africa." ADV RES SCI. 2024 Jul 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42844-024-00141-4 , Jul-2024
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Jones CW, Overbey EG, Lacombe J, Ecker AJ, Meydan C, Ryon K, Tierney B, Damle N, MacKay M, Afshin EE, Foox J, Park J, Nelson T, Suhail M, Byhaqui SG, Aslam B, Tali UA, Nisa L, Menon P, Patel CO, Khan SA, Ebert DJ, Everson A, Schubert MC, Ali NN, Sarma MS, Kim J, Houerbi N, Grigorev K, Garcia Medina S, Summers AJ, Gu J, Altin JA, Fattahi A, Hirzallah MI, Wu JH, Stahn AC, Beheshti A, Klotz R, Ortiz V, Yu M, Patras L, Matei I, Lyden D, Melnick A, Banerjee N, Mullane S, Kleinman A, Loesche M, Menon AS, Donoviel DB, Urquieta E, Mateus J, Sargsyan AE, Shelhamer M, Zenhausern F, Bershad EM, Basner M, Mason CE. "Molecular and physiologic changes in the SpaceX Inspiration4 civilian crew." Nature. 2024 Jun 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07648-x ; PMID: 38862026 , Jun-2024
Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals Niclou A, Sarma MS. "The now and future of human biology at the extremes: An introduction to the special issue." Am J Hum Biol. 2023 Oct 26;e24006. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.24006 ; PMID: 37885124 , Oct-2023
Awards Sarma MS. "NASA Human Research Program Investigator’s Workshop Postdoc Poster Award – 1st Place, February 2022." Feb-2022
Project Title:  Stress Response and Neurovestibular Compensation and the Potential Ameliorative Effects of Team Support Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2022 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
TRISH--TRISH 
Start Date: 08/01/2021  
End Date: 07/31/2023  
Task Last Updated: 07/13/2023 
Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Sarma, Mallika  Ph.D. / Johns Hopkins University 
Address:  Human Spaceflight Lab, Department of Otolaryngology 
710 Ross Research Building 
Baltimore , MD 21287-0006 
Email: msarma1@jhu.edu 
Phone: 248-930-2729  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: Johns Hopkins University 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Shelhamer, Mark  Sc.D. MENTOR: Johns Hopkins University 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX16AO69A-P0601 
Responsible Center: TRISH 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 14579 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2021 TRISH-RFA-2101-PD: Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) Postdoctoral Fellowships 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX16AO69A-P0601 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:  
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: None
Human Research Program Risks: None
Human Research Program Gaps: None
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 07/31/2023 per TRISH. (Ed., 5/31/23)

NOTE: End date changed to 08/31/2023 per TRISH. Original end date was 07/31/2022. (Ed., 8/4/22)

Task Description: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

Long-duration space flight will likely produce neurovestibular challenges that could have severe negative consequences on astronaut safety and mission success. Basic neurovestibular functions such as fine-motor and sensorimotor control are essential for vehicle control and operation of key scientific experiments. It is therefore imperative that astronauts are able to successfully adapt neurovestibular systems upon exposure to new challenging environments. However, the adaptation process can be adversely impacted by a variety of factors, including stressors from disruptions to sleep, the environment, having to perform, and engaging with new people, all of which are anticipated in a mission setting. The challenge to neurovestibular systems during space flight, compounded with other stressors, will impact the ability to maintain safe and effective space travel and eventual long-term habitation; yet this remains understudied.

When experiencing these compounding stressors, the physiological stress response may influence neurovestibular responses. Specifically, the level of stress may impact how well the neurovestibular system adapts to change. In addition, any such mission will have a crew, where a team of individuals are dependent on each other. NASA has conducted substantial research about the negative stress associated with interpersonal issues in isolation and confinement that contribute to compounded stressors. However, the positive factors of team support may dampen the negative effects of a greater stress response, with positive implications on the function of other physiological systems, including the vestibular system.

This project will study 1) how stress response can impact neurovestibular adaptation and 2) how social support may ameliorate the detrimental effects of stress response on neurovestibular adaptation. With these insights, we can develop countermeasures to mitigate space flight risks related to human health countermeasures and human factors and behavioral performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits: This research critically examines multiple stressors in a mission-relevant experimental setting. The benefits of this research include establishing a framework to better evaluate acceptable ranges of an easily collectable biomarker like salivary cortisol (CORT) for spaceflight specific work. It also introduces group dynamics as a potential countermeasure for multivariate negative effects -- e.g., introducing active social support protocols may have long-lasting impacts on stress reduction as well as downstream effects on vestibular function, improve crew satisfaction and performance, mitigate against social isolation effects etc. The translational clinical implications include developing therapeutic interventions for individuals struggling with vestibular lesions, pathologies such as vertigo, and other vestibular perturbations.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2022 
Task Progress: Astronauts on long space mission are exposed to prolonged exposure to space radiation which causes serious cardiovascular disease. However, there are no effective countermeasures to prevent or intervene ionizing radiation induced cardiovascular complications. The objective of current TRISH fellowship is to develop novel and effective countermeasure against ionizing radiation-induced cardiovascular injury using induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs).

iPSC-CMs from three different donors (comparable to astronaut demographics = Caucasian, male, 30s) were exposed to the different dose or X-rays radiation (0, 2, 5, 10 Gy) and various molecular parameters (viability, DNA-damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function) were measured at different times post irradiation (1 hour, 1 day, 3 day) and correlated the functional changes (beating rate, contraction velocity, relaxation velocity) at 14 days post irradiation. Prevailing mitochondrial dysfunction was observed at 3 days post irradiation and co-treatment with antioxidant significantly restored mitochondrial function in irradiated iPSC-CMs. Using oxidative stress as a primary screening parameter, we identified genistein or simvastatin robustly reversed ROS accumulation in iPSC-CMs following irradiation.

We will further validate the efficacy of genistein and/or simvastatin on advanced 3D culture system (engineered heart tissues) or in a mouse model of radiation induced heart disease in upcoming 2022-2023 TRISH year. A successful completion of this postdoctoral fellowship study will provide (i) study results of chronic space radiation exposure on human hearts and (ii) development of novel radioprotective countermeasure against space radiation-induced injuries. Reducing uncertainties in cardiovascular risks against space radiation will accelerate a humanity’s dream to travel space.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 08/06/2024) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
Awards Sarma M. "Editor's Choice American Journal of Human Biology, January 2022." Jan-2022
Awards Sarma M. "2022 NASA Human Research Program (HRP) Investigators’ Workshop (IWS) Postdoc Poster Award (1st place), Virtual, February 7-10, 2022." Feb-2022
Project Title:  Stress Response and Neurovestibular Compensation and the Potential Ameliorative Effects of Team Support Reduce
Fiscal Year: FY 2021 
Division: Human Research 
Research Discipline/Element:
TRISH--TRISH 
Start Date: 08/01/2021  
End Date: 08/31/2023  
Task Last Updated: 08/30/2021 
Download Task Book report in PDF pdf
Principal Investigator/Affiliation:   Sarma, Mallika  Ph.D. / Johns Hopkins University 
Address:  Human Spaceflight Lab, Department of Otolaryngology 
710 Ross Research Building 
Baltimore , MD 21287-0006 
Email: msarma1@jhu.edu 
Phone: 248-930-2729  
Congressional District:
Web:  
Organization Type: UNIVERSITY 
Organization Name: Johns Hopkins University 
Joint Agency:  
Comments:  
Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation: 
Shelhamer, Mark  Sc.D. MENTOR: Johns Hopkins University 
Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NNX16AO69A-P0601 
Responsible Center: TRISH 
Grant Monitor:  
Center Contact:   
Unique ID: 14579 
Solicitation / Funding Source: 2021 TRISH-RFA-2101-PD: Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) Postdoctoral Fellowships 
Grant/Contract No.: NNX16AO69A-P0601 
Project Type: Ground 
Flight Program:  
TechPort: No 
No. of Post Docs:
No. of PhD Candidates:  
No. of Master's Candidates:  
No. of Bachelor's Candidates:  
No. of PhD Degrees:  
No. of Master's Degrees:  
No. of Bachelor's Degrees:  
Human Research Program Elements: None
Human Research Program Risks: None
Human Research Program Gaps: None
Flight Assignment/Project Notes: NOTE: End date changed to 08/31/2023 per TRISH (Ed., 8/4/22)

Task Description: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

Long-duration space flight will likely produce neurovestibular challenges that could have severe negative consequences on astronaut safety and mission success. Basic neurovestibular functions such as fine-motor and sensorimotor control are essential for vehicle control and operation of key scientific experiments. It is therefore imperative that astronauts are able to successfully adapt neurovestibular systems upon exposure to new challenging environments. However, the adaptation process can be adversely impacted by a variety of factors, including stressors from disruptions to sleep, the environment, having to perform, and engaging with new people, all of which are anticipated in a mission setting. The challenge to neurovestibular systems during space flight, compounded with other stressors, will impact the ability to maintain safe and effective space travel and eventual long-term habitation; yet this remains understudied.

When experiencing these compounding stressors, the physiological stress response may influence neurovestibular responses. Specifically, the level of stress may impact how well the neurovestibular system adapts to change. In addition, any such mission will have a crew, where a team of individuals are dependent on each other. NASA has conducted substantial research about the negative stress associated with interpersonal issues in isolation and confinement that contribute to compounded stressors. However, the positive factors of team support may dampen the negative effects of a greater stress response, with positive implications on the function of other physiological systems, including the vestibular system.

This project will study 1) how stress response can impact neurovestibular adaptation and 2) how social support may ameliorate the detrimental effects of stress response on neurovestibular adaptation. With these insights, we can develop countermeasures to mitigate space flight risks related to human health countermeasures and human factors and behavioral performance.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2021 
Task Progress: New project for FY2021.

Bibliography: Description: (Last Updated: 08/06/2024) 

Show Cumulative Bibliography
 
 None in FY 2021