Responsible Center: NASA JSC
Grant Monitor: Elgart, Robin
Center Contact: 281-244-0596 (o)/832-221-4576 (m) shona.elgart@nasa.gov
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Solicitation / Funding Source: 2017-2018 HERO 80JSC017N0001-BPBA Topics in Biological, Physiological, and Behavioral Adaptations to Spaceflight. Appendix C
Grant/Contract No.: 80NSSC19K0437
Project Type: GROUND
Flight Program:
TechPort: No |
No. of Post Docs:
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Human Research Program Elements: |
(1) SR:Space Radiation
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Human Research Program Risks: |
(1) Bmed:Risk of Adverse Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders (2) Cancer:Risk of Radiation Carcinogenesis (3) Cardiovascular:Risk of Cardiovascular Adaptations Contributing to Adverse Mission Performance and Health Outcomes (IRP Rev M)
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Human Research Program Gaps: |
(1) BMed-103:What are the validated, efficacious treatments (individual or Team-based) and/or countermeasures to prevent adverse behavioral conditions, CNS/neurological, and/or psychiatric disorders caused by either single and/or integrated exposures to spaceflight hazards during exploration class missions? (IRP Rev L) (2) BMed-104:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated modifications to habitat/vehicle to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health? (IRP Rev L) (3) BMed-105:Given the potentially negative spaceflight associated CNS/cognitive changes and behavioral experiences of stressors during long-duration missions (e.g., isolation, confinement, reduced sensory stimulation, altered gravity, space radiation), what are validated medical or dietary countermeasures to mitigate stressors impacting on CNS / cognition / behavioral health? (IRP Rev L) (4) Cancer-203:Evaluate the tissue-specific risks of space radiation exposure on cancer outcomes (IRP Rev M) (5) Cancer-502:Systematically identify safe and effective countermeasures to reduce radiation carcinogenesis (IRP Rev M) (6) CVD-202:Develop and ground-test countermeasures against the spaceflight-induced changes in the cardiovascular system of importance for development of disease (IRP Rev L)
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Flight Assignment/Project Notes: |
NOTE: End date changed to 10/31/2022 per NSSC information (Ed., 5/17/21)
NOTE: End date changed to 3/31/2022 per NSSC information (Ed., 11/4/20) |
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Task Description: |
Recent evidence shows that radiation encountered during deep space travel is associated with increased risks of cancer. Administration of a dietary radiation countermeasure before and/or during the mission is an attractive option to reduce the carcinogenesis risk. Gamma-tocotrienol is one of the strongest radiation protectors of all natural compounds tested so far. It is safe, non-toxic and well tolerated, exhibits no interactions with other medications and requires no special storage conditions. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and protects against endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, studies with tocotrienol administration in human subjects and animal models have shown cancer prevention. In our preliminary studies, gamma-tocotrienol reduced radiation-induced genomic instability, as detected by studying chromosomal aberrations, in human endothelial cells and in bone marrow cells of gamma-ray exposed mice. Altogether, based on its safety profile, biological properties, and our preliminary results, gamma-tocotrienol has high potential as radiation countermeasure during space travel. Here, we use a mouse model to test whether gamma-tocotrienol protects against radiation-induced carcinogenesis. For this purpose, genetically modified mice will be used that show a low spontaneous cancer rate, but increased tumor incidence in response to low-dose radiation. Male and female adult mice will be exposed to mixed charged particle beams to mimic galactic cosmic rays at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. Twenty-four hours before each radiation exposure, mice will be administered gamma-tocotrienol. Mice will be followed for 18 months after irradiation and inspected daily for tumor formation. In addition, bone marrow cells will be collected to assess the effects of gamma-tocotrienol on genomic instability by cytogenetic analysis. These studies will advance the countermeasure readiness level of gamma-tocotrienol against carcinogenesis risks of space radiation. |
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Research Impact/Earth Benefits: |
There is concern about increased carcinogenesis risk after chronic exposures to low-dose ionizing radiation, such as from medical treatments, occupational low-dose exposures, and radiological accidents. The current project will provide evidence for gamma-tocotrienol as a safe countermeasure against radiation-induced carcinogenesis. This information will not only contribute to reducing the risk of radiation exposure during deep-space travel, but also the risks of carcinogenesis from exposure to low-dose rate radiation exposures on Earth. |