Responsible Center: NASA JSC
Grant Monitor: Goodwin, Thomas
Center Contact: thomas.j.goodwin@nasa.gov
Unique ID: 7609
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Solicitation / Funding Source: Directed Research
Grant/Contract No.: Directed Research
Project Type: GROUND
Flight Program:
TechPort: No |
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Human Research Program Elements: |
(1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures
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Human Research Program Risks: |
None
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Human Research Program Gaps: |
None
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Flight Assignment/Project Notes: |
NOTE: End date changed back to 9/30/2010 per discussions with PI (Ed., 2/8/2012)
NOTE: Change in end date to 5/20/2011 per HRP Master Task List information dtd 11/11/11 (Ed., 1/30/2012) |
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Task Description: |
It is well understood that living in an environment with an increased partial pressure of oxygen will result in oxidative damage to the body – this is supported by our published data from NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations) V, XII, and XIII saturation dive missions. Similar types of oxidative damage are evident after long-duration space flight. In this study, we propose to expand the number of markers of oxidative damage measured in the earlier NEEMO missions to better characterize observed effects, and to also include biomarkers suggested by the National Cancer Institute and other members of the NIH at a joint NCI/NASA workshop on oxidative damage assessment. Additionally, markers of folate status and metabolism will be evaluated because they were affected in earlier NEEMO and ISS crewmembers, possibly through a mechanism that relates to oxidative insult.
Measurements will also include markers used to determine whether the increase in body iron storage during NEEMO missions is due to destruction of red blood cells, which would be a mechanism similar to what happens during space flight. On the basis of numerous studies of subjects at different altitudes, we expect that neocytolysis occurs upon exposure to the increase in pressure; however, this has not been measured directly in the NEEMO model. |
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Research Impact/Earth Benefits: |
Better characterization of oxidative damage along with iron and folate metabolism will have significant effects on our understanding of the human adaptation to microgravity. This will not only help drive changes to the defined nutritional requirements for spaceflight, but will also provide a better understanding of human physiology in altered environments, which enhances scientific and medical knowledge, with potential impact across the population. |