A new study from the United States has found that the blood of astronauts who traveled to space over 20 years ago shows signs of DNA mutations, an increased risk of cancer, and various potential health issues.
According to research published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, blood samples from all 14 astronauts involved in NASA’s Space Shuttle program exhibited signs of DNA mutations.
This group of astronauts participated in various shuttle missions between 1998 and 2001, with an average mission duration of 12 days.
Recent scientific studies indicate that the impact of cosmic radiation on human bone and blood tissue is profound – (Illustrative image: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Researchers collected blood samples from the astronauts twice: the first time 10 days before their flight into space and the second time on the day of their landing. White blood cells were collected once again three days after landing. These samples were stored in a freezer at -80 degrees Celsius and remained unopened for 20 years.
Professor David Goukassian, a cardiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and the lead author of the study, stated: “Astronauts work in a harsh environment, exposed to space radiation and various factors that can lead to somatic mutations.”
The study aimed to investigate the potential health risks astronauts face when exposed to different harmful factors during space exploration missions. This is crucial for planning to ensure the safety of future space expeditions.
Researchers employed DNA sequencing and biological analysis to identify 34 mutations in 17 genes responsible for cell division and development. They discovered 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 unusual for the current ages of the astronauts, researchers noted that there is no immediate cause for concern.
“The presence of these mutations does not 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 environment of space,” Professor Goukassian explained.
At this time, the research team cannot draw definitive conclusions. Further studies on the health of the astronaut group and their potential for disease development are still ongoing.
As NASA launches the Artemis program, previous studies observing astronauts’ health will be key to the future success of not only lunar missions but also potential missions to Mars and beyond.
According to researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NASA’s medical team should screen astronauts for somatic mutations every 3 to 5 years. This would allow NASA to make informed predictions about which astronauts are more likely to develop diseases based on these research findings.
Screening will also pave the way for precision medicine approaches to early intervention and disease prevention for those undertaking space missions.
- Previously, a scientific study indicated that astronauts participating in space flights lasting more than three months showed signs of osteoporosis, even after returning to Earth for a year. This highlights the profound effects of cosmic radiation on human bone tissue.
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