The long-term harm to the human body from leaving the earth and entering space has begun to become clear, and at least so far, no research answer is good. A recent new research by the Icahn Medical School team in Mount Sinai, New York, shows that even a relatively short space fli

The long-term harm to the human body after leaving the earth and entering space begins to become clear. At least so far, no research answer is good. A recent new research by the Icahn Medical School team in Mount Sinai, New York, shows that even a relatively short space flight, crew members can experience destructive DNA mutations, which may increase their lifelong risk of cancer or heart disease.

team studied 14 astronauts (mostly males, with an average age of 42 years old, of which 6 were performing their first space missions) who took blood samples 10 days before the flight and on the day of landing, and placed them on the 10th day of the flight and on the day of landing. -80℃ for environmental storage for 20 years. Using DNA sequencing analysis, researchers discovered DNA mutations called somatic mutation in the hematopoietic system.

In depth, researchers found 34 mutations in 17 replicate hematopoiesis (CH) driver genes, the most common mutations occur in TP53 (the gene that produces tumor suppressor protein) and DNMT3A (the most common in acute myelogenous leukemia). one of the mutated genes).

This mutation is usually caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation or certain chemicals, which may also be a side effect of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most patients only find it when checking blood samples or other disease genes, although it is not necessarily a disease indicator. , but it is related to the high risk of cardiovascular disease and blood cancer.

Although the observed scale is relatively small, the fact that these mutations are present is surprising considering the relatively young age and health of these astronauts. Many factors can lead to somatic mutations, the biggest threat to astronauts is high-energy radiation in space. With the rise of commercial space exploration and the launch of longer-term space missions (such as Journey to Mars), we need to pay more attention to astronauts. face potential health risks.

new paper was published in the journal Nature Communications Biology.

(First image source: Pixabay)