Counterbalancing immunosuppression-induced infections during long-term stay of humans in space

Publication date: January 2013 Source:Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ideas, Volume 7, Issue 1 Author(s): S.M.J. Mortazavi , M. Motamedifar , G. Namdari , M. Taheri , A.R. Mortazavi The immune system is reported to be highly sensitive to different stressors that exist during space flight. Immune system dysregulation during and immediately following space missions is extensively reported. Solar and galactic radiation are among the major environmental factors which increase the risk of infection during extended stays of humans outside the Earth’s magnetic field. It has been reported that in addition to the effects on the host immune system, decreased antibiotic potency and enhanced microbial virulence are outcomes of long-term space flights. In long-time space missions, the probability of transformation of the neutral microorganisms into the harmful ones can pose a threat to astronauts’ health. In a widely cited publication, we suggested that for a deep space mission the adaptive response of all potential crew members be measured and only those with high adaptive response be chosen. We hypothesised that chronic exposure to elevated levels of radiation can considerably decrease radiation susceptibility of the selected astronauts and better protect astronauts against the unpredictable exposure to solar flares and coronal mass ejections. On the other hand, the results obtained in our recent studies indicate that exposure of laboratory animals to radiofrequency radia...
Source: Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ideas - Category: Research Source Type: research