How gravity influences the skeleton: changes following space flight
ECTS eCampus. Vico L. 07/04/22; 369948
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The musculoskeletal system is essential for sustaining physical function and energy metabolism, and the maintenance of health during exploration missions, and consequently mission success, will be tightly linked to musculoskeletal function. The ability of the human body to adapt to these extreme conditions has been noted since the beginning of human space travel. Skeletal alterations that occur during spaceflight are now better understood owing to tools such as dual-energy X ray densitometry and high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT, and murine models help researchers to understand cellular and matrix changes that occur in bone and that are difficult to measure in humans. Although space is a unique environment, clear parallels exist between the effects of spaceflight, periods of immobilization and ageing, with possibly irreversible features.
However, questions remain with regard to bone adaptation and osteocyte fate, as well as to interactions of the skeleton with fluid shifts towards the head and with the vascular system. Space travel offers an opportunity to establish integrated deconditioning and ageing interventions that combine nutritional, physical and possibly pharmaceutical strategies.
However, questions remain with regard to bone adaptation and osteocyte fate, as well as to interactions of the skeleton with fluid shifts towards the head and with the vascular system. Space travel offers an opportunity to establish integrated deconditioning and ageing interventions that combine nutritional, physical and possibly pharmaceutical strategies.
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