Long-term space flights and even just stay in earth orbit is hardly beneficial for health. Zero gravity and cosmic radiation have not the most positive impact on our body, which adds to the difficulties in implementing long-standing dream of mankind to colonize Mars. And recently a group of scientists from Georgetown University have identified another negative consequence resulting from a long stay in space. Namely, the degradation of the intestinal mucosa and stomach.
A new study conducted by American scientists, headed by Professor Kamal, Dateu. Results published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and according to the data obtained during the experiment to simulate long-term space flight, the group of laboratory animals found significant damage to the cells of the gastrointestinal tract.
In the course of the experiment, laboratory rats were divided into 3 groups. In group 1 exposed to radiation of ions of iron-56 are of low intensity. 2 group – a short gamma-ray bursts, and group 3 acted as control and was generally not irradiated. Radiation dose was calculated according to the weight and size of animals so as to correspond to doses received by astronauts working on the ISS orbiting our planet.
Revealed that the irradiated groups of rats gastrointestinal tract has significantly lost suction function. Also, the animal showed atrophy of the mucous membrane. At histological research found out that the upper layers of the mucosa has lost its normal ability to divide, parapanissios “old and defective” cells. And this is, among other things, a risk factor for development of cancer. At the same time, despite the fact that the tissue of the gastrointestinal tract have a fairly good potential for regeneration, the scientists, disruption of the structure of the organs of rodents exposed, was irreversible, and so the digestive tract can no longer “return to original state.”
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Proved negative impact of cosmic radiation on the gastrointestinal tract
Vladimir Kuznetsov