Cell-Free Mitochondrial DNA as a Potential Biomarker for Astronauts' Health.

ABSTRACT: Background Space travel-associated stressors such as microgravity or radiation exposure have been reported in astronauts after short- and long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station. Despite risk mitigation strategies, adverse health effects remain a concern. Thus, there is a need to develop new diagnostic tools to facilitate early detection of physiological stress. Methods and Results We measured the levels of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA in blood plasma of 14 astronauts 10 days before launch, the day of landing, and 3 days after return. Our results revealed a significant increase of cell-free mitochondrial DNA in the plasma on the day of landing and 3 days after return with vast ~2 to 355-fold interastronaut variability. In addition, gene expression analysis

SUBMITTER: Bisserier M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8751818 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature