An Evidence-Based Countermeasure for Space Flight: Nutritional Nucleotide Augmentation of Immunity
- Paper number
IAC-05-A1.P.21
- Author
Dr. Anil Kulkarni, The University of Texas Health Science center, Medical School and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Keiko Yamauchi, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Catherine Ambrose, The University of Texas Health Science center, Medical School and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Govindarajan Ramesh, Texas Southern University, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Cherylyn Savary, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Neal R. Pellis, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Johnson Space Center, United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Microgravity and the space flight environment have significant effects on the human physiology and performance. Some human organ systems undergo progressive functional decline. On long-term flights, some of the effects are more pronounced, with the potential for unacceptable outcome for the mission and space exploration. Our work over the past several years addresses development of nutritional countermeasures for use on Earth and for explorers in space. Research results show promise toward development of nutritional countermeasures to obviate immune dysfunction observed in space flight. We now provide evidence from ground-based models using mouse and human cells that documents improvement of immunological and cellular performance. In vivo and in vitro immune performance measurements (proliferation, lymphocyte locomotion, and cytokine synthesis) were conducted using mouse and human lymphocytes. Normal parameters are maintained and restored by ingestion of supplemental nucleotides. Additional experimental research suggests mechanisms for the effects of dietary supplemental nucleotides. Finally, there is clinical evidence that a nutritional formula containing nucleotides has proven health benefits in trauma and hospitalized patients. This presentation will report on the development and readiness of a nutritional nucleotide countermeasure for the upcoming Moon & Mars missions and other human space exploration, addressing specifically the Critical Path Roadmap and countermeasures readiness level that pertain to new spiral pathways defined for NASA’s space exploration missions. (NASA Grant NCC8-168, ADK)
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-A1.P.21.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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