Space travel poses severe risks to astronauts, not just from the rigours of zero gravity and prolonged weightlessness but from the adverse impact on gut health as well.
Space missions are associated with a notable increase in “leaky gut” Syndrome, where the intestinal lining becomes more permeable, potentially allowing harmful bacterial and toxins to enter into the bloodstream.
Akinsuyi Oluwamayowa, a microbiology health researcher from Nigeria, carried out a study which was written up in the Journal of Life Science in Space Biology.
The study uncovered that a breach in the intestinal barrier permits bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, elevating the risk of infections and potentially leading to systemic inflammation. This is particularly concerning in scenarios where conventional Earth-based medical assistance isn’t readily available.
The extended research also reveals a notable decrease in the activity of genes crucial for maintaining the gut’s protective lining. This reduction, coupled with the association with inflammatory cytokines, highlights the body’s response to stress or damage, significantly impacting an astronaut’s immunity to illnesses. Moreover, the study indicates a decline in beneficial bacteria and an uptick in potentially harmful Gram-negative bacteria.
Oluwamayowa, therefore, called on researchers to focus on more research to develop strategies to maintain the gut health and prevent the adverse effects of altered gut permeability to reduce health dangers related to space travel.
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