Nutrition – NSBRI http://nsbri.org National Space Biomedical Research Institute Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:56:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.9 Fluid Shift Associated Lymphostasis of the Gut Induces Inflammation and Microbial Intolerance (First Award Fellowship) http://nsbri.org/researches/fluid-shift-associated-lymphostasis-of-the-gut-induces-inflammation-and-microbial-intolerance/ Wed, 27 Jan 2016 04:59:55 +0000 http://nsbri.org/?post_type=research&p=21392 Our project will test the effects of space flight and ground-based simulations of microgravity on the function of the lymphatic system of the intestines and potential effects this may have on the immunology, nutrition and microbiomics of animals. The lymphatic system of the intestine serves to transport lipid nutrients from the lumen of the gut […]

The post Fluid Shift Associated Lymphostasis of the Gut Induces Inflammation and Microbial Intolerance (First Award Fellowship) appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Our project will test the effects of space flight and ground-based simulations of microgravity on the function of the lymphatic system of the intestines and potential effects this may have on the immunology, nutrition and microbiomics of animals. The lymphatic system of the intestine serves to transport lipid nutrients from the lumen of the gut to the systemic circulation while simultaneously sampling antigen and transporting immune cells from the tissue to the lymph node and returning fluids and proteins leaked from the blood vasculature to the systemic circulation. The gut is host to the greatest number of non-self organisms in the body and the lymphatic system is key to monitoring this interaction through antigen sampling and regulation of nutrient load in the gut. Dysfunction of the lymphatic system in the gut leads to inflammation due to impaired clearance of cells, fluid and debris from the tissue and impaired host microbiome interaction through loss of immunological tolerance to the commensal microbes and impaired lipid uptake as well as protein shedding from the tissue into the lumen of the gut which causes shifts in the microbiome constituents.

The post Fluid Shift Associated Lymphostasis of the Gut Induces Inflammation and Microbial Intolerance (First Award Fellowship) appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Countermeasures for Space Radiation-Induced Myeloid Leukemia http://nsbri.org/researches/countermeasures-for-space-radiation-induced-myeloid-leukemia/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:25 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/countermeasures-for-space-radiation-induced-myeloid-leukemia/ Exposure to the types of radiation that exist in space is potentially cancer-causing. Previous studies have demonstrated that certain dietary supplements can be effective in preventing radiation-induced stress and protecting cultured human cells against adverse biological effects induced by the types of radiation known to exist during space travel. In this animal study, Dr. Ann […]

The post Countermeasures for Space Radiation-Induced Myeloid Leukemia appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Exposure to the types of radiation that exist in space is potentially cancer-causing. Previous studies have demonstrated that certain dietary supplements can be effective in preventing radiation-induced stress and protecting cultured human cells against adverse biological effects induced by the types of radiation known to exist during space travel. In this animal study, Dr. Ann R. Kennedy is researching the efficacy of a combination of these nutritional supplements as a countermeasure against space radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia in order to provide critical information about the ability of nutritional supplements to increase resistance to space radiation-induced malignancy.

The post Countermeasures for Space Radiation-Induced Myeloid Leukemia appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> The Multisystem Effect of Exercise Training/Nutritional Support During Prolonged Bed-Rest Deconditioning: An Integrative Approach to Countermeasure Development for the Heart, Lungs, Muscles and Bones http://nsbri.org/researches/the-multisystem-effect-of-exercise-trainingnutritional-support-during-prolonged-bed-rest-deconditioning-an-integrative-approach-to-countermeasure-development-for-the-heart-lungs-muscles-and-bones/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:09 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/the-multisystem-effect-of-exercise-trainingnutritional-support-during-prolonged-bed-rest-deconditioning-an-integrative-approach-to-countermeasure-development-for-the-heart-lungs-muscles-and-bones/ Sustained exposure to microgravity leads to problems in the cardiovascular, muscular and skeletal systems. The heart may shrink and atrophy, leading to fainting and low blood pressure when trying to stand. Atrophy of skeletal muscle and loss of calcium from bone can diminish strength, work capacity, and lead to injury. Appropriately delivered exercise training may […]

The post The Multisystem Effect of Exercise Training/Nutritional Support During Prolonged Bed-Rest Deconditioning: An Integrative Approach to Countermeasure Development for the Heart, Lungs, Muscles and Bones appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Sustained exposure to microgravity leads to problems in the cardiovascular, muscular and skeletal systems. The heart may shrink and atrophy, leading to fainting and low blood pressure when trying to stand. Atrophy of skeletal muscle and loss of calcium from bone can diminish strength, work capacity, and lead to injury. Appropriately delivered exercise training may be effective at preventing these problems, but it is not known what kind of exercise is best for all these systems, nor is it known how each system interacts with the others in an individual astronaut who has only a limited amount of time available to perform exercise in space. Based on data from highly trained athletes and previous bed-rest simulations, Dr. Benjamin D. Levine is researching whether the combination of rowing plus strength training, when combined with a specially designed nutritional supplement (potassium-magnesium-citrate) could serve as a single, integrated approach to prevent bone demineralization, cardiovascular deconditioning and muscle atrophy during prolonged bed rest, with the ultimate goal of applying it in astronauts in future missions.

The post The Multisystem Effect of Exercise Training/Nutritional Support During Prolonged Bed-Rest Deconditioning: An Integrative Approach to Countermeasure Development for the Heart, Lungs, Muscles and Bones appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Nutritional Countermeasures to Radiation-Enhanced Colon Cancer http://nsbri.org/researches/nutritional-countermeasures-to-radiation-enhanced-colon-cancer/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/nutritional-countermeasures-to-radiation-enhanced-colon-cancer/ Astronauts on long-duration spaceflights are exposed to higher levels and different types of radiation than are found on Earth, which can lead to cancer. The primary goal of Dr. Joanne R. Lupton’s research is to develop a set of gene expression profiles that accurately characterize the colon cancer-causing properties of radiation and the protective effect […]

The post Nutritional Countermeasures to Radiation-Enhanced Colon Cancer appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Astronauts on long-duration spaceflights are exposed to higher levels and different types of radiation than are found on Earth, which can lead to cancer. The primary goal of Dr. Joanne R. Lupton’s research is to develop a set of gene expression profiles that accurately characterize the colon cancer-causing properties of radiation and the protective effect of dietary countermeasures, using an animal model of the disease. With this research, scientists will have sets of gene expression profiles that can be used to monitor astronauts before, during and after spaceflight in order to detect exposure and response to a radiation event so that appropriate intervention strategies can be prescribed

The post Nutritional Countermeasures to Radiation-Enhanced Colon Cancer appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> An Integrated Low-Volume Nutritional Countermeasure to Maintain Muscle Mass and Function During Space Exploration http://nsbri.org/researches/an-integrated-low-volume-nutritional-countermeasure-to-maintain-muscle-mass-and-function-during-space-exploration/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:53:10 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/an-integrated-low-volume-nutritional-countermeasure-to-maintain-muscle-mass-and-function-during-space-exploration/ The loss of muscle mass and function is one of several health risks associated with spaceflight. Dr. Douglas Paddon-Jones and colleagues contend that this loss in microgravity is impacted by age: In particular, they are concerned with the progressive impairment of a person’s ability to use nutrients to reduce muscle mass loss as they age. […]

The post An Integrated Low-Volume Nutritional Countermeasure to Maintain Muscle Mass and Function During Space Exploration appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> The loss of muscle mass and function is one of several health risks associated with spaceflight. Dr. Douglas Paddon-Jones and colleagues contend that this loss in microgravity is impacted by age: In particular, they are concerned with the progressive impairment of a person’s ability to use nutrients to reduce muscle mass loss as they age.

The scientists are conducting a study to determine if enriching daily meals with a low volume leucine supplement will reduce the loss of muscle mass and function during a 14-day bed-rest study. They will also examine whether leucine facilitates muscle mass recovery during a seven-day rehabilitation period. The age range of the participants is 45-60 years.

The post An Integrated Low-Volume Nutritional Countermeasure to Maintain Muscle Mass and Function During Space Exploration appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Effects of Intracranial Pressure And 1-Carbon Metabolites on The Optic Nerve Sheath in VIIP Syndrome (First Award Fellowship) http://nsbri.org/researches/effects-of-intracranial-pressure-and-1-carbon-metabolites-on-the-optic-nerve-sheath-in-viip-syndrome-first-award-fellowship/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:58:15 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/effects-of-intracranial-pressure-and-1-carbon-metabolites-on-the-optic-nerve-sheath-in-viip-syndrome-first-award-fellowship/ Many astronauts experience visual impairment following long-term exposure to microgravity. One of the hypothesized mechanisms that leads to these ocular changes is remodeling of the optic nerve sheath due to increased intracranial pressures from exposure to microgravity. 1-carbon metabolites have been shown to be elevated in astronauts with VIIP and have been linked to pathological […]

The post Effects of Intracranial Pressure And 1-Carbon Metabolites on The Optic Nerve Sheath in VIIP Syndrome (First Award Fellowship) appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Many astronauts experience visual impairment following long-term exposure to microgravity. One of the hypothesized mechanisms that leads to these ocular changes is remodeling of the optic nerve sheath due to increased intracranial pressures from exposure to microgravity. 1-carbon metabolites have been shown to be elevated in astronauts with VIIP and have been linked to pathological cardiovascular remodeling. The goal of this study is to develop an in vitro system to culture the optic nerve sheath under increased intracranial pressures and carbon-1 metabolites and monitor the cellular remodeling responses to these conditions. The results will give us a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in this condition and help identify possible interventions to prevent future visual decline in astronauts.

The post Effects of Intracranial Pressure And 1-Carbon Metabolites on The Optic Nerve Sheath in VIIP Syndrome (First Award Fellowship) appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Redox Modulation of Skeletal Muscle Function in Microgravity http://nsbri.org/researches/redox-modulation-of-skeletal-muscle-function-in-microgravity/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:53:11 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/redox-modulation-of-skeletal-muscle-function-in-microgravity/ One of the risks associated with long-duration space missions is decreased skeletal muscle function. Lack of weight-bearing activity in microgravity leads to loss of muscle mass and problems with muscle contractions. In select situations like extravehicular activity, muscle fatigue could limit performance. When muscles do not bear weight, a loss of oxidant regulation occurs that […]

The post Redox Modulation of Skeletal Muscle Function in Microgravity appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> One of the risks associated with long-duration space missions is decreased skeletal muscle function. Lack of weight-bearing activity in microgravity leads to loss of muscle mass and problems with muscle contractions. In select situations like extravehicular activity, muscle fatigue could limit performance. When muscles do not bear weight, a loss of oxidant regulation occurs that contributes to atrophy and decreased function. In this study, Dr. Michael B. Reid seeks to define the loss of oxidant regulation and determine the time course, composition and the source of increased oxidant activity in non weight-bearing muscle. He will then evaluate selected antioxidants for their success in neutralizing and/or preventing muscle weakness and fatigue.

The post Redox Modulation of Skeletal Muscle Function in Microgravity appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Timed Feeding and Resistance Training to Prevent Muscle Atrophy http://nsbri.org/researches/timed-feeding-and-resistance-training-to-prevent-muscle-atrophy/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:48 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/timed-feeding-and-resistance-training-to-prevent-muscle-atrophy/ Resistance training offers promise in helping reduce or reverse spaceflight induced muscle loss. Recent studies have also shown that the timing of feedings around a session of resistance training may maximize the effect of exercise on muscle protein balance. Dr. Carmen Sceppa is testing whether the use of timed feedings given before resistance training sessions […]

The post Timed Feeding and Resistance Training to Prevent Muscle Atrophy appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Resistance training offers promise in helping reduce or reverse spaceflight induced muscle loss. Recent studies have also shown that the timing of feedings around a session of resistance training may maximize the effect of exercise on muscle protein balance. Dr. Carmen Sceppa is testing whether the use of timed feedings given before resistance training sessions is superior to resistance training alone as a countermeasure against muscle loss induced by bed rest. Evaluation will include multiple body composition measurements and examination of muscle strength, functional performance and muscle gene expression.

The post Timed Feeding and Resistance Training to Prevent Muscle Atrophy appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Receptor Countermeasures to Bone Loss in Microgravity http://nsbri.org/researches/receptor-countermeasures-to-bone-loss-in-microgravity/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:53:10 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/receptor-countermeasures-to-bone-loss-in-microgravity/ Studies have shown that nutrition and exercise are not enough to maintain bone strength in space. Dr. Carolyn Smith is studying the effects of pharmaceutical agents on two mechanisms the body uses to regulate bone growth and density: the estrogen receptor and the vitamin D receptor. Through her research, she will determine whether these will […]

The post Receptor Countermeasures to Bone Loss in Microgravity appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Studies have shown that nutrition and exercise are not enough to maintain bone strength in space. Dr. Carolyn Smith is studying the effects of pharmaceutical agents on two mechanisms the body uses to regulate bone growth and density: the estrogen receptor and the vitamin D receptor. Through her research, she will determine whether these will prevent bone loss experienced in space and serve as effective countermeasures.

The post Receptor Countermeasures to Bone Loss in Microgravity appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Receptor Countermeasures to Bone Loss in Microgravity http://nsbri.org/researches/receptor-countermeasures-to-bone-loss-in-microgravity-2/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:53:10 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/receptor-countermeasures-to-bone-loss-in-microgravity-2/ Studies have shown that nutrition and exercise are not enough to maintain bone strength in space. Dr. Carolyn Smith is studying the effects of pharmaceutical agents on two mechanisms the body uses to regulate bone growth and density: the estrogen receptor and the vitamin D receptor. Her research seeks to define the appropriate combination of […]

The post Receptor Countermeasures to Bone Loss in Microgravity appeared first on NSBRI.

]]> Studies have shown that nutrition and exercise are not enough to maintain bone strength in space. Dr. Carolyn Smith is studying the effects of pharmaceutical agents on two mechanisms the body uses to regulate bone growth and density: the estrogen receptor and the vitamin D receptor. Her research seeks to define the appropriate combination of agents that will prevent loss of bone and maintain bone strength.

The post Receptor Countermeasures to Bone Loss in Microgravity appeared first on NSBRI.

]]>