While these mutations are likely low enough not to pose a serious threat to astronauts’ long-term health, the research underscores the importance of regular health checks for astronauts, especially as they embark on larger missions to the Moon and beyond in the coming years. The particular mutations, as identified in a new study published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, were characterized by a high percentage of blood cells that came from a single clone, a phenomenon called clonal hematopoiesis. Mutations like this can be caused by exposure to too much UV and other forms of radiation, including chemotherapy. In this case, the researchers suspect that the mutations may have been the result of space radiation. “Astronauts work in an extreme environment where many factors can lead to somatic mutations, most notably space radiation, meaning there is a risk that these mutations could develop into clonal hematopoiesis,” said lead author David Goukassian, professor of medicine at Icahn School. of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in an announcement. The issue of astronaut health is more topical than ever. Just last year, NASA proposed changing the radiation limits its astronauts can be exposed to to protect their health. In short, the agency is trying to allow younger astronauts to be exposed to relatively higher amounts of radiation than older astronauts, while eliminating the gap between men and women. The blood samples for this latest study were collected from 12 male and two female astronauts ten days before their flight and on the day of their landing. The samples were then cryogenically stored at -112 degrees Fahrenheit for about two decades. The mutations seen in the blood samples look like the kind of somatic mutations we see in older people—which is interesting in itself, given that the median age of the astronauts was just 42. “Although the clonal hematopoiesis we observed was relatively small in magnitude, the fact that we observed these mutations was surprising given the relatively young age and health of these astronauts,” Goukassian said. “The presence of these mutations does not necessarily mean that astronauts will develop cardiovascular disease or cancer,” he added, “but there is a risk that, over time, this could occur through continuous and prolonged exposure to the extreme environment of deep space. .” Therefore, Goukassian and his team recommend that NASA regularly screen astronauts for these types of mutations. Scientists have long speculated about the numerous health risks astronauts face when they spend extended periods of time in space—and the more we find out, the better we can ensure their safety in the long term. READ MORE: Researchers find spaceflight may be linked to DNA mutations and increased risk of developing heart disease and cancer [Mount Sinai Health] More on astronauts: Surgical robot could perform surgeries alone on space station
