Document Type : Hypothesis
Authors
1 Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 MVLS College, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
3 Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4 Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
The microgravity environment and high radiation levels in space lead to a significant increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production compared to Earth, which can have detrimental effects on astronaut health over time. This study examines the hypothesis that high levels of ROS in living organisms in space may aid pre-selected astronauts’ cells in adapting to the intense radiation encountered during missions to Mars and beyond. By looking at evolutionary biology and past radiation events like the Chernobyl disaster, we suggest that increased ROS could trigger adaptive responses similar to those seen in radiation-resistant organisms such as tardigrades. This paper explores the dual nature of ROS as both harmful agents and vital signaling molecules, evaluating their potential to enhance DNA repair, boost antioxidant defenses, and alter mitochondrial metabolism. We aim to see if managing ROS could be a strategy to prepare astronauts’ cells for space travel, using cytogenetic tests to find individuals with strong adaptive responses.
Keywords
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