Abstract
During spaceflight, the homeostasis of the living body is threatened with cosmic environment including microgravity and irradiation. Traditional Chinese medicine could ameliorate the internal imbalance during spaceflight, but its mechanism is still unclear. In this article, we compared the difference of neuroendocrine-immune balance between simulated microgravity (S) and simulated microgravity and irradiation (SAI) environment. We also observed the antagonistic effect of SAI using a traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF). Wistar rats were, respectively, exposed under S using tail suspending and SAI using tail suspending and 60Co-gama irradiation exposure. The SAI rats were intervened with TCMF. The changes of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, splenic T-cell, celiac macrophages, and related cytokines were observed after 21 days. Compared with the normal group, the hyperfunction of HPA axis and celiac macrophages, as well as the hypofunction of splenic T-cells, was observed in both the S and SAI group. Compared with the S group, the levels of plasmatic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), macrophage activity, and serous interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the SAI group were significantly reduced. The dysfunctional targets were mostly reversed in the TCMF group. Both S and SAI could lead to NEI imbalance. Irradiation could aggravate the negative feedback inhibition of HPA axis and macrophages caused by S. TCMF could ameliorate the NEI dysfunction caused by SAI.
Highlights
Since the last century, the exploration of space has been gradually unfolding
It is reported that traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF), especially which is used based on Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, could effectively alleviate the physical impairment caused by microgravity, irradiation, and other space environments [10]
We found that the hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axes and macrophages in both the S group and simulated microgravity and irradiation (SAI) group were unanimously active, but the splenic T-cell and related cytokines were under hypofunctional state
Summary
The exploration of space has been gradually unfolding. the physiological behavior of human beings is continuously threatened with extreme environmental factors in space, such as microgravity, irradiation, space noise, narrow space, and social loneliness, which has seriously affected the physical and mental health of astronauts and hindered the development of manned spaceflight partly [1]. Most of the studies are currently focused on physiological changes caused by a single environmental factor like microgravity or irradiation, how the complexed extreme environment interferes with the human body is barely researched. BioMed Research International confirmed that there exists a bidirectional mechanism between the neuroendocrine system and immune system, which build the neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) system together via a synergistic effect and antagonism. It is reported that traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF), especially which is used based on TCM theory, could effectively alleviate the physical impairment caused by microgravity, irradiation, and other space environments [10]. The research on organism adaption in space is depending rapidly, yet a lot of deficiencies still remain, especially on the comprehensive consideration of the complex space environment, systematized exploration on multiple physiological systems in the human body, and profound study on the mechanism of TCMF.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
