Adverse Effects Of Radiotherapy Research Articles

Intra-operative Radiation Therapy versus Whole Breast External Beam Radiotherapy: A Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes.

IntroductionThis project sought to compare patient-reported outcomes between patients who received intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT) and those who qualified for IORT but received whole-breast external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS).MethodsThree scales from the BREAST-Q Breast Cancer BCT Module Version 2.0 questionnaire were used to collect patient-reported outcomes regarding post-operative physical well-being of the chest, post-operative satisfaction with breast cosmesis, and post-operative adverse effects of radiation.ResultsPatients who received EBRT travelled farther on average than patients who received IORT to complete treatment. Respondents who received IORT reported better physical well-being of the chest than those who received EBRT. Regression revealed that the respondent’s age was the determining factor in the difference between IORT and EBRT post-operative physical well-being scores, where younger patients report poorer well-being. There was no difference in patient-reported outcomes regarding post-operative satisfaction with breast cosmesis or adverse effects of radiation.ConclusionsPatients who received IORT reported better physical well-being of the chest than patients who received EBRT. There appeared to be a relationship between age and physical well-being of chest. This study suggested that there was no difference in patient-reported outcomes concerning post-operative satisfaction with breast cosmesis or post-operative adverse effects of radiation between patients who received IORT and those who received EBRT.

Treatment of indolent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with hypofractionated radiation therapy in three cats.

Feline indolent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (ICL) is an uncommon neoplastic disease. There is currently no consensus on treatment recommendations for ICL. To report the clinical outcome of three cats with ICL treated with hypofractionated electron-beam radiotherapy (RT). Three privately owned cats with ICL. Medical records and client surveys were reviewed. A diagnosis of probable ICL was based on history, clinical presentation and histopathological findings, and confirmed using CD3 immunohistochemical analysis and PCR for antigen receptor gene rearrangement (PARR). All cats were treated with hypofractionated RT (four fractions of 8Gy). All cats presented with skin lesions characterised by erythema and alopecia that were refractory to previous treatment with systemic glucocorticoids. Before hypofractionated RT treatment, lesions were histologically described as having diffuse infiltration of the dermis with CD3+ T cells. Molecular clonality analysis revealed clonal T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement. After RT, two cats showed histological improvement defined by decreased infiltration of lymphocytes, with cellular infiltrate present only in the deeper dermis; one cat had near complete histological resolution of lesions with only minimal residual lymphocytes. One cat was determined to have a complete clinical response while the other showed partial responses. No acute adverse effects of radiation were observed; chronic effects included leukotrichia, partial alopecia and mild fibrosis. All clients reported improvement in quality of life for their cats. Clinical and histological improvement in these cats suggests that hypofractionated RT can be a useful treatment modality for cats with ICL.

Data-Independent Acquisition Proteomics Reveals Long-Term Biomarkers in the Serum of C57BL/6J Mice Following Local High-Dose Heart Irradiation.

Background and Purpose: Cardiotoxicity is a well-known adverse effect of radiation therapy. Measurable abnormalities in the heart function indicate advanced and often irreversible heart damage. Therefore, early detection of cardiac toxicity is necessary to delay and alleviate the development of the disease. The present study investigated long-term serum proteome alterations following local heart irradiation using a mouse model with the aim to detect biomarkers of radiation-induced cardiac toxicity.Materials and Methods: Serum samples from C57BL/6J mice were collected 20 weeks after local heart irradiation with 8 or 16 Gy X-ray; the controls were sham-irradiated. The samples were analyzed by quantitative proteomics based on data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. The proteomics data were further investigated using bioinformatics and ELISA.Results: The analysis showed radiation-induced changes in the level of several serum proteins involved in the acute phase response, inflammation, and cholesterol metabolism. We found significantly enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1, and IL-6) in the serum of the irradiated mice. The level of free fatty acids, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and oxidized LDL was increased, whereas that of high-density lipoprotein was decreased by irradiation.Conclusions: This study provides information on systemic effects of heart irradiation. It elucidates a radiation fingerprint in the serum that may be used to elucidate adverse cardiac effects after radiation therapy.

Broadband, highly reflective thermal protection systems, exploiting photonic additives

Photonic additives have been investigated as a means to enhance the efficiency of thermal protection systems (TPS) against the adverse effects of thermal radiation. State-of-the-art TPS consist of carbon fibers embedded in a phenolic resin matrix. During operation, the TPS is consumed because it is exposed to an excess heat flux, a large fraction of which is due to thermal radiation. Here, we show that a properly modeled and designed additive-impregnated TPS can block a considerable part of this heat influx and quantify how different control parameters, in particular the additives’ amount, placement and alignment, influence the achieved photonic enhancement. More specifically, the intrinsic reflectivity of 8.5% of a conventional TPS can been improved to values exceeding 85% by controllably inserting additives, consisting of a Ta/[SiO2/TiO2]6 heterostructure, here referred to as Type 1, an ideal, optimized, high and broadband reflector. Nevertheless, even simple, commercially available additives composed of TiO2/Al2O3/TiO2, here referred to as Type 2, provide a high reflectivity enhancement with values of up to 76%, when used in larger quantities. The simulations of this work are based on the Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) method. The MCRT simulation method has been validated against experiment, using the structure and experiments from a literature reference. Our analysis method allows one to design and model the performance of photonically enhanced TPS that operate in high-flux, radiative conditions, like those expected in future aerospace re-entry missions or next-generation, gas turbines and thermophotovoltaic plants and provides a viable option for efficiently enhancing a TPS.

The survival outcome of nasopharyngeal cancer patients with traditional Chinese medicine external use: A hospital-based study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceExternal-use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) agents are widely used to relieve the adverse effects of radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Aim of the studyOur study aimed to evaluate the influence of external-use TCM agents to relieve radiotherapy-related adverse effects on the efficacy of radiation therapy and the prognosis of nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Materials and methodsBy using the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD), we analyzed 1823 newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal cancer patients with radiotherapy-related adverse effects between 2001/01 and 2015/12. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox regression model to estimate the differences in effects on survival outcomes between two groups, TCM external users and non-TCM external users. ResultsWe found that TCM external users had significantly better 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates (log-rank test, p = 0.0377 and p = 0.034, respectively) than non-TCM external users. The 3-year and 5-year disease-free survival rates were not statistically significantly different between the groups. We also found a trend of improved 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates in TCM external users with advanced-stage disease, without statistical significance (log-rank test, p = 0.10 and p = 0.089, respectively). The subgroup analysis revealed lower risks of mortality in TCM external users among the nonhypertension, nonhyperlipidemia, nonischemic heart disease, noncirrhosis, and nonchronic kidney disease groups. ConclusionsOur study showed that TCM agents external use could significantly improve 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates in nasopharyngeal cancer patients with radiotherapy-related adverse effects.

Mortality from malignant neoplasms of the digestive system in the cities of the Chelyabinsk region affected by radiation accidents

Introduction. Due to the long-term radioactive contamination of a part of the territory of the Chelyabinsk region, much attention is paid to the analysis of the health status of the population. One of the adverse effects of radiation is the occurrence of neoplasms. The highest doses of radiation as a result of many emergencies were received by the digestive organs. Material and methods. The study of adult mortality in the cities Kasli and Kyshtym over 50 years from 1947 to 1996. The following age groups were studied: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 years, and older. Results. An increase in the mortality rate from malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other digestive organs in the adult population over 50 years was found. The growth of indices has been observed since 1952. The maximum mortality values from esophageal and gastric ulcers were recorded from 1962 to 1971, from intestinal ulcers from 1972 to 1981. Several waves of increasing mortality were recorded: in the early 50s, after 1957, after 1967, in the late 70’s - early 80‘s of the XX century. The increase in mortality from malignant neoplasms of the digestive organs of all localities in the studied cities among women and people of the elderly (60-69 yrs) and (70 yrs and older) age, as a rule, began five years earlier. Among the population under 50 years of age, differences in cancer mortality from control values were poorly expressed. Conclusion. Mortality rates from malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other unspecified digestive organs in the adult population, especially in the ages of 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older, in the cities of Kasli and Kyshtym in some periods significantly exceed the control values.

Tissue Damage in Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis Is Mitigated by IL-17 Receptor Signaling.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a treatment-limiting adverse side effect of radiation and chemotherapy. Approximately 80% of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancers (HNC) develop OM, representing a major unmet medical condition. Our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of OM is limited, due in part to the surprising paucity of information regarding healing mechanisms in the oral mucosa. RNAseq of oral tissue in a murine model that closely mimics human OM, showed elevated expression of IL-17 and related immune pathways in response to head and neck irradiation (HNI). Strikingly, mice lacking the IL-17 receptor (IL-17RA) exhibited markedly more severe OM. Restoration of the oral mucosa was compromised in Il17ra−/− mice and components associated with healing, including matrix metalloproteinase 3, 10 and IL-24 were diminished. IL-17 is typically associated with recruitment of neutrophils to mucosal sites following oral infections. Unexpectedly, in OM the absence of IL-17RA resulted in excessive neutrophil recruitment and immunopathology. Instead, neutrophil activation was IL-1R-driven in Il17ra−/− mice. Blockade of IL-1R and depletion of neutrophils lessened the severity of damage in these mice. Overall, we show IL-17 is protective in OM through multiple mechanisms including restoration of the damaged epithelia and control of the neutrophil response. We also present a clinically relevant murine model of human OM to improve mechanistic understanding and develop rational translational therapeutics.

P0001. Minimally invasive transthoracic extra-pleural rib sparing XLIF approach to anterior thoracic spine to address giant thoracic disc herniation: A case report and review of literature

Minimally invasive surgery is receiving considerable attention as a technique for reducing the complications of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. For this technique, a new lateral osteotomy plays an important role to release fused vertebrae. We describe herein a novel navigated lateral osteotomy technique not requiring C-arm fluoroscopy to correct adult spinal deformities.A 68-year-old woman with symptomatic ASD and a 4-year history of severe low back pain affecting daily life was referred to our hospital. Surgery was performed without C-arm fluoroscopy. A navigated osteotome was used to release the fused L1/2 mass. The patient was successfully treated with surgery, and low back pain was well controlled. In terms of clinical outcomes, Oswestry Disability Index improved from 64%–19% and Visual Analog Scale score for low back pain improved from 74 mm–19 mm on final follow-up at 2 years.This novel navigated lateral osteotomy for ASD is a useful technique that enables minimally invasive surgery for fixed deformity. With this new technique, surgeons and operating room staff can avoid adverse effects of intraoperative radiation.

P0002. The Use of IOM in Spinal Tumor Surgery: A Systematic Review

Minimally invasive surgery is receiving considerable attention as a technique for reducing the complications of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. For this technique, a new lateral osteotomy plays an important role to release fused vertebrae. We describe herein a novel navigated lateral osteotomy technique not requiring C-arm fluoroscopy to correct adult spinal deformities.A 68-year-old woman with symptomatic ASD and a 4-year history of severe low back pain affecting daily life was referred to our hospital. Surgery was performed without C-arm fluoroscopy. A navigated osteotome was used to release the fused L1/2 mass. The patient was successfully treated with surgery, and low back pain was well controlled. In terms of clinical outcomes, Oswestry Disability Index improved from 64%–19% and Visual Analog Scale score for low back pain improved from 74 mm–19 mm on final follow-up at 2 years.This novel navigated lateral osteotomy for ASD is a useful technique that enables minimally invasive surgery for fixed deformity. With this new technique, surgeons and operating room staff can avoid adverse effects of intraoperative radiation.

Radiotherapy and Cytokine Storm: Risk and Mechanism.

Radiotherapy (RT) shows advantages as one of the most important precise therapy strategies for cancer treatment, especially high-dose hypofractionated RT which is widely used in clinical applications due to the protection of local anatomical structure and relatively mild impairment. With the increase of single dose, ranging from 2~20 Gy, and the decrease of fractionation, the question that if there is any uniform standard of dose limits for different therapeutic regimens attracts more and more attention, and the potential adverse effects of higher dose radiation have not been elucidated. In this study, the immunological adverse responses induced by radiation, especially the cytokine storm and the underlying mechanisms such as DAMPs release, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and cGAS-STING pathway activation, will be elucidated, which contributes to achieving optimal hypofractionated RT regimen, improving the killing of cancer cells and avoiding the severe side effects.

Diversified Stimuli-Induced Inflammatory Pathways Cause Skin Pigmentation.

The production of melanin pigments by melanocytes and their quantity, quality, and distribution play a decisive role in determining human skin, eye, and hair color, and protect the skin from adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and oxidative stress from various environmental pollutants. Melanocytes reside in the basal layer of the interfollicular epidermis and are compensated by melanocyte stem cells in the follicular bulge area. Various stimuli such as eczema, microbial infection, ultraviolet light exposure, mechanical injury, and aging provoke skin inflammation. These acute or chronic inflammatory responses cause inflammatory cytokine production from epidermal keratinocytes as well as dermal fibroblasts and other cells, which in turn stimulate melanocytes, often resulting in skin pigmentation. It is confirmed by some recent studies that several interleukins (ILs) and other inflammatory mediators modulate the proliferation and differentiation of human epidermal melanocytes and also promote or inhibit expression of melanogenesis-related gene expression directly or indirectly, thereby participating in regulation of skin pigmentation. Understanding of mechanisms of skin pigmentation due to inflammation helps to elucidate the relationship between inflammation and skin pigmentation regulation and can guide development of new therapeutic pathways for treating pigmented dermatosis. This review covers the mechanistic aspects of skin pigmentation caused by inflammation.

Bilabial-protruding, mouth-opening and tongue-depressing stent for proton radiation therapy

Custom intraoral radiation devices protect normal tissues, minimizing the adverse effects of radiation therapy. These devices also help immobilize the target by placing the patient’s head in a precise, repeatable position. This clinical report describes the fabrication and benefits of a modified mouth opening, tongue depressing radiation stent with bilabial protrusion of the lips that was used in proton radiation therapy for a malignancy of the upper lip.

Evaluation of Disappearance Time and Palatability of Foams in the Oral Cavities of Healthy Volunteers, and Preparation of Drug-Containing Foam Formulations for Use in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis.

Oral mucositis is one of the most common adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy in treatments of cancers. Some clinical guidelines have focused on the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis, and thus, a mouthwash containing drugs is often recommended. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the disappearance time and palatability in the oral cavities of healthy volunteers in foams prepared from different concentrations of the three viscosity grades of methylcellulose (SM-4, -100, -400). In addition, we prepared foam formulations of drugs (benzydamine, dexamethasone, allopurinol and rebamipide) for use as a prevention and treatment of oral mucositis. There was a significant relationship between the foam drainage ratios at 5-15 min and the disappearance time in the oral cavities. The significant relationship of foam densities to the foam disappearance time and overall palatability in a clinical study were observed. Thus, the foam density is considered an important parameter and reflects these clinically important properties. The foam from SM-4 has the longest disappearance time and the best palatability followed by foams from the 4 and 1% SM-4. Drug contents in drug-containing foam formulations which were prepared with 1-4% SM-4 represented 101-112% of the loaded drug contents, and the relative standard deviations of drug contents were <2.2%, which suggests that these formulations had pharmaceutically acceptable properties. This is the first report in regard to foam formulations containing drugs for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis, and these formulations could be potentially useful for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis.

Potential influence of prenatal 2.45 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on Wistar albino rat testis.

An ever-increasing use of wireless devices over the last decades has forced scientists to clarify their impact on living systems. Since prenatal development is highly sensitive to numerous noxious agents, including radiation, we focused on the assessment of potential adverse effects of microwave radiation (MR) on testicular development. Pregnant Wistar albino rats (3 months old, weighing 282±8 g) were exposed to pulsed MR at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, mean power density of 2.8 mW/cm², and a specific absorption rate of 1.82 W/kg for 2 hours/day throughout pregnancy. Male offspring were no longer exposed to MR following birth. Samples of biological material were collected after reaching adulthood (75 days). In utero MR exposure caused degenerative changes in the testicular parenchyma of adult rats. The shape of the seminiferous tubules was irregular, germ cells were degenerated and often desquamated. The diameters of the seminiferous tubules and the height of the germinal epithelium were significantly decreased (both at ∗∗p<0.01), while the interstitial space was significantly increased (∗∗p<0.01) when compared to the controls. In the group of rats prenatally exposed to MR, the somatic and germ cells were rich in vacuoles and their organelles were often altered. Necrotizing cells were more frequent and empty spaces between Sertoli cells and germ cells were observed. The Leydig cells contained more lipid droplets. An increased Fluoro Jade - C and superoxide dismutase 2 positivity was detected in the rats exposed to MR. Our results confirmed adverse effects of MR on testicular development.

Navigated Lateral Osteotomy for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Technical Note

Minimally invasive surgery is receiving considerable attention as a technique for reducing the complications of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. For this technique, a new lateral osteotomy plays an important role to release fused vertebrae. We describe herein a novel navigated lateral osteotomy technique not requiring C-arm fluoroscopy to correct adult spinal deformities. A 68-year-old woman with symptomatic ASD and a 4-year history of severe low back pain affecting daily life was referred to our hospital. Surgery was performed without C-arm fluoroscopy. A navigated osteotome was used to release the fused L1/2 mass. The patient was successfully treated with surgery, and low back pain was well controlled. In terms of clinical outcomes, Oswestry Disability Index improved from 64%-19% and Visual Analog Scale score for low back pain improved from 74 mm-19 mm on final follow-up at 2 years. This novel navigated lateral osteotomy for ASD is a useful technique that enables minimally invasive surgery for fixed deformity. With this new technique, surgeons and operating room staff can avoid adverse effects of intraoperative radiation.

Cáncer y riesgo cardiovascular

Cancer survivors have lower long-term survival, in part due to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD). Up to 30% of the deaths of patients with cancer may be due to cardiovascular causes. Cancer can cause atherosclerosis by different mechanisms, the most frequent being the sequelae of antitumour drugs, radiotherapy, and haematopoietic cell transplantation. Cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent in cancer survivors. These patients should be considered at high cardiovascular risk. It is advisable to recommend healthy lifestyle habits and strict control of risk factors. There is an immediate need to expand the availability of cardiovascular preventive services to reduce the late adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Early intervention could help improve cardiovascular risk profile

Effects of Low-Intensity Microwave Radiation on Oxidant-Antioxidant Parameters and DNA Damage in the Liver of Rats.

The continuously increasing usage of cell phones has raised concerns about the adverse effects of microwave radiation (MWR) emitted by cell phones on health. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have claimed that MWR may cause various kinds of damage in tissues. The aim of this study is to examine the possible effects of exposure to low-intensity MWR on DNA and oxidative damage in the livers of rats. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three equal groups randomly (n = 6). Group 1 (Sham-control): rats were kept under conditions the same as those of other groups, except for MWR exposure. Group 2: rats exposed to 1800 MHz (SAR: 0.62 W/kg) at 0.127 ± 0.04 mW/cm2 power density, and Group 3: rats exposed to 2,100 MHz (SAR: 0.2 W/kg) at 0.038 ± 0.03 mW/cm2 power density. Microwave application groups were exposed to MWR 2 h/day for 7 months. At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed and DNA damage, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and total oxidant-antioxidant parameter analyses were conducted in their liver tissue samples. It was found that 1800 and 2100 MHz low-intensity MWR caused a significant increase in MDA, 8-OHdG, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and comet assay tail intensity (P < 0.05), while total antioxidant status levels (P < 0.05) decreased. The results of our study showed that whole-body exposure to 1800 and 2100 MHz low-intensity MWR emitted by cell phones can induce oxidative stress by altering oxidant-antioxidant parameters and lead to DNA strand breaks and oxidative DNA damage in the liver of rats. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:76-85. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Magnetic Resonance and CT Imaging Biomarkers for Prediction of Acute and Chronic Radiation-Induced Xerostomia

Xerostomia is a common adverse effect of radiation therapy at the head and neck area. Radiation-induced xerostomia can be severe and detrimental for the quality of life. Clinicians and radiologists have focused on the prevention of xerostomia as feasible, which has been significantly improved in the recent decades with the use of the contemporary radiation technology. However, radiation-induced xerostomia still remains one of the most devastating side effects of radiation therapy. Clinical risk factors have been identified, but the variation of its incidence and presentation has turned the focus on the investigation of parameters that would be able to predict the onset of acute or chronic xerostomia for each individual patient. Recently, potential imaging parameters and biomarkers are investigated in order for early prediction of the incidence and severity of xerostomia. Here, we compile the resulting imaging biomarkers as have been identified in the recent literature based on MRI and CT performed in correlation with radiation therapy. The identification of such biomarkers is very promising for the prevention and control of xerostomia in the head and neck radiation setting.

Exposure to natural ultraviolet B radiation levels has adverse effects on growth, behavior, physiology, and innate immune response in juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Solar ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) has been underestimated as a stressor in fish species that grow in confined cages, especially in species cultured in oligotrophic waters that receive high levels of UVB. In this context, the present study aims to assess UVB radiation's adverse effects on European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), which is a cultured species in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Seabass juveniles were exposed for six weeks to four experimental conditions that simulated natural underwater conditions: (1) high dose - UVB-H, 11.86 kJ m−2 d−1; (2) moderate dose - UVB-M, 6.28 kJ m−2 d−1; (3) low dose - UVB-L, 2.55 kJ m−2 d−1; and (4) no UVB exposure as the control. Specimens were collected after 3, 15 (short-term), and 43 (long-term) days and effects of exposure on growth, behavior, physiology, and immune system were investigated. Overall, data showed that short- and long-term exposure to UVB resulted in detrimental effects in European seabass, and some of these effects were cumulative and dose-dependent. High mortality (around 50%) was observed in the seabass juveniles after 3 days of exposure to the highest daily dose (UVB-H). No significant mortality was observed in UVB-M, UVB-L, or control throughout the experiment. Reduction in growth and changes in animal body condition indices were evident in UVB-M exposed fish after 15 and 43 days of exposure. The swimming activity was reduced in the UVB-M treatment, and most of the fish from this treatment tried to avoid the exposure while showing a stationary behavior with slow caudal and dorsal fins movements. A lack of appetite was observed during the experiment, and the reduced total protein, glucose, lactate, and total cholesterol plasmatic levels in UVB exposed fish reflected physiological impairment. Furthermore, several changes in the humoral parameters suggest that an immune system modulation can occur in seabass exposed to the three UVB treatments (UVB-L, UVB-M, UVB-H), and during the different exposure periods (3, 15, and 43 days). Overall, our data provide evidence that, in the case of confinement in cages, European seabass juveniles are sensitive to UVB exposure, especially in oligotrophic waters with high UV radiation incidence such as the Red Sea. Hence, seabass' growth, resistance to pathogens, and survival may be affected by UVB exposure. Further research is recommended to understand how fish growth and survival may be affected by future increases in underwater UVB and when combined with other environmental stressors.

The research progress and prospect of mammalian reproduction and embryonic development under space conditions

With the rapid development of human space explorations, whether human embryos can develop normally and reproduce beyond the planet of Earth has become a topic of concern for the scientific community and the general public. The long-term exposure to the space environmental factors poses potential hazards to embryonic development and reproductive health of mammals, and they are linked to the adverse effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. In this review, we summarized the progress in the studies of the reproduction and development of mammals performed in spacecrafts, and with ground-based simulated microgravity and radiation by us and other groups. In particular, we discussed the study of the development of mouse preimplantation embryos under space conditions using the SJ-10 recoverable satellite which was recently published in National Science Review . The potential future studies of mammalian reproductive function and embryonic development in the space environment have also been briefly discussed and proposed. In summary, to accomplish human breeding in the outer space when other planets are colonized, further systematic evaluation of the effects of microgravity, cosmic radiation or other cosmic factors on reproductive and ontogenetic processes is required, while the protective methodology for reducing the reproductive hazards during spaceflight is also needed.