Blood
Study Reveals Body’s Ability to Restore Red Blood Cells and Bone After Space Travel
Aug
Red blood cells.
(IANS)
A study of 14 astronauts indicates that space travel depletes red blood cells and bone. However, the body can eventually restore them on Earth with the assistance of fat stored in the bone marrow. This discovery has potential benefits for health both in space and on Earth.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, carries significant implications for health on both Earth and in space.
Dr Guy Trudel, a rehabilitation physician and researcher at The Ottawa Hospital, as well as a professor at the University of Ottawa and senior study author, stated, “We observed a significant reduction in bone marrow fat in astronauts about a month after returning to Earth. We believe the body uses this fat to help regenerate red blood cells and rebuild lost bone during space travel.”
The research included MRI scans of the astronauts’ bone marrow at various intervals before and after their six-month mission at the International Space Station (ISS).
The researchers identified a 4.2 per cent decrease in bone marrow fat roughly a month after the astronauts returned to Earth. This reduction gradually returned to normal levels and was closely linked to increased production of red blood cells and restoration of bone.
Dr Trudel explained, “Given that red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and bone cells encircle the marrow, it’s logical that the body utilises local bone marrow fat as an energy source to support the generation of red blood cells and bone structure. We’re excited to delve further into this concept across various clinical conditions on Earth.”
Furthermore, the research suggests that younger astronauts might have an enhanced capability to harness the energy from bone marrow fat, and female astronauts experienced a greater than anticipated increase in bone marrow fat after a year.
Dr Trudel expressed hope that this research could aid in recovery from immobility, both on Earth and during space missions.
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The above article has been published from a wire source with minimal modifications to the headline and text.
