effect of erythropoietin on rat's red blood cell indices in simulated microgravity [experimental study]

Purpose: microgravity causes major changes in various systems of the body in space, such as shift in cerebrospinal fluid, decreased red blood cells count, and electrolyte loss. These complications are very important in space and we should find new approaches to prevent the side effects of microgravity in astronauts

Materials and Methods: this experimental study was conducted on 21 adult male rats in three groups: control, Hind-limb unloaded, Hind-limb unloaded plus Erythropoietin. SPSS software was used for data analysis. RBC indices were assessed in the first, third and fourteenth day in different groups

Results: the highest mean of hemoglobin was 17.98 +/- .35 in the Hind-limb unloaded plus Erythropoietin group [on the 3[rd] day] and the lowest amount was 13.52 +/- 1.22 in the Hind-limb unloaded group [on the 14[th] day]. The P value to compare RBC and reticulocyte count in Hindlimb unloaded group with those in Hind-limb unloaded plus Erythropoietin group was .017 [on the3[rd] day], to compare hemoglobin in Hind-limb unloaded group with that in Hind-limb unloaded plus Erythropoietin group was 0.004 [on the 3[rd] day], and to compare reticulocyte values in Hind-limb unloaded group with those of Hind-limb unloaded plus Erythropoietin group was 0.036 [on the 14[th] day]

Conclusion: the lowest amount of RBC indices was in the Hind-limb unloaded group [on the 14[th] day]. RBC indices were significantly higher in Hind-limb unloaded plus Erythropoietin group than those on the 1[st] day. Erythropoietin injection induced significant improvement in RBC indices in rats under microgravity condition. Erythropoietin is very useful to prevent space anemia and its highest effect occurson the 3[rd] day after injection. This is as an innovative method to prevent space anemia

[Ankylosing spondylitis in a military aviator]

Ankylosing spondylitis or Marie Strumpell disease, the most common form of the spondyloarthritides, is a chronic inflammatory disease principally involves the hips and axial skeleton and peripheral joints. In addition, in severe forms of disease, systemic involvements such as uveitis, pulmonary fibrosis and aortic insufficiency can be seen. Its onset is insidious, can have extra-articular manifestations, and is diagnosed by clinical suspicion supported by imaging techniques and associated human leukocyte antigen HLA-B27. The disease may present with nonspecific symptoms such as low fever, fatigue and weight loss. The illness commonly affects young adults with a peak of the third decade of life. The male to female ratio is approximately 2 to 3:1. In the aviators, medical problems may induce a large impact on the ability of aircrew,s safety and their duties. Musculoskeletal diseases that affect the joints and range of motion are important when conside aviators as waiver for aircrew members. Non-specific symptoms such as fatigue may decrease tolerance to acceleration forces in military aviators. So flight surgeons must consider severity of disease and adverse reaction of drugs on the flight safety and its impact on health's aviator. In this paper we report a jet pilot with ankylosing spondylitis disease with a good response to treatment with etanercept

[Decompression sickness in military aviation and diving]

Since 1850, as the first time, DCS have been detected in divers and pitmen. There were no appropriate explanation for this Illness until 1930. Other names such as Bend, Aeropathy, Aeroembolism, Dysbarism, DCI/DCS were used. At the ascend to height, most of the problems which occur due to changing the pressure of the body cavities. The goal of this presentation is collection of the abstract and sufficient information for use our colleagues. The major adventures were happen in DCS is based on henry's law and consist of any hazardous would be occur in result of every soluble gas molecules egress the body's fluid which nitrogen is one of the most important of these gases. Obese individuals are more susceptible, because fat tissue have very amount of nitrogen. DCS have different features and net diagnoses were possible by rule out of other diseases. The etiology of this sickness is the sudden reduction in barometric pressure and the release of soluble gases in body fluids. The pathophysiology of this sickness is consist of three different mechanisms which result in tissue damage: 1] destruction of tissue cells by released gases, 2] mechanical obstruction of blood vessels and 3] pressing effect of bubbles or emboli's on adjacent vessels and nerves. Because of the daily development of aviation and seafaring, inform about DCS and its complications, prevention and treatment for all population especially aviators, divers and medical groups are necessary.