Effects of prolonged isolation in a confined space on status of oxidative stress and prothrombogenesis: In preparation for possible future manned space expedition to Mars.

INTRODUCTION: Apart from inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, other key components in the development of atherogenesis include prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress. The effects of long-term confinement and isolation, exposure to radiation and different gravity forces during space travel could potentially increase the long-term risk of atherosclerosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study determining the status of prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress in six cosmonauts subjected to the longest duration of confined isolation period of 520 days in preparation for prospective undetermined manned space travel to Mars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This collaborative research between the National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia and Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP), Russia was conducted at the Russian Academy of Sciences IBMP, Moscow, Russia. Six multi-national cosmonauts were assigned to live in a ground-based confined module for 520 days. Standard exercise and diet regime were instituted throughout the isolation phase. Six age, ethnic and gender-matched healthy, free-living ground controls were recruited in parallel. Serial serum and whole blood were analysed for biomarkers of prothrombogenesis [plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and homocysteine] and oxidative stress [oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA)]. RESULTS: There were significantly lower concentrations of PAI-1 and homocysteine in cosmonauts during confinement compared to the controls. There were no significant differences seen in the concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress during confinement but there was a significant percentage change increment for serum MDA in cosmonauts. CONCLUSION: Long-term confinement decreased the risk of prothrombogenesis and this could be attributed to the exercise and diet regime which includes omega-3 fatty acids supplementation given to the crew members during their confinement period. However, oxidative damage could not be excluded and may be attributed to the influence of psychological stress during this prolonged confinement.

[Methods of computerized diagnosis of operators' mental performance]. / Metodika komp'iuterizovannoi diagnostiki psikhicheskoi rabotosposobnosti operatorov.

Described is a computerized technique for assessment of psychic performance. It includes a battery of tests in the form of computer games to score recent memory, attention, cognitive power, spatial awareness, and oculomotor orientation. The game-type tests and the possibility of feedback enforce motivation for diagnostic testing. The technique can be advantage for artificial or extreme environments as it can be fulfilled by subjects themselves without assistance of expert.

[Development of an integrated software program to analyze statistically the results of complex investigations in space biology and medicine]. / Razrabotka integrirovannogo paketa programmno-matematicheskikh sredstv statisticheskogo analiza rezultatov kompleksnykh issledovanii po kosmicheskoi biologii i meditsine.

A concept of implementing the problem-oriented statistical software based on an application of expert systems is presented. The shortcomings of existing statistical software for personal computers and trends of their improvements are analyzed. Recommendations on designing of statistical expert systems can be used by the statisticians, mathematicians, programmers and users not being professionals in these fields. Integrated statistical software will make it possible to perform additional retrospective analysis and to check up the large arrays of previously gained data and to obtain supplementary scientific information and to find new regularities in the previous experimental findings.

Human factor in manned Mars mission.

This paper presents the set of specific problems in manned Mars mission, connected with human factor, and scientific approaches for their resolution. The concept of multifunctional medical Complex for Martian spacecraft is discussed.

Concept of "Medilab" orbital bio-medical laboratory.

This paper discusses goals and objectives of the Soviet project to build an orbital bio-medical laboratory "Medilab". Special attention is given to the programme of scientific and practical use, design, structure and information support of the dedicated space laboratory.

[MEDILAB and the problems of psychophysiological support of manned space flights]. / MEDILAB i problemy psikhofiziologicheskogo obespecheniia pilotiruemykh kosmicheskikh poletov.

This paper discusses current problems of psychophysiological support of manned space missions and presents the concept of a psychophysiological complex of the orbital biomedical laboratory Medilab and other advanced space vehicles based on new methodological approaches. The paper describes principles of selection of psychophysiological methods to be used in Medilab programs as well as their instrumental, mathematical, hardware and software structures.

[Objectives and tasks of projects of the medical laboratory in space "Medilab"]. / O tseliakh i zadachakh proekta kosmicheskoi meditsinskoi laboratorii "Medilab".

This paper discusses goals and objectives of the Soviet project to build a space medical laboratory "Medilab". Special attention is given to the design, structure and mathematical support of the dedicated biomedical laboratory.