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Vision Changes after Space Flight Are Related to Alterations in Folate-Dependent One-Carbon MetabolismAbout 20% of astronauts on International Space Station missions have developed measurable ophthalmic changes after flight. This study was conducted to determine whether the folate-dependent 1-carbon pathway is altered in these individuals. Data were modeled to evaluate differences between individuals with ophthalmic changes (n=5) and those without them (n=15). We also correlated mean preflight serum concentrations of the 1-carbon metabolites with changes in measured refraction after flight. Serum homocysteine (HCy), cystathionine, 2-methylcitric acid, and methylmalonic acid concentrations were 25%-45% higher (P<0.001) in astronauts with ophthalmic changes than in those without them. These differences existed before, during, and after flight. Preflight serum HCy and cystathionine, and in-flight serum folate, were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with postflight change in refraction, and preflight serum concentrations of 2-methylcitric acid tended to be associated (P=0.06) with ophthalmic changes. The biochemical differences observed in those with vision issues strongly suggests impairment of the folate-dependent 1-carbon transfer pathway. Impairment of this pathway, by polymorphisms, diet or other means, may interact with components of the microgravity environment to influence these pathophysiologic changes. This study was funded by the NASA Human Research Program.
Document ID
20110020798
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smith, Scott M. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Gibson, C. Robert (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Mader, Thomas H. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ericson, Karen (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ploutz-Snyder, Robert (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Heer, Martina (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Zwart, Sara R. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2011
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-25136
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2012 Experimental Biology Meeting
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: April 21, 2012
End Date: April 25, 2012
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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