Specific host metabolite and gut microbiome alterations are associated with bone loss during spaceflight

Cell Rep. 2023 May 30;42(5):112299. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112299. Epub 2023 Apr 19.

Abstract

Understanding the axis of the human microbiome and physiological homeostasis is an essential task in managing deep-space-travel-associated health risks. The NASA-led Rodent Research 5 mission enabled an ancillary investigation of the gut microbiome, varying exposure to microgravity (flight) relative to ground controls in the context of previously shown bone mineral density (BMD) loss that was observed in these flight groups. We demonstrate elevated abundance of Lactobacillus murinus and Dorea sp. during microgravity exposure relative to ground control through whole-genome sequencing and 16S rRNA analyses. Specific functionally assigned gene clusters of L. murinus and Dorea sp. capable of producing metabolites, lactic acid, leucine/isoleucine, and glutathione are enriched. These metabolites are elevated in the microgravity-exposed host serum as shown by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomic analysis. Along with BMD loss, ELISA reveals increases in osteocalcin and reductions in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b signifying additional loss of bone homeostasis in flight.

Keywords: CP: Metabolism; International Space Station National Laboratory; Rodent Research; bone homeostasis; gut microbiome; gut-bone axis; microgravity; oral microbiome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Space Flight*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry
  • Travel

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S