The two main objectives of this study are:
It is well-known that weightlessness compromises the whole biological network of the osseous and muscular supporting system or the cardiovascular and vestibular system. Along with side effects in these systems, skin impairments belong to the most frequent medical events during Space Missions. This suggests that also cells of the skin employ molecules and pathways dependent on gravity. For example, it has been shown that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in melanocytes, the pigment cells of the epidermis, is sensitive to gravitational forces. Among other functions cyclic GMP does not only regulate the programmed cell death (apoptosis) but also leads to activation of protein kinases which in turn trigger specific pathways in the cell. This implies global changes of the cells.
General advantages of the skin for investigations:
A pilot study investigated possible changes in skin parameters during space flight, such as hydration, barrier function and skin topography and additional dermal parameters such as elasticity and the skin density were recorded pre- and postflight. To confirm the preliminary observations and study their variation, it is planned to repeat this study with additional crewmembers. It is planned to use similar technologies as during the initial experiment and to add some additional tests during pre and post flight examinations.
Mission | Launch/Start Date | Landing/End Date | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Expedition 36 | 05/13/2013 | 09/10/2013 | 166 days |
Expedition 37 | 09/10/2013 | 11/10/2013 | 61 days |
Expedition 38 | 11/10/2013 | 03/10/2014 | 120 days |
Expedition 39 | 03/10/2014 | 05/13/2014 | 64 days |
Expedition 40 | 05/13/2014 | 09/10/2014 | 133 days |
Expedition 41 | 09/10/2014 | 11/09/2014 | 29 days |
Expedition 42 | 11/10/2014 | 03/11/2015 | 121 days |
Expedition 43 | 03/11/2015 | 06/10/2015 | 91 days |
Expedition 46 | 12/11/2015 | 03/02/2016 | 82 days |
Expedition 47 | 03/02/2016 | 06/18/2016 | 108 days |
Expedition 48 | 06/18/2016 | 09/06/2016 | 80 days |
Expedition 49 | 09/06/2016 | 10/30/2016 | 54 days |
Expedition 50 | 10/28/2016 | 04/09/2017 | 164 days |
Expedition 51 | 04/09/2017 | 06/02/2017 | 55 days |