Physiological adaptation of cardiovascular system cells to microgravity

Abstract

Astronauts experience long-term impact of microgravity (MCG) during spaceflights, which causes multiple physiological adaptations, such as bone loss, muscle atrophy, fluid displacement, and reduction of plasma volume as well as cardiovascular disorders. The cardiovascular system is more vulnerable to space flight hazards and, therefore, more susceptible to pathophysiological changes. It is also important to understand what molecular changes occur in cardiovascular system cells and how these cells adapt to MCG. Ground-based MCG platforms allow investigating the effect of weightlessness on the body or cell culture, and they are also essential for the development of appropriate tools and a unified strategy for prevention of pathological changes associated with the weightlessness. This review presents studies of morphology, function, and molecular physiology of the cardiovascular system cells in the conditions of MCG and describes possible directions in prevention of adverse effects of weightlessness.