| Theme | Osteoporosis and urolithiasis induced by microgravity | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Microgravity and urolithiasis | |
| Publish Date | 2005/01 | |
| Author | Atsushi Okada | Department of Nephro-urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University |
| Author | Takahiro Yasui | Department of Nephro-urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University |
| Author | Kenjiro Kohri | Department of Nephro-urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University |
| Author | Hiroshi Ohshima | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) |
| [ Summary ] | This is thoght in outer space (a very low gravity environment), the risks of urolithiasis formation are increased by increases in urinary calcium excretion, accompanying rapid decrease in bone minerals. To clarify this influence, joint research with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency was performed an experiment using a head-down tilt bed rest test for 90 days, in humans, to simulate space flight. Moreover, we verified the usefulness of exercise and medication with bisphosphonate in preventing urolithiasis. After bed rest, abdominal X-ray films showed calculi formation without medication. Urine measurements showed a decrease in urine calcium in the medicated group (p<O.01). CaOx supersaturation fell significantly (p<0.05) both during and after the bed rest test. Increased excretion of urine calcium was detected during bed rest and renal calculi were formed. This strongly suggests that outer space (very low gravity) environments will promote urolithiasis formation. This phenomenon might be controlled by bisphosphonate. This effect was also shown in the analysis of urine calcium and CaOx supersaturation. |
|