Space health hub: Mitochondrial protection and therapeutic strategies for long-term space missions

Abstract

Prolonged space habitation poses challenges to human physiological stability, necessitating an understanding of subcellular responses to spaceflight for accurate health risk assessment and the development of protective countermeasures. Mitochondrial energy is a fundamental mechanism supporting various physiological, ecological, and evolutionary processes, while mitochondrial stress has become a fundamental characteristic of space travel. Therefore, safeguarding mitochondrial function in space is crucial for ensuring human health and performance during long-duration missions. This perspective focuses on mitochondrial changes in response to spaceflight, with an emphasis on their implications for human health. We first addressed the critical role of mitochondria in maintaining physiological stability under space conditions, highlighting the environmental factors that contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and their associated physiological consequences. We then synthesized current research to propose a mitochondrial protection strategy that integrates personalized, long-term monitoring with pharmacological interventions. Lastly, we discussed the potential advancements in drug delivery system in space through sequential targeted delivery methods. In light of the ongoing challenges in space medicine, we underscore the importance of prioritizing research on mitochondrial protection under spaceflight conditions. Such efforts will not only advance our understanding of space-induced health risks but also pave the way for the development of effective interventions to prevent mitochondrial-related disorders, ultimately enhancing the safety and sustainability of human space exploration.