Proposal to NASA: Investigating the Use of IV Lecanemab in Rats in Microgravity to Remove Amyloid Beta Plaque with and without Ultrasound to Open the Blood-Brain Barrier and its implications for Astronauts on long duration missions to Mars.
By David Barckhoff University of Pittsburgh
This proposal outlines a research study to investigate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) lecanemab in reducing amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque in rats exposed to microgravity, both with and without focused ultrasound (FUS) to transiently open the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The study aims to assess the implications of these findings for astronauts undertaking long-duration missions to Mars, where microgravity exposure and potential neurodegenerative risks are significant concerns.
Background and Rationale
Long-duration space missions, such as those to Mars, expose astronauts to unique physiological stressors, including microgravity, radiation, and altered circadian rhythms. Emerging research suggests that prolonged exposure to microgravity may contribute to neurocognitive deficits and potentially accelerate neurodegenerative processes.[1] While the exact mechanisms are still being elucidated, changes in cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure, and oxidative stress in microgravity environments are hypothesized to play a role in brain health.[2]
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque accumulation in the brain is a hallmark pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is associated with cognitive decline.[3] Recent evidence indicates that neuroinflammation and impaired waste clearance mechanisms, which can be exacerbated by stress and environmental factors, may contribute to Aβ pathology.[4] Given the unique stressors of spaceflight, it is plausible that astronauts could be at an increased risk for accelerated Aβ accumulation or impaired clearance.