A team of US geochemists is set to develop a new bone test that will offer the possibility of near real-time monitoring of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and multiple myeloma (a form of bone cancer), after analyzing blood samples from NASA astronauts. The researchers from Arizona State University and Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic measured calcium isotope ratios in urine from 30 shuttle astronauts - before, during and after the flights. This allowed them to confirm that the test worked at high sensitivity.
"The big advantage of these measurements is that they show what is happening in the bone, whereas traditional bone health measurements show what has already happened," explained lead researcher Ariel Anbar from Arizona State University in a statement.
Using mass spectrometry, the new method can discern the relative ratios of the calcium isotopes 42Ca and 44Ca in bone. By measuring the ratios of the two isotopes in blood or urine, scientists can calculate the rate of change of bone mass.
"This means that we can have a real near-time view of what is happening in the bone, rather than comparing before and after, when damage may have already been done," he noted.
In space, because of zero gravity conditions, astronauts experience very rapid bone loss.
"We were able to confirm that Ca isotopes of the shuttle shifted as expected, meaning that we could see in more or less real time the ongoing bone loss. We did this using a simple urine sample, taken at various points during their flights," Anbar elaborated.
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"Those patients who tended to lose the lighter 42Ca isotope seemed to be the ones where the cancer was the most active," the authors noted.
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"From a scientific point of view, we are delighted that we have the chance to combine geochemistry, biology, and space science to benefit patients," Anbar said.
"By using calcium isotope ratios, healthcare providers may be able to optimize therapies for these debilitating illnesses in the future," commented Scott Parazynski, former NASA astronaut.
Source-IANS