Remarks by
Dr. Rowe
March 28, 2011
THE CASE FOR A DEBATE WITH ROBERT
ZUBRIN
Joe
An additional point raised by your
question relates to the problems involved in using human subjects but clearly
human studies will always play a vital role. I meant to bring up another
extremely important issue but I was side-tracked in response to questions and because
of time constraints i.e. another nail in the coffin regarding atrophy of the
heart with prolonged space missions. When I presented my first Space –related paper
at a NASA meeting in Toulouse, France in 1995 I defended my
position regarding elevations of adrenaline with space flight after
my presentation – based on the Russian studies cited by Atkov and
Bednenko, Hypokinesia and Weightlessness : Clinical and Physiologic Aspects, 1992,
pp 32-34. Also after relatively brief Space missions experimental
animal studies showed: “in the cardiac muscle pronounced atrophic changes (
atrophy due to non-use ) ----“. Furthermore “synthesis of myocardial (cardiac)
proteins is suppressed and renewal of its structure is inhibited.”
After
months of prolonged exploration on Mars in search of evidence of water,
involving traveling long distances, and after return at least 20 months later,
how can the atrophied heart withstand high G forces during reentry? What is the
risk of congestive heart failure as experienced by Irwin on reentry in just
2 weeks after Apollo 15 and which might be fatal? This is a
complication of hypokinesia (decreased movement) and contributes to the
complications of microgravity but is clearly a separate issue; duplicating
1 G. might not prevent this complication. This pertains to a similar
problem which I used in my last SPACE SHOW regarding the Charles Darwin analogy
i.e. Darwin's traveling by "submarine" through blood vessels, in
confined quarters to skeletal muscles and all the while triggering
oxidative stress.
It is illogical to head straight for Mars without first
determining Man's tolerance to withstanding a very prolonged period in a hostile
dusty environment and also to determine the tolerance to the increased G forces
during reentry : Don't forsake the Moon for
Mars.
I would love to
debate such issues as this on a Space Show with Dr. Robert Zubrin but I am
certain he would never consent nor could any host be found who would consent to
handling the storm which might
erupt.
William J. Rowe M.D. FBIS
Regarding the recent E mail request for further
clarification as to the vascular mechanisms for insulin resistance, with loss of
capillaries triggered by oxidative stress, space flight – related invariable
elevations of adrenaline and vicious cycles with significant magnesium ion
reductions, can contribute to the loss of capillaries; this results in an
augmented diffusion distance from capillaries to skeletal muscle and in turn
insulin resistance.
William
J. Rowe M.D. FBIS
I have received an E mail requesting a more detailed
explanation regarding the mechanisms for insulin resistance and the reactions of
glucose uptake in the skeletal muscles using the analogy of Charles Darwin. I
used this analogy to explain that by oxidative stress mechanisms –triggered by
obesity related release of cytokines(small peptides) which signal/trigger
oxidative stress, there would be, in turn, progressive injuries to the lining of
the capillaries with a progressive loss of some capillaries; if this occurred in
the vicinity of the uptake of glucose by insulin in the skeletal muscles
(Galapagos Islands) after long travel by the ” submarine” (on my home page)
through the capillaries there would be insulin resistance. I emphasized that a
decrease in the number of capillaries (destroyed by oxidative stress) may impair
the action of insulin and alter the uptake of glucose in the skeletal muscles.
The mechanism is related to the increase in the diffusion distance of insulin. I
hope this clarifies the analogy. A
very recent publication: Molecules in motion: influences of diffusion on
metabolic structure and function in skeletal muscle. Kinsey ST, Locke BR,
Dillaman RM , J of Experimental Biology; 214: 263-274, 2011.)
William
J. Rowe M.D. FBIS
There are a couple of other points which need to be
addressed in response to Joe’s question and statements. The peer review system
in science has its share of detractors but its still the best method of insuring
progress in science with cautious supervision by one’s peers. Also some may
raise the issue that in order to avoid the hazards of potential congestive heart
failure during reentry after at least a 20 month mission to Mars– conducive to
atrophy of the heart muscle, an adequate exercise program can prevent this. But
I have emphasized that both too much and too little exercise can injure a normal
heart and that with the increase in body heat in microgravity there is the risk
of intensifying the significant magnesium deficiencies which already exist with
space flight.
William
J. Rowe M.D. FBIS
In response to Andy Hill’s questions I had not
considered the use of artificial light on the ISS as a partial solution to the
vitamin D deficiency problem which is unfortunately common both on earth and in
space. Since however there is invariable malabsorption vitamin D will have to be
given subcutaneously but as I have pointed out, at this time, there is no
replenishable silicon subcutaneous device to administer it. Similarly
pharmaceuticals cannot be administered through the nasal route because the
circulation of the nasal passages might be impaired eventually through
mechanisms similar to those I have published regarding the impairment in
fingertip circulation in reference to my Apollo 15 Space Syndrome. I mentioned
that the replacement of vitamin D deficiencies on earth would require a dose of
800-1000 I.U. / day but studies will have to be conducted to determine the
proper subcutaneous dose and also determine which pharmaceuticals, minerals, and
vitamins deteriorate in space and when. Finally I emphasized in one of my
interviews that there are few if any subcutaneous pharmaceuticals; the companies
are at this time not interested in developing them because there is very little
demand with the exception of insulin.
William J. Rowe M.D.
FBIS