ISS astronauts in depression. Scientists came to this conclusion after studying the concentration of cytokines in their bodies - peptides that are responsible for how immunity is regulated.
Experts from NASA have conducted research on what changes the immune system undergoes when the human body is in space for a long time.
The conclusions turned out to be disappointing: a long stay in space on board the ISS causes changes in many functions of the immune system, in connection with which there are some disruptions in its work. This, in turn, leads to depression, the body does not defend itself well against irritants that cause allergies, as well as viruses.
28 astronauts were examined, both during and after space flight. We studied the concentration of cytokines - peptides that are responsible for how our immunity is regulated. During the research, experts found malfunctions in the work of these peptides, and these failures were systematic. This, according to scientists, is the reason for the general decrease in the immunity of astronauts.
But what factors turned out to be so unfavorable for immunity? Experts believe that these include stress, radiation, variability of sleep-wake cycles, weightlessness, as well as isolation from our familiar society.
Alarming findings made scientists think about how to create a series of drugs that would support the immunity of astronauts in space.