Characterization of the blood proteome of healthy volunteers reflecting adaptation processes to prolonged isolation

Introduction. Due to exposure to a set of extreme factors, prolonged ground-based isolation simulating a space mission induces various adaptive responses in the body. The study of such organismal responses at the molecular level is important for the development of high-quality medical support plans for subsequent space missions. Proteomic methods have proven effective for assessing the molecular mechanisms of adaptation.

Objective. To study the profile of proteomic physiologically active components in the blood of test subjects as criteria for adaptive strategies of physiological systems in response to exposure to extreme factors of prolonged isolation during ground-based simulation of spaceflight factors.

Materials and methods. The characteristics of proteomic physiologically active blood components were studied in six healthy volunteers aged 27–38 years (mean age 32.5 ± 5.5 years) under the conditions of a 12-month isolation (SIRIUS-23) in a hermetically sealed facility with limited living and working space and restricted resources for life support. Mass spectrometry methods were used to analyze dried blood spot samples. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 12 software with non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05). The biological processes involving the identified proteins were determined using the STRING database.

Results. Following one month of isolation, a significant increase in the expression of three proteins involved in the biological process of phagocytosis suppression was observed. Following three months of isolation, the concentration level of 22 extracellular matrix and exosome proteins significantly increased. Following six months of isolation, the concentration of 33 proteins involved in either cellular component processes or regulation of extracellular signaling significantly increased.

Conclusions. The data obtained allowed us to compile a preliminary version of biological processes, which involve proteins with reliably changing concentrations, during prolonged isolation in a specialized facility. The conducted study elucidates the proteomic mechanisms regulating biological processes in healthy individuals during the simulation of spaceflight factors.

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