Biochemical Markers of Bone Tissue Metabolism in Cosmonauts after a Prolonged Spaceflight

• DOI: 10.1007/s10747-005-0115-z
• Publication Date: 2005-12-12T16:28:13Z
• Authors: B. V. Morukov; I. A. Nichiporuk; V. S. Tret'yakov; I. M. Larina
• Keywords: Spaceflight; Bone remodeling; Homeostasis; Bone tissue; Weightlessness

Parameters of calcium homeostasis and its hormonal regulation, including biochemical markers of bone metabolism, were measured in the blood serum of Russian cosmonauts after prolonged flights on the International Space Station during the period from 2000 to 2003. The duration of the spaceflights was 129–196 days. Flight factors had an impact on calcium and bone tissue metabolism after a flight. Increased levels of osteogenesis and resorption markers were detected in the blood of the cosmonauts in the early rehabilitation period after a spaceflight. The prevalence of resorption over the formation of new bone tissue was observed in the early rehabilitation period, when the hormonal system maintaining calcium homeostasis was activated.