Simon Fraser University|Simon Fraser University

Purpose

Recent findings suggest that the venous thromboembolisms (VTE) may occur during spaceflight. Jugular vein thrombosis is rarely reported on Earth, but is associated with relatively poor outcomes. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the upper body venous system, and the effects of microgravity on venous blood flow, blood viscosity, vessel distension, and inflammation. It is also necessary to provide a better description of the molecular mechanisms by assessing how blood clotting genes are differentially expressed under microgravity. To this end, the proposed research will 1) identify jugular vein status and coagulation changes in spaceflight analogue of dry immersion and bed rest by analysis of blood samples, and 2) investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the risk of VTEs by assessing the genes associated with coagulation. The outcome of this project would be a better understanding of the potential underlying mechanisms of VTEs in spaceflight.