Long space missions, gene therapy, and the vital role of magnesium: a three-pronged plan for the next 50 years

Figures & data

Figure 1 Proposed mechanisms for space flight-related vascular complications requiring magnesium repacement and possible correction of at least four gene deficiencies.

Abbreviations: ANP, atrial natriuretic peptide; EPO, erythropoietin; NO, nitric oxide; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor.

Table 1 Rationale for gene therapy trials, limitations, expected benefits with potential correction of at least four gene deficiencies

Gene	Reason for reductions	Limitations	Expected benefits
ANP	Reduced PV, cGMP	Hypotension, shock	Angiogenesis
	Mg required for release, and possibly synthesis		Increased GFR Decreased BP Inhibits SNS, RAA
NO	Reduced cGMP, Endothelial injury	Hypotension	Angiogenesis Prevent platelet A Antifibrotic Vasoprotective
VEGF	Platelet A Platelets primary source	Pathologic Overgrowth EC	Reduced ischemia Angiogenesis
EPO	Reduced PV	Thrombosis Hypertension	Increase RBCs Angiogenesis

Abbreviations: PV, plasma volume; EC, endothelial cells; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; SNS, sympathetic nervous system; RAA, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis; A, aggregation; RBCs, red blood cells; EPO, erythropoetin; cGMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; NO, nitric oxide.