The cytoprotective role of antioxidants in mammalian cells under rapidly varying temperature, pressure and UV conditions during stratospheric balloon campaign

1. Currently ongoing age of the dynamic development of the space industry brings the mankind closer to the routine manned space flights and space tourism. That progress leads to a demand for intensive astrobiological research aimed at improving strategies of the pharmacological protection of the human cells against extreme conditions. Although routine research in space remain out of our reach, it is worth noticing that unique severe environment of the Earth’s stratosphere have been found to mimic subcosmic conditions, giving rise to the opportunity for use of stratospheric surface as a research model for the astrobiological studies. Our study included launching balloon into the stratosphere containing the human normal and cancer cells treated with various compounds to examine whether these medicines are capable to protect the cells against the stress caused by rapidly varying temperature, pressure and radiation, especially UV. Due to oxidative stress caused by irradiation and temperature shock, we used natural compounds which display antioxidant properties, namely catechin isolated from green tea, honokiol derived from magnolia, curcumin from turmeric and cinnamon extract. “After-flight” laboratory tests displayed the most active antioxidants as potential agents which can minimize harmful impact of extreme conditions to the human cells.