Human immune function and intestinal microbiota are suggested to be altered within long-duration stay in space. Accumulated evidences on earth support that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS) is a promising probiotic strain on improvement of immune function and intestinal microbiota. This study aims to investigate the impact of long-duration spaceflight as well as intake of LcS on the international space station (ISS), on immune system and intestinal microbiota in astronauts.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
Continuously take five capsules containing freeze-dried LcS on ISS for four weeks, from four weeks before the return (R-4W) to one day before the return (R-1d)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Ibaraki, Japan
Longitudinal changes in the number of LcS in feces
Number of LcS in feces will be assessed by PMA-qPCR, during pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight.
Time frame: 9-18 months
Longitudinal changes in the level of immune markers
Levels of immune markers in blood/saliva will be assessed by ELISA and bioassay, during pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight.
Time frame: 9-18 months
Longitudinal changes in numbers and composition of intestinal microbiota
Numbers and composition of bacteria in feces will be assessed by RT-qPCR/qPCR and next generation sequencer analysis, during pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight.
Time frame: 9-18 months
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