Astronaut DNA changes after a year in space

Posted , 3 users are following.

 Not really anything to do with PV, per se.

I have just read a CNN article about the astronaut Scott Kelly who spent a year in space while his twin brother stayed on earth. 7% of Scott’s genetic makeup was altered including some changes which are linked to hypoxia. Secondary PV can be caused by hypoxia and primary PV is genetic of course.

It would be interesting to follow the story and find out if Scott Kelly develops PV of one kind or another.

Unfortunately, this website does not allow links to other websites but you can read it if you Google Scott Kelly Astronaut genetic changes.

You can see I’m bored.biggrin

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    That’s very interesting when I was diagnosed over 5 years ago, I had no symptoms, the Dr asked if I had lived at altitude, which I had not. However my mother was Italian and sometimes people with Mediterranean blood can contract PV anyone any thoughts on this . 
    • Posted

      I have heard that there is a familial link within certain communities.

      Chuvash polycythaemia is a special type of polycythaemia that exists in families that live along the Volga river in Russia. It is passed from parents to children and the JAK2 mutation is not present.

      I believe that some research was done in France which showed that people with Jewish ancestry living in France had almost twice as much chance of developing primary polycythaemia as the general population did.

      I haven’t heard of any special link to Spanish people though.

  • Posted

    Hi Angela,

    Many thanks for your information.  Anything that could affect PV etc is worthwhile to know.  When you consider it the rarified atmosphere and exposure to unknown effects of buzzing around in a space capsule are very much open to question.   I will read up what you suggest and see what beholds.   Nice to hear from you, bored or otherwise. Some of your recent postings have been excellent.  Good wishes.

    Peter.

    • Posted

      Hello there Peter,

      Fancy signing up for a weekend in space? It would beat staring at the rain. And a couple more genetic mutations would be water off a duck’s back.wink

      Hello Justin if you are looking in. Hope you aren’t still digging yourself out of a snowdrift.

      Have a good day all.biggrin

       

    • Posted

      Hi Angela,

      Could be interesting in more ways than one.  I've always wanted to see the old Man in the Moon.

      Well the sun shines here in Devon, snow absent but lots of water slushing around.   Visited the Haematologist this week and the Ruxolitinib (Jakavi) is holding things up well.  Blood tests are normal.!!🚀  be well.  Peter.

    • Posted

      I am delighted to hear that you are doing well, Peter. It must be a weight off your mind.

      I am due to go in for my usual chat tomorrow. In for the same old stuff - “Go on, take the drugs.” “Shall’nt. Can’t make me.”rolleyes 

      Heigh ho.confused

    • Posted

      Hi Angela,

      Well you are your usual bubbly self I see.  Good for you.  If you are happy then that is always half a cure.

      The Ruxolitinib has kept me going for the past three years and returned my blood tests to normal.  So different from the Hydroxy...  that gave out on me after such a long period.  Feel lots better too.  Still no feedback on the long-term effects of Ruxolitinib (Jakavi) though,  which may be a possible advantage.

      I eat and drink all I want in moderation without any complications.  I shall go out and skip with the lambs and rejoice, and prepare for that trip with the satellites.  Hope you stay well .    🌃??

      Peter

    • Posted

      Hi Angela,

      One thing that crossed my mind is the connection of PV with altitude.  Maybe we might be pushing it a bit by being astronauts.  Perhaps we 'd never return to tell the tale.   I know it is usually basic PV without the frills but you never know what is up there these days.  🤩

      Peter.

    • Posted

      Is that PV wivvaht the frills and are we speaking estuary English?confused

      PV could become the disease of the super-wealthy. “Oh my deah, you haven’t lived till you’ve been to the moon and got PV”.

      Don’t tell anyone but the sun is shining.

    • Posted

      Good Heavens Angela.  You've already been.  Did you have a blue passport too ?  The sun shines here as well but a change is due (cold with snow) particularly on the moors.   Stay fit.

      Peter. 

  • Posted

    Hi Angela,

    I looked at that web-site you mentioned and it certainly gives food for thought.    It would be great if genetic changes could be affiliated with space travel and exposure.   Could it be transferred into a more worldly use to deal with disorders such as PV and MPN's.   Nothing seems impossible these days.  Pity about Stephen Hawkins, such a great man and scholar.   He could have provided so much more to humanity.  I admired many of his views on the concept of life and where it all began.  ??   

    Peter.

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