"Out of this World" Research Seeks to Improve Health on Earth

Although designed to help humankind probe the uncharted regions of outer space, NASA technology is being used by Texas Medical Center institutions' scientists to send today's knowledge of human health soaring.

Twenty-five faculty members from five TMC institutions are celebrating this year's completion of research projects conducted through a joint agreement between the Texas Medical Center and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. The projects are aimed at achieving better health for people everywhere.

"By conducting research projects in zero-gravity conditions, Texas Medical Center scientists were able to learn how to design better diagnostic tools and more advanced technology, to understand how physical conditions can bring on diseases or disabilities, to learn more about how the body parts actually work, and to develop medicines on Earth in a timely fashion using techniques first used in space," says Dr. Richard E. Wainerdi, Texas Medical Center CEO and president, and principal investigator for the program.

Mary Schiflett, Texas Medical Center vice president, served as the project's program administrator.

"For well over 30 years, scientists in the Texas Medical Center institutions have worked informally with scientists at NASA/Johnson Space Center," said Schiflett, "and a number of astronauts and others working in the space program have earned Ph.D. and M.D. degrees from Texas Medical Center colleges and universities. Many faculty at Texas Medical Center institutions have both offered and sought advice and expertise from those at NASA/JSC for their medically related research projects," she says.

Dr. Sam Pool, associate director of Bioastronautics at NASA/JSC, says these projects have added substantially to the medical research aspects of the entire space program.

"By establishing this program with grants for specific scientific work, we were able to look at what had been accomplished in space and search for ways to use that knowledge to address Earth-bound medical and health issues. It's the best of both worlds - when medical and space professionals team up, our body of knowledge increases exponentially," Dr. Poole says.

In 1995, the 30-year informal relationship between the Texas Medical Center and NASA/JSC became formal with the signing of a cooperative agreement between the two entities. As a result of this agreement, NASA allocated $3.35 million to fund 25 projects designed by faculty and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, and Texas A&M University's Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology. This year marks the completion of the last of the 25 projects.

To qualify for funding, the scientists had to be affiliated with a Texas Medical Center institution, and their proposed projects had to include a new concept or an interpolation of life sciences research in space that could benefit humankind on Earth.

"Over the next three years, following the signing of the NASA/TMC cooperative agreement, 211 proposals were received, and 25 were funded. The process was very competitive," explained Dr. Wainerdi.

Determination of who received funding was a joint decision between the Texas Medical Center and NASA's Johnson Space Center. The NASA team reviewed all proposals to ensure NASA's criteria were met, while a Texas Medical Center Scientific Merit Review Panel ranked the proposals after they had been cleared by NASA. The Scientific Merit Review Panel consisted of 12 members, with three each from Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and one each from the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, and Texas A&M University's Albert B. Alkek Institute of Biosciences and Technology. Dr. William Gordon, member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and retired distinguished professor and former provost of Rice University, served as ombudsman in the selection process.

Funding was awarded to established medical researchers, as well as to new investigators. Projects selected for funding included those studying long-distance telemedicine, skeletal muscle atrophy, vitamins and bone mass loss, pancreas islets for transplantation in diabetic patients, computer mapping of cancers, and much more.

"Completion of these 25 research projects has been very gratifying to us at NASA/JSC," said Dr. Pool. "The completed efforts have expanded our knowledge of what can come from space research and its ultimate benefit for humankind, and the investigators have confirmed their own ideas of the possibilities of Earth science based on space science."

Projects and Researchers , Listed by Institution

(Listings below reflect information that was current at time grants were awarded)

BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

• Clarence P. Alfrey, M.D., Ph.D., professor of hematology and oncology
  "Ineffective Erythropoiesis in Space and EPO Pharmacology"
  Studies conducted by NASA have shown that astronauts often have a marked decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells during spaceflight, causing "spaceflight anemia." In investigating why this occurs, Dr. Alfrey discovered a previously unknown process in the body that keeps the number of red blood cells at an optimal level by selectively destroying young red blood cells when there are too many - a process Dr. Alfrey's team named "neocytolysis." He found that neocytolysis contributes to anemia in disorders encountered on Earth, such as kidney diseases and some blood diseases. This project applies new understanding of red blood cell control to the treatment of anemia in patients with blood and kidney diseases. Dr. Alfrey's finding may also be useful in detecting illegal "blood doping" (autologous blood transfusion) in world-class athletes.
  
  
• David Cardus, M.D., professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation
  "Artificial Gravity as a Countermeasure"
  Many patients with spinal cord injury experience diminished cardiovascular function because of their extensive paralysis, and because of their inability to assume the vertical position which promotes conditioning in the able-bodied person. Dr. Cardus used a short-arm centrifuge like those used by NASA to study the feasibility of applying artificial gravity in the horizontal position as a countermeasure of cardiovascular deconditioning in patients with spinal cord injury for the purpose of improving their tolerance for sitting and standing.
  
  
• Chu-Huang Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine
  "Utilization of Microgravity Bioreactor for Differentiation and Growth of Human Vascular Endothelial Cells by Inducing Growth Factor Genes"
  Dr. Chen and colleagues used a NASA-developed microgravity chamber that simulates weightlessness to analyze the effect of gravity on human vascular endothelial cells - the cells lining the cavities of the heart, the blood and lymph vessels, and serous cavities of the body. They paid particular attention to the effect that gravity has on basic fibroblast growth factor, which regulates growth of these cells. This research may provide scientists with important information about the function of many organ systems, and may assist in future efforts to engineer tissue and organ growth.
  
  
• Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., Chancellor Emeritus
  "Development of Telemedicine Capabilities for a Joint U.S.-Russian Space Biomedical Center for Training and Research"
  Since the 1960s, Dr. DeBakey has proposed the use of telemedicine for worldwide clinical training. Now, technology developed by NASA is being used to establish an Internet link between Baylor College of Medicine and Moscow State University, and by this means, the classroom capabilities for both medical institutions are being expanded. Already, the digital connection between the two schools has been used for Grand Rounds presentations, seminars by Dr. DeBakey, and interactive consultations. Ongoing seminars and Grand Rounds presentations are planned which allow NASA and Baylor to offer expertise in cardiovascular medicine, otology, and general medicine. In turn, Moscow State, with notable strengths in areas such as hyperbaric medicine and external neurologic control systems, can assist in training physicians and researchers in the United States.
  
  
• Michael W. Kattan, Ph.D., assistant professor of urology and medical information>
  "Comparison of NASA Induction Tools for the Creation of Decision Rules Regarding Treatment for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer"
  Dr. Kattan used a NASA algorithm to predict which men with prostate cancer will benefit from particular treatments. The NASA method often outperforms traditional statistical models.
• Adrian D. LeBlanc, Ph.D., research professor of nuclear medicine
  "Development of Human Muscle Protein Measurement with MRI"
  The goal of this project was to develop an MRI method to measure the amount of protein in specific muscles, and apply this new method to studying the muscle atrophy that occurs in extended bedrest and in spaceflight. This knowledge may be useful in preventing muscle atrophy related to other medical problems.
  
  
• Arun S. Rajan, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and physiology
  "Insulin and Glucagon Secretion in Vitro"
  Long-duration space flight is associated with a number of physiological abnormalities in astronauts, including altered regulation of the hormones insulin and glucagon which may contribute to increased blood sugar levels and bone and muscle loss. By mimicking the microgravity environment of space in the research laboratory using a NASA-developed bioreactor (a chamber that simulates zero-gravity conditions), Dr. Rajan studied the physiological processes of hormone production to determine if and how hormones are altered. These studies may potentially provide new scientific insights for the understanding of diabetes.
  
  
• Robert J. Schwartz, Ph.D., professor of cell biology
  "Developing the Role of Overexpression of hGH in Transgenic Mice on Muscle Mass Accretion Under Condition of Hindlimb Underloading"
  Exposure to reduced gravity during space profoundly alters the loads placed on bone and muscle, causing astronauts to lose muscle mass and strength while in space. This project investigated whether increased levels of growth hormone, combined with exercise, may provide a long-term solution and a workable countermeasure for muscle stability under conditions of prolonged weightlessness.
  
  
• Charles L. Seidel, Ph.D., professor of cardiovascular sciences
  "Interaction on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells"
  Dr. Seidel used a NASA-developed microgravity chamber that simulates weightlessness to grow cells from blood vessel walls. Seeing how cells assemble into a blood vessel wall will help scientists understand how to repair blood vessels damaged by disease. This process can be studied in a dish in a laboratory; however, when cells are grown in a dish, they only form thin sheets one or two cells thick and they do not form complex three-dimensional structures such as seen in a blood vessel wall. Under conditions of weightlessness, cells float and are therefore free to combine into three-dimensional structures.
  
  
• JoAnn Trial, Ph.D., associate professor of immunology
  "The Study of Leukocyte Functions"
  Astronauts exhibit diminished immune skin reactions in space. In experiments on Earth that simulate the lack of gravity in space, Dr. Trial's team showed a decreased capacity of immune cells to move through a cellular barrier identical to that which lines the blood vessels in the body. Her study examined the inability of astronauts' immune cells to exit the blood and mediate skin reactions in space, which may make the astronauts more susceptible to infection in a zero-gravity environment. Dr. Trial's findings may benefit patients in the treatment of a number of skin ailments.
  
  
• Boris Yoffe, M.D., associate professor of gatsroenterology
  "Three-Dimensional Primary Hepatocyte Cultures in Microgravity Environment"
  Growing human liver cells to be used in research is exceedingly difficult and numerous previous efforts have failed to maintain long-term cultures of viable human liver cells. Dr. Yoffe and associates found that by culturing liver cells in a microgravity environment using a microgravity chamber developed by NASA, the cells grew much more effectively and efficiently than in an Earth-based gravity environment. The ability to grow viable cells will allow researchers to study and arrive at a better understanding of liver function and diseases. Eventually, this research may result in development of liver assist devices and gene therapy for metabolic liver disease and liver cancer.

• Frank W. Booth, Ph.D., professor of integrative biology
  "Gene Regions Responding to Skeletal Muscle Atrophy"
  Astronauts and animals lose muscle mass in space. Their ability to work upon re-exposure to gravity is thus reduced. This is inefficient and also creates a safety concern. This project studied potential molecular markers of muscle atrophy by examining their association with strength training as a countermeasure to muscle atrophy induced by microgravity. This loss of muscle was studied in order to better understand muscle atrophy on Earth.
  
  
• Pauline Jackie Duke, Ph.D., professor of orthodontics
  "Use of the NASA Bioreactor in Engineering Tissue for Bone Repair"
  In this project, Dr. Duke used the NASA zero-gravity bioreactor chamber to grow cartilage which provides support in encouraging bone to grow. This research will help orthopedic surgeons and dental surgeons to repair and replace bones in the future.
  
  
• Lincoln Gray, Ph.D., professor of otolaryngology and director of research
  "MAPS of Cancer"
  Dr. Gray used techniques perfected in NASA graphics packages to produce accurate visualizations on the World Wide Web of how head and neck cancers can spread. From one menu, users pick where a cancer might have started, from another they pick how far that cancer might have spread, and the program displays the predicted metastases. Recently, it has also been shown that the same technique will work for malignant melanoma.
  
  
• Timothy P. Harrigan, Sc.D., director, Biomechanics Laboratory
  "Correlating Bone Signals from Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Bony Materials Properties"
  To understand bone loss during space flight, accurate estimates of the mechanical properties of bone are critical in determining how stiff and strong whole bones will be on return to Earth. Dr. Harrigan used bone imaging techniques developed by NASA to measure rate and extent of bone loss during space flight. These techniques are being adapted for use on Earth.
  
  
• Norman J. Karin, Ph.D., assistant professor of integrative biology
  "Anabolic Vitamin D Analogs"
  Studies of astronauts exposed to extended periods of low gravity reveal a loss of bone mass that is similar to osteoporosis and bone loss due to limb immobilization or long-term bed confinement. Dr. Karin and colleagues tested a series of Vitamin D3 analogs (synthetic Vitamin D3) for their ability to help calcium get into bone without causing abnormally high calcium levels in the blood, a common side effect of natural Vitamin D3. The goal was to identify Vitamin D analogs that will block and/or reverse pathological bone loss in patients.
  
  
• Lynne P. Rutzky, Ph.D., associate professor of surgery
  "Application of Rotating Wall Vessel Cell Culture Technology for Pancreas Islet Cell Transplantation"
  Dr. Rutzky grew insulin-producing pancreas cells from rodents inside a NASA-developed cell culture chamber. These cells can be implanted in persons with diabetes, and may eventually eliminate the necessity for whole pancreas transplantation.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER

• Marc J. Fenstermacher, M.D., assistant professor of diagnostic radiology
  "An Efficient, Lossless Database for Storing and Transmitting Medical Images"
  This project involved the development of a new, lossless method for compressing, storing and transmitting medical images, designed for NASA technology. Most compression methods that allow for efficient storage and transmission of images result in the loss of some data. The method developed by the project's co-investigator, Dr. Kosmas Karadimitriou, took advantage of the similarities between different images in the image database, and storing only the difference between a new image and a profile image already in the database, without any loss of data.
  
  
• Elizabeth Ann Grimm, Ph.D., professor of molecular and cellular oncology
  "In-Vitro Induced Immunosuppression in a Rotary Cell Culture System"
  Studies of both astronauts and cosmonauts have concluded that space flight induces a suppression of the immune system. In this project, Dr. Grimm conducted studies to arrive at an explanation about why this happens, and to develop treatments to overcome this phenomenon. She used a NASA microgravity analog bioreactor to reproduce changes similar to those observed in astronaut immune system suppression, and to culture immune system cells.
  
  
• Jaqannadha K. Sastry, Ph.D., assistant professor of experimental veterinary pathology
  "Studies on Cell-Mediated Immunity Against Immune Disorders"
  Space travel can cause reduced immunity which leads to increased risk for infections. Immunodeficiency is also the basis for several cancers and AIDS. This project applied the ground-based microgravity technology developed by NASA to help understand immune disorders such as cancer and AIDS. This line of study may eventually help in the design of treatments and vaccines for these conditions.
  
  
• Cherylyn A. Savary, Ph.D., instructor in surgical oncology
  "Role of Dendritic Cells in Immune Dysfunction"
  Data from NASA space flights suggested to Dr. Savary that lowered immunity in astronauts and cancer patients might be caused by a defect in a subset of white blood cells known as dendritic cells, which are critical for development of an immune response. Following this lead, Dr. Savary has found that ovarian and breast cancer patients do indeed have reduced numbers of dendritic cells. Her research project is aimed at growing dendritic cells in the zero-gravity bioreactor chamber developed by NASA. These supplemental cells could be used to boost a patient's immunity against infection.
  
  
• Donald F. Schomer, M.D., assistant professor of diagnostic radiology
  "The Use of the Discrete Wavelet Transform to Perform High-Level Data Compression for Applications in Telemedicine"
  The practice of medicine from afar - or telemedicine - is necessary to support long-duration spaceflight. Telemedicine is limited by the size and volume of digital medical images used in modern medical practice. Images may be compressed to reduce transmission and storage requirements. Dr. Schomer's project used the discrete wavelet transform (a compression technique) to extend the limits of compression while maintaining image quality appropriate for clinical and educational purposes.

TEXAS A&M ALBERT B. ALKEK INSTITUTE FOR BIOSCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

• Magnus Höök, Ph.D., director of the Center for Extracellular Matrix Biology
  "The Structure and Function of Non-Collagenous Bone Proteins"
  In space travel, bone degeneration and deterioration, also called osteoporosis, occurs at an accelerated rate. This affords researchers an opportunity to see what is unique in the body that allows such deterioration to happen. Dr. Höök's team seeks to understand certain types of bone proteins and the role they play in maintaining healthy bones. It is hoped that this knowledge will allow scientists to design new drugs to slow or stop the progression of osteoporosis.

THE INSTITUTE FOR REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH

• Diane J. Atkins, OTR, coordinator, Amputee Program
  "Applying Space Technology to Enhance Control of an Artificial Arm"
  This project evaluated NASA's robotic control technology to determine how the robotic arms used in space can be useful in improving artificial arms for children and adults. Present-day prosthetics do not have individual finger or even wrist motion, and what is presently available is cumbersome and requires constant monitoring. Now, by applying NASA research, some of the dexterity of myoelectric controls, through commands given by teleoperation, can be used much more effectively in a prosthesis worn by a person with a limb deficiency.
  
  
• Thomas R. Lunsford, MSE, CO, Orthotic Department director
  "Joint Contracture Orthosis"
  The purpose of this project was to develop an advanced orthosis which is effective in reducing upper and lower limb contractures in significantly less time than currently required with conventional methods, using the NASA technology used in the design of spacesuits, robotic arms, and coordinated mobility.

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/10_15_01/page_02.html