Pharmacologic Protection in Distant Space: Current View

Abstract

The radiation risk for astronauts in long space flights depends on the impact of low-intensity galactic and solar radiation on the spaceship. There is a small possibility of high solar activity during long space flights, which can threaten astronauts with doses causing deterministic radiation effects. B-190 (indralin) is the most promising radioprotector of the small number of radioprotective drugs allowed for use in humans. The antiemetic Latran (ondansetron) is of interest for prophylaxis of, and stopping the primary radiation response. Application of radiomitigators during proton radiation makes it possible to accelerate post-radiation recovery processes in hematopoietic tissue. Neupomax has been suggested for pathogenetic therapy of acute radiation illness. Natural antioxidants, drugs, nutritional supplements as radiomodulators, high-quality nutrition including vegetable products enriched with flavonoids and vitamins C and E, and carotin potentially promote prevention of accelerated aging in astronauts during long flights under the influence of solar and galactic cosmic rays and space flight stress factors.