Assessment of soluble sST2 and NTproBNP cardiac markers during end-to-end stimulation of space flight stages on a long radius centrifuge

Introduction. Considering the risks of cardiovascular events during all phases of spaceflight (SF), it is relevant to evaluate the levels of cardiac markers sST2 and NT-proBNP in ground-based simulations of exposure to adverse SF factors. Objective. To identify the levels of sST2 and NT-proBNP as risk criteria for the development of cardiovascular changes following end-to-end simulation of SF stages on the CF-18 centrifuge. Materials and methods. The levels of cardiac markers sST2 and NT-proBNP were assessed during exposure to chest-to-back overloads of up to 4.5 units and simulated vestibular sensory conflict on a CF-18 centrifuge for 60 min in six healthy male subjects. The sST2 levels were assessed by solid-phase enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NT-proBNP concentration was measured by immunofluorescence method on a Finecare TM FIA FS-113 analyzer (from Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech). Results. During the end-to-end simulation of SF stages, the response of the subjects’ cardiovascular system was adequate to the loads imposed. The levels of the cardiac markers sST2 and NT-proBNP in venous blood of the subjects did not significantly increase after spinning on the centrifuge. Conclusions. In the present study, no significant changes indicative of biochemical signs of pathologic overstretching or myocardial damage were observed during rotation on the CF-18. Assessment of individual sST2 levels prior to exposure and in dynamics can be used to probabilistically predict individual sensitivity and adaptation reserves of the heart to unfavorable CP factors.