Renal function and orthostatic intolerance in microgravity

Speaker

Prof.ssa  Giovanna Valenti, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” – Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics.

Abstract

The effect of microgravity on kidney function and volume homeostasis has always been of great interest for researchers. Fluid redistribution from the legs to the abdomen, thorax and the head was one of the first observations that was considered to impact kidney physiology. Exposure to actual or simulated microgravity results in alterations of renal function, fluid redistribution, and bone loss, which is coupled to a rise of urinary calcium excretion making astronauts at risk of kidney stone formation. Better understanding of kidney physiology and volume homeostasis in space is of special interest also because of the orthostatic intolerance complaints after space flight, which are still unresolved despite the use of extensive countermeasures. 
Studies performed using ground-based model of microgravity in humans (bedrest studies) demonstrated an early increase in the risk of stone formation and reduced orthostatic capacity post-bedrest within a few days of inactivity. Better understanding of the effects of microgravity on kidney function, volume regulation and osmoregulation are needed with the advent of long-term deep space missions and planetary surface explorations during which orthostatic intolerance complaints or kidney stone formation can be life-threatening for astronauts. In this seminar, we summarise and highlight the current understandings of the effects of microgravity on kidney function, volume regulation and osmoregulation and discuss knowledge gaps that future studies should address.

Short Bio

Giovanna Valenti is a renal physiologist. She is full professor at the University of Bari Aldo Moro and responsible of the laboratory of Renal Physiology. She has worked as post doc at the Service de Biologie Cellulaire Saclay, France and at the Renal Unit of the Harvard Medical School of Boston, USA. The theme of the laboratory is the hormonal regulation of water balance mediated by Aquaporins to understand how physiologically-relevant processes of fluid and electrolyte transport across epithelia are regulated at the cell and molecular levels in kidney. In this research field, Giovanna Valenti is interested in studying altered renal function and orthostatic intolerance in microgravity using ground-based model of microgravity in humans (bedrest studies) and animal models (mice hindlimb suspension) and renal cells.

Online attendance

Zoom link: https://unitn.zoom.us/j/85850983684?pwd=eGpYNml3dE5DZWp5NTdMRTNmLzd6QT09

Meeting ID: 858 5098 3684

Passcode: 898640

In cooperation with

The Trento International School on Observation of the Earth and of the Universe (TISOEU) is an educational facility focused on the Sciences of the Earth and the Universe. It realizes initiatives for the scientific community, for undergraduate and doctoral students, as well as for stakeholders.