included. While the increase of mutated cells by a factor of 1.4 was significant for the latter
group, no such increase was found for the 4 short-duration subjects.
Before the flights, only
chromosomal fragments
were detected (all
values in control range).
After the flight, few
dicentrics could be
observed. No other
aberration types (which
are considered to be
radiation induced) were
found. These results are
in contrast with the
observations in long-
duration crew
members. Following
missions of
approximately 6-month
periods, various types of
aberrations increased
after return to Earth.PUBLICATION(S)
George KA, Rhone J, Chappell LJ, Cucinotta FA. Cytogenetic biodosimetry using the blood
lymphocytes of astronauts. Acta Astronautica. November 201 3;92(1):97-10. doi: 10.1016/j.
actaastro.2012.05.001.
Durante M. Biomarkers of space radiation risk. Radiation Research. 2005;164(4 Pt 2):467-473.
Horstmann M, Durante M, Johannes C, Pieper R, Obe G. Space radiation does not induce a
significant increase of intrachromosomal exchanges in astronaut lymphocytes. Radiation and
Environmental Biophysics. 2005;44:219-224. doi: 10.1007/s00411-005-0017-0.
Durante M, Ando K, Furusawa Y, Obe G, George KA, Cucinotta FA. Complex chromosomal
rearrangements induced in vivo by heavy ions. Cytogenetic and Genome Research.
2004;104:240-244. doi: 10.1159/000077497.
Durante M, Snigiryova GP, Akaeva E, et al. Chromosome aberration dosimetry in cosmonauts
after single or multiple space flights. Cytogenetic and Genome Research. 2003;103:40-46. doi:
10.1159/000076288.
Multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) metaphase with a reciprocal
translocation between chromosomes 9 and 11 (encircled). University of Duisburg-
Essen image.