Could a Trip to Space Offer a Treatment for Osteoporosis?
Question: I’ve read articles in the past about astronauts returning to Earth, and they’ve lost bone density while they’ve been in space. Have scientists found a way to stop that bone loss? Louisiana Subscriber Answer: Researchers at Mayo Clinic in Florida, led by Abba Zubair, MD, PhD, medical director of Transfusion Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy, are exploring stem cell-based therapies for diseases that cause bone loss, such as osteoporosis. On Aug. 24, 2025, Zubair’s experiment launched into space en route to the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The experiment is looking how bone-forming stem cells act in low gravity. “For this project, our goal is to really understand how gravity affects bone formation and bone loss, particularly in relation to mesenchymal stem cells and other bone-forming cells,” says Zubair. Zubair’s team identified the IL-6 protein, which is capable of relaying signals to stem cells to stimulate bone growth or bone loss. The scientists are looking into if a new compound can prevent the IL-6 signals from sending and help reduce the loss of bone density in space. If positive results are found, the experiment could provide optimism for the millions of patients around the world affected by osteoporosis. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Development Editor
