The Impact of Microgravity on Thyroid Dysfunctions and Their Physiological Challenges
- Paper ID
92829
- author
- company
Geração de Marte Institute
- country
Brazil
- year
2025
- abstract
\begin{document} The thyroid is a gland located in the anterior region of the neck, whose hormones are essential for the development and maintenance of metabolic functions. Thyroid disorders are challenging to diagnose, as their symptoms are broad and often mistaken for those of other diseases. The aim of this research is to understand how thyroid conditions are impacted in microgravity environments and to present alternative technologies for monitoring thyroid hormones. In Brazil, approximately 15\% of the population over the age of 45 suffers from thyroid dysfunctions, a public health issue aligned with SDG 3, which seeks to promote health and well-being by advancing the diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases. During space missions, thyroid function can be significantly altered, especially in autoimmune cases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. This condition involves the progressive destruction of the thyroid by an autoimmune response, which may be exacerbated by microgravity. Research indicates that microgravity alters the response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), impairing the production of T3 and T4. Changes in cell membrane structure and increased levels of proteins such as sphingomyelin synthase and Bax suggest that the space environment intensifies hypothyroidism by affecting the response to TSH. Through literature review and analysis of scientific articles on the subject, it has become evident that thyroid conditions negatively impact the health of individuals with such dysfunctions, with more pronounced effects in microgravity environments. Continuous and accurate monitoring of hormone levels is essential to maintain astronaut health on long-duration missions and aligns with SDG 9, fostering innovation in health monitoring technologies. Sensing technologies, such as implantable biosensors and wearable devices, emerge as promising solutions for non-invasive monitoring of these hormones, enabling immediate therapeutic adjustments and ensuring the balance needed to mitigate the adverse effects of microgravity on thyroid function. Additionally, the development of sustainable and reusable monitoring solutions supports responsible consumption (SDG 12) while advancing the technological frontier in healthcare, with implications for improved diagnostics on Earth. By exploring the intersection of health, innovation, and sustainability, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of thyroid health in extreme environments and aligns with global efforts to enhance health resilience and innovation under SDG 13. \end{document}