Synopsis
The paper titled “Astropharmacy: Roles of Pharmacist in Space,” authored by Shireen Aziz, Muhammad Ahmer Raza, Misbah Noreen, Muhammad Zain Iqbal, and Shahid Masood Raza, reviews the emerging field of astropharmacy, which is important for future space missions. It discusses the unique health-related challenges in space and the significant role pharmacists play in addressing these challenges.
Health-Related Problems in Space
Space presents a hostile environment for humans, affecting most physiological processes due to factors like space radiation and microgravity. These conditions lead to various health issues such as cardiovascular changes, bone and muscle deterioration, visual impairment, and immune system dysregulation. The paper details the effects of microgravity on human physiology, including fluid shifts, cardiovascular changes, and the impact on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
Pharmacogenomics and Space
Pharmacogenomics, the study of how genes influence individual responses to medication, is particularly relevant in space. The paper explores how genetic variations affect drug metabolism in space, necessitating personalized medication strategies for astronauts.
Role of Pharmacists in Space
The paper highlights the critical role of pharmacists in space missions. They are responsible for managing medication utilization, conducting medication reviews, providing medication advice, and developing personalized medications. Pharmacists are also involved in novel drug development and understanding the clinical applications of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in space.
Challenges and Considerations
One of the significant challenges in space medicine is ensuring the stability and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals in the unique space environment. The paper discusses the instability of drugs in space due to factors like radiation, microgravity, and storage conditions. It also addresses the need for pharmacists to develop strategies for in-situ drug manufacturing to ensure the availability of effective medications during long-duration missions.
Limitations and Future Directions
The review acknowledges certain limitations, such as not addressing antimicrobial resistance in space and the need for further research on pharmacokinetic changes due to microgravity. The authors call for more multidisciplinary studies to explore these limitations and the evolving roles of pharmacists and pharmacy practices in space.
Concluding Comments
The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing pharmaceutical stability issues in microgravity and the impact of space radiation. It underscores the need for pharmacists to prepare for the health-related challenges of space travel, considering how space travel affects human physiology and the efficacy of medications.
Summary
The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and roles of pharmacists in space, highlighting the importance of astropharmacy in ensuring the health and safety of astronauts on future space missions.
