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Space magnetic environment and circadian rhythm

GAO Bing-Xin, WANG Cao, JIANG Rui-Xian, TIAN Wei-Ming^*

School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150008, China

Abstract

In recent years, China's manned space program has advanced rapidly, with deep space exploration missions such as manned lunar landing steadily progressing, leading to a significant extension of astronauts' duration in outer space. In this context, the impact of the space magnetic field environment on astronaut health has become increasingly conspicuous. Characterized by its complexity, the spatial magnetic field indirectly regulates the circadian rhythm system by interfering with mitochondrial functions, such as electron transport chain activity, ATP synthesis efficiency, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance. This disruption can lead to circadian misalignment, sleep disorders, metabolic dysregulation, and other issues, severely compromising astronauts' physical and mental well-being, as well as mission performance. Currently, researchers have carried out extensive investigations into the influence of the space magnetic environment on circadian rhythms. Nevertheless, due to disparities in magnetic field parameters, exposure durations, and the model organisms employed in experiments, the results have been inconsistent. This review systematically elaborates on ground-based simulation technologies for spatial magnetic field environments and their applications, summarizes the effects of magnetic fields with varying intensities and types on core circadian rhythm biomarkers in model organisms and humans, and explores the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms of magnetic field-induced circadian rhythm perturbation. This work aims to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of the space magnetic environment on biological rhythms, and establish a scientific basis for formulating adaptive protective strategies centered on circadian regulation for astronauts, thereby ensuring the successful implementation of long-term deep-space missions.

Key words: space magnetic environment; circadian rhythm; mitochondria; magnetoreception

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 田维明　　E-mail:

DOI: 10.13294/j.aps.2025.0072

Citing This Article：

GAO Bing-Xin, WANG Cao, JIANG Rui-Xian, TIAN Wei-Ming. Space magnetic environment and circadian rhythm. Acta Physiol Sin 2025; 77 (4): 721-730 (in Chinese with English abstract).