Objective:To review the current research on mechanisms for bone and muscle loss among astronauts in a microgravity environment and predict progress in prevention and treatment. Literature resource and selection Related literature retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and other Chinese and English databases that was published as of December 2023. Such key words as weightless, microgravity, bone, muscle and osteoporosis were used. Literature quotation Fifty seven related articles that had been published at home and abroad were included. Literature synthesis The loss of bone and muscle in a microgravity environment was receiving increasing attention in the field of aerospace medicine, but the process of bone and muscle loss was influenced by a range of factors. The microgravity environment altered the function and expression of osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts, thus impacting bone formation, mineralization and absorption. In addition, the microgravity environment led to muscle cell atrophy, apoptosis, functional decline and degradation of muscle proteins. Complex signaling pathways and molecular regulatory mechanisms existed between bone and muscle cells, and these interactions were disrupted in the microgravity environment. Conclusions:Current strategies for prevention and treatment of bone and muscle loss in a microgravity environment include mechanical stimulation, pharmacologic interventions and nutritional supplementation. More effort is needed to study the related mechanisms and targets.

Objective:To review the current research on mechanisms for bone and muscle loss among astronauts in a microgravity environment and predict progress in prevention and treatment. Literature resource and selection Related literature retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and other Chinese and English databases that was published as of December 2023. Such key words as weightless, microgravity, bone, muscle and osteoporosis were used. Literature quotation Fifty seven related articles that had been published at home and abroad were included. Literature synthesis The loss of bone and muscle in a microgravity environment was receiving increasing attention in the field of aerospace medicine, but the process of bone and muscle loss was influenced by a range of factors. The microgravity environment altered the function and expression of osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts, thus impacting bone formation, mineralization and absorption. In addition, the microgravity environment led to muscle cell atrophy, apoptosis, functional decline and degradation of muscle proteins. Complex signaling pathways and molecular regulatory mechanisms existed between bone and muscle cells, and these interactions were disrupted in the microgravity environment. Conclusions:Current strategies for prevention and treatment of bone and muscle loss in a microgravity environment include mechanical stimulation, pharmacologic interventions and nutritional supplementation. More effort is needed to study the related mechanisms and targets.