Uncovering the Effects of Microgravity on Liver Metabolism

Uncovering the Effects of Microgravity on Liver Metabolism By Matthew Williams - March 26, 2026 10:18 PM UTC | Space Exploration The liver plays a vital role in human health, regulating metabolism and blood nutrient levels, filtering toxins, and synthesizing important proteins for blood clotting. It is also sensitive to changes in diet, behavior, and environmental factors, meaning it will also respond to changes in gravity. Despite considerable research into liver metabolism and function aboard the International Space Station , unanswered questions remain about how liver cells sense gravity and convert mechanical stress into metabolic responses. While the research has suggested a strong link between microgravity and the accumulation of fatty cells in liver tissue, knowing how this process is triggered is key to developing mitigation strategies. To address this, a team of Chinese scientists investigated the effects of microgravity on two cultures of liver cells, one aboard the Tiangong space station and the other on Earth. Their results offer some potential solutions for monitoring and mitigating the effects of microgravity on the liver. The team was led by Professor Mian Long from the Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was joined by researchers from the Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, the Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, the Key Laboratory of Microgravity, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology. Their work is detailed in a paper published in Science Bulletin . Understanding the effects of microgravity on liver health is paramount for astronauts on future deep-space missions. Credit: Li, N. et al. (2026) Research conducted aboard the ISS has consistently shown a link between microgravity and hepatic lipid metabolism, the process by which the liver regulates energy balance by synthesizing, breaking down, and transporting fats. T...