BOSTON UNIVERSITY: Identifying Biomarkers of Gulf War Illness

SOURCE:  Boston University School of Public Health, by Lisa Chedekel, March 29, 2017
https://www.bu.edu/sph/2017/03/29/identifying-biomarkers-of-gulf-war-illness/

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Identifying Biomarkers of Gulf War Illness

POSTED ON: March 29, 2017 TOPICS: gulf war illness, veteran health, veterans

Twenty-five years after the first Gulf War, scientists still do not know the exact biological mechanisms that are making about one-third of the 697,000 veterans who served in the war sick.

But a new multi-institution study in the journal Neurotoxicology & Teretology, co-authored by a School of Public Health researcher, provides evidence that Gulf War Illness (GWI) stems from neuronal and glial injury affecting both the gray and white matter cells of the brain, and identifies serum autoantibodies that may prove useful as biomarkers of the illness.

The research team found “significantly elevated levels” of

SOURCE:  Press Release, University of South Carolina (EurekaAlerts)

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-03/uosc-nrl032317.php


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PUBLIC RELEASE: 23-MAR-2017

New research links Gulf War Illness to gastrointestinal disturbances

Findings may point to new treatments for elusive disorder

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

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A new study from the University of South Carolina has found a gastrointestinal link that could help explain many of the health issues facing those with Gulf War Illness (GWI) as well as opening new pathways to treatment options that may improve both gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms associated with the disorder. 

The research is the first study to link the gastrointestinal disturbances of GWI with changes in the intestinal microbiota. This connection potentially explains both the gastrointestinal inflammation and the neurological abnormalities (e.g., impairments to cognition, memory, learning) that define GWI. 

GWI exposures alter the microbiome (i.e., bacterial content in the gut), and the affected microbiota then produce endotoxins,

Gulf War Illness linked to gastrointestinal disturbances; Findings may point to new treatments for elusive disorder

SOURCE:  Science Daily, March 17, 2017
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170323125513.htm 

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Gulf War Illness linked to gastrointestinal disturbances

Findings may point to new treatments for elusive disorder

Date:

March 23, 2017

Source:

University of South Carolina

Summary:

A new study has linked gastrointestinal disturbances in those suffering from Gulf War illness with changes intestinal microbiota. The findings open up new treatment options that may improve both gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms among soldiers and veterans.

Research links Gulf War Illness to gastrointestinal disturbances and uncovers pathways to how this condition causes neuroinflammation

SOURCE:  University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, March 23, 2017
https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/public_health/about/news/2017/gwi_study.php#.W-8h9C2ZPOR

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Research links Gulf War Illness to gastrointestinal disturbances and uncovers pathways to how this condition causes neuroinflammation

March 23, 2017 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu 

A team of researchers* led by Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences (ENHS) Saurabh Chatterjee have published the first study to link the gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., bloating, flatulence, indigestion) of  Gulf War Illness (GWI) with changes in the intestinal microbiota. This connection potentially explains both the gastrointestinal inflammation and the neurological abnormalities (e.g., impairments to cognition, memory, learning) that define GWI.

GWI exposures alter the microbiome (i.e., bacterial content in the gut). The affected microbiota then produce endotoxins, which pass through a thinned lining of the gut (i.e., leaky gut) and into the blood where they circulate throughout the body. These compounds trigger an inflammatory response that, in turn, initiates several neurological abnormalities commonly observed in GWI. These findings open up new treatment options that may improve both gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms among soldiers and veterans with GWI.

**URGENT ACTION ALERT** -- 5 Minutes to Help -- Gulf War Illness treatment research

Final Cosigners List - FY18 Gulf War Illness treatment research funding

New CDMRP Study Finds More Evidence of Neuroinflammation, injury in Gulf War Illness

(91outcomes.com - Mar. 16, 2017) - A new study released this week ahead of publication shows further evidence of neuroinflammation and injury to the cells of the brain, neurons, following Gulf War toxic exposures.  The study also confirmed the continuing presence of gliosis, nonspecific evidence of injury to the brain or spinal cord and commonly found in other neurological diseases.

RAC-Gulf War to meet in Boston in April