Assessment of Diverse Biological Indicators in Gulf War Illness: Are They Replicable? Are They Related?

ABSTRACT

The complex of multiple symptoms known as Gulf War Illness (GWI) continues to affect a substantial number of the nearly 700,000 U.S. veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Despite considerable research, the biological processes underlying veterans symptoms have not yet been clearly elucidated. To develop useful diagnostic tests and effective GWI treatments, it is imperative to establish a more definitive and integrated understanding of GWI pathophysiology. This study was designed to evaluate diverse previously-identified and hypothesized biological alterations associated with GWI in a single, well-characterized sample of Gulf War veterans. Using a case-control design, the protocol included physical and neuropsychological evaluations, brain imaging (MRI, fMRI, DTI), adrenal function tests, and diverse immune, inflammatory, and coagulation measures. Despite ongoing good-faith attempts to operationalize and implement the project over an extended period, data collection was not initiated and there are no study results to report, owing to a variety of internal and external challenges that we were unable to successfully address. For the most recent period of performance, all study updates, preparations, and sample identification were in place for data collection, including protocol revisions to limit in-person contact and related COVID safety precautions. However, recruitment and data collection were not undertaken due to extended public health restrictions in place during the ongoing pandemic. It is therefore necessary, with great regret, that we close the project without performing the study. We acknowledge and extend our sincere appreciation to the USAMRAA CDMRP program for their support as we worked to address project challenges over the duration of the grant period.