Mechanisms of Gulf War Illness

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jul 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking into the causes of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms experienced by veterans who served in the Gulf War. Many veterans report ongoing issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating that began during their service. Unfortunately, there are currently no specific treatments available for these problems, which significantly affect the health and well-being of many veterans. The goal of this study is to test a new treatment that could help improve these symptoms and, ultimately, enhance the quality of life for those affected.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be veterans aged 18 to 65 who have Gulf War Illness and have experienced chronic GI symptoms since their deployment in the Persian Gulf. They also need to have a specific test result indicating increased intestinal permeability, meaning their gut may not be functioning properly. Participants can expect to work closely with the research team and will be monitored throughout the trial. Importantly, this study aims to provide valuable insights and potential new solutions for the many veterans suffering from these distressing symptoms.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Veterans 18-65 years old with GWI and chronic GI symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating) that started during their deployment in the Persian Gulf
• • 2. Veterans 18-65 years old with GWI and chronic GI symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating)
• • 3. increased intestinal permeability on the lactulose/mannitol permeability test (ratio \>0.07)
• • 4. able and willing to cooperate with the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. current participation in another research protocol or unable to give informed consent
• • 2. women with a positive urine pregnancy test or breastfeeding
• • 3. history of inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance and/or celiac sprue
• • 4. + hydrogen breath test for bacterial overgrowth
• • 5. + anti-endomysial antibody titer
• • 6. use of NSAIDs 2 weeks before or during the study
• • 7. known allergy to glutamine or whey protein
• • 8. abdominal surgery except for removal of gallbladder, uterus, or appendix \>6 months prior to entry into the study
• • 9. Abnormal serum BUN and/or creatinine
• • 10. Mannitol recovery out of the normal range of 5-25 U/g
• • 11. history of kidney disease
• • 12. allergies to monosodium glutamate
• • 13. current use of anti-seizure medications