https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/37629/cdc_37629_DS1.pdf

Recent research on Gulf War illness and other health problems in veterans of the 1991 Gulf War: Effects of toxicant exposures during deployment

Pesticides are unique environmental contaminants that are specifically introduced into the environment to control pests, often by killing them. Although pesticide application serves many important purposes, including protection against crop loss and against vector-borne diseases, there are significant concerns over the potential toxic effects of pesticides to non-target organisms, including humans. In many cases, the molecular target of a pesticide is shared by non-target species, leading to the potential for untoward effects. Here, we review the history of pesticide usage and the neurotoxicity of selected classes of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, to humans and experimental animals. Specific emphasis is given to linkages between exposure to pesticides and risk of neurological disease and dysfunction in humans coupled with mechanistic findings in humans and animal models. Finally, we discuss emerging techniques and strategies to improve translation from animal models to humans.

Neurotoxicity of pesticides.

: We propose to perform a phase I/II study comparing two nutraceuticals and placebo that target mediators identified in our prior dynamic modeling study of Gulf War Illness (GWI). We will repeat the dynamic modeling before treatment and on therapy to assess our modeling and the impact of the interventions on the homeostatic networks we have identified, with an added focus on the glutathione/redox system. In our prior study Dynamic Modeling in GWI we used an exercise stress model (rest, peak VO2, and 7 follow-up sampling points) to measure the mediators of relapse in the context of their interactive homeostatic networks. We surveyed theresponse of genes and blood-borne biomarkers in order to interrogate and map regulation of neuro-endocrine-autonomic-immune function in these subjects as compared to GW era sedentary healthy controls. We applied an integrative systems-based approach rooted in computational biology connecting gene expression and biomarkers to pathways and to symptoms in order to identify potential therapeutic targets as well as optimal strategies for manipulation of these targets. Using this data we have developed a virtual model of the illness, which we have used to identify potential therapeutic targets. The proposed project is directed at the validation of pharmacologic mediation of illness targets for GWI, identified using an integrative systems-based approach to the study of molecular and cellular markers.

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1090654.pdf

Testing the Model: A Phase 1/11 Randomized Double Blind Placebo Control Trial of Targeted Therapeutics: Liposomal Glutathione and Curcumin

Neurotoxicity in acute and repeated organophosphate exposure.

https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1334503/1/1334503.pdf

Neuropsychological and psychiatric functioning in sheep farmers exposed to low levels of organophosphate pesticides

: Gulf War illness, the multisymptom condition resulting from service in the 1990-1991 Gulf War, is the most prominent health issue affecting Gulf War veterans, but not the only one. The Congressionally- mandated Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses has reviewed the extensive evidence now available, including important findings from scientific research and government investigations not considered by earlier panels, to determine what is known about the health consequences of military service in the Gulf War. This evidence identifies the foremost causes of Gulf War illness, describes biological characteristics of this condition, and provides direction for future research urgently needed to improve the health of Gulf War veterans. Gulf War illness is a serious condition that affects at least one fourth of the 697,000 U.S. veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War This complex of multiple concurrent symptoms typically includes persistent memory and concentration problems, chronic headaches, widespread pain, gastrointestinal problems, and other chronic abnormalities not explained by well-established diagnoses. No effective treatments have been identified for Gulf War illness and studies indicate that few veterans have recovered over time. Gulf War illness fundamentally differs from trauma and stress-related syndromes described after other wars Studies consistently indicate that Gulf War illness is not the result of combat or other stressors and that Gulf War veterans have lower rates of posttraumatic stress disorder than veterans of other wars. No similar widespread, unexplained symptomatic illness has been identified in veterans who have served in war zones since the Gulf War, including current Middle East deployments.

/pdf/gulf-war-illness-and-the-health-of-gulf-war-veterans-3mn4eoav8p.pdf

Joel C. Graves

Papers

Recent research on Gulf War illness and other health problems in veterans of the 1991 Gulf War: Effects of toxicant exposures during deployment

Gulf War Illness and the Health of Gulf War Veterans