Actively Recruiting
Validating Blood Biomarkers of Brain Immune and Metabolic Dysfunction in Gulf War Illness
Led by Roskamp Institute Inc. · Updated on 2025-07-24
100
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
R
Roskamp Institute Inc.
Lead Sponsor
B
Boston University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating blood lipids and metabolites linked to cognitive decline in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI), focusing on those who carry the APOE ε4 allele. This observational study aims to understand how dietary, medical, and biological factors affect these blood markers and how they relate to brain bioenergetics deficits and glial activation seen in GWI. The goal is to validate blood biomarker signatures that correlate with central nervous system dysfunction in GWI, improving objective assessment of this complex condition. Participants include Gulf War veterans from 1990-1991, divided into groups based on whether they have GWI symptoms according to Kansas or CDC criteria or do not have GWI symptoms. The study does not involve treatment but collects blood samples and data to analyze lipid and metabolite profiles. Researchers assess how these profiles relate to brain imaging findings and genetic factors like the APOE ε4 allele. During the study, participants undergo evaluations including cognitive and symptom assessments, blood draws for lipid and metabolite analysis, and possibly brain imaging to measure bioenergetics and inflammation. The primary outcomes focus on validating blood biomarkers, identifying lipid profiles, and understanding the influence of various factors on these markers related to cognitive decline. The study began in 2022 and will continue through 2026, with careful monitoring of participants' health and symptoms throughout.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Validating Gulf War Illness Blood Biomarkers
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 35 years or older
- For GWI cases, served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War as active duty, national guard, or reserves
- Meet criteria for CDC Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI) or Kansas GWI definition
- For controls, veteran in the same age range as GWI participants
- Ability to understand written and spoken English or have a legal representative who can
- Participants and caregivers must be able to read, write, and speak the language of psychometric tests
- Visual and auditory ability (corrected) sufficient for accurate testing
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed or treated for cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer), chronic infectious disease, liver disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, or serious psychiatric conditions
- Problems resulting from postwar injuries
- Hospitalized in the last 5 years for alcohol or drug dependence, depression, or PTSD
- Female participants who are pregnant or nursing
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 2022 to 2024
Participants undergo assessments to identify blood biomarkers and lipid profiles related to Gulf War Illness and cognitive decline.
Duration - 2022 to 2024
Participants are observed over time to evaluate the effects of dietary, medical, and biological factors on Gulf War Illness and related biomarkers.
Trial Site Locations
Total: 3 locations
1
Palto Alto Veterans Institute for Research
Palo Alto, California, United States, 94304
Actively Recruiting
2
The Roskamp Institute
Sarasota, Florida, United States, 34232
Actively Recruiting
3
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02118
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dakota Helgager, B.S
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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