Identification of Causes and Treatments for Chronic Pain in a Model of Gulf War Illness
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, 25-30% of veterans from the 1990-1991 Gulf War have consistently reported numerous unexplained chronic health symptoms affecting their quality of life, which has been termed Gulf War Illness (GWI). Musculoskeletal pain is a principal symptom of GWI, and affects up to 17% of veterans with GWI. Pain is not only a major quality of life burden for the patient, but exacts a substantial economic toll in terms of direct health care costs and absenteeism. Epidemiological studies have identified exposure to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors as a potential cause of GWI, as well as the stress of war as a sensitizing condition that might predispose soldiers to GWI. Rodent models have recapitulated the symptoms of GWI with exposure to these agents. With only one exception, pain has not been assessed in animal studies, despite being a principal symptom of GWI. Several mechanisms underlying GWI symptoms have been posited from animal studies, including neuroinflammatory signaling. However, no neuroimmune pharmacotherapies have been assessed in any model of GWI.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1046354
Entities
People
- Peter M. Grace
Organizations
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center