Evaluation of Muscle Function in Persian Gulf Veterans
Abstract
A comprehensive evaluation of skeletal muscle was performed in PG veterans with chronic fatigue and veterans who were deployed but have no medical problems. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo measurements we found evidence supporting the hypothesis that muscle function is impaired in veterans with PG illness. Specifically, we found a significant reduction in the in vivo mitochondrial ATP producing capacity of Gulf veterans with CF compared to healthy veterans and a high incidence of histological alterations consistent with a mild mitochondrial disorder in all veterans. Veterans with CF also demonstrated a shift in fiber type composition from IIX to IIa. In addition, we found an increased incidence of EMG abnormalities in affected veterans compared to healthy veterans which was most prevalent in veterans with histological evidence of a mitochondrial disorder. MRI measurements showed that there is no difference in the cross- sectional area of the calf muscles of both populations, demonstrating that the decrease in mitochondrial function is not simply the result of severe disuse or deconditioning. Finally, veterans with CF showed a significant decrease in their overall functional ability compared to healthy veterans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381537
Entities
People
- Krista Vandenborne
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania