Exploring Mechanisms Underlying Dysregulation of Central Nervous System in GWI-HAP
Abstract
Summary: An estimated 25% to 32% of 1991 Gulf War Veterans experience multi-symptom conditions not explained by stress or psychiatric illness. Among the neurologic symptoms of brain impairment, Gulf War Illness (GWI)-related chronic headaches and body muscle and joint pain conditions (GWVI-HAP) are the most debilitating, affecting around 64% of the GWI Veterans. In this application, we are proposing to comprehensively map the health of brain networks implicated by GWVI-HAP symptoms to explore brain mechanisms underlying GWVI-HAP. These mechanisms in turn will inform therapeutic strategies for GWI. 1) Overarching challenge(s) of GWI addressed by this project: Some of the overarching challenges of that are faced in GWI diagnoses and treatment are: 1) how to better define and diagnose GWI; 2) how to distinguish symptom clusters to better target treatments. This Gulf War Illness Research Program application proposal aims to address these challenges. 2) How will this research move diagnostic or therapeutic concepts closer to clinical application? This study will establish specific mechanisms that underlie GWVI-HAP in terms of different impaired communication between brain regions within brain function networks that are impaired in GWVI-HAP. This information can be used to design targeted therapies (including neuromodulation) to alleviate debilitating symptoms of GWVI-HAP (e.g., chronic pain), as well as to find a cure for the illness. Further, this project will yield neuroimaging-based biomarkers for rendering an objective clinical diagnosis of GWVI-HAP with relatively rapid, low-cost technology. 3) What are the potential clinical applications, benefits, and risks for Veterans with GWI? The project will establish neuroimaging based biomarkers for diagnosis of GWVI-HAP. It will also isolate impaired brain mechanisms that can be targeted by potential GWVI-HAP. There are no risks associated with this study. 4) What is the projected time it may take to achieve a patient-related outcome? In principle, a patient-related outcome in terms of neurodiagnostic biomarkers of GWVI-HAP will be available at the end of the project (3 years). The results from this project will also help inform potential therapies for GWVI-HAP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110237
Entities
People
- Kaundinya Gopinath
Organizations
- Emory University
- United States Army