Gulf War veterans have suffered from debilitating and mysterious illnesses for decades that were likely caused by exposure to biological and chemical weapons during the war.
A world-first study has discovered and finally explained the likely cause of Gulf War Illness (GWI), also known as Gulf War Syndrome.
This is a multi-symptom disorder that has affected veterans since they were deployed to the 1990-1991 war.
Up to 33,000 UK veterans may be living with the syndrome, which has symptoms including PTSD, chronic fatigue, joint pain and headaches.
The disease affects 25 to 32 percent of the roughly 1 million veterans from 41 countries who served in the war.
Many of the men and women of the Defence Forces were exposed to nerve agents, pesticides, nerve gases and depleted uranium.
Researchers at Griffith University in Australia The disease is likely caused by strong exposure to dangerous biological or chemical agents and their effects on cell structures.
The cellular structures of the human body are sensitive and vulnerable to these substances, causing disruptions to cellular function.
Study author Sonia Marshall Gradisnick said the research found that veterans had defects in a key cell structure that transports calcium.
Intracellular calcium is a signaling molecule that regulates important functions such as muscle contraction, nerve function, and hormone secretion.
“Our study revealed significant dysfunction of cellular ion channels, particularly transient receptor potential ion channels, in veterans with GWI,” said Professor Marshall Gradisnick.
“This discovery marks a major step forward in understanding this mysterious and complex disease.”
For Gulf War veteran and disease advocate Ian Allwood, being believed is a big step.
“This research is life-changing for Gulf War veterans,” he said.
“For those in the veteran community who are suffering, this is the first step in identifying the cause.”
“This is groundbreaking research that will hopefully pave the way for treatment of this often debilitating condition.”
Co-author Etianne Sasso said the findings are crucial in unlocking the mystery of the disease, providing scientific evidence validating the condition for long-term sufferers.
“This breakthrough in understanding the causes of GWI gives hope that researchers may be able to develop new treatments that could improve the future for veterans,” Sasso said.
