Clinical Trial: Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Defects in Gulf War Syndrome

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Defects in Gulf War Syndrome

Brief Summary: The purpose of the study is to investigate possible causes for Gulf War Syndrome. Gulf War Syndrome is associated with increased incidences of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease), pain syndromes, muscle complaints that include fatigue and myalgias (muscle pain), as well as other neurological symptoms. Abnormalities in the part of the cell known as mitochondria have been delineated in Gulf War Syndrome. Mitochondria are the "power plants" of the body. Mitochondria take the food you eat and break the food down into a form of energy that the body can use. The investigators propose that Gulf War Syndrome is determined by a complex interaction of factors that interfere with mitochondrial function. This study will be the first investigation of mitochondrial function in Gulf War Syndrome. The investigators objective is to establish the cause for symptoms in affected veterans, develop testing that can more easily identify Gulf War Syndrome, and ultimately develop treatment protocols for Gulf War Syndrome.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Medical Neurogenetics, LLC

Current Primary Outcome: Characterize mitochondrial cellular energetics in Gulf War Syndrome patients [ Time Frame: approximately 2 years; once all data has been collected from study participants ]

After collecting a skin and blood sample, mitochondrial cellular energetics in Gulf War Syndrome patients will be characterized by: 1. high resolution respirometry of intact cells, 2. quantitative analysis of individual mitochondrial proteins, 3. analysis of intact OXPHOS enzyme complexes and supercomplexes, 4. in gel enzyme activity assessment of intact OXPHOS enzyme complexes and supercomplexes, 5. mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number quantitation to assess for defects in regulation mtDNA replication and 6. cellular coenzyme Q10 quantitation.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Mitochondrial DNA [ Time Frame: approximately 2 years; once all data has been collected from study participants. ]

Assess the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from each patient with Gulf War Syndrome for mtDNA mutations by whole genome sequencing of leukocyte and skin cell mtDNA.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Medical Neurogenetics, LLC

Dates:
Date Received: December 17, 2010
Date Started: May 2009
Date Completion:
Last Updated: April 10, 2015
Last Verified: April 2015