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Hormonal changes in veterans with Gulf War Illness
Gursimrat Bhatti1, Audri Villalon1, Ruosha Li2
1Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA; Beth K. and Stuart C. Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Life Sciences
|July 5, 2023
Summary
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is linked to higher rates of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). Growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) may offer a new treatment for affected veterans.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Military Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a complex, multi-system condition affecting veterans.
- Endocrine dysfunction may contribute to GWI symptoms.
- No specific treatments currently exist for GWI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hormonal alterations in Gulf War veterans.
- To determine the relationship between GWI and hormonal dysregulation.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for GWI.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, case-control study of 81 Gulf War veterans (54 with GWI, 27 controls).
- Utilized questionnaires, neuropsychiatric assessments, and comprehensive hormone assays.
- Included glucagon stimulation test for adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) and ACTH stimulation test for adrenal insufficiency.
Main Results:
- GWI veterans reported lower quality of life and increased symptom severity.
- Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) was significantly more prevalent in GWI veterans (35.3%) compared to controls (7.7%).
- Reduced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were observed in GWI veterans.
Conclusions:
- Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is significantly more common in veterans with GWI.
- Recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) shows promise as a treatment for GWI patients with AGHD.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of GHRT for GWI.
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