Nova Southeastern University
This mechanistic study will test if NAC affects chronic oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants in GWI participants. Blood specimen collection and neuroimaging will be used to determine whether NAC affects serum glutathione (GSH) concentration and oxidative stress in the CNS when compared to placebo.
During the 1990-91 Gulf War (GW), military personnel were exposed to numerous chemical and environmental agents during deployment including spraying of pesticides, petroleum combustion products, and nerve gas. Exposure to these chemical and environmental agents can damage cell function and more specifically, mitochondrial function, which negatively affects energy production and can lead to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Animal models using similar exposures have documented this in the central nervous system (CNS) compartment. This disruption in mitochondrial function and energy produc…
Inclusion Criteria: * 47 to 70 years * Served in the Gulf War Theater for any period between August 1990 and July 1991. * Meets modified Kansas case definition criteria for Gulf War Illness. The modified Kansas definition includes the following: 1. Allowance of normal illness of aging, such as hypertension and diabetes, if the conditions are treated and are in demonstrable stable and normal ranges at the time of screening and assessment. 2. Allowance of stable comorbid conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and mild Traumatic Brain Inju…
900mg 2x daily
Matching placebo bid