Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress During N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Supplementation in Veterans With Gulf War Illness (GWI)
Nova Southeastern University
Summary
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.
Description
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…
Eligibility
- Age range