BCCMA: Targeting Gut-Microbiome in Veterans Deployment Related Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases; CMA5- Functional Metagenomics in GWI-related Gut Dysfunction
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Gulf War Illness (GWI) affects an estimated 25-32% of the over 700,000 coalition troops deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the First Gulf War. GWI causes a range of pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal, skin, neurologic, and respiratory symptoms. New treatments to reduce GWI-associated morbidity are critically needed. Research suggests a role for the gastrointestinal microbiome in mediating health, including through impacting metabolism and immunity. The disruption of this microbiome plays a role in multiple diseases, and preliminary data suggest that Veterans with GWI have altered gut microbiota. The investigators will evaluate the effectiveness of a dietary fiber prebiotic supplement intervention on improving the quality of life of Veterans with GWI.
Description
Background: Despite medical advancements, Gulf War illness (GWI) treatment remains a major challenge. Gulf war veterans with GWI can experience acute or chronic disorders of diarrhea, nausea, joint pain, muscle pain, general fatigue, sleep problems skin rashes, wheezing, persistent cough, dizziness and headaches. It is estimated 25-32% of the over 700,000 coalition troops deployed report symptoms consistent with GWI, 47% of whom experience gut-related symptoms. Longitudinal studies have shown little to no overall improvement in symptoms over time. Currently there are very limited treatment cou…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 50–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ability to provide informed written consent 2. Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study (including providing stool samples) 3. Meeting the modified Kansas GWI case definition\* with gut symptoms endorsed 4. Deployed to Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Storm or Desert Shield56.Aged 50-85 years old * Moderate to severe GWI symptoms lasting at least 6 months in a minimum of three of the six symptom domains (one of which must be fatigue). The symptom domains are: * Pain (joint pain, muscle pain) * Gastroi…
Interventions
- DrugResistant Potato Starch
MSPrebiotic (MSPrebiotic Inc, Carberry, Manitoba, Canada). MSPrebiotic is an unmodified resistant starch derived from potatoes (Solanar tuberosum). It consists of 20% amylose and 80% amylopectin forming granules the stomach and small intestine are unable to digest allowing for absorption in the colon. MSPrebiotic is consumed by mixing 10g into cold or room temperature foods or beverages; it is not to be heated. Participants will be instructed to take MSPrebiotic 2 or more hours before or after consuming any medications.
Location
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WIMadison, Wisconsin