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Gulf War veterans suffering from a debilitating and baffling illness for decades finally have an explanation after world-first Australian research unearthed a likely cause.
Gulf War Illness (GWI), also known as Gulf War Syndrome, is a multi-symptomatic disorder that has affected veterans since their deployment in the war between 1990 and 1991.
The medical world has puzzled and probed why Gulf War veterans have suffered the debilitating syndrome that includes symptoms of fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, insomnia, rashes and diarrhoea.
They say the illness is likely caused by intense exposure to hazardous biological and chemical agents and the effect they have on cell structures.
Cell structures within the human body are sensitive and vulnerable to these agents, causing faulty cell function.
Author of the study Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik says the research has found integral cell structures that transport calcium are defective in veterans.
Calcium within cells is a signalling molecule that regulates essential functions such as muscle contraction, nerve function and hormone secretion.
"Our study reveals a crucial dysfunction in cell ion channels, specifically the transient receptor potential ion channels, in veterans with GWI," Professor Marshall-Gradisnik said.
"This discovery is a significant step forward in understanding this baffling and complex illness."
For Gulf War veteran and illness advocate Ian Allwood, being believed is a huge step.
"This research is life-changing for the Gulf War vets," he said.
"For those in the veteran community that have been suffering, this is the first step in identifying a causal factor.
www.canberratimes.com.au
Gulf War veterans suffering from a debilitating and baffling illness for decades finally have an explanation after world-first Australian research unearthed a likely cause.
Gulf War Illness (GWI), also known as Gulf War Syndrome, is a multi-symptomatic disorder that has affected veterans since their deployment in the war between 1990 and 1991.
The medical world has puzzled and probed why Gulf War veterans have suffered the debilitating syndrome that includes symptoms of fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, insomnia, rashes and diarrhoea.
They say the illness is likely caused by intense exposure to hazardous biological and chemical agents and the effect they have on cell structures.
Cell structures within the human body are sensitive and vulnerable to these agents, causing faulty cell function.
Author of the study Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik says the research has found integral cell structures that transport calcium are defective in veterans.
Calcium within cells is a signalling molecule that regulates essential functions such as muscle contraction, nerve function and hormone secretion.
"Our study reveals a crucial dysfunction in cell ion channels, specifically the transient receptor potential ion channels, in veterans with GWI," Professor Marshall-Gradisnik said.
"This discovery is a significant step forward in understanding this baffling and complex illness."
For Gulf War veteran and illness advocate Ian Allwood, being believed is a huge step.
"This research is life-changing for the Gulf War vets," he said.
"For those in the veteran community that have been suffering, this is the first step in identifying a causal factor.
Breakthrough for Gulf War veterans suffering illness
The underlying cause of a complex and mysterious illness in Gulf War veterans has been unearthed by Australian...
