Recent research on military exposures
By Tristan Horrom, Technical Writer-Editor, VA Office of Research and Development
VA researchers have tried to better understand the health impact of environmental and occupational exposures during military service. Below are summaries of some studies that have been published in the scientific literature since summer 2020.
Increased rates of respiratory illnesses in Gulf War Veterans
Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War had a small but significant higher prevalence of respiratory illnesses, compared with non-deployed Veterans from the same era, found a study by VA Post Deployment Health Services (now known as Health Outcomes Military Exposures). Researchers looked at 10-year outcomes for more than 360,000 Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War and more than 320,000 Veterans who did not deploy. Deployed Veterans had higher rates of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic airway obstruction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The difference was small but still significant. The results show that Gulf War Veterans should continue to be monitored for long-term respiratory health consequences of airborne hazards. (American Journal of Industrial Medicine, November 2020)
Toxic exposure increases Gulf War illness likelihood in women Veterans
Women Gulf War Veterans exposed to pesticides, oil-well fires, and pyridostigmine bromide pills (an anti-nerve gas medication) were significantly more likely to meet criteria for Gulf War illness than women Veterans without toxic exposures, found a study by VA Boston researchers and colleagues. The researchers surveyed 202 women Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War. Self-reported exposure to toxic substances increased participants’ likelihood of meeting Gulf War illness criteria. Results also suggest that women exposed to particular toxic substances may benefit from more targeted treatment strategies based on how they were exposed. (Life Sciences, Sept. 1, 2021)
Gulf War illness symptoms persist 25 years later
A survey of Gulf War Veterans by Durham VA researchers found evidence of sustained, multi-symptom illness decades after deployment. Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 Veterans of the Gulf War era for Gulf War illness symptoms. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of Gulf War illness, 84% of Veterans surveyed had the condition. Under the Kansas criteria, a different measure of the condition, 40% had the condition. Veterans who were deployed had higher odds of having symptoms related to Gulf War illness compared with non-deployed Veterans. Symptom differences between deployed and non-deployed Veterans have diminished since initial reports. This suggests that definitions of Gulf War illness need to be updated to take into account age-related conditions. (Life Science, Aug. 1, 2021)
Gulf War toxic exposure may be linked to damaging gene expression changes
Toxic exposure during the Gulf War may alter gene expression in the hippocampus, which could cause memory problems, found a VA New Jersey study. Researchers simulated Gulf War toxic exposure in mice using three chemicals: two insecticides and an anti-sarin prophylactic. The chemical exposure resulted in inflammation and other changes in gene expression in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a part of the brain involved in special memory. Genes involved in neuron health were downregulated after chemical exposure. The results suggest that exposure to these toxic substances could cause chronic neurodegeneration. The findings could help explain how Gulf War illness develops. (Life Sciences, July 20, 2021)
