Exposure to Gulf War Illness-related agents leads to the development of chronic pain and fatigue

A substantial contingent of veterans from the first Gulf War continues to suffer a number War-related illnesses (GWI) affecting neurological and musculoskeletal systems; most common symptoms include chronic pain fatigue. Although animal models have recapitulated several aspects cognitive impairments in GWI, fatigue not been well documented allow examination potential pathogenic mechanisms. We used mouse model GWI by exposing mice repeatedly combination chemicals (pyridostigmine bromide, permethrin, DEET, chlorpyrifos) mild immobilization stress, followed investigating their susceptibilities symptoms. To assess whether enhanced antioxidant capacity can counter effects GW agents, transgenic overexpressing extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3OE) were also examined. The human illness, including hyperalgesia, impaired descending inhibition pain, increased tonic pain. There is close association between patients. Consistent with this observation, showed significant reduction physical endurance on treadmill. Examination skeletal muscles suggested mitochondrial functions may contributed Furthermore, negative impacts agents largely diminished SOD3OE mice, suggesting that oxidative stress was associated emergence these will be suitable for delineating specific defects pathways mechanisms GWI.