Gut microbiome, fiber, and short-chain fatty acids in Veterans with Gulf War Illness
BCCMA: Targeting Gut-Microbiome in Veterans Deployment related Gastrointestinal and Liver diseases; CMA5- Functional metagenomics in GWI-related gut dysfunction
This project tests whether Veterans with Gulf War Illness who have gut problems have lower levels of helpful gut bacteria and short-chain fatty acids, and whether eating more fiber relates to fewer digestive symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132615 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide stool (and possibly blood) samples and information about your diet and GI symptoms so researchers can measure gut bacteria, their genes using metagenomics, and levels of short-chain fatty acids. The team will compare Veterans with GWI who report gut dysfunction to those without gut symptoms to look for differences in microbes and metabolites. They will also examine whether higher dietary fiber intake is linked to better gut markers and fewer symptoms. The goal is to find biological signs in the gut that could point to new treatment approaches for GWI-related digestive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans with Gulf War Illness, especially those experiencing chronic gastrointestinal symptoms who can provide stool samples and dietary information.
Not a fit: People without GWI or without GI symptoms, or those unwilling to provide biological samples or diet/symptom information, are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific gut bacteria, metabolites, or dietary changes to help reduce GI symptoms in Veterans with GWI.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows the microbiome and short-chain fatty acids affect gut health and early work hints at links in GWI, but applying functional metagenomics to GWI-related gut dysfunction is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Safdar, Nasia — Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp
- Study coordinator: Safdar, Nasia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.