Investigating the gut microbiome's role in gastrointestinal issues among Gulf War veterans
Official title: BCCMA: Targeting Gut-Microbiome in Veterans Deployment related Gastrointestinal and Liver diseases; CMA5- Functional metagenomics in GWI-related gut dysfunction
Funded at Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp · NIH-10844378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might influence stomach and liver problems in veterans with Gulf War Illness, and it hopes to find ways to improve your gut health and reduce symptoms by examining your diet and gut bacteria.
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 start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002471-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been diagnosed with Gulf War Illness and are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Gulf War Illness or those without gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome affects gastrointestinal and liver diseases in veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness (GWI). It aims to explore the relationship between gut health, specifically short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the symptoms experienced by these veterans. By analyzing the gut microbiota and dietary fiber intake, the study seeks to identify potential treatment targets that could alleviate gastrointestinal dysfunction and inflammation. Participants may provide samples and dietary information to help researchers draw connections between gut health and GWI symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve gastrointestinal health and overall quality of life for veterans with Gulf War Illness.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary research has suggested a link between gut microbiome health and symptoms of Gulf War Illness, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut health and PTSD in veterans with inflammatory bowel disease
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Gut microbes and diarrhea risk in Gulf War veterans
This project looks at whether changes in gut microbes explain why Gulf War and other deployed veterans get frequent diarrhea and related gut problems.
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Gut microbiome, fiber, and short-chain fatty acids in Veterans with Gulf War Illness
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.
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Understanding Gut Health in Veterans with Deployment-Related GI and Liver Conditions
This project explores how the gut microbiome and PTSD might be connected to inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive issues in Veterans.
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Investigating the gut microbiome's role in liver disease and PTSD among US Veterans
This study is looking at how PTSD might impact the health of veterans' livers and gut bacteria, hoping to find new ways to help improve their overall health by understanding the connections between these areas.
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Understanding how gut bacteria affect gastrointestinal diseases in veterans.
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the gut might affect stomach and liver problems in veterans, especially those with Gulf War Illness, to find new ways to help improve their health and ease symptoms like diarrhea and inflammatory bowel diseases.
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.