Exploring treatments for Gulf War Illness-related gastrointestinal symptoms

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the chronic gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by veterans with Gulf War Illness, focusing on the potential benefits of oral glutamine supplementation. The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind these symptoms, which include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating, and how glutamine may restore intestinal permeability. By conducting this trial, the investigators hope to provide a novel treatment option for veterans suffering from these debilitating symptoms, which currently lack effective therapies. The study will involve veterans aged 18-65 who meet specific eligibility criteria related to their gastrointestinal health.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Veterans 18-65 years old with GWI and chronic GI symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating) that started during their deployment in the Persian Gulf
2. Veterans 18-65 years old with GWI and chronic GI symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating)
3. increased intestinal permeability on the lactulose/mannitol permeability test (ratio \>0.07)
4. able and willing to cooperate with the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. current participation in another research protocol or unable to give informed consent
2. women with a positive urine pregnancy test or breastfeeding
3. history of inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance and/or celiac sprue
4. \+ hydrogen breath test for bacterial overgrowth
5. \+ anti-endomysial antibody titer
6. use of NSAIDs 2 weeks before or during the study
7. known allergy to glutamine or whey protein
8. abdominal surgery except for removal of gallbladder, uterus, or appendix \>6 months prior to entry into the study
9. Abnormal serum BUN and/or creatinine
10. Mannitol recovery out of the normal range of 5-25 U/g
11. history of kidney disease
12. allergies to monosodium glutamate
13. current use of anti-seizure medications

Where it's running

• Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN
  Memphis, Tennessee, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: QiQi Zhou, MD PhD — Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN
• Study coordinator: George N Verne
• Email: George.Verne@va.gov
• Phone: (901) 523-8990

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.