RETRACTED: Sex-Based Differences in Plasma Autoantibodies to Central Nervous System Proteins in Gulf War Veterans versus Healthy and Symptomatic Controls

Abstract

Veterans from the 1991 Gulf War (GW) have suffered from Gulf War illness (GWI) for nearly 30 years. This illness encompasses multiple body systems, including the central nervous system (CNS). Diagnosis and treatment of GWI is difficult because there has not been an objective diagnostic biomarker. Recently, we reported on a newly developed blood biomarker that discriminates GWI from GW healthy controls, and symptomatic controls with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The present study was designed to compare levels of these biomarkers between men and women with GWI, as well as sex-specific effects in comparison to healthy GW veterans and symptomatic controls (IBS, ME/CFS). The results showed that men and women with GWI differ in 2 of 10 plasma autoantibodies, with men showing significantly elevated levels. Men and women with GWI showed significantly different levels of autoantibodies in 8 of 10 biomarkers to neuronal and glial proteins in plasma relative to controls. In summary, the present study addressed the utility of the use of plasma autoantibodies for CNS proteins to distinguish among both men and women veterans with GWI and other healthy and symptomatic control groups.

Adverse effect propensity: A new feature of Gulf War illness predicted by environmental exposures

“… 3 Numerous objective markers have been found to be altered in GWI, 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 though there is no pathognomonic test. Alterations with replicated documentation include increased inflammation, 8 , 9 mitochondrial impairment, 6 , 10 , 11 , 12 altered eicosanoids, 4 altered hormone status, 13 , 14 altered autonomic function, 7 , 15 , 16 and increased autoantibodies 5 , 17 , 18 —among others.…”

Gastrointestinal problems, mechanisms and possible therapeutic directions in Gulf war illness: a mini review

“…Evidence of a chronic inflammatory response has been reported in studies on GW veteran cohorts, where blood samples are taken and analyzed for biomarkers of inflammation. These studies have reported dysregulation of immune cells and other inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, Tau proteins, complement proteins, cytokines and chemokines [13,[65][66][67]. This may in part explain why patients with GWI report multiorgan disorders whose causes are difficult to pinpoint.…”

Advancing the Role of Neuroimmunity and Genetic Susceptibility in Gulf War Illness

“…Potential objective biomarkers of GWI were identified based on blood-based central nervous system autoantibodies [ 12 ]. In addition, sex differences in CNS autoantibodies were identified in the second issue, suggesting that men and women veterans may benefit from different therapeutic strategies [ 13 ]. Finally, the following were introduced to the field with samples and data freely available to GWI researchers: a much-needed brain tissue biorepository [ 14 ], and a biorepository of existing and newly obtained biospecimens, brain imaging, and corresponding demographics, health symptom surveys and neurotoxicant exposure histories [ 15 ].…”