Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center seek
Gulf War veterans to participate in a study looking at two
enzymes in the blood and the possible correlation to Gulf War
Illness. The $125,000 research study, funded by the U.S.
Department of Defense, will continue for up to two years and will
be conducted at UNMC’s Eppley Institute for Research in
Cancer and Allied Diseases.
Gulf War Illness surfaced within the first couple of months
following the Gulf War in 1991. Currently, as many as 60,000
veterans are affected by Gulf War Illness. Some veterans of the
war reported varying symptoms of extreme fatigue, headaches,
swollen glands, depression, weight gain and difficulty with
memory and concentration. The symptoms are believed to be linked
to chemical warfare agents used during the Gulf War. Contingent
on the severity of the symptoms, Gulf War Illness is partially or
completely disabling.
If a blood correlation exists, then health care professionals
can better diagnose the illness and determine who is susceptible
to illnesses caused by chemical warfare agents. All veterans of
the Gulf War, regardless of whether or not symptoms are present,
are asked to volunteer for the study. Researchers will take a
one-time blood sample at no charge. There is no stipend available
for participants. Interested veterans should contact either
Oksana Lockridge, Ph.D., at (402) 559-6032, or Cindy Bartels at
(402) 559-6014, for more information.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the
state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient
care, UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading
centers for cancer research and treatment and solid organ
transplantation. Nearly $25 million in research grants and
contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually. In addition,
UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more
health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other
institution.