University of California: Those with Gulf War illness have the same symptoms as those with genetic mitochondrial disorders

By Kelly Kennedy, USA TODAY, June 26, 2011:

Golomb found that those with Gulf War illness had the same list of symptoms as those with genetic mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondria convert oxygen and glucose into cell energy. The brain and the muscles use more energy than other parts of the body, so those organs are affected first by the disorder.

"Oxidated stress can come from a lot of bad things in the environment," Golomb said, explaining that causes the problems in the mitochondria. Her past research has involved chemical exposures in the Persian Gulf, such as sarin gas, pesticides and anti-nerve-agent pills.

The unpublished results will be released at a committee meeting at the VA .
The research was funded by the Defense Department through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. Read more>>