Scientific research published last month in the journal PLOS One has indicated that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of war veterans might be damaged by their experience.
The study, which focused on mtDNA, included 21 veterans with Gulf War illness (GWI) and seven controls, website Science Daily reported.
Gulf War Illness (GWI) refers to a condition that for long remained medically unexplained and afflicted veterans of the Gulf War.
This includes chronic fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion and problems of memory or breathing and lack of sleep.
The mtDNA damage is a natural part of ageing and exposure to air pollution.
However, it was 20 per cent higher in the veteran group, compared with a control group that included three veterans without GWI and four non-veterans.
Greater mtDNA damage is consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction, which may contribute to symptoms of GWI, as well as persistence of this illness over time, and mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathobiology of GWI.
Researchers used a new technique that allowed them to evaluate the quality of mitochondrial DNA directly from total DNA without having to isolate the mitochondria.
This approach was simpler and did not require analysis through a biopsy of a piece of tissue, such as skeletal muscle.
Mitochondria- Mitochondria are organs that act as spark plugs within cells.
- They are like a digestive system that takes in nutrients, breaks them down, and creates energy-rich molecules for the cell. They are very sensitive to potential damage caused by toxins.
- People with mitochondrial dysfunction show symptoms involving multiple organ systems, primarily nerves and muscles.
