UC San Diego Golomb Research Group

02/25/2025

📢 Gulf War Veterans Needed! 🇺🇸 Join a UCSD IRB-approved clinical trial on CoQ10 for Gulf War Illness. Virtual visits, compensation provided. Call (619)-736-7114 or email q10study@health.ucsd.edu. Thank you for your service!

10/28/2024

The UC San Diego Department of Medicine is conducting a research study to assess if Coenzyme Q10 might alleviate symptoms and improve physical function in veterans with Gulf War illness.

We are enrolling Gulf War veterans who:
1. Participated in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War
2. Are experiencing symptoms that could include (but are not limited to) fatigue, muscle or joint pain, muscle weakness, cognitive or mood problems, and/or gastrointestinal problems etc.

Study participation involves:
1. Study visits conducted via Zoom Telepro (up to 6 visits over 9 months).
2. Blood Draws at a Quest or other laboratory facility near your home.
3. Online surveys - we will inquire about your Gulf War deployment and current health status. You can complete the surveys at home using your home computer.

Compensation (Visa Gift Card) for your time and effort will be provided upon completion of each study visit.

For more information contact one of our study coordinators at 619-736-7114 or email q10study@health.ucsd.edu.

08/27/2024

*New Study Reveals Mitochondrial Genetics' Role in Gulf War Illness*

For the first time, evidence from UCSD demonstrates that mitochondrial genetics play a role in Gulf War illness (GWI).

Mitochondria, often referred to as the "energy powerhouses" of the cell, have relatively few genes, but because all of these genes influence mitochondrial energy production, they can significantly impact conditions characterized by impaired energy metabolism. Mitochondrial DNA is circular and inherited exclusively from the mother, in contrast to nuclear genetics, which refers to the double-stranded DNA inherited from both parents.

Profiles of mitochondrial DNA, known as "haplogroups," which are ancestrally inherited, are shown to influence the severity of Gulf War Illness (GWI) among deployed veterans.

This discovery reinforces previous findings from the same research group, highlighting the role of mitochondrial involvement in Gulf War Illness. The researchers had hypothesized that certain ancestral patterns, particularly a haplogroup called "Haplogroup U," predominantly found in European populations, might be linked to greater severity of GWI. They hypothesized this relationship because of the haplogroup's association with other conditions known to relate to impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative stress (the type of free radical injury that antioxidant help to protect against, that is closely intertwined to mitochondrial impairment). Indeed, the study found that veterans carrying this haplogroup had, on average, scores 30 to 40 points higher on a GWI severity scale, where the average score for affected veterans is around 100 points—indicating a substantial impact on the condition's severity.

The study also provided some support, consistent with previous evidence, that nuclear genes involved in detoxification play a role in Gulf War Illness.

Read the article here:

06/14/2024

Happy Flag Day to our cherished veterans and all those who have helped to support them!

02/02/2024

The Golomb Research Group is investigating the health impact of the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. This study draws on lessons from past toxin exposures, like those in the Gulf War, to aid those affected by the derailment and enhance our response to future mixed toxin incidents.

A year ago, a train carrying hazardous materials derailed East Palestine, Ohio. Nothing has been the same since.

12/15/2023

Happy Holidays from the Golomb Research Group! For some holiday fun, see if you can find all 14 of our su-paw-visors. 😊