The effect of stress on the transcriptomes of circulating immune cells in patients with Gulf War Illness

[摘要] Aims: In an effort to gain further insight into the underlying mechanisms tied to disease onset and progression of Gulf War Illness (GWI), our team evaluated GWI patient response to stress utilizing RNA-Seq. Main Methods: The protocol included blood collection before exercise challenge (baseline), at maximal exertion, and after exercise challenge (recovery - four hours post-exercise challenge). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcriptomics data were analyzed to understand why GWI patients process stressors differently from their healthy counterparts. Key findings: Our findings validate previously identified dysregulation of immune and inflammatory pathways among GWI patients as well as highlight novel immune and inflammatory markers of disease activity. These results provide a foundation for future research efforts in understanding GWI pathophysiology and creating targeted treatments. Significance: Gulf War Illness is a complex, chronic, and debilitating multi-system illness impacting 25%-30% of the U.S. troops deployed to the 1990-1991 Gulf War. The condition is characterized by medically unexplained fatigue and affects multiple organ systems. Because the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, patients receive symptom-based treatment, rather than targeting fundamental biological processes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that applies RNA-Seq to analyze the effect of GWI, and the response to stressors in GWI, on the transcriptomic changes in circulating immune cells.

[发布日期] 2021-09-15

[关键词] Gulf War Illness;RNA-seq;Transcriptomics;Exercise challenge