Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Clore, Amy
Area of Concentration
Biology
Abstract
GulfWar Illness (GWI) is a multisymptomatic chronic illness that affects veterans of the First Gulf War (1990-1991) and symptoms continue to persist decades later. The most troubling symptoms are neurologic changes such as fatigue, memory loss, mood changes, and depression. Past epidemiologic research has implicated exposure to two chemical agents, pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and permethrin (PER), that were used during the Gulf War. There has been suggestion that long-term effects of GWI could be due to epigenetic mechanisms that are in play. There has been limited published research conducted on epigenetic mechanisms in GWI. The present study aimed to identify potential difference in DNA methylation, specifically the presence of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in the hippocampi of mice exposed to PB and PER. It was hypothesized that exposed mice would have greater methylated DNA content than non-exposed control mice. Immuno uorescence and digital analysis was used to analyze the content of 5mC in mice euthanized after 5, 8, and 22 months post-exposure. The data were inconclusive in either refuting or supporting the hypothesis.
Recommended Citation
Kiri, Gaurav, "Epigenetics of Gulf War Illness" (2018). Theses & ETDs. 5546.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5546