Investigating how hemopexin affects pelvic pain in urologic conditions
Official title: Role of hemopexin in the development of urologicchronic pelvic pain syndrome
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11069005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called hemopexin and stress might affect pelvic pain in people with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and it aims to find new ways to help manage this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,556 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DK139684-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing chronic pelvic pain or lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly those with a history of stress-related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pelvic pain or those not experiencing chronic symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of hemopexin, a protein with anti-inflammatory properties, in the development of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS). It aims to explore how chronic stress and hemopexin levels influence pelvic pain and bladder sensitivity. The study will involve examining the relationship between stress exposure and heme concentration, as well as assessing changes in pain processing in specific brain regions using advanced imaging techniques. By studying both animal models and the underlying biological mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing UCPPS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of inflammatory markers in chronic pain conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caangay, Anastasiia E — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Caangay, Anastasiia E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Measuring pelvic floor muscle fitness in women with myofascial pelvic pain
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-
Exploring allergy-based triggers to prevent UCPPS flare-ups
A short, patient-friendly study will look at whether allergy-related antibodies can help predict and prevent flare-ups in people with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
-
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A new oral medicine combining cromolyn sodium and cetirizine is being developed to help adults with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain by targeting immune and nerve-related pathways.
-
Sacral nerve stimulation for chronic pelvic pain
A study to see if a minimally invasive nerve-stimulation therapy can help reduce chronic pelvic pain and improve quality of life in adult women.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.