Understanding Bladder and Bowel Pain
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of visceral pain and cross-organ sensitization
This research explores why people experience chronic pelvic and abdominal pain from conditions like interstitial cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome, and how these pains might be connected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173854 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people live with chronic pelvic pain from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and abdominal pain from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which significantly impacts their daily lives. We know these conditions often occur together, but it's not clear why or how pain in one area might affect another. This project aims to uncover the specific molecular and cellular reasons behind this pain and how inflammation in the bladder might make the colon more sensitive, hoping to find better ways to diagnose and treat these challenging conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome or abdominal pain from irritable bowel syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients without chronic bladder or bowel pain, or those with pain from unrelated causes, would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of chronic bladder and bowel pain, paving the way for more effective diagnostic tools and treatments for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Pilot studies have shown promising initial results regarding specific molecular pathways involved in bladder pain and colon sensitization, suggesting a foundation for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Brian — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Kim, Brian
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 below.