Understanding how bowel dysfunction affects pain perception
Sensory Cross-Activation in Bowel Dysfunction
This study is looking at how certain cells in the body can affect pain felt in areas away from the bowel, especially for people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to find new ways to help manage their pain without causing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10975959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind pain that occurs in areas remote from the bowel, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It focuses on how peripheral glial cells interact with sensory neurons to influence pain sensitivity and bladder function. By using advanced techniques to activate these glial cells in animal models, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic approaches that minimize central nervous system side effects while effectively managing pain. The findings could lead to better treatments for patients experiencing pain related to bowel dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who also experience associated pain or bladder issues.
Not a fit: Patients without bowel dysfunction or those not experiencing pain related to their condition may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with bowel dysfunction, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of glial cells in pain modulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qiao, Liya — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Qiao, Liya
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.