Understanding the role of the immune system in chronic pelvic pain
Official title: Neuroimmune Interface in Urological Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10767260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation and immune responses might affect the nervous system in people with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS) and other pain issues, to help find better ways to treat this painful condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | January 22, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $352,077 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK123164-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10767260 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, especially those experiencing additional pain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without UCPPS or those whose pain is not related to immune system responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS), a condition causing significant bladder and pelvic pain along with urinary symptoms. The study aims to explore how inflammation and immune responses affect the central nervous system in patients with UCPPS, particularly those with additional pain syndromes. By analyzing blood samples and using advanced imaging techniques, researchers hope to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this complex condition and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of chronic pelvic pain, potentially improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research within the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) has shown promising results in understanding the immune response in UCPPS, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harte, Steven Edward — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Harte, Steven Edward
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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Dual Cromolyn-Cetirizine oral capsule to help men with chronic pelvic pain
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.
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A brief behavioral treatment for chronic pelvic pain
This project is testing a short behavioral therapy to help people manage chronic pelvic pain and related conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
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Chemical Clues in Chronic Pelvic Pain
This project looks for unique chemical patterns in the body that could help us better understand and treat chronic pelvic pain in men and women.
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Using glial cells to reduce visceral pain in bladder conditions
This study is looking at how certain cells in the nervous system can be activated to help reduce the pain that comes with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, especially for those dealing with bladder issues, and it aims to find new treatment options that could eventually help people like you.
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Improving treatment for chronic pelvic pain in men
This study is looking to create a new oral medication to help men under 50 who suffer from chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, by combining two types of medicine that have shown promise, and it will first test these new formulas in dogs to find the best one before trying it in people.
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.