Using glial cells to reduce visceral pain in bladder conditions
Official title: Activating Peripheral Glia to Relieve Visceral Pain in Animal Models of Urological Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS)
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11140281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 19, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $342,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129260-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain or bladder dysfunction, particularly those with urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those not suffering from bladder-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific glial cells in the peripheral nervous system can be activated to help alleviate visceral pain associated with urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome. By focusing on satellite glial cells, the study aims to understand their role in regulating sensory neuron activity and how they contribute to pain sensations. The researchers will explore signaling pathways that could be targeted for gene therapies, potentially leading to new treatments for bladder dysfunction and related pain. The approach involves testing these mechanisms in animal models to gather insights that could translate into human therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly reduce visceral pain and improve bladder function for patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting glial cells for pain management, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it is still an emerging area of study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Xiaoqiao — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Xie, Xiaoqiao
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.
-
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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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.
-
Investigating the role of food-specific antibodies in chronic pelvic pain conditions.
This study is looking at how certain foods might affect people with chronic pelvic pain, like interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatitis, to find out if changing what you eat can help ease your symptoms.
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.