Why men and women feel belly pain differently
Understanding Mechanisms and Sex-Differences in Visceral Pain
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11089601
Looking at how gut cells and nerves cause long-lasting belly pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome and how this differs between sexes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089601 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco are studying enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut that release serotonin and signal to sensory nerves to produce visceral pain. They will use laboratory models, tissue studies, and molecular analyses to identify the cells and molecules that drive both acute and persistent gut sensitivity. The team-science approach will directly compare male and female biology to uncover sex-based differences in pain mechanisms. Results are intended to point toward new treatment targets for people with IBS and other functional gut disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with irritable bowel syndrome, chronic visceral hypersensitivity, or persistent abdominal pain would be the most relevant candidates to benefit or to participate in future related studies.
Not a fit: People whose abdominal pain is due to clear structural disease (like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or recent tissue injury) or from non-visceral causes are less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets or approaches to reduce chronic abdominal pain for people with IBS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked serotonin and EC cell signaling to gut pain, but focusing on long-term hypersensitivity and sex differences is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: INGRAHAM, HOLLY A. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: INGRAHAM, HOLLY A.
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.
Conditions: Brain Diseases