Network Key Areas of Focus
Epidemiology of Disease This area of research examines how and why participants develop disease and how their disease changes over time. It also examines genetic, behavioral/lifestyle, environmental, and other factors as contributors to disease. |
Phenotyping of Urological Symptoms This area of research is charged with developing a “working definition” for urological chronic pelvic pain disorders to be used by MAPP Network scientists. They will also design the diagnostic path—or the series of tests and questions used to determine if a urological pain participant has IC/PBS or CP/CPPS and what the disease characteristics, including urological symptom profiles, are for participants (i.e., the phenotype). The definitions and scientific tools developed by this group will be used in all MAPP Network studies. |
Non-Urological Phenotying This area of research examines disease characteristics, including symptoms, of participants with pain conditions not specific to urological systems (e.g., the bladder and prostate). The questionnaire data and other tests to assess participant characteristics (i.e., phenotype) across a number of conditions potentially found in association with IC/PBS and/or CP/CPPS, such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, will also be used in all MAPP Network studies. |
Neuroimaging / Neurobiology This area of research intends to look at brain structure and function (e.g., neuroimaging studies) to help diagnosis and define certain pain conditions. Types of neuroimaging tests include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron-emission tomography. In pelvic pain conditions, functional MRIs may be used to confirm symptoms in patients suffering from painful conditions. |
Biomarkers of Disease This area of research intends to determine the "biomarkers" that will help describe the causes of pelvic pain syndromes. Biomarkers are unique substances or features (e.g., proteins, genes, features of anatomy, etc) found in people with specific conditions that serve to identify the presence of diseases. Identification of biomarkers can help us diagnose and predict disease and may lead to a better understanding of the underlying causes of disease. Also, biomarkers can help physicians and researchers sub-group patients for more targeted treatments or research studies. |
Characterization of UCPPS Translational Animal ModelsThis area of research intends to examine the interactions of various organs and pain pathways in order to help describe the causes and symptoms of pelvic pain syndromes, including how disease in one organ can influence the health of another organ. |