Dr. Nickel and his collaborative research network have undertaken numerous etiology, epidemiology, diagnostic, and treatment studies in the field of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) referred to collectively as Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS). He and his research group have participated in the NIH funded CPCRN (1 and 2), ICTTG and ICCRN collaborative research networks evaluating CP/CPPS and IC/BPS respectively and Dr. Nickel was the Project Leader for the first Trans-MAPP Infection Etiology Study. Based on this experience, we hypothesize that symptom severity, impact and patterns (including flares) in defined patient phenotypes are associated with very heterogeneous patient-specific urinary microbial or microbiome patterns (or changes) as well as (partner) factors, other psychological parameters (depression, catastrophizing, illness perception), sleep, sexual status, and environment factors (diet, perceived stress, exercise).
Our aim (Aim 1) is the enhance the proposed trans-MAPP Symptom Pattern Study by becoming an active Discovery Site, employing our expertise and experience to assist in patient enrollment (particularly difficult to enroll patient subtypes) as well as to suggest clinical, physical, urological and psychosocial assessment and outcome tools for predictive phenotype identification. We further plan (Aim 2) to expand our initial and ongoing trans-MAPP Infection Etiology Project (using state of the art culture independent technology) to determine the clinical implications and impact of the microbiome of the lower urinary tract on symptoms (symptom phenotype) and changing symptom patterns (including flares) in patients with UCPPS enrolled in the trans-MAPP Symptom Pattern Study.

Public Health Relevance

Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS) is a prevalent, costly (for individual patients, health care systems and society), debilitating, chronic pain condition that severely impacts patients' quality of life including life and work related activities. The cause of UCPPS is poorly understood and our treatment success is dismal. A better understanding of etiologic factors, such as the microbiome (bacteria and fungi), impacting symptom patterns will allow for development of more rational and scientific-based management strategies. PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 06/09) Page Continuation Format Page

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project--Cooperative Agreements (U01)
Project #
5U01DK103271-02
Application #
8926984
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDK1-GRB-G (M3))
Program Officer
Mullins, Christopher V
Project Start
2014-09-15
Project End
2019-06-30
Budget Start
2015-07-01
Budget End
2016-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$233,333
Indirect Cost
$8,572
Name
Queen's University at Kingston
Department
Type
DUNS #
207884032
City
Kingston
State
ON
Country
Canada
Zip Code
K7 3-N6