# Sensory Afferent Mechanisms Contributingto Diabetic Bladder Dysfunction

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $74,250

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD) refers to a spectrum of urinary bladder symptoms that manifest in the majority
of people with diabetes mellitus. Secondary sequelae of DBD are often health-compromising, and diminished
bladder control markedly reduces quality of life. Like its phenotype, the pathogenesis of DBD is multifaceted.
Changes in the autonomic nervous system and detrusor that contribute to DBD are well described; however,
there is suggestive evidence that the peripheral nervous system is part of the pathogenesis. It is clearly evident
from diabetic cutaneous neuropathy that sensory neural changes do occur, and the contribution of those changes
to the development and progression of DBD merit more attention. With an overarching goal of identifying
therapeutic targets to treat or prevent diabetes-induced changes in bladder-innervating PANs that play a role in
DBD, we propose to characterize their functional, neurochemical, and genetic changes in an animal model of
diabetes. In parallel, we will examine peripheral nerve changes in bladder tissue from individuals with a history
of diabetes who present with DBD to inform the translational relevance of our animal model findings. Objective,
clinical evidence of neuropathic bladder dysfunction in diabetic individuals who self-report being “asymptomatic”
has suggested there is a high frequency of subclinical diabetic neuropathy. Development of cystopathy may be
prevented in those with subclinical neuropathy by targeted intervention, potential targets of which we hope to
identify. In turn, this could mitigate numerous secondary sequelae that cost money and impair quality of life.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9843991
- **Project number:** 5R03DK119464-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer J DeBerry
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $74,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-01-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9843991

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9843991, Sensory Afferent Mechanisms Contributingto Diabetic Bladder Dysfunction (5R03DK119464-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9843991. Licensed CC0.

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