B3574 - Causes of Chronic Pain in ALSPAC - 28/08/2020

B number: 
B3574
Principal applicant name: 
Jim Dunham | University of Bristol
Co-applicants: 
Dr. Laura Corbin, Prof. Tony Pickering
Title of project: 
Causes of Chronic Pain in ALSPAC
Proposal summary: 

Pain which lasts for more than 3 months is termed "Chronic Pain". It often occurs in the absence of obvious injury. It can be very difficult to treat.
We believe that the body may produce antibodies (part of the natural defence against infections) that can activate "pain" nerves. This may contribute to Chronic Pain.
Antibodies, produced by the body are known to sometimes interfere with the nerves in diseases such as Myaesthenia Gravis.
If we can demonstrate that these antibodies can cause chronic pain, we will be able to treat patient with chronic pain much more effectively.

Impact of research: 
The hypothesis is novel and potentially critically important in pain development. If that translates to new pain management strategies including patient stratification and targeted treatment it would represent a step change in pain management.
Date proposal received: 
Monday, 20 July, 2020
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 21 July, 2020
Keywords: 
Clinical research/clinical practice, Pain, Statistical methods, Immunity