The most powerful force to change the direction of research is YOU! We don't have to wait!

Through donations supporting Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) research, we will join hands with researchers to answer the most fundamental questions that remain elusive at this time; what causes IC/PBS, who is at risk of developing the disease, how can patients get diagnosed properly, what direction does the medical community need to pursue for more effective treatments, and what current treatments are worthy of continued support?

At this time, there is much confusion about IC/PBS. However, the researchers at the University of Maryland are clear and determined in their path of leadership in IC/PBS research. In nearly two decades of work, these three researchers and their dedicated teams are well on their way to answering many of the most important questions. Below is a brief description of each researcher's current work and their vision for the future of IC/PBS research. By donating to the University of Maryland's IC/PBS researchers, we will advance the cause, find better treatments and ultimately, develop a cure.

Susan Keay, M.D., Ph.D.:

Dr. Keay is hot on the trail to crack the code of anti-proliferative factor or APF. Her discovery of this toxin, a small protein only found in the urine of IC/PBS patients, is a revolutionary break-through that could lead researchers to the possible cause, a diagnostic test, and new treatment discoveries for IC/PBS. One of the more remarkable revelations about this protein is that once removed, bladder cells begin to grow normally after about seven to ten days. It does not kill or injure the bladder cells; rather, it reversibly stops their growth.  Dr. Keay and her collaborators have recently completely characterized and synthesized APF, which is a glycopeptide (small protein with sugars attached) related to a human cell protein called Frizzled 8.  Her laboratory is now studying the mechanisms by which APF inhibits the growth of bladder cells, and attempting to identify a receptor for APF on bladder cells.  It is hoped that information gained from these studies will allow the development of possible therapies for IC/PBS.

“We are currently trying to develop agents that will inhibit APF production or activity as a possible treatment for IC. We believe APF may cause IC/PBS and additional studies on its mechanism of activity may therefore be helpful for the development of specific treatments for the disorder.”

John Warren, M.D.:

Dr. Warren and his team are pursuing the cause(s) of IC/PBS through two projects. First is the E.P.I.C. (Events Preceding Interstitial Cystitis) study, which is seeking factors that place a person at risk for IC/PBS. This is the type of study that generally provides the first clues of a disease. The second is the MaGIC (Maryland Genetics of Interstitial Cystitis) study, which is intended to discover the gene(s) that make an individual susceptible to IC/PBS. IC/PBS is 17 times more common in first-degree relatives of patients with the disease than the general population. Additionally, both siblings of identical twin pairs appear more likely develop IC/PBS than fraternal twins.

“Since 9/11, research funding has been redirected towards bio-terrorism and has left many research areas in desperate need of funding. Donations to PBS/IC research studies like these will encourage creative ideas regarding the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.” 

Toby Chai, M.D., FACS.:

Dr. Chai is a urologic surgeon-scientist who has an academic urologic practice and sees everyday how IC/PBS devastates the lives of those afflicted with this condition. In addition to his practice, Dr. Chai has a research interest in understanding how the bladder urothelium (lining) contributes to bladder sensation. IC/PBS patients have measurable changes in their bladder lining cells (urothelial cells). He has found that certain neurotransmitters that usually transmit pain signals are released in higher amounts by IC/PBS urothelial cells. Furthermore, he has detected changes in IC/PBS urothelial cell membrane properties that might explain increased ability of these cells to release these neurotransmitters. By attacking these urothelial cellular abnormalities that contribute to increased bladder sensation, pioneering new therapies can be developed to treat this troublesome condition.

“Treatment options are very limited right now and we must discover and test more effective treatments that have less side effects. At this very moment, exciting findings from the urothelial cells of IC/PBS patients might lead to several different new therapies. The momentum created by these findings needs to be continued in order for breakthroughs to occur. Research funding for bladder-related conditions such as IC/PBS has to compete with funding for other more publicly visible problems such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It is therefore imperative that those who have ability and desire to donate funds for IC/PBS research do so. The partnership between IC/PBS researchers and benefactors is critical to improving the lives of IC/PBS sufferers.”

IC Research Donation Options:

1. Current Use Accounts: Gifts directed to current use accounts have a significant and far-reaching impact. Gifts of any amount can be directed to a current use account and will enable IC/PBS investigators to invest in key strategic initiatives and promising scientific research. Funds from current use accounts can be used to purchase laboratory equipment or to send faculty members to conferences where they can exchange research findings with investigators from other institutions.
   
2. Endowments: Gifts directed to an endowed account can have an impact in perpetuity. Endowed accounts, which can either be unrestricted or designated for a particular purpose, provide essential financial resources annually to advance research or enhance treatment options for those with interstitial cystitis. Endowed accounts are established through the University of Maryland School of Medicine's foundation, the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc. and are managed through Mercantile Bank & Trust.

The original gift is invested by Mercantile Bank & Trust, as directed by the Investment Committee of the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Each year a percentage of the investment earnings are made available to support the programs and initiatives as designated by the by the donor at the time of the original gift. Additional earnings are reinvested in order to grow the endowment principal to ensure that adequate funding is available for the future.

The minimum level to establish an endowed fund is $25,000.00.

Endowment Illustration:

•  Initial Gift Amount - $100,000.00
•  Investment Earnings (FY'06 = 10.9%) - $10,900.00
•  Approved Spendable Income (FY'06 = 4.58%) - $4,580.00
•  Assessments & Fees (2.0%) - $2,000.00
•  Reinvested Income Earnings - $4,320.00

All gifts made to support IC/PBS research are administered by the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc. and are tax deductible.

These are two of the most common ways to make gifts to support IC/PBS research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. If you would like to learn about other ways to support this groundbreaking research, please contact Brian DeFilippis, Director of Development Services at the University of Maryland School of Medicine at 410.706.0818 or Bdefilippis@som.umaryland.edu.