Metabolism and Digestive
- About the area
- Groups
This research area includes 4 consolidated and multidisciplinary groups that they have in common research in metabolic or digestive system diseases. Two of the groups are dedicated to the diabetes in two distinct aspects, one in the study of cardiovascular risk and the other in the development of new technology for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and for telematic monitoring of gestational diabetes. Another of the groups is dedicated toobesity, especially in relation to the effect of bariatric surgery on different aspects and the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms of hyperphagia in genetic obesity, such as Prader-Willi syndrome. Finally, the fourth group is dedicated to the study of various pathologies of the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Helicobacter pylori pathology or liver disease.
The relevance of this area lies in the fact that all groups are reference leaders in the pathology that investigate and participate in or lead national and international projects that involve a great diversity of disciplines. They stand out for their transversality and for their interaction and collaboration between them and with groups from other areas.
Strategic lines of the area
- Obesity, Prader-Willi Syndrome and hyperphagia.
- Diabetes: cardiovascular risk and new technologies.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Application of new digital and biotechnological technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic and digestive diseases.
Group A4G1 - Obesity and Prader Willi syndrome
Accreditation level: Consolidated group
GRC 2021 SGR 00703
Lines of research
- Obesity and bariatric surgery: study of genetic scoring scales to predict the outcome of bariatric surgery.
- Prader-Willi syndrome: study of hyperphagia and behavior, drug development, study of pharmacogenetics, study of brain connectivity.
- Study using functional magnetic resonance imaging and use of artificial intelligence in neuroimaging to predict therapeutic response to Prader Willi Syndrome.
Composition of the group
Assumpta Caixàs Pedragós (Group leader) | ORCID
Doctoral research staff
- Casamitjana Espuña, Laia
- Coronas Borri, Ramon
- Luna Aufroy, Alexis
- Mazarico Altisent, Isabel
- Orús Puigvert, Josefina
- Perez Romero, Noelia
Predoctoral
- Hernández Lázaro, Alba
- Luchtenberg, Florence
- Moreno Armengol, Alex
- Couple Franganillo, Rocío
Non-doctoral research staff
- Cidoncha Secilla, Ariadne
- Francisco Arenas, Anna
- Hernández Lázaro, Alba
- Torreño Machado, Veronica
Group A4G2 - Diabetes-cardiovascular risk
Accreditation level: Associated group
Collaboration CB07 / 08/0012
The diabetes cardiovascular risk group is multidisciplinary, collaborates with specialists from other hospitals and its leader is part of CIBERDEM.
With more than ten years of experience, he currently focuses on how to predict brain involvement, both structural and functional, in people with type 1 diabetes by studying their vascular aging. This is quantified by studying arterial stiffness, measured as pulse wave velocity between the common carotid and common femoral arteries.
Other factors that potentially predict the presence of insulin resistance and abdominal obesity are also being studied. To study the latter, state-of-the-art electrical bioimpedance techniques will be used.
Lines of research
- Brain health and vascular aging in people with type 1 diabetes.
- Brain health, insulin resistance and abdominal obesity.
Composition of the group
José Miguel González Clemente (Group leader) | ORCID
Doctoral research staff
- Cano Palomares, Albert
Non-doctoral research staff
- Puntí Sala, Jordi
- Rodríguez Revuelto, Ato Antonio
Group A4G3 - Technology applied to diabetes
Accreditation level: Group in consolidation phase
GRC 2021 SGR 00703
The group is a pioneer in Catalonia in the application of advanced technology to the management of diabetes. Its research activity focuses mainly on two major clinical areas: the development and implementation of artificial pancreas systems to optimize the treatment of diabetes, and intelligent telemedicine applied to the monitoring and control of the disease.
Across the board, the group integrates a clear orientation towards the real needs of society in all its healthcare, teaching and research activities. In this sense, it actively promotes the participation of people with diabetes in different phases of projects, from the design of new digital tools and smart solutions to the evaluation, validation and improvement proposal processes.
The group is made up of professionals with clinical research profiles in endocrinology, computer engineering and specialized nursing, with experience in monitoring and coordinating clinical trials.
Lines of research
- Personalization of artificial pancreas treatment based on artificial intelligence.
- Tissue response to glucose sensors.
- Study of predictive factors in the development of coronary events in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Composition of the group
Mercedes Rigla Cross (Group leader) | ORCID
Doctoral research staff
- Capel Flores, Ismael
PhD
- Albert Fabregas, Lara
Non-doctoral research staff
- Aguilar Gázquez, Montserrat
- Well done, Miguel Angel
- Yuste Gimenez, Cristina
Group A4G4 - Inflammatory bowel, liver and Helicobacter pylori
Accreditation level: Consolidated group
The research group is a consolidated group recognized by the AGAUR (SGR2009-01500) and has been part of the CIBER of Liver and Digestive Diseases since 2006. Since its establishment, this multidisciplinary team has been made up of professionals in digestology and hepatology, specialists in endoscopy, biology and nursing.
In the last fifteen years, the group has continuously led competitive projects of the ISCIII Strategic Action in Health, and also maintains a very prominent activity in independent clinical studies and in projects developed in collaboration with industry.
His research activity focuses mainly on clinical research on the diagnosis and treatment of infection by H. pylori, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease. In parallel, it also promotes basic research lines on hidden infection by H. pylori and the Correa cascade, through the use of gastric organoids, transcriptomics, metabolomics and microbiome analysis.
Currently, the group has more than twenty research projects underway, most in collaboration with national and international centers, and leads a CIBER group within the thematic area of Liver and Digestive Diseases.
Lines of research
- Helicobacter pylori and associated diseases. Diagnosis, treatment and cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Liver diseases.
Composition of the group
Xavier Calvet Calvo (co-group leader) | ORCID
Sergio Lario Garcia (co-group leader) | ORCID
Doctoral research staff
- Brunet Mas, Eduard
- Casas Rodrigo, Meritxell
- Ferrusquia Acosta, Jose Alberto
- Junquera Florez, Felix
- Lario Garcia, Sergio
- Martinez Bauer, Eva
- Miquel Planas, Mireia
- Ramírez Lázaro, M. José
- Sanchez Delgado, Jordi
- Solé Martí, Cristina
- Vergara Gómez, Mercè
- Villoria Ferrer, Albert
Predoctoral
- Garcia Sague, Belen
- Llovet Soto, Laura
- Mashlab Mashlab, Salvador
- Melcarne, Luigi
Non-doctoral research staff
- Frisancho Morales, Luis Enrique
- Hernández Sánchez-Carnerero, Leticia
- Lira Aguilar, Alba
- Montserrat Torres, Antònia
Support professionals
- Alforcea Alcaraz, Sheila
- Rodríguez Cerrillo, Sílvia
- Sánchez Rubio, Alicia