Ms. Gemma Valeta, manager of Personalized and Precision Medicine of the Catalan Health Service, visited the Sant Pau Research Institute this morning. She was received by the director of this institution, Dr. Jordi Surrallés.

Ms. Valeta wanted to learn more about the work carried out in Sant Pau to look for synergies that contribute to promoting research, which is a fundamental pillar to achieve a more precise and individualized approach to the treatment of various diseases.

Without a doubt, research institutes are the epicenter of scientific innovation and the discovery of new therapies. Their ability to explore new scientific frontiers and develop new technologies is essential to advancing the field of personalized medicine.

The synergistic union between research institutes and government authorities can generate an environment conducive to the development and effective implementation of personalized medicine. The creation of spaces for collaboration between researchers and policy makers can facilitate the definition of policies that reflect the needs and opportunities offered by this new scientific frontier.

The detection of phosphorylated TAU 217 protein (p-tau217) in plasma has shown high precision in identifying pathological accumulations of beta-amyloid and TAU proteins. This precision is comparable to traditional biomarker detection in cerebrospinal fluid, as revealed by a recent study published in JAMA Neurology. Researchers from the Research Area in Neurological Diseases, Neuroscience, and Mental Health at the Sant Pau Research Institute, led by Dr. Juan Fortea, Director Sof the Memory Unit at the Neurology Department of the same hospital, participated in the study. These results pave the way for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease through a blood test.

A few years ago, the only way to diagnose this neurodegenerative disease was through post-mortem brain samples. Subsequently, effective biomarkers were found for identification in cerebrospinal fluid. Now, research is focused on discovering blood biomarkers for less invasive diagnostic methods, as explained by Dr. Daniel Alcolea, researcher at the Dementia Neurobiology Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute and head of the biomarkers platform at the Memory Unit of the same hospital.

The researchers analyzed data from three observational cohorts: the Translational Biomarkers in Aging and Dementia (TRIAD) in Canada, the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) in the United States, and the Sant Pau Initiative on Neurodegeneration (SPIN) in Barcelona. The study involved samples from a total of 786 participants with an average age of 66.3 years, analyzed in Sweden, revealing an excellent accuracy of around 95% for detecting the presence of Alzheimer’s disease.

The results show that the p-tau217 biomarker offers precision comparable to cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and proves to be particularly effective in detecting longitudinal changes, even in preclinical stages of the disease. An outstanding aspect of this technique is its ability to significantly reduce the need for additional confirmations, decreasing the number of tests required to confirm the diagnosis of the disease by 80%.

Dr. Alcolea explains that “this biomarker has shown very high performance in detecting Alzheimer’s in blood, with an accuracy between 90 and 95%. Of all the biomarkers currently being studied for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, this one has shown the best results.”

This discovery may open new avenues in the research and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, offering an accessible and reliable tool for the medical community and patients. Dr. Alberto Lleó, researcher at the Dementia Neurobiology Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute and Director of the Neurology Department at the same hospital, explains that “this advance is particularly significant, as blood biomarkers could provide a more accessible and less invasive alternative for early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, implementing this type of test could significantly improve clinical assessment and recruitment for clinical trials, as well as facilitate patient management and provide timely access to disease-modifying therapies.”

Reference article:

• Ashton NJ, Brum WS, Di Molfetta G, et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of a Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217 Immunoassay for Alzheimer Disease Pathology. JAMA Neurol. Published online January 22, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.5319

With the collaboration of:

This week, the research support platforms of the Sant Pau Research Institute opened their doors to researchers and management staff in an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and promoting the dissemination of the services they offer.

The main objectives of the platforms include facilitating access to high-level techniques and technologies that may not be accessible to individual groups and providing services at a reduced cost for the optimization of both human and equipment resources, as well as providing support to researchers with optimized workflows and methods.

During the visiting sessions, participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the facilities and address questions with the expert and specialized staff of each platform.

Furthermore, technical and methodological advice was provided to the professionals who attended the visits, allowing them to closely explore the various resources offered by the platforms to successfully carry out their projects.

This initiative not only enabled direct interaction with the research infrastructure but also fostered the creation of an environment conducive to collaboration among members of the scientific community and closer engagement with all management staff at the Research Institute.

Sant Pau currently has eleven research support platforms:

• Genomics and Transcriptomics Platform
• Bioinformatics Platform
• Cytometry Platform
• Microscopy Platform
• Biobank and Immunohistochemistry Platform
• Cell culture service
• White Room Platform
• Proteomics Platform
• Radioactive Facility
• Common equipment
• Animal Experimentation Service

Sant Pau continues to lead in the treatment of pharmacoresistant schizophrenia with deep brain stimulation (DBS) worldwide. After performing the first intervention of this kind in 2014 and publishing a pioneering study in 2020, the hospital is now launching a second scientific study with a group of 6 new patients to analyze the long-term effects of DBS and expand therapeutic targets in the brain. This will further personalize the surgery, which is minimally invasive but extremely complex. Thus, Sant Pau is the hospital with the highest number of pharmacoresistant schizophrenia patients treated with DBS and monitored for an extended period.

“In 30% of cases, schizophrenia is resistant, and of this percentage, 60% do not respond to the last line of treatment. These patients still experience delusions and hallucinations… they are very isolated individuals with many health problems, at a higher risk of drug or alcohol consumption, and suicide… often precisely to alleviate these symptoms,” explains the principal investigator of the study, Dr. Iluminada Corripio, from the Neurological Diseases, Neuroscience, and Mental Health Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute and director of the Psychiatry and Mental Health Service at the Vic Hospital Consortium.

She adds, “Having reached the end of the road in terms of pharmacological treatment, we have decided to apply DBS in these patients, where we have all the experience of the Neurosurgery team, which has already successfully applied it in Parkinson’s, major depression, Huntington’s disease, and also in schizophrenia, publishing in 2020 the results of the first study carried out in the world in this field.”

The first pilot study was conducted on 8 patients with pharmacoresistant schizophrenia to evaluate the clinical response of DBS. According to the results, clinical improvement occurred in half of the patients, and in 2 of them, delusions and auditory hallucinations practically disappeared. According to Dr. Corripio, “the new study is a natural continuation of this first project but incorporates all the scientific improvements in terms of technique, knowledge of the pathology… and also in personalization, carefully choosing the location of the electrodes.”

More brain targets in each patient in a very complex and minimally invasive intervention

A key innovation in this new study is the increase in the number of therapeutic targets in each patient. Dr. Rodrigo Rodríguez, coordinator of the Functional Neurosurgery Unit and deputy of the Neurosurgery Service at Sant Pau, explains that “we have tried to further personalize the treatment, using longer electrodes than usual with the ability to include two different therapeutic targets in their trajectory, meaning they can act on two different brain networks of the limbic system, which controls the behavior of these patients. If one therapeutic target is not sufficiently effective, we can use the other and improve the results for the patient. We can stimulate each target independently or stimulate both simultaneously depending on each patient’s case.”

The intervention is very minimally invasive but involves highly complex surgery from a technological perspective. “The precision in placing the electrodes must be millimetric,” says Dr. Rodríguez, “and requires a detailed and precise preoperative neuroimaging study to determine the cerebral coordinates, the area of the brain network that the electrodes will stimulate, where the multidisciplinary work between psychiatrists and neurosurgeons is fundamental.”

During the intervention, data from the preoperative neuroimaging study, from the magnetic resonance imaging, is transferred to the neuronavigator and merged with an intraoperative CT scan that allows for this millimetric precision in placing the electrodes “using very sophisticated and advanced software.” The surgery, very minimally invasive, involves “making two perforations in the skull to place DBS electrodes that will regulate and neuromodulate the disorder caused by the patient’s motor dysfunction.” Subsequently, the electrodes are connected to small cables that run under the skin and reach a neurostimulator—similar to a small pacemaker—placed in the patient’s chest or abdomen.

This neurostimulator generates electrical impulses or stimulation waves that can be adjusted with an external remote control to observe the desired response. “We can control the intensity of the electrical current—i.e., the amperage—the waveform—which is like the beat produced by the electrode—and the stimulation frequency. This allows us to produce a change in neuronal response in the area that then interacts with the rest of the limbic system circuit.” Dr. Rodríguez notes that “we typically use high frequencies that produce an electrical block of the area, meaning the neuronal transmission in the area.”

Long-term results complemented with an individual recovery plan

Neuromodulation of brain networks with DBS is not immediate. Dr. Rodríguez explains that “the brain operates with electrical discharges, and interaction with the electrodes—with specific frequencies and intensities—can produce stimulation or inhibition of neuronal activity.” DBS in schizophrenia works as an inhibitor, “reducing the activity of that specific brain network, and this interacts with the rest of the brain circuits. As a result, neuromodulation normalizes the structures of the limbic system, and over time, regulates the disease.”

Dr. Alexandra Roldán, from the Psychiatry Service at Sant Pau, who conducted her doctoral thesis with the results of the first project, emphasizes that “based on our previous experience, a minimum of 6 months is needed to see if there is any type of response in patients. We have even seen how patients from the first pilot study who initially did not respond to DBS did so after a year, a year and a half, or even two years because the restructuring of brain circuits is not automatic, does not happen overnight, and requires time.”

Especially during the initial post-intervention stage, close monitoring of patients undergoing DBS is necessary, requiring a comprehensive intervention plan: pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and rehabilitative in response to the improvement of schizophrenia symptoms.

“These patients need to readjust to daily life, family, and social environment. We provide psychological therapy focused on their social recovery,” explains Dr. Roldán. “They are individuals who have often been isolated at home because they are afraid to go out, feel threatened, and have no social interaction. Sometimes, they even have such severe symptoms that they are institutionalized. And we must carry out individual recovery because despite the significant improvement obtained with DBS, they cannot automatically return to normal life.”

Sant Pau, a global leader in Deep Brain Stimulation

Sant Pau Hospital has been using DBS for 25 years. Initially, in patients with Parkinson’s disease, but currently also in other pathologies such as cluster headache or suicide headache, Huntington’s disease, and major depression.

In October 2022, it applied DBS for the first time in Huntington’s disease, a hereditary, rare, and neurodegenerative neurological disorder where one of the main symptoms is chorea, continuous and uncontrolled movements in various parts of the body (St. Vitus dance). Worldwide, fewer than a hundred patients with this disease have undergone this technique, consolidating the leadership of the Movement Disorders Unit of the Neurology Service at Sant Pau and the Neurosurgery Service in this field.

In 2023, the Mental Health Research Group of the Sant Pau Research Institute published a study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry that included the longest follow-up of patients carried out in Europe (for 11 years, from January 2008 to June 2019) in 16 patients with major depression resistant to conventional treatments. The results concluded that DBS of the subcallosal cingulate gyrus can offer significant and lasting benefits to the majority of the studied patients: 75% responded to treatment, and 50% achieved remission, meaning a reduction of symptoms below the threshold considered pathological.

Reference articles

• Iluminada Corripio, Alexandra Roldán, Salvador Sarró, Peter J McKenna, Anna Alonso-Solís, Mireia Rabella, Anna Díaz, Dolors Puigdemont, Víctor Pérez-Solà, Enric Álvarez, Antonio Arévalo, Pedro P Padilla, Jesús M Ruiz-Idiago, Rodrigo Rodríguez, Joan Molet, Edith Pomarol-Clotet, Maria J Portella. Deep brain stimulation in treatment resistant schizophrenia: A pilot randomized cross-over clinical trial. eBioMedicine 2020 Jan: 51: 102568. DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.11.029
• Carlo Alemany, Dolors Puigdemont, Ana Martín-Blanco, Rodrigo Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Juan A. Aibar-Durán, Muriel Vicent-Gil, Enric Álvarez, Víctor Pérez, Maria J. Portella, Javier de Diego-Adeliño. Response and Safety Outcomes in Treatment-Resistant Depression After Subcallosal Cingulate Gyrus Deep Brain Stimulation: Long-term Follow-up Study. J Clin Psychiatry 2023;84(0):22m14622 DOI: 10.4088/JCP.22m14622

With the collaboration of:

Once again, the Scientific-Technical Service Platforms (PSCT) of the Sant Pau Research Institute and Sant Pau Hospital have successfully passed the ISO 9001 Quality Management System audit, demonstrating excellence in the provision of their services. The platforms currently included within the scope of certification are:

• Animal Experimentation Service
• Cellular Cultures Service
• Radioactive Installation
• Genomics and Transcriptomics Platform
• Cytometry Platform
• Confocal Microscopy Platform
• Biobank and Immunohistochemistry Platform

One of the objectives for 2024 is to expand the scope of certification to include the Proteomics Platform. Once achieved, IR-HSCSP will have all PSCT certified. In the case of the cleanroom, it holds the certification for Good Manufacturing Practices for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (NCF-MTA).

The PSCTs are structures that offer high-value-added services to researchers, both within the IR itself and from other institutions. The main goal of the PSCTs is to facilitate access to high-level techniques and technologies that may not be accessible to individual groups, as well as to provide services at a reduced cost for resource optimization (human resources and equipment). Additionally, the PSCTs provide support to researchers with optimized workflows and methods, advising them on technical and methodological aspects.

The PSCTs have a multidisciplinary team with many years of experience in their fields and possess technology knowledge to ensure the quality of services. They are characterized by their customer orientation and commitment to delivering results in short timelines.

They also facilitate direct contact between the client and the expert to address any doubts or issues that may arise during the experimentation process. The PSCTs can manage the entire process, from the initial sample to the acquisition of final results.

Today, we celebrated the Sant Pau Research Day with genomics and rare diseases taking center stage. The day began with an introduction by Dr. Xavier Prats Monné, president of the board of the Sant Pau Research Institute (IR Sant Pau), who highlighted the talent and excellent work carried out by professionals in this field at Sant Pau.

The overarching theme of this day revolved around the Transversal Program of Genomics and Rare Diseases, emphasizing significant technological and bioinformatic advancements in genomics. These advances have not only positively impacted the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases but have also contributed to identifying risk factors, prognosis, and treatment of more common pathologies.

Dr. Jordi Surrallés, director of IR Sant Pau, took the floor to explain the ongoing actions within the framework of the 2019-2024 strategic plan. In this context, he dedicated heartfelt words to Dr. Josep Torrent Farnell, recently departed, highlighting his contribution as an attending physician at Sant Pau Hospital and as an international reference in the field of rare diseases.

Various experts participated with presentations on relevant topics. Dr. Roser Torra, from the Nephrology research group at IR Sant Pau – Puigvert Foundation, highlighted the use of artificial intelligence for diagnosing hereditary kidney diseases. Also, Dr. Elena Muiño, a “Joan Rodes” researcher in the Pharmacogenomics and Neurovascular Genetics group, spoke about CADASIL, a rare cerebral vascular disease.

Dr. Montse Campmany, head of the Knowledge Management Unit at IR Sant Pau, explained that one of the main objectives of this unit is to enhance excellence in the management of institutional scientific information, complying with established regulations, to contribute to the development of biomedical research and the improvement of health and society’s well-being.

Dr. Leif Hove-Madsen, head of the Rhythm Regulation and Cardiac Contraction group at IR, discussed single nucleotide polymorphisms for personalized treatment of atrial fibrillation. Pharmacogenetics was the focus of Dr. Pau Riera’s intervention, a “Joan Rodes” researcher in the Genetic Diseases group.

On the other hand, Dr. Eduard Gallardo, a researcher in the neuromuscular diseases group and head of the CIBERER group, explained translational research applied to neuromuscular disease, myasthenia gravis.

Dr. Sandra Camino, head of the Genomics and Transcriptomics Platform at IR Sant Pau, spoke about the support they offer to the scientific community, both with specific equipment and genomic techniques.

Dr. Surrallés, this time as head of the DNA Repair Syndromes and Predisposition to Cancer group, explained the importance of genes in the therapies for Fanconi Anemia, a cancer predisposition syndrome.

Dr. Maria Sabater, a “Miguel Servet” researcher in the Complex Diseases Genomics group, highlighted the role of genomic medicine in vascular diseases. Dr. Anna Aulinas, a “Joan Rodés” researcher in the Pituitary Diseases research group, talked about the contribution to improving the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pituitary diseases.

Dr. Israel Fernández-Cadenas, head of the Pharmacogenomics group, explained how genetic studies can help find treatments for complex diseases.

The closing talk was given by Dr. Ángel Carracedo, director of the Galician Public Foundation of Genomic Medicine and President of the External Scientific Committee of IR Sant Pau, who emphasized the importance of personalized medicine and genomics. He also explained the need for biomarkers to stratify and thus achieve effectiveness in rare diseases.

The director of IR, Dr. Surrallés, and the director of Sant Pau Hospital, Dr. Adrià Comella, concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of joint work and coordination between the Research Institute and the Hospital to ensure quality healthcare for all.

During the Day, the exhibition “Research on Rare Diseases, in Photos” was also presented. It consists of a selection of photographs with which CIBERER researchers participated in the rare diseases photography contests in 2021 and 2022.

A study led by Dr. José Martínez-González, a researcher at Sant Pau Research Institute and the Biomedical Research Institute of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), and Dr. Cristina Rodríguez, head of the Cardiovascular Remodeling Regulatory Mechanisms group at IR Sant Pau, has identified lysyl oxidase (LOX) as a key component in cardiovascular calcification.

The study resulted from the collaboration of both researchers in the cardiovascular diseases field of the CIBER (CIBERCV) with researchers from CIBERCV at the Vall d’Hebron Hospital Research Institute (VHIR). Published in the Biomed Pharmacother journal, the research has demonstrated that the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which plays a fundamental role in determining the biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, has a significant role in the formation of mineral deposits in diseases such as aortic valve calcification and atherosclerosis.

“We have characterized how the alteration of the matrix induced by lysyl oxidase affects the development of valvular calcification, as well as the involvement of this enzyme in the development of atherosclerosis and calcification,” said Dr. Martínez-González.

The studies were conducted in two cohorts of patients with calcified aortic valve disease from Sant Pau Hospital and the University Hospital of Navarra. Analyses were performed on valve cells in culture and in an animal model that overexpresses human lysyl oxidase specifically in the vascular wall, inducing atherosclerosis and calcification. The research involved Dr. Antonio Rodríguez-Sinovas, a CIBERCV researcher at VHIR, and Dr. Natalia López-Andrés from NavarraBiomed.

“The results highlight the active contribution of lysyl oxidase in cardiovascular calcification and the importance of matrix remodeling, which acts as an anchor that promotes and guides the growth of calcium crystals in this disease,” explains Dr. Rodríguez.

“Cardiovascular calcification is a significant global health problem and an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Currently, there are no drugs available that can limit the development of this disease. This study suggests that treatment strategies targeting lysyl oxidase and matrix modification could be useful for its treatment,” concludes Dr. Carme Ballester, the first author of this work.

Reference article

Carme Ballester-Servera, Judith Alonso, Laia Cañes, Paula Vázquez-Sufuentes, Lídia Puertas-Umbert, Amaya Fernández-Celis, Manel Taurón, Antonio Rodríguez-Sinovas, Natalia López-Andrés, Cristina Rodríguez, José Martínez-González, Lysyl oxidase-dependent extracellular matrix crosslinking modulates calcification in atherosclerosis and aortic valve disease, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 167, 2023, 115469, ISSN 0753-3322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115469.

Dr. Silvia Vidal, head of the Inflammatory Diseases group at the Sant Pau Research Institute, participated in the “Immunotherapy & Hemopathies 2023” course, where she spoke about the immunological mechanisms at play when treating patients with multiple myeloma using anti-CD38 antibodies.

The researcher explained that anti-CD38 antibodies, such as daratumumab and isatuximab, can bind to the CD38 protein on cancer cells. This interaction triggers a cascade of responses, including the destruction of cancer cells, modulation of the immune system activity, induction of programmed cell death in myeloma cells, and inhibition of CD38 enzymatic functions that reduce the production of the immunosuppressive molecule adenosine. The synergy of these mechanisms, often used in combination with other therapies, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of multiple myeloma, providing a targeted and effective approach.

Dr. David Ramos Vicente has been awarded the Extraordinary Doctorate Prize granted by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), based on the proposal of the Academic Committee of the Doctoral Program in Neuroscience, for his thesis entitled “Glutamate as a neurotransmitter: revealing the complexity of its evolution and diversity in the nervous system.”

This research, supervised by Dr. Àlex Bayés, head of the Molecular Physiology of Synapses group at the Sant Pau Research Institute, focuses on glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system of living beings, and its crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system and cognitive function. The research, conducted during his work at Sant Pau, explores in detail the proteins involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission, especially glutamate receptors and their auxiliary subunits, which play an essential role in regulating brain function.

One of the most noteworthy findings of Dr. Ramos’s thesis is the redefinition of the classification of glutamate receptors, currently divided into six classes. The work proposes a more precise classification into 4 subfamilies encompassing 10 classes, providing a new perspective on the complexity of these receptors in the evolution of metazoans. This redefinition has significant implications for understanding how the nervous system has evolved and shaped cognitive function.

This week, the Sant Pau Research Institute celebrated the Innovation Day, an event that marked the successful closure of the INNOPAU program. This program, designed to drive innovation at the Sant Pau Campus, has provided support and guidance to professionals in transforming innovative ideas into tangible projects with potential impact on society.

INNOPAU is an intensive six-month program that covers four fundamental modules. In the first module, the definition of the clinical need takes place, with the validation of key opinions from professionals (KOL) and the analysis of epidemiological data. Additionally, user profiling and the associated value proposition are developed. In the second module, resource identification is carried out through a planned route to scientifically validate the proposal, aligned with regulatory and budgetary requirements, as well as the identification of relevant stakeholders.

In the third module, the definition of intellectual property rights (IPR) and the development of a market strategy are carried out, updating the roadmap with strategies to secure IPR and business models. Finally, in the fourth module, the focus is on obtaining competitive funding, with the presentation of scientific results through Pitch Presentations and the use of grant application forms specific to INNOPAU.

This comprehensive program offers a unique opportunity for professionals at the Sant Pau Campus to transform their innovative ideas into projects with significant impact. Each module includes initial sessions, individual tutoring, training, and seminars with experts, culminating in deliverables. All participants had the opportunity to apply for the INNOPAU scholarship, awarded upon completion of the program, thanks to a €50,000 grant from the Private Foundation of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau.

INNOVATION AND NETWORKING

The Innovation Day brought together more than 130 people, with equal participation from private sector companies and professionals from the Sant Pau Campus. Prominent companies in the R&D&I ecosystem, such as CINFA and AMBIT-BST, sponsored the event.

The day’s program included presentations on the INNOPAU program, a roundtable on translational research and entering the healthcare system, as well as presentations and the awarding of grants to incubated projects.

In the roundtable, participants shared meaningful reflections on the importance of innovation in the health field. Gemma Vilahur, researcher in the Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics Research Group of Atherothrombotic and Ischemic Diseases at the Sant Pau Research Institute, emphasized the moral responsibility of creating a spin-off to improve human health and highlighted the benefits of establishing patents, emphasizing the creation of a multidisciplinary environment that provides support in areas such as marketing, legal advice, and business. She expressed gratitude for the support from the hospital’s Technology Transfer department to ensure that innovations reach patients.

Patricia Pesudo, Director of the Strategy and Transformation Area at Sant Pau, underscored the importance of sharing challenges and solutions, encouraging public-private collaboration and alliance to co-create positive solutions.

Antonio Herce, associated with Inveready, highlighted the need for calls that drive innovation, advocating for increased public funding for concept tests that help researchers advance to the next level.

During her intervention, Claudia Ben Dov, Head of Business Strategy for Medical Devices at AMBIT-BST, emphasized that it is not only necessary to generate funds but also crucial to streamline bureaucratic processes from the administration to accelerate the arrival of innovation to patients. Her statements highlight the importance of removing obstacles to facilitate the path of innovation for the benefit of the patient.

The event concluded with the intervention of Laia Arnal, General Director of Transfer and Knowledge Society of the Government of Catalonia, who presented the INNOPAU grant to the winning project team. Arnal highlighted the need for programs like INNOPAU to foster an innovative culture and generate competitive projects that address unmet medical needs. She emphasized the importance of working with a research center and a tertiary hospital like the Sant Pau Campus, ensuring robust clinical validation and scientific excellence.

With the success of the Innovation Day, the Sant Pau Research Institute continues to establish itself as a benchmark in promoting innovation in the field of health.

La Marató de TV3 Foundation will fund 8 cardiovascular health projects coordinated from the Sant Pau Research Institute, thanks to the funds raised in the last edition, which was specifically dedicated to these diseases. In total, Sant Pau will receive €2,296,961.25, which will be allocated to leading projects on diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, or arrhythmias, some of them in collaboration with other research centers. Additionally, researchers from Sant Pau are also involved in two selected projects coordinated from other centers.

Sant Pau is the leading center in the number of projects funded in the 2022 edition of La Marató de 3Cat. In total, 11.2 million euros were raised, which will be allocated to 71 research teams to carry out 37 projects in cardiovascular health to advance in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that are the leading cause of death in developed countries. Of the total selected projects, 15 are individual and 22 are coordinated between two or more research institutions.

Cardiology at Sant Pau

Sant Pau is a hospital that has made history in Medicine, particularly in Cardiology, which has always been at the center of its interest. In fact, research on cardiovascular diseases is one of the 5 strategic areas of the Research Institute and is one of the clearest examples of translational medicine, as it aims to address questions and needs that arise directly from the patient’s bedside. The goal is for findings, from preclinical genetic studies in cellular and animal models to advanced clinical research, to return in the form of answers to the patient’s bedside.

Sant Pau has witnessed the development of cardiology: it was the first hospital in Spain to perform a heart transplant and continues to be an advanced reference in research in this medical specialty, constantly developing new therapeutic procedures, advancing in the understanding of basic cardiology, and continually improving the care of cardiac patients.

“We are very pleased and grateful to La Marató,” says Dr. Jordi Surrallés, director of the Sant Pau Research Institute, highlighting the positive results of this year’s call and expressing his commitment to continue promoting research in this field. “In the coming years, we will work hard to invest these resources obtained thanks to La Marató to promote the pursuit of excellence and quality that characterizes us.”

One key to success is Sant Pau’s strategic commitment to promoting translational research: the incorporation of clinicians and basic researchers in strategic areas, such as cardiovascular, working together to provide the best solutions to patients as soon as possible.

• Impact of the molecular and functional composition of lipoproteins and inflammation on the clinical presentation of cardiovascular events in familial hypercholesterolemia (LipoComp).
  • Teresa Padró, head of the Biomarkers Research Group for the Evolution of Cardiovascular Disease at the Sant Pau Research Institute.

• Innovative Therapies based on HDL Nanoconstructions: the Power of Bioengineering to Protect the Infarcted Heart.
  

• Gemma Vilahur,  researcher in the Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics of Atherothrombotic and Ischemic Diseases Research Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute.

Acute myocardial infarction is a common cardiac pathology that often leads to heart failure and represents a significant burden on healthcare systems and associated costs. This project focuses on the use of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) modified through bioengineering to reduce cardiac damage and promote healing in cases of myocardial infarction. Through the identification of key constituents of HDL and the creation of HDL nanoconstructions, this innovative therapy aims to enhance cardiovascular protection.

• Early Repair of Endothelial Cell Damage to Promote Cardiovascular Health: Interaction between Endothelial Cells and Monocytes as a Key Strategy in Ischemic Diseases.
  • Gemma Arderiu, researcher in the Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics of Atherothrombotic and Ischemic Diseases Research Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute.

The project focuses on the body’s ability to detect and repair tissue damage, especially in endothelial cells of the cardiovascular system, which play a crucial role in detecting and correcting anomalies. The study concentrates on “patrolling” monocytes that, similar to immunotherapy in oncological research, could promote repair instead of eliminating damaged endothelial cells. This could improve endothelial health and prevent cardiovascular diseases such as peripheral arterial disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

• Electroporation in Cardiac Tissue: From Safe and Efficient Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias to New Therapeutic Indications. 
  • Jose Mª Guerra,  head of the Clinical and Translational Cardiology Research Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute and member of the Arrhythmia Unit in the Cardiology Department at Sant Pau Hospital.

The project focuses on the study of an innovative technique for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias called pulsed field ablation (PFA), which uses high-intensity electrical pulses. This technique induces a local biological phenomenon in the tissue called electroporation, leading to the elimination of the arrhythmic substrate. The challenge lies in distinguishing between areas of irreversible electroporation and reversible electroporation around the treated area, as the latter may lead to an overestimation of properly treated areas. The project aims to understand these differences and develop precise detection methods. Additionally, the transient narrowing of coronary arteries during PFA application is addressed by exploring strategies to prevent it. Finally, the use of reversible electroporation in cardiac tissue is considered as a possible way to administer active compounds and personalized treatments. The research is based on a multidisciplinary approach and seeks to improve the effectiveness and safety of PFA in the treatment of arrhythmias.

• Stopped-Stroke. Reversible Epigenetic Therapies to HALT Biological Aging and Reduce the Risk of Stroke.
  • Israel Fernández Cadenas, cap del grup de Recerca en Farmacogenòmica i Genètica Neurovascular de l’Institut de Recerca Sant Pau.

In an effort to combat stroke, one of the leading causes of death and disability in adults, this innovative project focuses on epigenetics as a key element. With the aim of improving stroke prevention and treatment, the research team investigates how epigenetic changes can influence risk factors and the progression of the pathology. This opens the door to potential medications, including “Epidrugs” or epigenetic drugs, for the prevention and treatment of strokes. This approach could have a direct impact on patients and individuals with stroke risk factors.

• Gen-X: Genetic and Epigenetic Study of Ischemic Stroke and Its Sex Differences.
  • Jara Carcel, researcher in the Pharmacogenomics and Neurovascular Genetics Research Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute.

This project aims to investigate the genetic complexity of ischemic stroke in the Spanish population to identify differential genetic risk factors between men and women based on the etiology of the stroke they have experienced. Through various methods, such as genome-wide association studies and epigenomic association studies, the project aims to identify new drugs and pharmacological targets that could be useful for stroke prevention and risk stratification in patients.

• IDEA: Improvement of Diagnostic Efficiency in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
  • Maria Sabater,  Miguel Servet researcher in the Genomics of Complex Diseases Research Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a pathological dilation of the aorta, which is generally silent and can eventually rupture. The mortality rate in case of rupture is very high. This innovative project collects clinical, personal, genetic, and blood marker data from patients with this disease to develop a predictive tool capable of identifying patients at high risk of aneurysm rupture. Additionally, the project explores the effect of new drugs on aneurysm growth, impacting both prediction and disease prevention.

• Cerebral Lipid Homeostasis in Ischemic Stroke: Role of Lipoprotein Receptors and Pharmacological Interventions. 
  • Maria Borrell, researcher in the Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics of Atherothrombotic and Ischemic Diseases Research Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute.

A study published in Translational Research reveals that the nuclear receptor NOR-1 plays a key role in regulating the calcification of aortic valves and calcification associated with atherosclerosis. The work was led by José Martínez-González, a researcher at the Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC) and the Sant Pau Research Institute, and Cristina Rodríguez Sinovas, a researcher at the Sant Pau Research Institute, both affiliated with the cardiovascular diseases area of CIBER (CIBERCV). The CIBERCV team led by Francisco Marín from the Virgen de la Arrixaca University Clinical Hospital also collaborated.

“So far, we knew about NOR-1’s role in cardiac and blood vessel remodeling, but its connection to calcification in these tissues had not been established,” explains Dr. Martínez-González.

The study conducted analyses on human aortic valves and vascular cells, as well as on a genetically modified mouse model with elevated NOR-1 levels in the vascular wall. These mice showed a reduction in atherosclerosis development, lower vascular expression of osteogenic markers, and specifically, reduced vascular calcification.

“NOR-1 limits cardiovascular calcification, a complex, partially characterized process that poses a significant public health problem. Our analyses of human samples from aortic valves and calcified atherosclerotic lesions, studies on valve and vascular cells, and in vivo strategies demonstrate NOR-1’s involvement in regulating the complex network of genes contributing to cardiovascular calcification,” notes Dr. Rodríguez Sinovas.

The research team observed that cells responsible for calcium deposition in aortic valves and smooth muscle cells in arteries increase NOR-1 levels when calcification is induced. “When we increased or decreased NOR-1 levels in these cells, we saw significant changes in genes related to calcification.”

Until recently, vascular calcification was considered a passive and degenerative process associated with advanced age, atherosclerosis, various metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, or rare genetic diseases. However, in recent years, vascular calcification is viewed as an active and regulated process similar to bone mineralization and metabolism.

“Our data indicate that NOR-1 has a negative effect on the expression of genes related to calcification in both heart valve cells and arterial cells, and it prevents calcification in the cardiovascular system. This could have significant implications for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases,” adds Carme Ballester, the study’s lead author.

“The results enhance our understanding of the processes leading to ectopic mineralization and pave the way for future studies that will create new therapeutic opportunities in the fight against cardiovascular calcification,” concludes the team.

Reference Article

Carme Ballester-Servera, Laia Cañes, Judith Alonso, Lidia Puertas-Umbert, Paula Vázquez-Sufuentes, Manel Taurón, Elena Roselló-Díez, Francisco Marín, Cristina Rodríguez, José Martínez-González. Upregulation of NOR-1 in calcified human vascular tissues: impact on osteogenic differentiation and calcification. Translational Research (2023) – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1931524423001445?via%3Dihub

A study published in the journal Nature Communications, led by the National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) and involving researchers from the Cardiovascular Biochemistry Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute and the Biochemistry Service of the same hospital, has revealed essential information about atrial fibrillation and its impact on heart function.

The research, conducted in porcine models, showed that during the progression of atrial fibrillation, there is a disconnect between electrical and mechanical activity in the atrium of the heart. Furthermore, changes in cardiac cells and an increase in atrial fibrosis were observed, suggesting that this type of arrhythmia leads to profound remodeling of cardiac tissue. It was also found that electromechanical dissociation is an early indicator of atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation, which could be crucial for clinical prognosis.

One of the authors of the study, Dr. Álvaro García Osuna, a physician in the Biochemistry Service and a researcher in the Cardiovascular Biochemistry Group, explains that “in the clinical part of the study, we measured cardiac troponin, which is the biomarker we normally use for the management of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. We were able to demonstrate a relationship between the progression of atrial fibrillation and an increase in cardiac troponin concentration.”

Another researcher in the study is Dr. Jordi Ordoñez-Llanos from the Biochemistry Service of the Hospital de Sant Pau, who played a prominent role in demonstrating that atrial fibrillation causes damage to myocardial cells in animal models. “This work is an example of the necessary collaboration between experimental and clinical research,” emphasize these experts.

Reference article

Enríquez-Vázquez, D., Quintanilla, J.G., García-Escolano, A. et al. Non-invasive electromechanical assessment during atrial fibrillation identifies underlying atrial myopathy alterations with early prognostic value. Nat Commun 14, 4613 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40196-y

El Congrés ESMO 2023, la trobada científica europea de referència en oncologia ha estat escenari d’una destacada participació dels experts de l’Institut de Recerca Sant Pau.

En aquesta important trobada científica, que s’ha celebrat aquest any a Madrid amb més de 33.000 participants de 144 països, s’han compartit els últims avenços en la recerca oncològica, oferint una formació de la més alta qualitat per als professionals de la salut i brindant oportunitats excepcionals per establir xarxes de contactes entre oncòlegs i altres implicats en aquest àmbit.

Els experts de l’Institut de Recerca Sant Pau han jugat un paper destacat en aquest esdeveniment, presentant diversos resultats i treballs científics, entre els quals destaquen tres estudis presentats a la sessió plenària del congrés i publicats simultàniament a la prestigiosa revista The New England Journal of Medicine. Un d’ells és l’estudi CodeBreak 300, en el qual va participar el Dr. David Paéz López Bravo, del Grup de Recerca en Oncologia Clínica.

En aquest estudi de fase 3, es va investigar l’eficàcia de l’inhibidor KRAS G12C sotorasib combinat amb el panitumumab, un inhibidor del receptor del factor de creixement epidermal (EGFR), en pacients amb càncer colorectal metastàsic quimiorrefractari amb KRAS G12C mutat. Els resultats van mostrar que ambdues dosis de sotorasib combinades amb panitumumab van aconseguir una supervivència lliure de progressió més llarga que el tractament estàndard.

També s’ha presentat en la sessió plenària l’estudi DeLLphi-301, el qual ha participat la Dra. Margarita Majem Tarruella, del Grup de Recerca en Oncologia Clínica, que va avaluar l’activitat antitumoral i la seguretat de tarlatamab, una immunoteràpia de cèl·lules T biespecífica que apunta al lligand delta-like 3 i CD3, en pacients amb càncer de pulmó de cèl.lula petita prèviament tractats. Els resultats mostren quetarlatamab presenta una notable activitat antitumoral amb respostes objectives duradores i resultats de supervivència prometedors en aquests pacients. També es va observar una seguretat manejable, essent la majoria dels efectes adversos de grau 1 o 2.

L’equip de la Dra. Majem també va participar l’estudi PAPILLON, presentat també en una sessió plenària del congrés. Aquest estudi  fase 3 mostra que l’ús d’amivantamab amb quimioteràpia millora significativament la supervivència lliure de progressió en els pacients amb càncer de pulmó no microcític avançat amb insercions en l’exó 20 del receptor del factor de creixement epidèrmic (EGFR), respecte a la quimioteràpia sola com a tractament de primera línia. Els efectes adversos principals d’aquesta teràpia estan relacionats amb problemes hematològics i cutanis i són reversibles.

Participació molt diversa

Per part del Servei d’Oncologia Mèdica de l’Hospital de Sant Pau, la Dra. Alejandra Romano Cardozo va presentar un estudi relatiu a la trombosis i les complicacions secundàries en pacients amb adenocarcinoma ductal de pàncrees i el Dr. Francisco José Pelegrín Mateo, un estudi de trombosi associada a catèter del registre TESEO.

La Dra. Maria Aguado Sorolla va compartir els resultats de l’aplicació de les escales de benefici clínic en fàrmacs aprovats pel tractament de Sarcomes. La Dra. Judit Sanz Beltran va presentar l’impacte del tractament de suport en la qualitat de vida dels pacients hospitalitzats, treball que forma part del projecte Plantology.

A més, el Dr José Antonio González, cirurgià de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, va presentar els resultats de l’estudi de fase 1 amb Ceb-01 per Sarcomes Retroperitoneals, un esforç multidisciplinari de tot l’equip de sarcomes.

La Dra. Aida Piedra Cascón va presentar els resultats d’un estudi retrospectiu multicèntric de pacients amb càncer de pulmó no cèl·lula petita avançat amb alta expressió de PD-L1 tractats amb Pembrolizumab en primera línia de tractament i el Dr. Sergio Martínez-Recio va presentar els resultats d’un estudi retrospectiu multicèntric que analitza l’impacte predictiu del temps transcorregut des de la resecció complerta del melanoma fins a l’inici de l’adjuvància amb anti-PD-1.

A més, en una interessant xerrada, la infermera gestora d’immunoteràpia, Jorgina Serra, va compartir coneixements sobre l’educació als pacients amb càncer d’endometri que comencen el tractament.

Finalment, la Dra. Ariadna Tibau Martorell va donar a conèixer els resultats de l’ús de les escales de benefici clínic en els fàrmacs dirigits a diana, realitzat gràcies a una beca de la Fundació Privada de Sant Pau.

Aquesta destacada participació de l’Institut de Recerca Sant Pau a l’ESMO 2023 demostra l’excel·lència de la recerca i la dedicació dels seus experts en la lluita contra el càncer.

Investigadors de l’Institut de Recerca Sant Pau i del Servei de Cirurgia Vascular de l’Hospital del Mar, liderats per la Dra. Maria Sabater Lleal, investigadora Miguel Servet al grup de Genòmica de les Malalties Complexes de l’Institut d’Investigació Sant Pau, han participat en l’estudi genètic d’aneurisma més gran de l’aorta abdominal realitzat fins ara. L’etiopatogènesi d’aquesta malaltia és complexa i multifactorial i encara que roman essencialment desconeguda, se sap que hi ha un component genètic important.

L’estudi, que publica la revista Nature Genetics, ha analitzat les dades clíniques i genètiques de 14 cohorts de pacients (entre elles la cohort de l’Institut de Recerca Sant Pau), incloent-hi prop de 40.000 persones amb aneurisma i més d’un milió de controls sans , per identificar i investigar els determinants genètics de l’aneurisma de l’aorta abdominal. L’anàlisi ha localitzat 121 regions cromosòmiques associades amb l’aneurisma de l’aorta abdominal, de les quals 97 són descrites per primera vegada. La informació genètica derivada de la metaanàlisi permet explicar el risc d’aquesta malaltia més enllà dels factors de risc clínics tradicionals.

Una de les autores del treball, la Dra. Mercedes Camacho, del grup de Genòmica de les malalties complexes de l’Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, explica que l’aneurisma de l’aorta abdominal consisteix en una dilatació localitzada i progressiva de l’aorta abdominal, generalment a la zona infrarrenal. És una malaltia lligada a l’envelliment que afecta el 6-9% dels homes i l’1-2% de dones de més de 65 anys i tendeix a augmentar a la població paral·lelament a l’esperança de vida.

Aquesta malaltia en molts casos sol ser asimptomàtica, per la qual cosa el diagnòstic es produeix majoritàriament de manera casual. Actualment, no hi ha cap tractament farmacològic capaç de limitar la progressió de l’aneurisma o evitar-ne el trencament, associat a una alta taxa de mortalitat. La intervenció quirúrgica, sigui oberta o endovascular, és l’única opció terapèutica, procediment costós per al sistema sanitari i amb elevada morbimortalitat. “L’estudi genètic és fonamental per desxifrar la patogènesi de la malaltia i permetrà el diagnòstic precoç i el desenvolupament d’eines clíniques“, informa la Dra. Sabater.

El paper del metabolisme lipídic

Una de les troballes més destacades de l’estudi ressalta el paper fonamental dels lípids i el seu metabolisme en la patogènesi de la malaltia: 42 de les 121 regions cromosòmiques associades a risc d’aneurisma contenen gens associats amb lípids, fet que dona suport a les teràpies moduladores de la malaltia lípids poden tenir un paper en el tractament de la malaltia.

“Encara que les dades actuals sobre els efectes de les estatines en l’expansió aòrtica són contradictòries, l’evidència genètica d’aquest estudi suggereix que la reducció del colesterol-LDL mitjançant la inhibició de PCSK9 (proteïna relacionada amb els nivells de LDL-colesterol circulatori i la inhibició és el tractament més eficaç per reduir els seus nivells) podria també disminuir el risc de desenvolupar un aneurisma de l’aorta abdominal, encara que futurs estudis han de demostrar si aquest tractament redueix la progressió de la malaltia una vegada diagnosticada” afegeix la Dra. Sabater, coordinadora de la participació espanyola a l’estudi.

A més, afegeix la investigadora, conèixer les variants genètiques implicades en aquesta malaltia també permetrà desenvolupar un score genètic que ajudi a predir quines persones tindran més risc de patir-la i que, per tant, serien candidates a fer proves de cribratge més específiques.

Els processos de desenvolupament de fàrmacs i assaigs clínics són llargs, costosos i complexos, per la qual cosa cal triar amb cura les noves intervencions terapèutiques. Aquestes troballes contribueixen a canviar l’abordatge d’aquesta malaltia aportant informació genètica.

Article de referència

Roychowdhury T, Klarin D, Levin MG, Spin JM, Rhee YH, et al. Genome-wide association meta-analysis identifies risk loci for abdominal aortic aneurysm and highlights PCSK9 as a therapeutic target. Nat Genet. 2023 Oct 16. doi: 10.1038/s41588-023-01510-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37845353.

Today, October 19th, is World Breast Cancer Day, a day established to raise awareness about the disease, give it visibility, and create tools and resources to confront it.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Raising awareness among the population about the importance of this disease is crucial to achieve early detection, one of the fundamental measures to combat it. That’s why it is recommended that women between the ages of 50 and 69 have a mammogram every two years.

Dr. Agustí Barnadas, head of the Clinical Oncology Research Group at the Sant Pau Research Institute and head of the Medical Oncology Service at the same hospital, has emphasized the importance of continuing to promote early cancer diagnosis and determining patient profiles to decide who is a candidate for screening studies.

Recently, a study led by Dr. Barnadas has suggested that certain microRNAs (miRNAs) can be useful as non-invasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with early-stage breast cancer, specifically those with estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer.

On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, Sant Pau is conducting various initiatives to contribute to raising awareness.

EVENT “PER A VOSALTRES”

The event, organized by the Activity Girls group, takes place on Thursday, October 19th, at the Sant Pau Hospital Auditorium, from 8:45 AM to 2 PM. Admission is free.

ACTIVITIES ON OCTOBER 19th

Photographic exhibition “The Challenge: The Fragility of Life.” Sant Quintí Hospital Atrium at Sant Pau Hospital. From October 19th to November 23rd.

Information tables about breast cancer Sant Quintí and Mas Casanova Hospital Atriums at Sant Pau Hospital. October 19th from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day and this year the chosen motto is “Mental health is a universal right”, where the objectives are to improve knowledge, increase its visibility and promote measures to protect it . Sant Pau has a long history and expertise in research, care and treatment of people with mental illnesses and has the necessary devices to address the various pathologies and improve the quality of life of patients. Among the main research lines of the Mental Health Group of the Sant Pau Research Institute, led by Dr. Maria Portella, highlight psychotic disorders, affective disorders (such as depression) and borderline personality disorder.

The commemoration of World Mental Health Day began in 1992 at the hands of the World Federation of Mental Health with the challenge of raising public awareness of mental disorders, fighting the stigmatization of affected people and promoting initiatives to improve – the attention According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime.

The Department of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya states that mental health and emotional well-being is a broad concept related to the way we feel, think or act in our day-to-day life. Therefore, it is the basis for the well-being and effective functioning of people and communities and becomes an inseparable aspect of the concept of health: you cannot have good health without good mental health.

In this sense, the Master Plan for Mental Health and Addictions (PdSMiA), is the instrument of information, study and proposal through which the Department of Health determines the guidelines to promote, plan, coordinate and evaluate the actions to be developed in the field of mental health promotion, prevention and treatment of diseases associated with mental health and addictions, and improving the quality of life of affected people.

All this in response to the objectives of the Catalan Health Plan 2021-2025, which provides some important data: a quarter of the population over the age of 15 has emotional distress (1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women), a figure that increases with age and is more prevalent in the most disadvantaged social groups; in addition, 7.4% of men and 13.7% of women from the age of 15 suffer major or major depression, especially from the age of 75, and especially women.

The Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation has published this interview with Dr. José Manuel Soria, head of the Genomics Group for Complex Diseases at the Research Institute Sant Pau, on the occasion of the Joan Roget Prize for the transfer of knowledge awarded to Beyond You (formerly Exheus) .

This company, which was born as a spin-off from the Sant Pau Research Institute, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) and Summit SL incubated at Venture Builder The Collider, is a pioneer in research and development of advanced genetic technology. Specialized in analyzing the expression of the more than 22,000 genes present in the transcriptome using artificial intelligence to detect and correct parameters that may be out of the ordinary with personalized recommendations.

The Joan Roget Awards recognize actions linked to the transfer of knowledge considered as success stories of the system for their contribution to the economic and social development of individual researchers or technicians, together with the institutions to which they belong.

A study coordinated by Dr. Vicenta Llorente-Cortés, a researcher at the CSIC and CIBERCV, and Dr. Antonio Pérez, director of the endocrinology unit and a member of CIBERDEM at the Research Institute Sant Pau, reveals that newly diagnosed patients with type II diabetes have elevated levels of soluble LRP1 receptor (sLRP1) and decreased levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).

The article, published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, was conducted by analyzing liquid biopsies from newly diagnosed type II diabetes patients, in which it was found that strict glycemic and metabolic control over 12 months normalizes the sLRP1/ANP ratio after a year of treatment, and therefore, this index could be a reliable marker of cardiometabolic function.

Dr. Llorente explains that these findings open the door to search for new ways to intervene and personalize treatment to reduce the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes. She explains that sLRP1 is a marker that has been associated with coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis and also cardiovascular risk. “In other words, people with higher levels of this marker in their blood have a higher cardiovascular risk.”

It is known that atrial natriuretic peptide is very high in the blood when there is a situation of cardiac damage. “But, in addition, when these levels are very low, there is usually a metabolic problem behind it. So, both people with diabetes and those who are obese have very low levels of this peptide.”

The study was conducted in newly diagnosed patients with type II diabetes, meaning they had not yet been treated with any medication for this condition. The blood of these individuals was analyzed, and they were followed up for a year, and it was found that intervention through lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions indicated by their metabolic condition normalized the levels of these two molecules.

“These markers could be useful for non-invasively assessing cardiovascular risk as well as the effectiveness of different therapies indicated to improve metabolic control and cardiovascular risk in patients with type II diabetes.”

Reference Article

García E, Gil P, Miñambres I, Benitez-Amaro A, Rodríguez C, Claudi L, Julve J, Benitez S, Sánchez-Quesada JL, Rives J, Garcia-Moll X, Vilades D, Perez A, Llorente-Cortes V. Increïen sLRP1 i decreixen atrial natriurètic peptide plasma de nivells en els nous diagnosis T2DM pacients són normalitzats per optimització de glycemic control. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Aug 10;14:1236487. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1236487. PMID: 37635956; PMCID: PMC10450024.