A team of researchers from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) and the Biomedical Research Institute of Southern Catalonia (IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV) has published a study in the scientific journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. The study describes an experimental rat model that reproduces key features of creeping fat, the accumulation of fatty tissue around inflamed intestinal segments, which is one of the characteristic pathological signs of Crohn’s disease.
The study shows that the colitis model induced with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) develops hyperplasia of the mesocolic adipose tissue, presenting macroscopic, histological, immunological and molecular similarities to the creeping fat observed in patients with Crohn’s disease. According to the authors, this model can help study the role of this tissue in the progression of the disease and its complications.
The first author, Dr. Laura Clua, explains that “creeping fat is not only a growth of fatty tissue around the inflamed intestine, but it is also a metabolically and immunologically active tissue. In the model we observe a strong infiltration of immune cells and high expression of pro‑inflammatory cytokines, features that have also been described in patients.”
The results show a relationship between the severity of transmural intestinal inflammation and the development of mesocolic hyperplasia, as well as the presence of bacteria that have moved into the subserosa. According to the authors, these findings support the hypothesis that the gut microbiota may contribute to the remodeling of mesenteric adipose tissue.
Co-author Roger Suau, corresponding author of the article, highlights that “we have characterized the model at several levels —macroscopic, histopathological, immunohistochemical and transcriptomic— which allowed us to compare it with the features described in humans. About half of the animals develop mesocolic hyperplasia with characteristics similar to the creeping fat described in Crohn’s disease.”
For Dr. Carolina Serena (IRB CatSud), leader of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBODI) research group, this model may be useful to explore the mechanisms involved in the disease: “having an experimental model that reproduces this phenomenon makes it easier to study the relationship between intestinal inflammation, bacterial translocation and the remodeling of mesenteric adipose tissue.”
According to Dr. Josep Manyé, researcher in the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Research Group (GReMII) at IGTP, “this type of experimental model can help us better understand the role of creeping fat in Crohn’s disease and explore new therapeutic approaches.”
Researchers from the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, the Viladecans Hospital and CIBEREHD also took part in the study, together with other IGTP teams such as the High‑Throughput Genomics and Bioinformatics platform led by Lauro Sumoy, and the Translational Research in Liver Diseases group, led by Ramon Bartolí.
The authors state that the model offers a reproducible experimental platform to study the role of mesenteric adipose tissue in inflammatory bowel disease and to support the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies in preclinical research stages.
The Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), with the participation of the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud (IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV), has taken part in a pioneering study showing that consuming extra virgin olive oil may help preserve cognitive function by modulating the gut microbiota. The research, published in Microbiome, is the first study in humans to analyse this specific relationship.
The study was carried out using data from 656 people aged 55 to 75 with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome, all participating in the PREDIMED-Plus project. Participants who consumed extra virgin olive oil —and not refined oil— showed a better evolution of cognitive function and a more diverse gut microbiota, which is a key indicator of metabolic health. In addition, the bacterial genus Adlercreutzia was identified as a possible mediator of this protective effect.
The difference between the two types of olive oil lies in the production process: while extra virgin olive oil preserves antioxidants, polyphenols and bioactive compounds, refined oil loses most of these elements during industrial processing. “Not all olive oils have the same benefits for cognitive function,” explains Jiaqi Ni, first author of the study.
The results highlight the importance of fat quality within the Mediterranean diet. “Extra virgin olive oil not only protects the heart, but may also help preserve the brain during ageing,” says Jordi Salas-Salvadó, principal investigator. Codirectors Nancy Babio and Stephanie Nishi emphasise that, in a context of increasing cognitive decline, improving diet quality is an accessible and effective strategy.
This research was made possible thanks to the leadership of the URV and IISPV-CERCA, with the collaboration of CIBERobn and international institutions such as Wageningen University and Harvard University.
The Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) and La Lliga Contra el Càncer de les Comarques de Tarragona i Terres de l’Ebre have signed a framework agreement that strengthens the commitment of both institutions to research, prevention and public awareness in the field of health and the fight against cancer. The signing takes place on the eve of World Cancer Day, which is celebrated tomorrow, 4 February, a day that highlights the importance of joining efforts to reduce the impact of this disease on society.
The agreement creates a stable cooperation framework lasting four years, renewable annually for another four years. This will allow the development of research projects and activities aimed at improving the health and quality of life of people affected by this disease. In this context, La Lliga will provide yearly financial support to the IISPV for research projects and cancer prevention initiatives. The first planned contribution is 68,000 euros.
Joan Vendrell, director of the IISPV, stated that this collaboration “is an opportunity to strengthen cancer research carried out in our territory and to move forward with projects that have a direct impact on people’s health”. He added that “working together with an organisation with such a strong background in prevention and awareness, like La Lliga Contra el Càncer, allows us to make significant progress in the cancer research we do at our Institut”.
On the other hand, Agustina Sirgo, president of La Lliga Contra el Càncer de les Comarques de Tarragona i Terres de l’Ebre, emphasised that “research is one of the most powerful tools to improve the lives of people living with cancer. This agreement helps us join forces with a leading centre like the IISPV and ensures that the support of local citizens becomes progress that directly benefits the patients in our counties. Supporting research is a responsibility we take on with pride and determination. We want every patient and every family to know that they are not alone, and that we will continue working so that the future can be better.”
The alliance between the two institutions also includes public awareness actions aimed at fostering healthy habits and promoting early detection, which is one of the key factors in improving cancer survival.
The Institute of Biomedical Research of Southern Catalonia (IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV) joins once again the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, held this Wednesday, February 11, with the aim of making female talent visible, acknowledging their role in the field of biomedical research, and fostering scientific vocations among younger generations.
IRB CatSud currently has a workforce made up mostly of women, who represent approximately 68% of all professionals linked to the Institute—clear evidence of the strong female presence across research, technical, and administrative activities.
In parallel, regarding the gender composition of governance and advisory bodies—such as the Executive Advisory Committee and the Social Council—women represent 52%. This reflects their representation in these governance spaces, in line with the criteria of balance and representativeness that guide the Institute’s operations.
IRB CatSud also has a significant presence of women in its research teams. Female researchers represent an essential part of the scientific staff and lead competitive projects in fields such as mental health, nutrition, metabolic diseases, oncology, and environmental health.
These data show that more and more women are working in the scientific field. “Women’s brains function differently from men’s—not better or worse—but it is good and necessary for the world of science to benefit from the way the female brain analyzes problems and seeks solutions,” says Elisabet Vilella, Deputy Director of IRB CatSud and researcher in the field of genetics and mental health.
On this February 11, IRB CatSud aims to strengthen its commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of female talent, valuing the careers of its female researchers and helping to create new role models for future scientists.
• The facility will be located at the Sant Joan University Hospital in Reus, in a 550‑square‑metre space
• The creation of this Unit has a total cost of 4.3 million euros, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Next Generation funds
The Southern Catalonia Biomedical Research Institute (IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV) has already started the initial work to build its new Clinical Research Unit (CRU), in collaboration with the Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus (HUSJR). This is a pioneering facility that will make it possible to carry out studies and clinical trials of medicines in all their phases, from the most experimental ones to the final stages before approval. The unit, which will occupy a 550‑square‑metre area inside the HUSJR, is funded with 4.3 million euros from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, the public body under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities that manages biomedical research in Spain, and from the Next Generation EU funds.
The new CRU will represent an important step forward for the region’s capacity to develop high‑level clinical research. Until now, phase I trials for cancer patients —the most experimental ones, which allow a medicine to be given to a patient for the first time— could only be carried out in centres linked to large hospital structures, mainly in the Barcelona area. With this new unit, patients from Camp de Tarragona, Baix Penedès and Terres de l’Ebre will have access to these studies without having to travel far from home.
The director of IRB CatSud, Joan Vendrell, highlights that the CRU “will serve more than 800,000 inhabitants and will allow citizens to have more equal access to innovative therapies, which until now were only available in centres far from the region”. Anton Benet, manager of Salut Sant Joan Reus‑Baix Camp, adds that the unit “will make it easier to attract new studies in many specialties, especially in oncology, and will strengthen the region’s ability to attract and retain talent, which is very important in a context where there is a lack of specialised health professionals”.
The CRU will also include high‑precision technology, such as a 3‑Tesla MRI scanner for advanced studies, as well as specific areas for specialised tests, monitoring and telemedicine. The project involves the three health regions, local administrations and the Rovira i Virgili University, which have taken part in defining the strategic plan. In addition, the Tarragona Provincial Council will fund the creation of the Body Composition Analysis Unit with 500,000 euros. This unit will be located inside the CRU and will include a special room for metabolic studies, unique in Spain.
The construction work is expected to continue until the end of 2026, when the unit is planned to start operating. Its launch will strengthen Southern Catalonia as a reference point in clinical research and will help improve healthcare practice and treatment opportunities for the population.
A new study by IRB CatSud and ISGlobal links teenagers’ nutrition with emotional wellbeing, cognitive performance, and long‑term decision‑making
Adolescence is a key period for brain development, and eating habits play an essential role in this process. A new study led by the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud (Southern Catalonia Biomedical Reseach Institute – IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV), includes the participation of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation, shows that eating ultra‑processed foods is linked to more emotional and behavioural difficulties. On the other hand, following the Mediterranean diet is associated with better executive function. The study, titled Dietary Patterns and Neuropsychological Function in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Study, has been published in BMC Medicine.
The study, carried out by the Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience Research Group (NeuroÈpia) at IRB CatSud. The research analyses data from a sample of 653 adolescents aged 12 to 16 from the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Smart-Snack study). It highlights the importance of nutrition during adolescence, a stage where the brain is still developing, especially the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision‑making and impulse control.
Eating habits were assessed using food‑frequency questionnaires that measured adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the intake of ultra‑processed foods. Neuropsychological function was evaluated through standardised computerised tests that measured attention, working memory, fluid intelligence, decision‑making, and emotional recognition. Behavioural and emotional outcomes were also assessed using validated questionnaires.
Opposite effects on the teen brain
The results show clear differences between the two eating patterns. According to Alexios Manidis, the lead researcher, a higher intake of ultra‑processed foods—such as sugary drinks, industrial pastries, and ultra-processed meats—is linked to poorer performance in emotional recognition and sustained attention. Teenagers who consume more ultra‑processed foods also report more symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as more behavioural problems.
In contrast, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil—is linked to fewer behavioural problems and better scores in executive attention.
However, in the six-month follow-up, only initial ultra-processed food consumption showed longitudinal associations with internalizing symptoms and decision-making, while Mediterranean diet adherence showed no longitudinal effects. “This may suggest that Mediterranean diet benefits require ongoing adherence, while the effects of ultra-processed foods may be more persistent,” comments Manidis, reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy habits consistently.
Objective validation through biomarkers
The study also analysed urinary biomarkers in a subsample of 257 participants. The results show that adolescents who consume more ultra‑processed foods have fewer compounds from plant‑based foods and more compounds linked to food processing, confirming the reliability of dietary questionnaires.
Christopher Papandreou, Assistant Professor at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (Crete, Greece) and senior co-author of the study, notes that “teenagers’ diets are shifting towards ultra-processed foods” and warns that this change “may be contributing to the rise in mental health problems among young people”.
Jordi Julvez, head researcher of the NeuroÈpia Research Group at the IRB CatSud and ISGlobal, reminds us that “adolescence is a period of great brain reorganisation” and explains that diet “can influence how teenagers regulate their emotions and make complex decisions”.
The researchers conclude that future strategies, such as replacing processed snacks in schools with nutrient‑dense options like nuts and fresh fruit, could be effective in improving emotional regulation and cognitive function in the long term.
Bibliographic reference of the study
Manidis, A., Ayala-Aldana, N., Bernardo-Castro, S., Pinar-Martí, A., Galkina, P., Fernández-Barrés, S., Ramirez-Carrasco, P., Lamuela-Raventós, R. M., Papandreou, C., & Julvez, J. (2026). Dietary patterns and neuropsychological function in adolescents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. BMC Medicine, 10.1186/s12916-026-04658-6. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-026-04658-6
A study led by the Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (DIAMET) group at the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud (IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV) shows that liver fibrosis and type 2 diabetes significantly modify the hormonal response after eating in people with fatty liver associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD). The research, published in the Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, examines how both conditions affect the secretion of essential hormones for glucose control—such as glucagon and the incretins (GLP‑1, GLP‑2 and GIP)—after a standardized meal.
The results show that liver fibrosis is the most important factor influencing the increase in GLP‑1 levels, both in fasting conditions and after the meal, regardless of whether the patient has diabetes. In addition, when liver fibrosis and type 2 diabetes occur together, hormonal changes become stronger, suggesting a synergistic effect between both conditions. Type 2 diabetes is also linked to the loss of the normal suppression of glucagon after eating, a key process to keep blood glucose within healthy ranges.
These findings reinforce the idea that a fibrotic liver is not a passive organ, but plays an active role in metabolic dysregulation. Fibrosis not only reflects past damage but also contributes to generating new hormonal alterations. Understanding these changes is essential to improve clinical assessment and move towards more personalised treatments for MASLD.
With the growing prevalence of MASLD and type 2 diabetes, understanding how these conditions interact at the hormonal level is crucial to improve early diagnosis and optimise treatments based on the incretin–glucagon axis. The study provides evidence that can help identify subgroups of patients who may benefit from more specific therapeutic approaches, with a direct impact on clinical practice.
Overall, the results confirm that liver fibrosis is a central determinant of GLP‑1 levels, and that the coexistence of type 2 diabetes further intensifies these hormonal alterations. This knowledge highlights the need to design therapeutic strategies adapted to the metabolic and liver profile of each patient, especially in a context where both diseases are becoming increasingly common.
The study involved researchers from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), the Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) – Hospital Clínic Barcelona, the research networks of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) — the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM) and the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD) — as well as the Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII (Tarragona).
The grants, with more than €270,000 in funding, support advanced projects in personalized radiotherapy and artificial intelligence. A third grant is aimed at specialized training in molecular oncology
The Spanish Association Against Cancer in Tarragona presented on Thursday, 19 February, the three grants awarded for the 2025 call. These grants show a strong commitment to cancer research and to the goal of reaching a 70% cancer survival rate by 2030.
Two of the funded researchers work at the Institute of Biomedical Research of Southern Catalonia (IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV). They lead projects that combine technology, innovation, and clinical impact: Dr Bárbara Antonia Malavé and Marta Canela.
Dr Bárbara Antonia Malavé has received the Clinic Junior Grant AECC 2025, supporting a project focused on improving radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. The project uses advanced biomarkers and artificial intelligence to adapt treatments to each patient. The grant provides €154,000 over four years.
Also at IRB CatSud, Marta Canela has received the AECC Tarragona Predoctoral Grant 2025. Her research combines medical imaging and blood analysis to predict how patients with lung cancer will respond to radiotherapy. The grant provides €110,660 over four years.
The third grant has been awarded to Maria Guirro, who will receive the Clinic Training Grant AECC 2025. The €7,100 contribution will allow her to complete the Master’s Degree in Molecular Oncology (MOM).
This action is part of a series of meetings that the Departament is carrying out in CERCA centres, with the aim of learning about their situation first-hand
The Direcció General de Recerca (DGR) of the Govern de Catalunya has recently announced the start of a series of institutional visits to research centres across the region. One of the first visits in the area took place at the Southern Catalonia Institute of Biomedical Research (IRB CatSud, formerly IISPV). The meeting was held last Tuesday, 17 February, at the Institute’s headquarters in Tarragona.
The visit was attended by the Direcció General de Recerca, Teresa Sanchis, and the General Deputy of Recerca, Eva Pérez. Representing the Institute were the director, Joan Vendrell; the deputy director, Elisabet Vilella; the manager, Francesc López; and the head of the technical office, Elisabet Galve.
This action is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening direct knowledge of CERCA centres and of the different actors in the Catalan research system. The purpose of these meetings is to understand, directly and from the department’s perspective, the reality, needs, and strategic lines of each centre, with the intention of reinforcing institutional collaboration and improving public policies that support research.
For IRB CatSud, this visit is an opportunity to show the centre’s impact on the research ecosystem of Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre, as well as to highlight its projects and research team.
A collaborative study from CIBERDEM-ISCIII shows that abdominal fat speeds up vascular ageing and increases the risk of long-term vascular complications, even before obesity appears.
A research team from the Parc Taulí Research and Innovation Institute (I3PT), together with the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV) and the Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), has identified a clear link between abdominal fat accumulation and early vascular ageing in people with type 1 diabetes who have no previous cardiovascular disease.
The study was carried out with a group of 179 people with this condition, all evaluated at Parc Taulí University Hospital under the coordination of José Miguel González-Clemente, endocrinologist and head of the diabetes–cardiovascular risk group at I3PT, and Joan Vendrell, IISPV researcher, co-leader of the DIAMET research group and member of CIBERDEM-ISCIII.
Even though the participants had good control of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, around 10% showed signs of early vascular ageing. This is an important factor in the development of cardiovascular and microvascular complications that directly affect quality of life and life expectancy.
“In type 1 diabetes, insulin treatment is essential to control blood glucose, but over the years it can lead to gradual weight gain and a higher risk of complications,” González-Clemente explains. He adds that abdominal fat can accumulate before general obesity appears, especially visceral fat, which is metabolically active and strongly linked to artery damage. “This type of fat reduces arterial elasticity, a process related to the degradation of elastin, a key protein in the vascular wall. It may contribute to complications such as heart attack, stroke, circulation problems in the legs, or damage to the retina, kidneys and peripheral nerves.”
The waist-to-height ratio, a tool to detect early vascular ageing
To easily identify people at higher risk, the study highlights the waist-to-height ratio, calculated by dividing waist circumference by height, both in centimetres. The results show that a value of 0.56 or higher is linked to accelerated vascular ageing, measured through pulse wave velocity, a non-invasive technique that assesses arterial stiffness. “Almost all people with high pulse wave velocity had a waist-to-height ratio of 0.56 or more,” González-Clemente notes, adding that other common indicators, such as body mass index or waist-to-hip ratio, are less effective at detecting this risk.
The findings, published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, underline the importance of preventing weight gain and monitoring abdominal fat as a preventive strategy. “Early control of this index would allow intervention before obesity develops, improve metabolic control and reduce the risk of long-term vascular complications,” he concludes.
The researchers point out that the next step is to confirm these results in larger cohorts with longer follow-up. The study also suggests that some drugs used in people with type 2 diabetes to reduce weight might also be useful in type 1 diabetes, although more clinical evidence is still needed.
