For people who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day, the risk doubles. These are the findings of a study led by the Human Nutrition Unit at URV.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, drinking alcohol—even in small amounts—does not offer any protection against this disease, despite what some previous studies suggested. This has been confirmed by a new international study led by Indira Paz-Graniel, a researcher at the Human Nutrition Unit of Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), in collaboration with the Nutritional Epidemiology Research team from Université Sorbonne Paris Nord (France).
The research studied the combined effects of tobacco and alcohol on the development of type 2 diabetes, a topic that had not been explored much until now. The goal was to find out whether both habits, beyond their individual impact, could have a combined effect on the risk of getting the disease.
To do this, data from more than 110,000 participants in the NutriNet-Santé cohort—one of the largest public health studies in Europe—were used. Over an average follow-up of 7.5 years, 1,175 new cases of type 2 diabetes were diagnosed.
The results show that people who smoke or have smoked at some point have a 25% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who have never smoked. The risk is especially high for those who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day, as they are twice as likely to develop the disease compared to light or moderate smokers.
The research team also found that low or moderate alcohol consumption was not linked to any protective effect against type 2 diabetes. These findings go against previous studies that suggested drinking one glass of wine a day—or the equivalent—could reduce the risk of developing the disease.
When the combined use of tobacco and alcohol was analyzed, no additional increase in risk was found. This suggests that, at least in the studied population, both habits do not act together to raise the risk of diabetes.
“We know that smoking is a clear risk factor, but we were surprised to see that alcohol alone did not change the risk of diabetes,” said Indira Paz-Graniel. However, she warned that the results should be interpreted with caution, since the NutriNet-Santé cohort is mostly made up of women with a high level of education and healthy lifestyles. “More studies in diverse populations are needed to better understand the interaction between alcohol and nicotine,” she added.
The study also included Professor Jordi Salas-Salvadó, director of the Human Nutrition Unit at URV, and Professor Nancy Babio. Both are members of CIBERobn and the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV), along with the lead researcher.
The results were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (August 2025) and presented at the International Congress of Nutrition organized by the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), recently held in Paris.
Reference: Paz-Graniel I, Kose J, Duquenne P, et al. Alcohol, smoking and their synergy as risk factors for incident Type 2 Diabetes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2025 Jul 31:108011. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2025.108011
The PEDINUR research group at the URV and the IISPV is looking for families with babies aged 4 to 5 months and 18 months who would like to participate in the study
Developing a functional food that contributes to better intestinal and immune health in babies is the goal of GUTBABI. This project, in which the Pediatric, Nutrition, and Human Development Research Group (PEDINUR) at Rovira i Virgili University (URV) is working with the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV), aims to understand how the gut microbiota evolves during the first months of life. To this end, the research team is looking for families with babies aged 4 to 5 months and 18 months who are interested in participating in this research. They will only have to collect a stool sample from their baby and answer some telephone questionnaires. Those interested should send an email.
The aim of the study is to develop a functional complementary food that promotes the establishment of healthy gut microbiota and strengthens the immune system of children from the earliest stages of life.
This research is a collaborative effort between public and private entities such as URV-IISPV, Fruselva (project promoter and coordinator), Leitat, i-GRAPE, and ALGEMY, with funding from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities and European ERDF funds.
All proceeds from Mamapop, dedicated to the music of the “guateques” on November 1st in Tarragona, will go to breast cancer research at the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute. Tickets are available at and at FarmaTarraco.
The charity music show Mamapop is in its final stage of preparation before its premiere on November 1st at the Tarragona Exhibition and Congress Centre. Once again, public figures from the political and social scene of the Tarragona region have joined together in a collaborative video to encourage participation in the charity concert, which this year will focus on “guateque” music.
To the rhythm of a rock version of Marisol’s song “Corazón contento”, this year’s event features contributions from Rubén Viñuales, mayor of Tarragona; Sandra Ramos, councillor for culture; Noemí Llauradó, president of the Tarragona Provincial Council; journalist Xavier Graset; actors Oriol Grau and Toni Albà; singer Mariona Escoda; and chef Moha Quach from El Terrat restaurant. Members of the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute, the Women of the Casa del Mar Association, the ViaT Traders Association, Factor Energia, the Tarragona Basketball Club, and Nàstic de Tarragona players Marc Álvarez and Enric Pujol also took part.
You can watch the full video here: . Mamapop will bring around thirty professionals to the stage in a unique production featuring covers of songs by Los Brincos, Los Bravos, Marisol, Miguel Ríos, Los Mustang, Los Sírex, Nino Bravo, Fórmula V, Camilo Sesto, Jeannette, Albert Hammond and Julio Iglesias, among others. Once again, all proceeds from the concert will go to breast cancer research at the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV), coinciding with its 20th anniversary.
Tickets can be purchased at and in person at FarmaTarraco (C/ de Pere Martell, 5). Mamapop Tarragona is supported by Fundación Repsol, Factor Energia, Tarragona City Council, the Exhibition and Congress Centre of Tarragona, the Rotary Club Tarragona, the Tarragona Basketball Club and Nàstic.
With a kick-off in Oslo, today marks the start of CancerWatch, a new EU Joint Action that will transform how Europe collects, harmonizes, and uses cancer data. Coordinated by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and involving 92 partner organisations from 29 countries, CancerWatch will enhance the quality, comparability, and timeliness of data from population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) across Europe.
Accurate, complete, and up-to-date cancer data are essential for monitoring trends, identifying inequalities, and evaluating the impact of prevention, early detection, and treatment programmes, as well as Quality of Life and survival rates. CancerWatch will ensure that high-quality data are available to the European Cancer Information System (ECIS), which plays a central role in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the European Cancer Inequalities Registry.
Why it matters
At present, cancer data across Europe vary in quality, coverage, and timeliness. Some regions lack full registry coverage, while others face delays of more than two years before data can be shared. CancerWatch will:
A pan-European effort
CancerWatch unites national cancer registries, public health institutes, research organisations, and ministries of health in a coordinated effort to strengthen Europe’s cancer intelligence. The Joint Action will deliver new tools, shared methodologies, and a roadmap for future cancer indicators, while also identifying opportunities to expand registry coverage into currently uncovered regions.
“By improving the quality and timeliness of Europe’s cancer data, CancerWatch will help ensure that policies and research are based on the best possible evidence – ultimately saving lives and enhancing quality of life for cancer survivors,” says Giske Ursin, Project Coordinator, Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
“Better data means better cancer control. With CancerWatch, we are building the foundations for more effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and equitable access to care across Europe,” adds Gijs Geleijnse, Scientific Coordinator, Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Philippe Roux, Head of Unit for Cancer, health in all policies at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety emphasizes the importance of CancerWatch. “The European Cancer Inequalities Registry (ECIR) is a vital policy instrument that helps EU Member States identify inequalities in cancer prevention, care, and outcomes, and the areas that can be improved. I strongly encourage all countries and stakeholders to use it. At its core, the ECIR relies on high-quality, population-based cancer data. Through the CancerWatch Joint Action, we will strengthen this foundation and deliver timely insights to reduce cancer inequalities across Europe.”
Background
Population-based cancer registries have been the backbone of cancer surveillance in Europe for decades, enabling countries to track incidence, mortality, and survival. However, differences in legal frameworks, interoperability, and resources mean that data completeness and timeliness vary widely. CancerWatch builds on the work of the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR), the Joint Research Centre (JRC), and international partners such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), aligning efforts to deliver faster, more reliable insights.
About the project
For more information, visit: www.encr.eu/CancerWatch
For the third time, the Congress and Exhibition Palace of Tarragona will host Mamapop, a charity show that donates all its profits to breast cancer research at the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV)
Mamapop will return to Tarragona for the third year in a row, with a new show on Saturday, November 1st. In 2025, Mamapop will take the audience on a musical journey through the 1960s and 1970s, performing famous songs from artists like Los Brincos, Los Bravos, Marisol, Miguel Ríos, Los Mustang, Los Sírex, Nino Bravo, Fórmula V, Camilo Sesto, Jeannette, Albert Hammond and Julio Iglesias, among others.
The show features a pop-rock instrumental base combined with violins, violas and cellos from the Julià Carbonell Symphony Orchestra of Lleida. Singers include Paula Costes, Nerea García, Laura Roure, Anna Simon, Xènia Pérez, David Honrrubia, Toni Gilabert, Maria Fernández, Pol Simon and Nomís Lenam. The musical director is Josep María Bossa, pianist, guitarist, composer and producer at Bossa Records. More than thirty professionals will be on stage to offer a unique and original production.
Once again, all proceeds from the concert will go to breast cancer research at IISPV. The event also celebrates the institute’s 20th anniversary and supports an ongoing study about the link between obesity and breast cancer, funded by previous Mamapop concerts. Manel Simon, promoter and artistic director of Mamapop, said: “It’s an honour to premiere the new show in Tarragona, knowing that a researcher can work on breast cancer thanks to the support of the local community.”
Dr. Elisabet Vilella, deputy director of IISPV, explained: “Our research is already showing results, which have been presented at several conferences. Early findings confirm the hypothesis that there is a connection between obesity and breast cancer. The project’s progress depends on future funding. Right now, we are waiting for a decision on a grant from the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC).”
Noemí Llauradó, president of the Tarragona Provincial Council, highlighted the institution’s commitment “to culture, research and solidarity.” She added: “Mamapop is more than a concert—it raises awareness.”
The event was presented on Monday at IISPV headquarters. Tarragona’s mayor, Rubén Viñuales, said: “Mamapop was created to raise awareness and mobilise people against breast cancer, using the universal language of music. The energy and enthusiasm it creates is transformed by IISPV into cutting-edge scientific research that improves the lives of those affected.”
Mamapop Tarragona is supported by Fundación Repsol, Factor Energia, the Port of Tarragona, the City Council, the Congress Palace, Rotary Club Tarragona, Tarragona Basketball Club, Nàstic de Tarragona, and the Provincial Council. The concert will take place on Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 8pm. Over a thousand tickets are now on sale at www.mamapop.cat and in person at FarmaTarraco (C/ de Pere Martell, 5).
The Clinical Research Unit (UIC) will allow clinical trials of medicines to be carried out on patients, from the most experimental phase to the final stage when their use is authorized
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities, Juan Cruz Cigudosa, visited the facilities of the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV), located in the Sant Joan University Hospital in Reus. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the development of the new Clinical Research Unit (UIC), a facility that will make it possible to carry out clinical trials with medicines on local patients in all phases—from phase 1, the most experimental, to phase 4, the final stage after which the medicine is approved for use. The CRU will occupy 500 m² and will be located inside the Sant Joan University Hospital in Reus. Its construction is supported by €4,300,000 in funding from the Carlos III Health Institute, the leading biomedical research organization under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
During the visit, the Secretary of State was accompanied by the Government’s Deputy Representative in Tarragona, Elisabet Romero; the Mayor of Reus, Sandra Guaita; the City Councillor for Economic Promotion and Knowledge, Josep Baiges; the President of the IISPV Governing Board and Director of Health Services in Tarragona, Marta Milà; and other members of the IISPV Governing Board. Juan Cruz Cigudosa emphasized that this is an important project that will become a reference point for clinical research in southern Catalonia. He also highlighted the importance of giving hospitals across the region access to this kind of infrastructure. In addition, he pointed out that “this is one of the highest-rated projects in a national funding call worth €45 million. This new unit has received almost 10% of the total budget available in that call, which was open to projects from all over Spain.”
The Mayor of Reus, Sandra Guaita, added that “the amount of funding provided by the State shows that this is a strong project that will have a direct impact on citizens, as it will allow more equal access to medicines—something that used to happen only in large cities.” In the same vein, the Director of IISPV, Joan Vendrell, explained that “this Clinical Research Unit will serve the entire province and benefit 850,000 people, from university hospitals to regional hospitals in different health areas.” He also said: “We would even like pharmacies to help share information about the studies being carried out, so that people can learn about them and, if they wish, take part.”
Since the funding was announced in early 2025, the tendering process for the construction work has already started, and part of the necessary equipment has been ordered. In terms of staff, six people have already joined IISPV to work directly with the CRU: two data managers, one administrative staff member, one radiology technician, and two nurses. The unit is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
The IISPV is organising the activity for Saturday 20 September at 12 p.m. at the Racó de la Palma in Reus, and it will be led by researchers from local research centres
On Saturday 20 September at 12 p.m., the Racó de la Palma in Reus will host the science microtalks, an activity included in the European Researchers’ Night. The goal is to bring scientific research closer to the public in a friendly, accessible and engaging way.
The event is organised by the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), in collaboration with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and other research centres in the region. Researchers from different fields will share, in 10-minute talks, the latest advances in health, sustainability, energy and well-being.
Topics will include the effects of microplastics on the intestine, the role of the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy, patient safety in critical situations, responsible use of antibiotics, psychiatric disorders, and key ideas for a fair and sustainable energy transition.
The speakers will be:
Celia Uroz Mas – Efectes dels microplàstics en el nostre intestí
Sergi Danés – Del sol al combustible: energia neta per a una societat sostenible
Sara Bernardo Castro – Dieta mediterrània durant l’embaràs: modelant el desenvolupament cerebral i psicològic dels fills
Ruth Tortosa Alted – La transferència de cures en malaltia crítica: un repte de seguretat del paciente
Marta Llorens Fons – Antibiòtics: manipula’ls amb cura!
Sergi Saladié Gil – Bases per a una transició energètica justa i sostenible
Elisabet Vilella Cuadrada – Trastorns psiquiàtrics: factors de risc i factors protectors
L’activitat s’adreça a un públic general, amb un format distès i accessible, i forma part del conjunt d’actes que el IISPV impulsa per fomentar la cultura científica i connectar la recerca amb la societat.
New study reveals sex- and region-specific metabolic signatures of different adiposity indices
An international study from the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), in collaboration with the University of Ioannina (Greece), shows that not all body fat is the same. Its location in the body and its biological effects are different between women and men. The study, led by Christopher Papandreou from the Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience group (NeuroÈpia) was published in the journal eBioMedicine. The research analysed metabolomic data from more than 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank and confirmed the results with an independent Greek cohort of 1,127 individuals.
The study revealed striking contrasts in how fat stored in different regions of the body influences metabolism. Abdominal fat was linked to more harmful, atherogenic metabolic changes, while fat stored in the hips and thighs (gluteofemoral fat) showed more favorable metabolic profiles. These metabolic signatures were also more strongly correlated with over 25 clinical biomarkers, including cholesterol, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, and hormone levels, than conventional measures such as body mass index or waist circumference.
The findings underscore the importance of both fat distribution and sex-specific biology in determining metabolic health. By linking detailed metabolic profiles to regional fat depots, the study provides new insights into how adiposity drives the risk of cardiometabolic disease and cancer, and highlights the potential of metabolomic biomarkers to improve early detection and prevention strategies.
Reference
Papagiannopoulos, C. K., Markozannes, G., Chalitsios, C. V., Christakoudi, S., Gunter, M. J., Dossus, L., … Papandreou C* & Tsilidis, K. K.* (2025). Sex-stratified metabolic signatures of adiposity indices and their associations with clinical biomarkers in the UK Biobank. EBioMedicine, 119.
*Shared last authorship
A study led by URV/IISPV shows that a diet rich in different plant and animal species is associated with longer life expectancy
Food biodiversity, understood as the variety of different species included in a person’s regular diet, may play a key role in preventing chronic diseases and promoting longevity. This is suggested by data from a recent study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, led by the Food, Nutrition, Development and Mental Health Research Group (ANUT-DSM) at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), as part of the PREDIMED project.
The study analyzed the eating habits and health parameters of more than 7,200 people aged between 60 and 80 years, all with high cardiovascular risk. Participants were followed for an average of six years. Using validated food questionnaires and advanced statistical tools, the research team assessed the number of different species consumed through a new indicator called Dietary Species Richness (DSR), which estimates the number of different plant and animal species included in a person’s usual diet. The researchers then evaluated mortality risk based on this indicator.
The results show that people who consumed a greater variety of species had a significantly lower risk of dying from any cause. Specifically, for each additional species regularly consumed, the overall mortality risk decreased by 9%, the risk of cardiovascular disease by 7%, and the risk of cancer by 8%.
According to Sangeetha Shyam, Miguel Servet researcher at IISPV and lead author of the study, “this research shows that it’s not only important what types of food we eat, but also how many different species we include in our diet. A more biodiverse diet is linked to better health and longer life.” The findings also indicate that the link between dietary biodiversity and mortality was independent of the nutritional quality of the participants’ diets. For example, not all individuals with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a highly diverse diet, and vice versa.
The mechanisms behind these associations are not yet fully understood, but researchers suggest that diets rich in a wide range of plant and/or animal species may provide a broader spectrum of nutrients and beneficial compounds, and may also support a healthier gut microbiota.
This study was made possible thanks to the collaboration of multiple institutions and researchers from the PREDIMED consortium. It was led by the Food, Nutrition, Development and Mental Health Research Group (ANUT-DSM) at URV, IISPV, and CIBERobn of the Instituto Carlos III.
Reference: Shyam S, Babio N, Paz-Graniel I, Martínez-González MA, Sorlí JV, Estruch R, Ros E, Tojal-Sierra L, Gómez-Gracia E, Fiol M, Lapetra J, Serra-Majem L, Riera-Mestre A, Toledo E, Ramirez-Sabio JB, Castañer O, Lamuela R, Margara-Escudero HJ, Fitó M, Salas-Salvadó J. Food biodiversity and mortality in older Mediterranean adults with high cardiovascular risk. Sci Total Environ. 2025 Jul 25;987:179807. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179807. Epub 2025 Jun 4. PMID: 40472794. Link to article
Studying fatty acids after meals may provide new insights into the metabolic impact of diet and fasting
Losing weight can be challenging, especially when it requires following a strict low-calorie diet over time. A study with mice suggests that intermittent fasting—taking regular breaks from eating—can improve metabolism, even when the diet is high in fat. In fact, the benefits observed are similar to those linked to healthy eating. This study, led by the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV) and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), was published in eBiomedicine.
Although the animals did not lose weight through intermittent fasting, researchers found improvements in blood glucose control, insulin response, and lipid profile—key indicators often affected by obesity. When intermittent fasting was combined with a healthy diet, the positive metabolic effects increased, and a significant reduction in body weight was observed.
The study not only focused on blood parameters but also examined how different dietary interventions affected fat tissue and the liver. “After four weeks of intermittent fasting, obese mice showed significant protection both metabolically and in these tissues, even with a high-fat diet,” explains Dr. Victòria Ceperuelo-Mallafré, Ramón y Cajal researcher at URV and member of the DIAMET research group (Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases) at IISPV – URV – CIBERDEM.
“However, switching to a balanced diet proved to be the most effective strategy for weight loss. In addition, combining intermittent fasting with a healthy diet had a synergistic effect that was especially beneficial for improving glucose tolerance,” adds Dr. Sonia Fernández-Veledo, head of the Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition Area at IISPV and leader of the DIAMET research group.
Another innovative part of the study was the analysis of gut microbiota and its key products, especially short-chain fatty acids. These molecules, found in blood and stool, may play an important role in regulating the body’s metabolic processes. The results showed that combining intermittent fasting with a healthy diet led to deeper changes in the composition of gut microbiota. Specifically, there was an increase in the species Alistipes finegoldii, which may be linked to better blood glucose regulation. This finding was confirmed both in the animal model and in a group of people with obesity who followed a low-calorie Mediterranean diet for six months. Although the results are promising, further studies are needed to confirm this connection.
Regarding short-chain fatty acids, researchers found that their post-meal regulation is altered in obesity. Both intermittent fasting and switching to a healthy diet help restore this mechanism. Therefore, measuring these compounds not only during fasting but also after eating may offer valuable information for a better understanding of metabolic function.
Although the findings are still preliminary and more human studies are needed, this research opens the door to designing personalized dietary strategies that focus on improving metabolic health, beyond simply losing weight.
Bibliographic reference
Ceperuelo-Mallafré, V., Rodríguez-Peña, M. M., Badia, J., Villanueva-Carmona, T., Cedó, L., Marsal-Beltran, A., … & Vendrell, J. (2025). Dietary switch and intermittent fasting ameliorate the disrupted postprandial short-chain fatty acid response in diet-induced obese mice. EBioMedicine, 117.
