Our group have contributed to gain new insights by means of translational research in diabetes and obesity, two prevalent diseases with a significant societal and economic impact.
We provided evidence that retinal neurodegeneration participates in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Based on this concept we have shown the effectiveness of several molecules in preventing no only retinal neurodegeneration but also vascular leakage. A spin-off (D-Sight) has been created based on this background. In addition, we have demonstrated that DR is a powerful risk factor of cardiovascular disease and that retinal neurodegeneration is well correlated with cognitive impairment. In the field of obesity, new insights on the its pathogenesis have been provided. In this field a discovery of new therapeutic approach to reduce visceral obesity based on SHBG derived peptides should be underlined. This initiative resulted in the generation of another spin-off (EndoLipiD Therapeutics).
eCORE
- Chronic, Prevalent Diseases & Aging
- Personalized Medicine, Innovative Diagnostics, Molecular Imaging & Digital Health
Team
Group Leader
Rafael Simó Canonge
Principal Investigator (PI)
Cristina Hernández, Andreea Ciudin, Olga-Simó Servat, David M Selva, Josep A. Villena
Researchers
Rosa Burgos, Betina Biagetti, Enzamaría Fidilio, Ángel M. Ortiz, Carles Zafon, Anna Casteràs, Alejandra Planas, Judit Amigó, Fiorella Palmas, Alba Zabalegui, Vanesa Flores, Julia García, Patricia Bogdanov, Marta Garcia-Ramírez, Maria Llorián-Salvador, Julia Hernández, Anna Alvarez-Guaita
PhD Students
Hugo Ramos, Anna Deàs-Just, Laura Hidalgo
Lab Technicians
Lorena Ramos, Rosario Pardo, David Sabater, Jordi Huerta
Nursing and Technical Staff
Marc Rivas, Mercè Abad, Mónica Sánchez, Marcos do Santos, Fátima Cuadra, Marta Comas
Publications
Simó R, Franch-Nadal J, Vlacho B, Real J, Amado E, Flores J, Mata-Cases M, Ortega E, Rigla M, Vallés JA, Hernández C, Mauricio D.
Rapid Reduction of HbA1c and Early Worsening of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Real-world Population-Based Study in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetes Care. 2023 Sep 1;46(9):1633-1639.
DOI: 10.2337/dc22-2521
IF: 16.6
Bogdanov P, Duarri A, Sabater D, Salas A, Isla-Magrané H, Ramos H, Huerta J, Valeri M, García-Arumí J, Simó R, Hernández C.
Blocking Hemopexin With Specific Antibodies: A New Strategy for Treating Diabetic Retinopathy.
Diabetes. 2023 Dec 1;72(12):1841-1852.
DOI: 10.2337/db23-0027
IF: 7.7
Simó R, Hernández C.
What else can we do to prevent diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetologia. 2023; 66(9):1614-1621.
DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05940-5
IF: 7.7
Amigó J, Ortiz-Zúñiga Á, de Urbina AMO, Sánchez M, Dos-Santos M, Abad M, Cuadra F, Simó R, Hernández C, Simó-Servat O.
Switching from treatment with sensor augmented pump to hybrid closed loop system in type 1 diabetes: Impact on glycemic control and neuropsychological tests in the real world.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2023 Jul;201:110730.
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110730
IF: 5.1
Morer C, Úbeda M, Ovejas A, Nogues R, López S, Guillaumet A, Santos M, Comas M, Alarcon I, Romero R, Simó R, Ciudin A.
Integrative and Collaborative Approach in the Chronic Management of Obesity in Primary and Tertiary Care Setting: Vall Hebron-SAP Muntanya Healthcare Route.
Obes Facts. 2023;16(3):249-254.
DOI: 10.1159/000528207
IF: 3.6
Projects
Retinal and cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetes: unraveling the common pathways and identification of patients at risk of dementia (RECOGNISED)
Principal Investigator: Rafael Simó (Coordinator)
Agency: EC-Horizon2020. Grant Agreement 847749
Funding: 5,998,273 €
Period: 2019-2024
Study of safety and effectiveness of topical administration (eye drops) of sitagliptin for treating early stages of diabetic retinopathy (EyeSit@)
Principal Investigator: Rafael Simó
Agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Proyectos de Investigación Clínica Independiente. ICI20/00129
Funding: 534,000 €
Period: 2021-2024
Hemopexina: un nuevo factor patogénico en las complicaciones microvasculares de la diabetes
Principal Investigator: Cristina Hernández
Agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III. PI22/01670
Funding: 164,000 €
Period: 2023-2025
Desarrollo de EDL6D, un péptido mimético de SHBG para el tratamiento de la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico (NAFLD) y la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH).
Principal Investigator: David M. Selva
Agency: Ministerio Ciencia e Innovación. CPP2022-009831
Funding: 843,224 €
Period: 2023-2026
Role of sarcopenia in the evolution of morbidly obese patients who undergo bariatric surgery.
Principal Investigator: Andreea Ciudin
Agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III. PI20/01086
Funding: 123,420 €
Period: 2021-2023
Patents
Inhibidores de la dipeptidil peptidasa-4 para su uso en el tratamiento tópico ocular de enfermedades neurodegenerativas de la retina, en particular en estadios tempranos de retinopatía diabética y otras enfermedades retinianas en las que la neurodegeneración desempeña un papel esencial.
Priority Number: PCT/EP2017/060234
Priority Date: 29/04/2016
Applicants: 100% VHIR. This patent has been the basis to create D-Sight (Spin-off of VHIR).
Péptido derivado de SOCS1 para su uso en complicaciones crónicas de la diabetes
Priority Number: P201430796
Priority Date: 28/05/2014
Applicants: Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) (49%) /Fundación Jiménez Díaz (26%) / Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (25%). Licenced to Azoth Investments.
Sex-hormone-binding globulin for use as medicament
Priority Number: EP13382202.3
Priority Date: 30/05/2013
Applicants: 100% VHIR. This patent has been the basis to create EndoLipiD Therapeutics S.L. (Spin-off of VHIR).
Peptides for use in the topical treatment of retinal neurodegenerative diseases, in particular in early stages of diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases in which neurodegeneration plays an essential role
Priority Number: PCT/EP2014/053787
Priority Date: 01/03/2013
Applicants: 100% VHIR. Licenced to Laboratorios Ferrer.
Antibodies or fragments thereof for use in the treatment of ocular diseases
Priority Number: PCT/EP2013/058836
Priority Date: 30/04/2012
Applicants: 100% VHIR
