2016
Group Leader
Rafael de la Torre Fornell
The group's mail line of research is the development of pharmacological and nonpharmacological (cognitive/electrical stimulation) approaches for the treatment of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders (including Down syndrome, drug addiction, depression and schizophrenia). Our emphasis is on understanding the underlying mechanisms of action and on developing biomarkers of exposure, efficacy and toxicity.
Moreover, the Integrated Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group is responsible for providing instruction in pharmacology, chemistry and toxicology to graduate and undergraduate students of both human biology and medicine (Pompeu Fabra University, Autonomous University of Barcelona), and training to junior postdoctoral researchers.
Research areas of the group include:
• Pharmacology of psychoactive substances and non-pharmacological cognitive enhancing approaches.
• Development of biomarkers of exposure, efficacy and toxicity.
• Health benefits of nutrition in cognitive performance.
• Neurophysiology and pharmacology of cognition in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Integrated behavioral pharmacology of mental disorders including drug addiction, schizophrenia and depression.
• Metabolomic approaches in health and disease.
Members
Maria Alemany González (PhD Student)
Daniel Alvira Aguilera (Researcher)
Anna Boronat Rigol (PhD Student)
Aida Maria Cuenca Royo (Technician)
Mohammed Ezzel Din Sharaf (Researcher)
Cristina Fernández Avilés (Technician)
Laura Forcano Gamazo (Researcher)
Jordi García Quintana (Technician)
Thomas Gener (Researcher)
Marina Julià Hernández (Technician)
Cristina Llop Julià (Technician)
Soraya Martín Sánchez (Technician)
Julián Andrés Mateus Rodríguez (Technician)
Esther Menoyo Colomer (Technician)
Maribel Navarro Muñoz (Researcher)
Eulàlia Olesti Muñoz (PhD Student)
José Antonio Pascual Esteban (Researcher)
Antoni Pastor Bosch (Technician)
Raul Pérez Ortuño (Technician)
Clara Pérez Mañá (Researcher)
Marta Pérez Otero (Technician)
Nieves Pizarro Lozano (Technician)
Óscar Pozo Mendoza (Researcher)
María Victoria Puig Velasco (Researcher)
Mitona Pujadas Bastardes (Technician)
Carla Ramon Duaso (PhD Student)
Gemma Reverter Branchat (Researcher)
Patricia Robledo Montoya (Researcher)
Laia Roca San José (Research Assistant)
Josep Rodríguez Morató (Technician)
Juan Francisco Rodríguez Rodríguez (Technician)
Adrià Tauste Campo (Researcher)
Manel Vila Vidal (Technician)
Eva Maria Vitas Gutiérrez (Research Assistant)
Aliaa Youssef Ibrahim Youssef (PhD Student)
more info
Main Publications
• De la Torre R, de Sola S, Hernández G, Farré M, Pujol J, Rodríguez J, Espadaler JM, Langohr K, Cuenca A, Principe A, Xicota L, Janel N, Catuara S, Sánchez-Benavides G, Blehaut H, Dueñas I, del Hoyo L, Benejam B, Blanco-Hinojo L, Videla S, Fitó M, Delabar JM, Dierssen M, TESDAD study group. Safety and efficacy of cognitive training plus epigallocatechin-3-gallate in young adults with Down's syndrome (TESDAD): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurology 2016; 15(8): 801-810. IF 23.468. Q1.
• De Sousa Fernandes Perna EB, Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, Mateus JA, Theunissen EL, Kuypers K, de la Torre R, Farré M, Ramaekers JG. Neurocognitive performance following acute mephedrone administration, with and without alcohol. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30(12): 1305-1312. IF 3.637. Q1.
• Del Hoyo L, Xicota L, Langohr K, Sánchez-Benavides G, de Sola S, Cuenca A, Rodríguez J, Rodríguez-Morató J, Farré M, Dierssen M, de la Torre R, TESDAD Study Group. VNTR-DAT1 and COMTVal158Met Genotypes Modulate Mental Flexibility and Adaptive Behavior Skills in Down Syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10: 193. IF 3.392. Q1.
• Harrington L, Viñals X, Herrera-Solís A, Flores A, Morel C, Tolu S, Faure P, Maldonado R, Maskos U, Robledo P. Role of Beta4* Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Habenulo-Interpeduncular Pathway in Nicotine Reinforcement in Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41(7): 1790-1802. IF 6.399. Q1.
• Marcos J, Renau N, Valverde O, Aznar G, Gracia-Rubio I, González-Sepúlveda M, Pérez-Jurado L, Ventura R, Segura J, Pozo O. Targeting tryptophan and tyrosine metabolism by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2016; 1434: 91-101. IF 3.926. Q1.
• Papaseit E, Pérez-Mañá C, Mateus JA, Pujadas-Bastardes M, Fonseca F, Torrens M, Olesti E, de la Torre R, Farré M. Human Pharmacology of Mephedrone in Comparison to MDMA. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41(11): 2704-2713. IF 6.399. Q1.
• Pastor A, Fernández-Aranda F, Fitó M, Jiménez-Murcia S, Botella C, Fernández-Real JM, Frühbeck G, Tinahones FJ, Fagundo AB, Rodríguez J, Agüera Z, Langohr K, Casanueva FF, de la Torre R. A Lower Olfactory Capacity Is Related to Higher Circulating Concentrations of Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol and Higher Body Mass Index in Women. PLoS ONE 2016; 11(2): e0148734. IF 3.057. Q1.
• Pastor A, Rodríguez-Morató J, Olesti E, Pujadas-Bastardes M, Pérez-Mañá C, Khymenets O, Fitó M, Covas MI, Solà R, Motilva MJ, Farré M, de la Torre R. Analysis of free hydroxytyrosol in human plasma following the administration of olive oil. J Chromatogr A 2016; 1437: 183-190. IF 3.926. Q1.
• Pérez-Ortuño R, Martínez-Sánchez JM, Fu M, Fernández E, Pascual JA. Evaluation of tobacco specific nitrosamines exposure by quantification of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in human hair of non-smokers. Sci Rep 2016; 6: 25043. IF 5.228. Q1.
• Raro M, Portoles T, Pitarch E, Sancho JV, Hernández F, Garrostas L, Marcos J, Ventura R, Segura J, Pozo O. Potential of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source in gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the screening of urinary exogenous androgenic anabolic steroids. Anal Chim Acta 2016; 906: 128-138. IF 4.712. Q1.
Ongoing Research Projects
• Role of serotonin in the rescuing effects of cognitive therapies: in vivo study of neural network dynamics in mouse models of Down syndrome and schizophrenia
− Ministerio de Economía y Competividad (SAF2016-80726-R)
− From 2016 to 2019
− Principal investigator: Puig Velasco, María Victoria
• Medida de biomarcadores específicos del uso de cigarrillos electrónicos (propilenglicol) y tabaco (nicotina, carcinógenos) en una cohorte de usuarios de cigarrillos electrónicos
− Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria. ISCIII (PI15/00434)
− From 2016 to 2018
− Principal investigator: Pascual Esteban, José Antonio
• Neural activity patterns of cognitive normalization mediated by environmental enrichment and epigallocatechin-3-gallate in a murine model of Down syndrome
− Fondation Jérôme Lejeune
− From 2016 to 2018
− Principal investigator: Puig Velasco, María Victoria
• Evaluation of dose and source of green tea extracts as contributing factors to treatment efficacy and hepatotoxicity. Therapeutic implications in Down syndrome
− Fondation Jérôme Lejeune
− From 2016 to 2018
− Principal investigator: Pizarro Lozano, Nieves
• Neural Substrates of Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Action: Role of Serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A Receptors in Neural Network Dynamics in the Mouse Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus during Executive Function
− Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (23014)
− From 2015 to 2018
− Principal investigator: Puig Velasco, María Victoria
• Characterization of novel suppressors of neurodegeneration in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)
− Fundació La Marató de TV3 (20143530)
− From 2015 to 2018
− Principal investigator: Robledo Montoya, Patricia
• Ultra-sensitive mass spectrometric detection of an rEPO specific O-glycopeptide as an unambiguous proof of doping-Follow up (GOpep2)
− World Anti-Doping Agency (13A25JP)
− From 2016 to 2017
− Principal investigator: Pascual Esteban, José Antonio
• Predicting Risk of Emerging Drugs with In silico and Clinical Toxicology (PREDICT)
− European Commission
− From 2016 to 2017
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
• Dose-response effect of alcohol ingestion on steroid profile: gender and ethnic aspects (acronym: profethyl2)
− World Anti-Doping Agency (15D09RT)
− From 2016 to 2017
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
• BIs-Conjugates in the Endogenous Profile of Steroids (BICEPS)
− World Anti-Doping Agency (15A29OP)
− From 2016 to 2017
− Principal investigator: Pozo Mendoza, Óscar
• Immunorecognition of specific markers of blood storage. Customization and testing of already developed antibodies
− World Anti-Doping Agency (ISF16M04JP)
− From 2016 to 2017
− Principal investigator: Pascual Esteban, José Antonio
• El consumo moderado de vino promueve la generación endógena del antioxidante natural hidroxitirosol. Implicaciones en la prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares
− Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria. ISCIII (PI14/00072)
− From 2015 to 2017
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
• Implicación de los heterómeros CB1-5-HT2A en las alteraciones cognitivas y conductuales de la esquizofrenia y su interacción con el consumo de cannabis: un enfoque traslacional
− Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria. ISCIII (PI14/00210)
− From 2015 to 2017
− Principal investigator: Robledo Montoya, Patricia
• Remodelando el desarrollo cerebral: potenciación de la plasticidad neuronal para mejorar el rendimiento cognitivo en síndromes que causan discapacidad intelectual
− Fundación Mutua Madrileña (AP157312015)
− From 2015 to 2017
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
• Screening of testosterone misuse by metabolites resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis
− World Anti-Doping Agency (14A29OP)
− From 2015 to 2017
− Principal investigator: Pozo Mendoza, Óscar
• Estudio metabolómico en pacientes con Porfiria Aguda Intermitente: caracterización de los desajustes hormonales y catabólicos asociados a la enfermedad y efectos del tratamiento con hemina
− Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria. ISCIII (PI14/00147)
− From 2015 to 2017
− Principal investigator: Pozo Mendoza, Óscar
• Developments for improving compliance with blood testing, a fundamental but minimally implemented tool in doping control (EASY BLOOD)
− International Olympic Committee
− From 2015 to 2017
− Principal investigator: Segura Noguera, Jordi (Posar-lo si és del J Segura)
• Recombinant hGH Biomarkers Discovery, Phase II
− World Anti-Doping Agency (T13M07RD)
− From 2014 to 2017
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
• Direct detection of homologous and autologous blood transfusion through immunorecognition of specific markers of blood storage (Acronym: Hemab)
− World Anti-Doping Agency
− From 2015 to 2016
− Principal investigator: Pascual Esteban, José Antonio
• Efectos del alcohol y las bebidas energéticas sobre la capacidad de conducción de vehículos y el riesgo de sangrado
− Ministerio del Interior (SPIP2015-01798)
− From 2015 to 2016
− Principal investigator: Pérez Mañá, Clara
• Escalado de derivados del hidroxitirosol para aplicación en alimentación con fines nutracéuticos y antioxidantes
− Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (RTC-2014-2013-2)
− From 2015 to 2016
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
• Estrategias terapéuticas para la recuperación de las alteraciones cognitivas en la discapacidad intelectual mediante inhibición de la quinasa DYRK1A
− Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (SAF2013-49129-C2-2-R)
− From 2014 to 2016
− Principal investigator: Puig Velasco, María Victoria
• A Secretagogue Chemiluminescent Assay
− World Anti-Doping Agency (13B08RG)
− From 2014 to 2016
− Principal investigator: Segura Noguera, Jordi (Posar-lo si és del J Segura?)
• Medida de metabolitos de nicotina y carcinógenos del tabaco en muestras biológicas de una cohorte (2004-2013) de fumadores y no fumadores
− Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria. ISCIII (PI12/01119)
− From 2013 to 2016
− Principal investigator: Pascual Esteban, José Antonio
• Precursor ion scanning for the detection of new steroid markers. Routine application for the open screening of anabolic steroids and evaluation of population factors in the detectability of these markers
− World Anti-doping Agency (09A5DP)
− From 2010 to 2016
− Principal investigator: Pozo Mendoza, Óscar
Participation in Research Networks
• Red Española para la Interacción de Neurociencia Cognitiva y Computacional. SINC2 (President: V Puig)
• Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA) (Patricia Robledo)
− Principal investigator: Torrens Melich, Marta
• Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) (Rafael de la Torre, Antoni Pastor, Mitona Pujadas, Josep Rodríguez-Morató)
− Principal investigator: Fitó Colomer, Montse
Group’s Recognitions
• Officially recognized as a consolidated research group by the Generalitat de Catalunya: Grup de Recerca Clínica en Farmacologia i Epidemiologia de les Drogues d'Abús i Neurociències (2014-2017)
− Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (SGR 680)
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
The group has obtained the renewal as center TECNIO BAPP (Technological Innovation Network) of ACC1Ó. Director: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
Clinical Trials Signed in 2016
• Estudio de biomarcadores indicativos de la exposición a hormona de crecimiento recombinante
− Register: IMIMFTCL/GH/4
− Principal investigator: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
Theses
• Rodríguez-Morató J. Metabolism of natural antioxidants: Evaluation of the pathways involved in the in vivo biotransformation of tyrosol into hydroxytyrosol. Pompeu Fabra University
− Director: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael
− Date of defense: 20/06/2016
• Del Hoyo L. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate combined with cognitive training in young adults with Down syndrome Phase II clinical trial: Important considerations for treatment-efficacy evaluation on cognitive and functional improvement. Autonomous University of Barcelona
− Director: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael; Farré, M
− Date of defense: 25/06/2016
• Xicota L. Biomarkers and cognitive function in Down syndrome: Validation for phenotyping cognitive impairment. Pompeu Fabra University
− Director: De la Torre Fornell, Rafael; Dierssen, Mara
− Date of defense: 27/10/2016
Other
• Rafael de la Torre. Un ensayo clínico para terapia farmacológica en síndrome de Down. Premi Mejores Ideas 2016. Diario Médico. 28/11/2016
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