A biomarker is defined by a characteristic measured as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or responses to exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions. The study of biomarkers is a cross-cutting theme shared by researchers with different profiles, whether in the medical or non-medical field. The study of biomarkers is approached along 3 axes.

Prognostic markers and therapeutic targets

The first axis is the study of biomarkers as prognostic markers of different pathologies. The identification of prognostic markers makes it possible to consider preventive measures and new therapeutic targets, but also to measure the effect of new treatments, making it possible to improve the prognosis of pathologies such as heart failure and cardio-vascular pathologies. vascular diseases, venous thromboembolism, neurovascular pathology, perioperative nutritional disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction in intensive care or after cardiac surgery, or disturbances in glycemic control during the perioperative phase or stay in care units reviews. Work in this area has notably focused on the study of circulating endothelial progenitors (PEC), citrulline and Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (I-FABP), and has led to several therapeutic trials.

Tools for understanding physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms

The second axis is the study of biomarkers as regulatory factors of the arterial and pulmonary vascular system in normal and pathological situations. The work in this area is particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and certain anomalies of the vascular system, and in studying the adaptation processes of the vascular system in healthy subjects or great athletes. in extreme situations (cold, immersion).

Epidemiological indicators and monitoring of therapeutic actions

The third axis concerns the integration of the study of biomarkers in the analysis of the epidemiology of environmental pathologies, and in the evaluation of the impact of prevention, education and rehabilitation strategies. These include the study of respiratory diseases in agricultural environments, and the evaluation of the effects of preventive measures and therapeutic education programs on the quality of life of patients suffering from cardiac and vascular pathologies. A large part of the work carried out within the framework of this third axis is devoted to the effects of rehabilitation through physical exercise of patients with chronic pathologies (obesity, asthma) or cancerous pathologies (breast cancer). Part of the work relating to the study of physical exercise uses the Exercise Performance Health Innovation (EPSI) platform, which has specific installations (immersion tank, treadmills including large ones, etc.), equipment physiological investigation (in particular cardiorespiratory), and tools allowing the analysis of motor skills (video, force and power measurements, etc.). The objective of the work integrating into the EPSI platform is to determine innovative individualized care based on physical exercises in chronic diseases (cardiac or respiratory pathologies, rheumatoid arthritis).