Our group studies the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular morbidity associated with sleep breathing disorders, in particular, the sleep apnoeahypopnea syndrome(SAHS).

We also provide evidence for making clinical decisions on patients with these disorders. We conduct studies to evaluate the mechanisms involved in the development of arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

In terms of the pathogenesis of airflow limitations, several of our projects have focused on small airway function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exercise adaptation in a number of obstructive diseases, particularly COPD, asthma and cystic fibrosis. We also evaluate the objective measurement of daily physical activity in these patients and contribute to the best definition of its determinants and its clinical and prognostic usefulness. We collaborate with other research groups to study the contribution of the innate immune system to the evolution of these diseases and the relationship between the response to hypoxia and the clinical expression of COPD and SAHS.

Finally, in the field of the systematisation of lung function testing, we create reference values for various population groups and define the methodological aspects of the measurement of exhaled breath condensate and nitric oxide.