Over the past two decades, our research, conducted in collaboration with national and international partners, has identified shared neuronal mechanisms underlying persistent food restriction and addictive behaviours. In preclinical models, we demonstrated that serotonin 5-HT4 receptors within the prefrontal cortex are critical in these maladaptive behaviors: targeted genetic or pharmacological modulation of this pathway is sufficient to reduce both food restriction and addiction-related phenotypes. The same cortical system also contributes to behavioral adaptation to stress.
Translating these findings into preventive interventions remains challenging, particularly in adolescents exposed to chronic stress, food restriction or abuse, whose vulnerability may remain clinically silent before the emergence or worsening of mental disorders in adulthood. Our objective is therefore to determine whether variations in analytes measured in exhaled breath during daily life correlate with changes in brain activity and could provide non-invasive indicators of neuropsychiatric vulnerability.
To address this challenge, we founded B4D and developed the eBAM®, a portable, non-invasive automated device designed to quantify analytes in exhaled breath in near real time. An initial proof of concept was established through its application to SARS-CoV-2 detection. The programme subsequently received the French National Research Priority Label from CAPNET, DGOS funding and authorisation from the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety to conduct a clinical study at Nîmes University Hospital.
Combined with the B4DLogIn and B4DMobile digital platforms, the eBAM® aims to support longitudinal, reallife monitoring and the development of preventive diagnostic approaches. Its interface is also being adapted to ensure accessibility for people with visual or hearing impairments.
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