Learning objectives
The course aims first to provide the student with the knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, of toxicity testing and of the nature and mechanisms of adverse and toxic effects of drugs and xenobiotics. Second, the course will allow the student to be able to apply the acquired competences to the practice of pharmacy.
Prerequisites
Pharmacology and pharmacotherapy
Course unit content
The first part of the course describes the basic concepts of toxicology, the mechanisms of toxicity and the most common experimental assays adopted in risk assessment. The second part of the course deals with the toxicological profile of the main classes of chemical agents and with the treatment of poisoning. Adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions are also discussed. Part of the course will address some organ toxicity as specific target of toxicological actions.
Full programme
PART 1
- General principles of toxicology and nature of toxic effects
- Absorption, Distribution and Excretion of Toxic Substances
- Biotransformation and metabolism of xenobiotics. Enzymatic systems.
- Dose/response curves
- General mechanism of action. Cellular homeostasis and toxicological alterations.
- Experimental toxicology and toxicological risk assessment
- Idiosyncrasies and allergic reactions
PART 2
- Teratogenicity
- Carcinogenesis and chemical mutagenesis
- Toxicology for pesticides, insecticides and herbicides, metals, solvents, IPA, vegetable and animal toxins
- Environmental toxicology: atmospheric pollutants, pollutants of water and soil
- Treatment of intoxication
- Xenobiotic interactions
- Food and nutritional toxicity: food additives and contaminants. Nutraceutical products.
- Toxicology of biotechnological products
- Renal toxicity
- Hepatic toxicity
Bibliography
Casarett & Doull’s “Tossicologia: fondamenti dell’azione delle sostanze tossiche” Ed. EMSI, Roma.
Goodman & Gilman’s “The pharmacological basis of therapeutics”
Paoletti, Nicosia, Clementi, Fumagalli “Tossicologia molecolare e cellulare” Ed. UTET, Torino.
Greim, Deml “Tossicologia” Ed. Zanichelli, Bologna.
Dolara “Tossicologia generale ed ambientale” Ed. Piccin, Padova.
Ghi “Tossicologia” Ed. Minerva Medica, Torino 2009
Teaching methods
During classes, basic concepts of toxicology, toxicokinetics, and toxicodynamics, methods of toxicity testing and risk assessment, and the toxicological profile of the main groups of xenobiotics and drug-drug interactions will be described and discussed.
The lessons will be organized as follows:
- in person with the possibility of using the lessons also remotely in synchronous mode (via Teams).
To promote active participation in the course, various individual and small group activities will be proposed, through the use of the resources available in Elly, such as discussion forums.
Assessment methods and criteria
The knowledge and understanding of the different areas of the course and the ability gained by the student to autonomously solve problems of toxicology will be ascertained through an oral exam, consisting of questions regarding subjects of both the first and the second part of the program.
If due to the persistence of the health emergency it is necessary to integrate the conduct of the exams with the remote modality, proceed as follows:
- oral questions (face to face/remotely)
The final test will consist of an oral interview conducted remotely (via Teams) which will essentially focus on the discussion of the main themes of the topics in the program with solicitations to express personal opinions and reflections thanks also to the presentation of specific links between the various topics discussed.
Other information
During the course students will be evaluated on their understanding skills and apply their scientific knowledge in the analysis of a scientific work in the field of toxicology.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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