Learning objectives
At the end of the course in TOXICOLOGY, the student will be able to:
1. Know and understand the basic concepts of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic properties of the main classes of xenobiotics and the general principles of the process of risk management (knowledge and understanding).
2. Apply the acquired knowledge to classify xenobiotics on the basis of the mechanism of action and to evaluate the risk-benefit relationship for xenobiotics, in general, and for drugs, in particular (ability to apply knowledge and understanding).
3. Analyze and compare the effects of xenobiotics belonging to the same and different classes and to evaluate independently the results of toxicological risk assessment (making judgements).
4. Connect together the different topics dealt during the course and to link them with the related disciplines. To be able to widen the knowledge in toxicology also by browsing the scientific production and databases in the field (ability to learn).
5. Communicate the acquired knowledge and clearly convey the information on the nature and mechanism of action of xenobiotics and on the results of risk assessment (communicative skills).
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry are mandatory. In order to take the exam in Toxicology, the exam in Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy must have been already passed.
Course unit content
The first part of the course will deal with the basic principles of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics and with the fundamental mechanisms of toxicity of xenobiotics, included genotoxicity, carcinogenesis, and teratogenesis. The variability sources in the individual response to xenobiotics will be illustrated as well. In the following section, the steps of risk management will be described and the methods of experimental toxicology clarified. In the last section of the course, the main classes of xenobiotics will be described and clinical toxicology, food toxicology and drug-drug/drug-food interactions will be briefly outlined.
Full programme
Toxicokinetics: absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion of xenobiotics.
Toxicodynamics: general mechanisms of specific and aspecific toxicity of xenobiotics.
Sources of individual variability in toxicological, allergic, and idiosyncratic responses.
Toxicity testing in experimental animals: general toxicity tests (acute, subacute, chronic studies) and specific toxicity assays (developmental and reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity testing). Quantitative risk assessment for chemical carcinogens and non- carcinogens.
Toxicology of environmental toxicants
Toxicology of pesticides
Toxicology of heavy metals
Toxicology of solvents
Clinical toxicology
Food toxicology
Drug interactions
Bibliography
CASARETT & DOULL’S: “Tossicologia: fondamenti dell’azione delle sostanze tossiche”, Ed. EMSI, Roma.
CASARETT & DOULL’S: "Elementi di Tossicologia", Ed. CEA
GOODMAN & GILMAN’S: “Le basi farmacologiche della terapia”
GREIM, DEML: “Tossicologia” Ed. Zanichelli, Bologna.
KATZUNG: “Farmacologia generale e clinica” Ed. Piccin, Padova.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures with visual support, aided by slides online available on Elly platform, will be performed. During lessons, students will be prompted to remind the notions of human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology needed to better comprehend the presented topics. Moreover, the students will be encouraged to learn and adopt the technical language, to grasp the links among the various presented sections, and to actively participate to the course. The teacher will be available for further clarification by appointment to be scheduled by e-mail.
Assessment methods and criteria
The achievement of the intended learning objectives will be ascertained through a final oral examination consisting of questions regarding the three parts of the course. The exam will be taken according to the exam sessions officially scheduled by Food and Drug Department, after online registration.
The student will have to show the comprehension and the ability to explain, comment on and autonomously interpret the fundamental concepts of each topic. The evaluation of the exam, expressed in thirtieths, will be performed according to the following criteria:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the dealt subjects
2. Making judgements and ability to connect the themes covered during lectures
3. Use of sound technical-scientific language.
Honours will be granted when the dealt topics are known and mastered excellently.
The results of the exam will be immediately communicated and then published on ESSE3 website.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
3: Good health and well-being
4: Quality education
5: Gender equality
8: Decent work and economic growth
14: Life below water
