84965 - Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Metabolism Disorders

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student: - Has learned the bio-molecular basis that governs the control of hormone secretion. Knows the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying major metabolic disorders particularly obesity and diabetes. Has acquired knowledge of animal and cellular models of disease.

Course contents

introduction to the concept of cellular damage and damage response
genomics applications in diseases prevention
Hepatic steatosis: genetic, macro- and microvesicular steatosis. Dietary steatosis. Hormonal steatosis and secondary from increased lipogenesis. Toxic steatosis and from hypoxia. Alcoholic steatosis: toxic effects of alcohol and mechanisms affecting alcoholic hepatopathy. Nonalcoholic steatosis. Extrahepatic steatosis. Pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. Fibrosis and remodeling of the vascular bed. Consequences of cirrhosis.
Atherosclerosis. Risk factors of atherosclerosis. Mechanisms of atheromasic plaque formation. Consequences on vessels of atherosclerosis.

Nutritional diseases. Diabetes mellitus. Physiological regulation of blood glucose. Role of tissues in glycemic homeostasis. Etiologic classification of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes: epidemiology, pathophysiology, etiologic factors, pathogenesis. Type 2 diabetes: epidemiology, pathophysiology, etiologic factors, pathogenesis. Acute and long-term complications.

The role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of cancer.

Teaching methods

lectures

Assessment methods

Written final examination via multiple-choice quizzes.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentattion

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Garagnani