47942 - Physiology of Aging and Longevity

Academic Year 2014/2015

  • Docente: Marco Caprini
  • Credits: 4
  • SSD: BIO/09
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Pharmacy (cod. 8413)

Learning outcomes

In the last decade­­­­­­­­­ the increasing life expectancy of humans has generated a focus on the biological mechanisms of old age and longevity. Ageing is an irreversible, degenerative process common to all living organisms. It is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function that can be attributed to a gradual accumulation of damaging factors inside of cells.

It is obvious, therefore, that the health industry has become increasingly interested in trying to tackle the ageing process by using anti-ageing strategies (drugs, antioxidants, caloric-restriction, etc.) to slow down ageing and extend lifespan.

 

The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop a knowledge of the physiological causes and mechanisms of ageing in healthy people.

Course contents

Program/Contents

General aspects of the ageing process. Biological basis of ageing. Ageing and longevity: program or cause? Theories and causes of ageing and longevity. Ageing and oxidative stress. Genetic damages due to oxidative stress. Mechanisms of DNA repair .

Cellular bio-aging mechanism. Molecular alterations of the cell membrane, nucleus and sub-cellular elements. Changes in tissues and organs. Differences in the ageing processes of tissues. Premature ageing in childhood: Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

Ageing and anatomical systems. Functional modification in systems: musculo-skeletal system, tegumentary system, respiratory system, circulatory system, renal system, immune system, reproductive system, gastroenteric system, endocrine system, nervous system (alterations of neurons, neurotransmitters, plasticity, memory, sleep, somatic sensation, somatic motor and vegetative functions, specific sense organs).

Biological basis of longevity. Genetic factors. Anti-ageing genes. Environmental factors.

Factors influencing longevity. Synergic strategies to slow down ageing. Pharmacological and immunological therapies. Antioxidant action by nutritional supplements. Caloric restriction. Physical exercise. Organ transplant. Tissue regeneration therapy using stem cells

Readings/Bibliography

Invecchiamento e longevita'. V. Marigliano. Casa scientifica editrice internazionale.
L'invecchiamento: biologia, fisiologia e strategie anti-aging. G.N. Bisciotti. Calzetti e Marinucci Editore.

Teaching methods

Powerpoint presentation

Assessment methods


The final exam aims at assessing and evaluating the achievement of the educational programme. Oral examination (students following the entire course have the possibility of a  "in itinere" exam).

Teaching tools

PC and Powerpoint presentations

Office hours

See the website of Marco Caprini