45601 - Molecular and Cellular Toxicology

Learning outcomes

The course provides an introduction in the field of Toxicology, the principles governing entry, fate and effects of toxicants on living systems, and the major genetic and environmental determinants of risk. Emphasis will be placed on xenobiotic effects on the metabolism and  the physiology of different cell types, tissues and organs systems. The course is concerned with general principles of the assessment of the hazard and the definition of limits of safety of chemical agents.

Course contents

General Toxicology

Origin and scope of Toxicology, classification of toxic agents, spectrum of undesired effects, dose response. Absorption, distribution, and excretion of toxicants, metabolism of toxic substances; factors that affect the rates of metabolism of foreign compounds. Factors influencing toxicology.

Molecular and cellular aspects of Toxicology: Definition, mechanisms of actions, toxic agents. Oxidative stress. Cell death. Genetic toxicology. Chemical carcinogenesis. Reproductive toxicology. Teratogens.

Systemic Toxicology

Toxic response of the liver. Toxic response of the kidney. Toxic response of the respiratory system. Toxic response of the central nervous system. Toxic response of the reproductive system. Toxic response of the immune system. Toxic response of the skin.

Special Toxicology

The process of drug development and regulatory aspects. Significance of the pre-clinical and the clinical phases in drug development.  Safety of biotech medicines and their development process.  Post-marketing surveillance and adverse drug reactions.

Readings/Bibliography

G. Cantelli-Forti, C.L. Galli, P. Hrelia, M. Marinovich - Tossicologia molecolare e cellulare - UTET, Torino, 2000

Casarett & Doull's - Tossicologia - I fondamenti dell'azione delle sostanze tossiche - EMSI, Roma, V edizione

C.L. Galli, E. Corsini, M. Marinovich - Tossicologia - Piccin, Padova, 2004

H. Greim, E. Deml – Tossicologia - Zanichelli, Bologna, 2000

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars. The course includes laboratory training.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an oral test aimed at assessing the student's understanding and knowledge of the topics set up during the course.

Teaching tools

CD files of the presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Patrizia Hrelia