78841 - Toxicology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has basic knowledge regarding the toxicological effects of xenobiotics (drugs, environmental and food contaminants, etc.) in exposed humans. In particular, the student is able to evaluate the appropriate experimental approaches for defining the mechanisms underlying the action of toxicants.

Course contents

The history of poisons.

General toxicology: Fundamentals of Toxicology; from the objectives to the bases for the classification of a toxic effect; exposure and dose-response relationship; factors influencing toxicity; toxicokinetics and toxicogenetics, target dose; metabolic polymorphisms and individual vulnerability vs toxins.

Special Toxicology: genotoxic and epigenetic chemical carcinogens; allocations. The IARC classifications.

Toxicology of organs and systems: renal toxicity, liver toxicity. Toxic effects on the respiratory and nervous system.

Toxics: toxicity from natural and synthetic substances; GMOs; pesticides, solvents, metals.

Environmental Toxicology: additives, food contamination and risk assessment also in relation to individual susceptibility ; air, water and soil pollutants; biomarkers and environmental monitoring

Climate change and anthropogenic emission in toxicology.

Diet and food supplements, "novel food" and "food fortification", advantages and toxicological aspects.

Food derived-compounds and chemoprevention: evaluation of toxicity in cancer chemoprevention. The Other Side of the Coin.

Evaluation of Toxicological risk and forensic aspects.

Impact of heavy metals on the environment and human health: focus on molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic insights to counter the toxicity.

The scientific data: how to read a scientific study.

Readings/Bibliography

Casaret & Doull - Elementi di Tossicologia - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, ed. 2013.
H. Greim, E. Deml - Tossicologia - Zanichelli, Bologna, I ed. 2000.

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussion, including autonomous development of some topics with ongoing verification

Assessment methods

The oral exam, consists in evaluating the critical skills gained by the student. The achievement of a comprehensive vision of the studied issues, combined with their critical use, the specific language proficiency will be evaluated with marks of excellence. The mechanical knowledge and/or mnemonics of matter, synthesis and analysis not articulated and/or language not always appropriate, will lead to fair valuations. Minimum knowledge of the examination material and/or not complete mastery of specific language will lead to just sufficient votes. Gaps, inappropriate language, total lack of orientation within the topics covered during the course will be evaluated negatively.

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

PC computer projector
Distribution of the material projected during the lesson in electronic format

Office hours

See the website of Moreno Paolini