Ateneo - UPO

The present course will be focused on the knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in human diseases. Aim of the course will be to provide the fundamentals of the immunology.

PowerPoint slides will be provided; selected chapters from “Patologia Generale e Fisiopatologia Generale” (Pontieri et al, PICCIN); Robbins e Contran “Le basi patologiche delle malattie”, Elsevier, Masson; “Patologia Generale” (Parola M, Edises). Immunologia Cellulare e Molecolare (Abbas et al, Edra-Masson).

The course is targeted to provide to the students a deep knowledge of immunology together to the most common pathological mechanisms responsible for the onset of human diseases.

Good knowledge of Molecular and Cell Biology; Biochemistry; Genetic; Histology; Anatomy; General Physiology.

Lectures and laboratory practice.

Learning control: discussion of the topics during lectures. A quick review of the previous lesson will be performed systematically.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam consists of an oral examination. The student is required to learn all the program subjects. He/she is expected to master not only the subjects but also the scientific language. The minimum mark will be 18/30 the maximum 30/30. To reach the minimum mark the student has to learn the key aspects of the pathogenesis of human diseases, conversely, to obtain the maximum mark he/she must have a deep knowledge of the treated topics together with a critical capability to discuss the arguments related to the scientific program.

Mechanisms of cell injury, adaption and differentiation. Hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy, metaplasia, accumulation diseases, protein folding, steatosis, cellular senescence. Molecular mechanisms of cell injury, oxidative stress (free radicals production, lipid peroxidation, proteins and DNA oxidation). Cellular antioxidant defense. Hypoxia and reperfusion injury. Cell Death: necrosis, apoptosis and autophagy. Extracellular accumulation of proteins, amyloidosis, pathological calcifications.
Inflammatory response, acute inflammation, signs, symptoms and vascular response. Edema, transudate and exudate. Molecular and Cellular mediators of the inflammation. Chemical mediators of the inflammation. Phagocytes. Systemic responses to the inflammation. Mediators of Chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Physiopathology: thermoregulation (fever, hyperthermia and hypothermia); cardiovascular (hypertension, hypotension, collapse, shock): Edema: definition, causes and consequences of edema. Liver: hepatic lobule structure and function, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Jaundice: metabolism of hemoglobin, pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic jaundice. Diabetes (insipidus, mellitus type I and II).
Immunology: role of the immune response. Specific and non-specific defenses. Anatomical barriers. Interplay between innate and adaptive immunity. Molecules (cytokines, chemokines) and cells involved in the immune response. Lymphoid organs (primary and secondary). Antigen, immunogenic, epitopes. major histocompatibility complex (MHC class I and II). Antigen processing and interplay between APC and lymphocytes during immune response. T and B lymphocytes, NK cells. Phagocytes: neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. Eosinophils, basophils and mast cells: role in the allergic reaction. T helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+) t cells.
Antibodies: molecular structure, classes and functions. B-lymphocytes and plasmacells. Primary and Secondary Antibody Responses, role of T helper; interplay between B and T cells; memory B cell. The complement system. Opsonization. Acute-phase proteins.
Hypersensitivity: classification. Allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock. Cytotoxic hypersensitivity reaction mediated by antibodies, immunecomplexes and cytotoxic T cells. Transplant rejection. Tolerance and autoimmunity. Autoimmune diseases. Congenital and acquired immunodeficiency.
Laboratory practice: Methods for the study of pathology and immunology. Histopathology: cellular degeneration; inflammation, fibrosis, tumors (light microscope observation and discussion of histopathological sample preparations). Methods for the evaluation of cell death. Blood: serum, plasma, erythrocytes, platelets and leucocytes. Blood group system and blood transfusion. Light microscope observation and discussion of blood smear. Polyclonal antibodies (antigen preparation, immunization). Monoclonal and recombinat antibodies production techniques. RIA, ELISA, Immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.

According to the Dublin descriptors
D1- KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: The student will know and understand the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the disease state. The student will learn to express himself/herself through appropriate scientific terminology.
D2-ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: The student will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in all disciplines that require knowledge regarding the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the disease. This knowledge will facilitate him in the diagnostic and research laboratory activities.
D3-AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT: The student will acquire the ability to independently and critically analyze the elements related to the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathological process.
D4-COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The student will acquire the ability to disseminate the assimilated knowledge using a specific and appropriate vocabulary in order to be able to confront in a professional and competent manner in the academic and subsequently work environment. The student will have mastery of an appropriate vocabulary regarding the pathogenetic mechanisms. In addition, the student will acquire the ability to transmit the assimilated knowledge in a clear and understandable way even to a general public.
D5-LEARNING SKILLS: The student will acquire the ability to use the teaching material provided for a critical and reasoned study of the topics covered and will also be able to deepen and update independently, by reading texts and scientific articles related to problems. all topics covered during the course.