Ateneo - UPO

This course focuses on the causes and cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases and on the functioning of the immune system.

Power point slides.

Knowledge of the causes, mechanisms and clinical manifestations of the main human diseases. Knowledge of the principles of immunology. Knowledge of the study methods for researching the molecular and cellular alterations responsible for disease.

Basic knowledge of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Biochemistry; Genetic; Histology; Anatomy; General Physiology.

Lessons using power point slides. Discussion during the lesson to verify understanding.

Oral examination to verify the level of knowledge and understanding of the course contents and to evaluate the autonomy of judgment, the ability to learn and the ability to correctly use scientific terminology. A 30-point scale is used for grades. To pass the exam (18/30 or more) the student must know and have understood at least the basic notions related to the causes and mechanisms responsible for the diseases covered in the course. To obtain 30/30 cum laude, the student will have to answer all questions with outstanding competence and knowledge and using the appropriate terminology.

Pathology: general concepts. A brief history of pathology. Physical agents of damage; radiations. Examples of chemical and biological agents of damage. Genetic causes of damage. Chromosomal aberrations, numerical chromosomal anomalies (trisomies, Klinefelter and Turner syndromes). Mutations; monogenic diseases, examples of autosomal dominant and recessive diseases (collagen defect diseases, achondroplasia, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria) and X-linked diseases. Non-Mendelian inherited diseases. Reversible and irreversible cellular damage; mitochondrial damage, alterations in calcium flows. Mechanisms of response to oxidative stress, to misfolded proteins, to hypoxia. Cellular adaptations (hyperplasia and hypertrophy; atrophy; metaplasia). Amyloidosis; Alzheimer's syndrome, prion diseases. Cell death: necrosis, apoptosis and autophagic death. Methodologies for the study of general pathology.
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