Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the fundamental principles of general and applied toxicology, focusing on the mechanisms of action of toxic substances, their classification, and the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Dose-response relationships, toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, and factors influencing toxic response are discussed.
Systemic toxicology is addressed by examining toxic effects on major organs and systems (liver, kidneys, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems), with examples of representative substances.
Key topics include environmental toxicology with a focus on emerging contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS, and food toxicology covering natural and anthropogenic contaminants as well as chemical migration from food packaging and containers.
The toxicology of drugs of abuse, including both stimulants and central nervous system depressants, is explored, with a focus on fentanyl and its analogues. The course also highlights the role of new “omics” disciplines (toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics) in toxicity assessment and biomarker identification.
Practical application of acquired concepts is emphasized through case studies, focusing on toxicological data interpretation and chemical risk assessment in environmental and food contexts.

Modern toxicology

The Toxicology course aims to provide students with a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education, with the following objectives:
Understanding the fundamental principles of toxicology
Learn the basic concepts of general and applied toxicology, including dose-response relationships, mechanisms of toxicity, and toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics.
Distinguish between different types of toxicity (acute, chronic, subchronic) and their assessment parameters.
Knowledge of biological and molecular mechanisms
Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of chemicals.
Explore the role of metabolic pathways and enzymatic systems (e.g., cytochrome P450) in toxicant biotransformation.
Analyze the impact of toxic substances on organs and biological systems, with special emphasis on the liver, kidneys, nervous system, respiratory system, and endocrine system.
Focus on specialized toxicology areas
Develop knowledge in environmental toxicology, with emphasis on emerging contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS.
Understand food toxicology, including the migration of chemicals from food contact materials and packaging.
Study the toxicology of drugs of abuse, including both stimulants and central nervous system depressants, with a focus on synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
Understand the implications of new “omics” sciences (toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics) in elucidating toxic effects.
Toxicological risk assessment
Acquire the ability to read, interpret, and apply the principles of toxicological risk assessment.
Understand how to translate experimental data into safety evaluations applicable to environmental, food, and industrial settings.
Development of methodological skills
Become familiar with experimental in vitro and in vivo techniques used for toxicity assessment.
Learn to use biomarkers and interpret data from toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics.
Develop skills to consult international scientific literature and use toxicological databases.
Critical analysis and scientific communication skills
Be able to analyze complex case studies and critically evaluate the reliability and relevance of available data.
Communicate effectively results, conclusions, and issues related to toxicological risk, using appropriate scientific terminology.
Develop the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and actively contribute to scientific discussions.
Professional and applied competencies
Prepare students to apply the acquired knowledge in professional contexts related to the food, environmental, pharmaceutical, and public health sectors.
Promote the attitude toward continuous learning in a field characterized by rapid scientific and regulatory evolution.
At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the general principles of toxicology, apply advanced knowledge to address complex chemical safety issues, critically evaluate experimental data, and translate them into practical actions for risk prevention and management.

To successfully follow the Toxicology course, students need a solid foundation of knowledge derived from fundamental disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences. These skills are essential to fully understand the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of chemicals, as well as to address practical applications in environmental, food, and biomedical fields.
Required knowledge:
General and inorganic chemistry
Understanding of matter properties, chemical bonding, and main chemical reactions.
Ability to balance reactions and interpret chemical equilibria, which are key concepts to understand how toxicants interact with biological systems.
Organic chemistry
Familiarity with the structure and reactivity of major classes of organic compounds (hydrocarbons, alcohols, amines, aldehydes, acids, esters, etc.).
Knowledge of basic organic reaction mechanisms and chemical transformations relevant to toxicant biotransformation.
Biochemistry
Knowledge of biomolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids) and major metabolic pathways.
Understanding catabolic and anabolic processes, detoxification pathways (e.g., glucuronidation, sulfation), and the role of phase I and phase II enzymes.
Cell and molecular biology
Structure and function of cells, organelles, and membranes.
Cellular signaling mechanisms and gene regulation, essential for understanding how toxicants affect cellular and tissue processes.
Human physiology
Basic knowledge of human systems and organs (hepatic, renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous).
Ability to relate pathophysiological alterations to toxic effects of substances.
Basic statistics and scientific method (recommended)
Basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics for interpreting toxicological data and experimental studies.
Knowledge of the scientific method for the critical analysis of scientific literature.
Useful transversal skills:
Ability to read scientific literature in English, since most reference texts and research articles are published in English.
Basic use of IT tools for data management and access to toxicological databases.
Interdisciplinary reasoning skills, given that toxicology requires integrating concepts from chemistry, biology, medicine, and environmental sciences.
A lack of some of these basic skills does not prevent course attendance, but students may need to undertake preliminary review studies, supported by resources recommended by the instructor.

The course is delivered through:
Lectures supported by multimedia presentations, aimed at introducing the fundamental concepts of general and applied toxicology.
Case study discussions on environmental contaminants, food safety issues, and drugs of abuse, fostering critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.
Specialized seminars delivered by experts (e.g., environmental toxicologists, proteomics and epigenetics specialists) to provide updated insights on emerging research and issues.
Practical data analysis sessions (interpretation of toxicological results, critical reading of scientific papers, risk assessment exercises) designed to develop analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of an e-learning platform to access teaching materials, scientific articles, self-assessment quizzes, and discussion forums.
The methodology is designed to promote active student participation, encouraging critical reasoning, independent learning, and interaction with the instructor.

face-to-face lessons where attendance is recommended

Multiple-choice exam with only one correct answer. There will be 33 questions.
If the student does not achieve a passing grade, an additional oral exam will be required.
It is possible to request an oral exam on the entire syllabus in place of the written exam (only on a voluntary basis).
To achieve a passing grade, you must answer at least 18 of the 33 questions.
Each correct answer will be worth 1 point, while unanswered and incorrect questions will be worth 0 points.

The Toxicology course is structured to provide an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of the discipline, practical applications, and recent research developments. The content is organized into interconnected thematic modules.
1. Introduction to toxicology
Definition, history, and evolution of toxicology as a science.
Application fields: medical, environmental, food, industrial, and forensic toxicology.
Role of toxicology in public health and chemical risk management.
2. General principles
Concept of dose and dose-response relationship: sigmoidal curves, toxic thresholds, NOAEL and LOAEL.
Factors influencing toxic response: age, sex, species, health status, multiple exposures.
Concepts of acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity.
3. Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics
Exposure routes: inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, and parenteral administration.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism (biotransformation), and excretion (ADME).
Phase I (cytochrome P450) and Phase II (conjugation) enzymes.
Molecular and cellular toxicity mechanisms: oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis.
4. Systemic toxicology
Hepatotoxicity and liver damage biomarkers.
Nephrotoxicity: mechanisms of renal injury and case studies.
Pulmonary toxicity: air pollutants and inhalable chemicals.
Cardiovascular effects and hematotoxicity.
Neurotoxicity and neuropharmacology of toxic substances.
Reproductive toxicity, teratogenesis, and endocrine disruption.
5. Toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics
Toxicogenomics techniques and their application to toxicity evaluation.
Epigenetics: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and their alteration by toxicant exposure.
Proteomics: analysis of protein profiles as tools to identify exposure and effect biomarkers.
Implications for predictive and personalized toxicology.
6. Environmental toxicology
Classical (heavy metals, pesticides) and emerging pollutants.
Microplastics toxicity: chemical and physical characteristics, bioaccumulation, additive release, and interaction with other pollutants.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) toxicity: environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, hepatic, immune, and endocrine effects.
Impact of pollutants on food chains and ecosystems.
7. Food toxicology
Natural contaminants: mycotoxins, plant alkaloids, marine toxins.
Anthropogenic contaminants: pesticide residues, heavy metals, food additives.
Chemical migration from food packaging and containers: monomers, plasticizers, bisphenol A, phthalates.
Food risk assessment and regulatory frameworks.
8. Toxicology of drugs of abuse
Stimulant substances: cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine.
Central nervous system depressants: alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids.
Fentanyl and analogues: pharmacological potency, overdose risk, prevention strategies.
Toxicological aspects of acute and chronic substance use.
9. Toxicological risk assessment
Hazard identification, exposure assessment, risk characterization.
Regulatory approaches and international guidelines (EFSA, ECHA, EPA).
Practical examples of risk assessment in environmental and food contexts.
10. Case studies and practical applications
Analysis of environmental and industrial toxicological incidents.
Food contamination events (e.g., dioxins, heavy metals, PFAS).
Evaluation of real-world substance abuse scenarios (including fentanyl).
Discussion of scientific papers and interpretation of toxicological data.

Objective of the Course
The aim is to provide foundational knowledge to understand toxicology in its various aspects.
Assessment Criteria
• Basic Understanding:
o Students must demonstrate knowledge of fundamental toxicological concepts and communicate them using correct scientific terminology.
• Average Grade:
o Students must relate basic concepts across different toxicological aspects and communicate effectively.
• Highest Grade:
o Students must show thorough understanding and effective communication of all course aspects.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course and passing the final exam, students should achieve the following objectives:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Fundamental Principles:
o Describe general and applied toxicology principles, including dose-response and toxicity types.
• Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics:
o Identify ADME processes of toxic substances.
Apply Knowledge and Understanding
• Risk Assessment:
o Apply toxicological risk assessment principles to case studies involving environmental and food contaminants.
• Data Interpretation:
o Evaluate results from toxicological experiments, including exposure studies.
Emerging Issues in Toxicology
• Discuss current issues, such as drug abuse and its health effects.
Communication Skills
• Technical Terminology:
o Use correct terminology for clear communication of analysis results.
• Data Summaries:
o Present conclusions understandably for both expert and non-expert audiences.
Learning Skills
• Multidisciplinary Integration:
o Connect concepts from various scientific fields to solve complex toxicological problems.
• Lifelong Learning:
o Stay updated on scientific and regulatory changes in toxicology.