Ateneo - UPO

The course covers the main etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying human diseases, with particular emphasis on the role of genetic, environmental, and chemical factors in the development of cellular and tissue injury. Topics include the mechanisms of chemical toxicity, xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification, the effects of different forms of energy and radiation, and the adaptive responses of cells and tissues to injurious stimuli. The course also addresses the mechanisms of reversible and irreversible cell injury, the pathways of cell death (necrosis and apoptosis), and the fundamental principles of acute and chronic inflammation, including inflammatory mediators, regulatory mechanisms, and the major local and systemic inflammatory responses.

PowerPoint slides will be provided; selected chapters from “Patologia generale e fisiopatologia generale" - Volume 1- Edizione:VII 2026 - Editore:Piccin; Patogenesi (Basi genetiche e molecolari delle malattie) - Editore Piccin

The aim of the course is to provide fundamental knowledge of the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying human diseases. By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand the role of genetic, environmental, and chemical factors in the development of cellular and tissue injury, interpret the adaptive responses of cells to injurious stimuli, and distinguish between the main mechanisms of reversible and irreversible cell injury. Participants will also acquire a solid understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying acute and chronic inflammation, providing the foundation for interpreting the pathophysiological processes involved in the development and progression of human diseases.

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

The course consists of theoretical lectures. Learning assessment is carried out through discussion of the topics covered during the course.

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.

Etiology and pathogenesis of disease. Fundamental causes of disease: endogenous and exogenous factors. Genetic factors predisposing to diseases of different etiologies. Multifactorial diseases. Mechanisms of injury induced by chemical agents. Endogenous and exogenous factors influencing the harmful effects of chemical agents. Enzymes involved in the metabolism and detoxification of chemical substances. Concepts of acute and chronic toxicity. Mechanisms of chemical-induced tissue injury. Free radicals as a cause of disease. Pathological conditions resulting from mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy transfer. Diseases induced by ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Cellular and tissue adaptations in response to stress. Etiology and pathogenesis of hypertrophy, hyperplasia, atrophy, and metaplasia. Reversible cell injury. Irreversible cell injury: necrosis and apoptosis. The inflammatory process: characteristics and phases of inflammation; inflammatory mediators; regulation of inflammatory responses; leukocyte diapedesis and phagocytosis; characteristics of inflammatory infiltrates. Resolution of inflammation. Systemic inflammatory responses and fever. Chronic inflammatory reactions.

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.