Ateneo - UPO

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. Toxicological study methods are also introduced.
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. 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

recommended textbook A textbook of Modern toxicology edited by Ernest HodgsonCasarett & Doull. Elements of toxicology of John B. III Watkins, Curtis D. Klaassen. Ed. CEA

The purpose of the course is to provide:
1. The bases for a correct characterization of the adverse effects of xenobiotics, defining methods and approaches used in the toxicological evaluation. Particular attention will be paid to drug, food and environmental toxicant.
2. The characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse effects.
3. Organ toxicity, trying to define the type of damage induced at the level of the individual organs and the substances involved.
4. The characterization of the toxic effects of different classes of chemicals, such as pesticides, metals, solvents, natural toxins.
5. The bases of pharmacovigilance.

Toxicology is a multidisciplinary science, which uses knowledge and techniques from most branches of biology, biochemistry, physiology and medicine, chemistry, mathematics and physics. A minimum knowledge of these subjects is necessary to be able to follow the course

Lectures supported by multimedia presentations, aimed at introducing the fundamental concepts of general and applied toxicology.

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.

write exam, in which the learning of the topics covered, the ability of synthesis and connection will be evaluated. The student's ability to frame the problems of toxicological evaluation in the perspective of assessing human and environmental safety will be evaluated. The student will have to demonstrate that he/she has understood the key concepts and the main operational tools that characterize the safety assessment of xenobiotics. The exam will last up to 1 hour and questions about the whole program will be asked. The answer to each question will be assigned a score from 0-30 and the weighted average of the scores obtained in the single questions will represent the final mark.

Introduction to toxicology; 2. General principles; 3. Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics; 4. Systemic toxicology; 5. Toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics; 6. Environmental toxicology; 7. Food toxicology; 8. Toxicology of drugs of abuse; 9. Toxicological risk assessment; 10. Case studies and practical applications.

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.