BIOCHIMICA
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
There are no pre-requisites for this integrated course.
The understanding of the biochemistry module and the general pharmacology module require basic knowledge of general medical chemistry topics covered in the preparatory course of the first semester) and organ physiology (in particular renal function, digestive system, cardiovascular function).
The examination of the integrated course is unique, as for all integrated courses, and includes the two disciplines that are part of it. Note that:
- the final vote is unique, and represents the average for the assessments obtained in the two disciplines;
- insufficiency in a discipline compromises the outcome of the whole exam, which must be repeated with a new registration.
The exam consists of multiple choice and/or open-ended questions. Additional oral questions/discussion may occur according to the evaluation of the written text.
The integrated course aims to provide basic knowledge to understand biological phenomena at the cellular and tissue levels and to understand the interaction between organism and drugs under normal and pathological conditions and the possible therapeutic implications.
Some specific aims are as follows. Knowledge of the general principles underlying interaction between human body and drugs and their mechanism of action. In particular, knowledge will be provided on setting correct dosage and evaluating the risk associated with the use of drugs in relation to various factors (route of administration, adverse effects, drug intolerance, pharmacological interactions). In addition, as a result of pharmacological and toxicological knowledge, the ability to manage, preserve and use medicines in a hospital will be transmitted. Knowledge will also be given about the main legislative provisions regarding drug production and use and the preclinical and clinical study of new medicines.
Module of Biochimistry
Carbohydrate metabolism.
Lipid metabolism.
Metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds.
Metabolic interactions.
Module of Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetic properties (6 hours). The main routes of drug administration will be described, and the pharmacokinetic processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs in healthy subjects and in patients. Also, some quantitative pharmacokinetic arguments will be used to set a proper dose, such as distribution volume, clearance, half-life, maintenance dose, loading dose. The concept of bioavailability and the equivalent drug will be addressed.
Pharmacodynamic properties (6 hours): the main mechanisms underlying drug action will be described. It will also discuss the theoretical basis for the interpretation of drug action by imparting the concepts of agonist, antagonist, partial agonist. Dosage-response curves will be described to allow interpretation of efficacy and pharmacological potency. Drug-toxicology topics will be addressed to interpret toxic drug effects, drug interactions, abuse, tolerance, and dependence.
-Examples of pharmaceutical legislation, experimentation (4 hours). The main laws in force in Italy and the European Union concerning the production, classification of medicines, prescription and pharmacovigilance will be described. Preclinical and clinical studies will also be described for the discovery of new drugs.
Biochemistry
1) Carbohydrates: mono- and polysaccharides. Glycogen metabolism
2) Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis and their regulation, hexose monophosphate shunt
3) Lipids. Fatty acids, triglycerides and phospholipids. Beta-oxidation of fatty acids
4) Biosynthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides, Cholesterol and steroid hormones
5) General metabolism of aminoacids and nitrogen-containing compounds; Transamination and oxidative deamination
6) Nucleic acids; nitrogenous bases and nucleotides
7) Metabolic interactions: feed-starve cycle, biochemical aspects of diabetes. Vitamins and iron metabolism
Biochemistry
All didactic material presented in the classes as well the one necessary for the preparation of the examination (slides, pantries, exercises) is available in the e-learning platform.
Textbook suggested according to the individual preferences (written in Italian).
M. Samaja, R. Paroni - Chimica e Biochimica per le lauree triennali dell’area biomedica – Piccin editore
Champe PC, Harvey RA, Ferrier DR – Le basi della biochimica – Zanichelli (more details and points of view)
Pharmacology
Farmacologia generale e clinica. Katzung B.G. Piccin Ed X edizione italiana sulla XIII edizione di lingua inglese
Farmacologia. Rang, Dale, Ritter, Flower, Henderson. Elsevier Ed. VII edizione italiana
The class consists of lectures (each one takes usually 2 hours) that cover the entire exam program. Also available on the e-learning platform are exercises, handouts and on-line facilities about the class topics.
Biochemistry
The Biochemistry part of the exam consists of open-ended questions of progressive difficulty, aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of basic information and concepts, according to a criterion of essentiality. The answers are expected to be synthetic, straightforward, and exhaustive. The time available for the test is 45 minutes. The evaluation of the reports will only highlight errors, deficiencies, and incompleteness. The correct formulation of the answers will be presented collectively, immediately after each student's vision of his/her paper already evaluated.
In exam sessions that include two appeals, it is advisable to plan to enroll in only one of them.
The Biochemistry part of the exam consists of open-ended questions of progressive difficulty, aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of basic information and concepts, according to a criterion of essentiality. The answers are expected to be synthetic, straightforward, and exhaustive. The time available for the test is 45 minutes. The evaluation of the reports will only highlight errors, deficiencies, and incompleteness. The correct formulation of the answers will be presented collectively, immediately after each student's vision of his/her paper already evaluated.
In exam sessions that include two appeals, it is advisable to plan to enroll in only one of them.