Biochemistry of the Environment and Pollution
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The Biochemistry of the Environment and Pollution course aims to educate students on the relevance of the environment-human body interaction, analyzing the mechanisms of action by which pollutants and global warming interfere with the regulation of metabolic and physiological processes with relevant consequences for human health.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student should be able:
1. to illustrate the relevance of the environment-health interaction.
2. to know and define the biochemical mechanisms responsible for physiological adaptation to different environmental conditions.
3. to know and define the mechanisms of action and signaling pathways through which specific pollutants and global warming interfere with the regulation of metabolic and physiological processes with significant consequences for human health.
1. to illustrate the relevance of the environment-health interaction.
2. to know and define the biochemical mechanisms responsible for physiological adaptation to different environmental conditions.
3. to know and define the mechanisms of action and signaling pathways through which specific pollutants and global warming interfere with the regulation of metabolic and physiological processes with significant consequences for human health.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Environment and pollution: definitions and types.
Pollution and regulation of metabolism: mechanisms and consequences for human health.
-Pollutants, glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. Focus on T2D, gestational diabetes and PCOS.
-Pollution and lipid metabolism. Relevance for obesity and metabolic syndrome.
-Pollutants, liver and hepatic steatosis.
-Pollution, lipoproteins, lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk.
-Microplastics, metabolism and microbiota.
-Pollutants as endocrine disruptors: effects on circadian rhythm and fertility.
-Smog, oxidative stress, inflammation and COVID-19.
Mechanisms and consequences of climate change for human health.
Focus on:
-Thermoregulation and brown adipose tissue.
-Climate change and diabetes.
-Algae, microcystin and NAFLD.
-Consequences of climate change on biochemical biomarkers.
Pollution and regulation of metabolism: mechanisms and consequences for human health.
-Pollutants, glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. Focus on T2D, gestational diabetes and PCOS.
-Pollution and lipid metabolism. Relevance for obesity and metabolic syndrome.
-Pollutants, liver and hepatic steatosis.
-Pollution, lipoproteins, lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk.
-Microplastics, metabolism and microbiota.
-Pollutants as endocrine disruptors: effects on circadian rhythm and fertility.
-Smog, oxidative stress, inflammation and COVID-19.
Mechanisms and consequences of climate change for human health.
Focus on:
-Thermoregulation and brown adipose tissue.
-Climate change and diabetes.
-Algae, microcystin and NAFLD.
-Consequences of climate change on biochemical biomarkers.
Prerequisites for admission
Fundamental concepts of biochemistry. The exams of General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry are compulsory prerequisites.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with innovative teaching tools (i.e. Wooclap)
Teaching Resources
Textbooks:
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger, Lehninger - Nelson - Cox, Zanichelli
Testo atlante di biochimica, Koolman Rohm, Zanichelli
Iconographic material, including open access papers downloadable from public databanks (es. PubMed).
Digital material: Ariel website of teachers with lesson slides.
I principi di biochimica di Lehninger, Lehninger - Nelson - Cox, Zanichelli
Testo atlante di biochimica, Koolman Rohm, Zanichelli
Iconographic material, including open access papers downloadable from public databanks (es. PubMed).
Digital material: Ariel website of teachers with lesson slides.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test based on the program carried out during the course.
Assessment will be based on the degree of knowledge of the course topics, property of language, critical thinking skills and capability to organize the discourse in a logical manner.
Assessment will be based on the degree of knowledge of the course topics, property of language, critical thinking skills and capability to organize the discourse in a logical manner.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)