Toxicology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
- To characterize the manifestations and mechanisms of toxicity
- Provide scientific basis of Experimental Toxicology and evaluation criteria and extrapolation of toxicity data to humans
- Provide adequate toxicological knowledge and valid bases for defining the criteria for protecting human health from the risks deriving from the direct (medicines, food additives, etc.) or indirect (environmental pollutants, industrial solvents, etc.) exposure to chemical and biological agents.
- Provide scientific basis of Experimental Toxicology and evaluation criteria and extrapolation of toxicity data to humans
- Provide adequate toxicological knowledge and valid bases for defining the criteria for protecting human health from the risks deriving from the direct (medicines, food additives, etc.) or indirect (environmental pollutants, industrial solvents, etc.) exposure to chemical and biological agents.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of the main aspects of toxicology mainly focusing to the local and systemic toxicity of xenobiotics.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Linea AK
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Principles of general toxicology. Knowledge of general pharmacology concepts applied to toxicology: definition of hazard and risk, dose-effect relationship, areas of toxicology, classes of toxic agents, Molecule-Target Interaction and related effects, concept of reversibility and irreversibility, acute, subacute, subchronic, chronic toxicity, factors influencing toxicity
- Mechanisms of Toxicity. Knowledge of the main mechanisms of cellular toxicity: Oxidative damage, Mitochondrial toxicity, Calcium homeostasis, Mechanisms of protection and repair
.Main target systems and organs of toxic substances: Teratogenesis, Mutagenesis, Carcinogenesis and organ toxicology with emphasis on:
- Respiratory Toxicology
- Immunotoxicology
- Nervous System Toxicology
- Renal Toxicology
- Liver Toxicology
- Skin Toxicology
- Eye Toxicology
-Main classes of substances and physical agents of toxicological relevance: Pesticides, Solvents, Radioactivity, Metals, Natural Toxins
-Pre-clinical experimentation and main toxicological tests. Pharmacovigilance, legislation on animal testing, the 3R concept
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
- Mechanisms of Toxicity. Knowledge of the main mechanisms of cellular toxicity: Oxidative damage, Mitochondrial toxicity, Calcium homeostasis, Mechanisms of protection and repair
.Main target systems and organs of toxic substances: Teratogenesis, Mutagenesis, Carcinogenesis and organ toxicology with emphasis on:
- Respiratory Toxicology
- Immunotoxicology
- Nervous System Toxicology
- Renal Toxicology
- Liver Toxicology
- Skin Toxicology
- Eye Toxicology
-Main classes of substances and physical agents of toxicological relevance: Pesticides, Solvents, Radioactivity, Metals, Natural Toxins
-Pre-clinical experimentation and main toxicological tests. Pharmacovigilance, legislation on animal testing, the 3R concept
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Prerequisites for admission
The teachings of Human Anatomy and General Biology are propaedeutic.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures and in-class discussions of the syllabus.
Material relating to the lectures can be found on the MyAriel Unimi web page dedicated to teaching.
Material relating to the lectures can be found on the MyAriel Unimi web page dedicated to teaching.
Teaching Resources
Tossicologia, Galli-Corsini-Marinovich, editore PICCIN, 2 Edizione (2008)
· Casarett & Doull's -Tossicologia, Ed. Curtis D.Klaassen, 5° edizione (vers. italiana) EMSI - Roma
· Tossicologia cellulare e molecolare, Ed. G. Cantelli Forti, P. Hrelia, C.L.Galli, M. Marinovich, UTET (2000)
· Casarett & Doull's -Toxicology, The basic science of poisons, Fifth edition (1999), Ed. C.D. Klaassen , J.B. Watkins III°, McGraw Hill
· Casarett & Doull's -Tossicologia, Ed. Curtis D.Klaassen, 5° edizione (vers. italiana) EMSI - Roma
· Tossicologia cellulare e molecolare, Ed. G. Cantelli Forti, P. Hrelia, C.L.Galli, M. Marinovich, UTET (2000)
· Casarett & Doull's -Toxicology, The basic science of poisons, Fifth edition (1999), Ed. C.D. Klaassen , J.B. Watkins III°, McGraw Hill
Assessment methods and Criteria
The course aims to provide an overview of the principles of toxicology, covering the main mechanisms of toxicity at cellular and organ levels, as well as the mechanisms of different classes of contaminants and how to evaluate them. This knowledge will be assessed through an oral test on the programme, which will be carried out by two lecturers. The grade awarded will be expressed in thirtieths and represent the average of the marks given by the two lecturers. The result of the oral test will be communicated at the end of the examination.
Linea LZ
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
Dip. di Scienze Farmacologiche, Via Balzaretti 9