The study of marine pharmaceuticals resources, clinical application of marine bioactive drugs and material is an emerging discipline. In the last years, several drugs were developed and placed in marketing from marine natural products and many marine-derived chemicals are investigated in preclinical and clinical research.
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge on the numerous pharmacological potentialities, on the mechanisms of action and the molecular targets of natural substances isolated from the marine world. The world research on natural drugs has focused its interest on this topic. The basic knowledge of modern pharmacology and toxicology will be provided to fully understand the potential and impact of these molecules. The marine toxins and their effects on a living organism will be explored too.
The main objective is to acquire knowledge of natural substances isolated from the marine world, their use in clinical or preclinical pharmacology, their mechanisms of action and molecular targets. This objective will be achieved based on the elemental concepts of modern pharmacology and toxicology. The students could consider the sea as a resource to protect and monitor. The marine ecopharmacology and marine toxins will also be the subject of the course, considering their effects in a living organism.
Frontal lessons with an in-depth analysis of the program.
Therefore, the frequency of lessons is recommended.
Essential lexicon in Pharmacology and Toxicology: active substances (drugs; medicinal preparations; medicinal herbs; placebo), xenobiotics, toxicological agent. The scope of the field.
Elements of Pharmacology and Toxicology: Activity, Safety, Efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies; ED50 LD50; Therapeutic Index and Margin of Safety, NOEL, LOEL
Marine drugs: targets, pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and clinical uses
Marine Biotoxins
Ecopharmacology and ecopharmacovigilance: drugs in the sea
Golan DE e altri - Principi di Farmacologia – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Rang HP, Dale MM, RitterJM, Flower RJ - Farmacologia - Ed. Elsevier Masson
Howland RD, Mycek MJ – Le basi della farmacologia – Ed Zanichelli
Notes of Lessons
Ricevimento: By appointment
CHIARA CERVETTO (President)
MANUELA MARCOLI
II semester
To assess student’s achievement of learning, the examination will be an oral exam (30 minutes), always in presence of the Commission consisting of at least of two professors (or sometimes in presence of a professor and an expert subject designated by the CCS).
The Commission will verify the achievement of learning outcome with high accuracy. During the examination, the Commission will collect information about the knowledge of the topics and their understating, the communication skills as well as the connection and reasoning within topics of the course.
When the educational objectives will be not achieved, the student will be invited to verify better the knowledge and to use supplemental explanations contacting the professor.