LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes are to allow the student to identify, on the basis of the chemical structure, a toxic molecule and on the basis of functional groups, to understand its toxicity and its mechanism of action.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student knows the basic concepts concerning the reactivity and the mechanism of action of toxic substances. In particular the student knows the most common xenobiotics, organic and inorganic, from a toxicological chemistry point of view.

PREREQUISITES

A good knowledge of organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry are required.

TEACHING METHODS

During lessons are used slides (available for students), students are expected to be able to extrapolate concepts autonomously.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to Toxicological Chemistry : chemistry of toxic substances with emphasis on their interactions with biological tissues and living systems.

Basic principles of chemistry and organic chemistry useful to understand toxicological chemistry.

Xenobiotics metabolism: phase I and phase II reactions.

Examples of phase I reactions: oxidation, reduction, hydroxylation.

Examples of phase II reactions: conjugation by glucuronides, conjugation by sulphate, conjugation by amino acids, conjugation by glutathione, acetylation, metylation.

Short account of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics.

Interactions between molecules: covalent bond, ionic bond, hydrogen bond, pi-pi interaction, van der Waals interaction.

Interaction between toxic compounds and biological targets: nicotinoid and neonicotinoid insecticides, pyrethroids, PAH, endocrine disruptors.

Mechanisms of toxicity of organic and inorganic xenobiotics: heavy metals, inorganic compounds, organic compounds, drugs, alcaloids. 

Toxicity of environmental compounds.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

No specific books on Toxicological Chemistry are available.