OVERVIEW

This course is focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of the major disorders that afflict elderly subjects. The course will analyze the role of atherosclerosis in aging: the process of formation of the atheroma is one of the factors involved in the diseases affecting older people. Likewise, cancer pathologies (both benign and malignant) will be investigated. Finally, the role of inflammation in biological aging processes will be assessed.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To know how the response affects both the biological and the pathological processes in the elderly subjects.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Role of atherosclerosis in Aging. Atheroma is one of the factor involved in several pathologies that affect elderly patients (ACS, ictus, ect).

Tumors are also frequent in aged individuals. Thus, this course focuses on the biology of benign and malignant neoplasias.

Role of Inflammation in Biological Aging Processes. The chronic inflammatory process is one of the factors involved in many pathologies involving older people (such as ATS, AD, tumors, and type 2 diabetes). Considering the central role that the inflammatory process plays in the aging-oxidative stress process, the course focuses on: i) the inflammatory mechanisms that pay a major role during the phenomenon of human aging; ii) the characteristics of the immune system in elderly subjects usually characterized by both a de-regulation of inflammatory processes and by a reduced capability to react against pathogens and tumor.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching is divided into 20 hours of classroom lectures on all the topics of the program. The teachers explain the topics through Power Point presentations. Students should attend at least 75% of the whole course.

In case of certification of specific learning disability, disability or other special educational needs, please contact both the Department contact person, Prof. Nicola Girtler, and the lecturer at the beginning of the lectures to agree on teaching and exam methods which, in compliance of the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory/dispensatory tools recognized by the University SLD Student Service.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

CELLULAR PATHOLOGY. Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
CANCER. Metaplasia, dysplasia, anaplasia. Classification and malignant characters. Staging systems and gradation.  Chemical, physical and biologica lcarcinogenesis. Metabolism and activation of carcinogens. Initiation, promotion, progression. Invasiveness and metastasis. Outline of tumor markers.

Acute inflammation. Inflammatory cells. The inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF). Chemokines. Leukocyte migration. The systemic effects of inflammation. The acute phase proteins. Chronic inflammation. The macrophages and chronic inflammation. Pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Chronic inflammation in AD. The link between chronic inflammation and tumor progression/promotion. Oncogenes and the oncosoppressor genes. The immune system in aged individuals.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

G. Barrera, R.A. Canuto, C. Gardi, G. Muzio, M. Nitti, A. Pompella - Patologia e fisiopatologia generale. Monduzzi Ed.

Licastro-Caruso - Compendio di patologia generale. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Parola M. - Patologia Generale. Edises Ed.

Pontieri G.M. - Patologia generale & fisiopatologia generale per i corsi di laurea in Professioni Sanitarie. Piccin Ed.

Pontieri G.M. - Elementi di Patologia e Fisiopatologia Generale. III ed., Piccin Ed.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

AMBRA BISIO (President)

FIAMMETTA MONACELLI (President)

SUSANNA PENCO (President)

GABRIELLA PIETRA (President)

PIERO RUGGERI (President)

ANNA FASSIO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination consists of an oral interview in the presence of the course teachers. The interview will be focused on the program content.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The evaluation is carried out only through the final exam, aimed at verifiying the real acquisition by the student of the expected learning results. A minimum mark of 18/30 is required in order to pass the exam.