OVERVIEW

The course examines the chemical structure, the metabolic fate, the methods of evaluation of the toxic action and the mechanism of action of the main classes of xenobiotics of toxicological interest. At the end of the course the student has the basic knowledge of reactivity, mechanisms of action and chemical-toxicological aspects of molecules harmful to health.

In particular, the student is able to understand and discuss the mechanisms of action at the molecular level related to the main classes of xenobiotics.

AIMS AND CONTENT

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.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department ( Prof. Luca Raiteri, Luca.Raiteri@unige.it ) before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific learning methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes. VERY IMPORTANT: any request for compensatory tools and adaptations in the exam MUST be done within 10 working days before the date of the exam according to the instructions that can be found at https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/comunicazioni

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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLA FOSSA (President)

ANNA CARBONE

ELENA CICHERO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons start according to Manifesto, second semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and involves a discussion on different topics discussed in the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

There are no specific assessment methods, the interaction with the teacher during the lesson is useful. If the learning objectives are reached, the student will easily pass the exam.

Exam schedule