TOSSICOLOGIA

Basic knowledge of the side effects of drugs (with a special emphasis on chemoterapeutics). Understanding the molecular basis of drug abuse.

In line with the Dublin Descriptors, the course aims to develop: knowledge and understanding of toxicological principles and mechanisms of toxicity; the ability to apply such knowledge to the analysis of the risk/benefit ratio and to the management of pharmacological therapy; critical independent judgment in the evaluation of scientific literature and experimental data; communication and synthesis skills in oral presentation; as well as the capacity for autonomous learning and continuous professional updating

Lectures according to the didactic calendar. The use of AI chatbots during lectures is permitted for real-time verification and deeper exploration of the content presented. Students are encouraged to share any questions or doubts arising from their interaction with the chatbot, turning the lecture into an opportunity for active dialogue. The professor remains the ultimate point of reference for the correct interpretation of the material.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Essential knowledge of biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy.

Principles of toxicology – Therapeutic index and margin of safety; unwanted side effects; acute, subacute and chronic toxicities, toxicological aspects of drug absorption, distribution and excretion;drug metabolism-induced toxicity; genetic polymorphism and drug interactions.

Cellular and molecular toxicology – Mechanisms of cell death; molecular basis of programmed cell death; pharmacological regulation of cellular toxicity; molecular mechanisms of cancerogenesis and teratogenesis.

 Drugs with selective toxicity: 1) a detailed compendium of all antibacterial, antiviral, antimycotic, and anti-malaric drugs; 2) antineoplastic drugs; 3) immunosupressants and biological modifiers.

Drug abuse - The neurobiology of drug abuse; effects of psycostimulants, allucinogens, cannabis derivatives, opioids, anabolic steroids, ethanol, GHB, nicotine.

The assessment of the correct understanding of the topics covered takes place exclusively during the oral examination. The ability to actively apply the knowledge acquired during the course (knowledge and application skills) is rated through reasoning (learning skills and independent judgment) and synthesis (communication skills).

A passing grade of 18/30 is achieved when the student demonstrates, for each question, at least the essential minimum knowledge required for the specific topic. The final grade, ranging from 18 to 30 with honors, is determined by the depth of the presentation, the ability to link different content areas, and the complexity of the items covered.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD).

To ensure equal opportunities and in accordance with applicable laws, interested students may request a personal meeting to plan any compensatory and/or exemptive measures, based on the learning objectives and individual needs. Please contact Prof. Santina Chiechio (santina.chiechio@unict.it), who also serves as the CInAP (Center for Active and Participated Inclusion – Services for Disabilities and/or SLD, https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti) referent professor for the Department of Drug and Health Sciences."

Exam dates are published on the Degree Course website:https://www.dsf.unict.it/it/corsi/lm-13/calendario-esami

Self-evaluation tests at the end of the appropriate chapters of the textbooks