INGLESE

Knowledges on principles of biochemistry of nutrition and physiology of nutrition are important requirements to fully understand the issues addressed by the course

The course is implemented both through standard lectures in class (max 5 credits) as well as through laboratory practices in the didactic laboratories (min 1 credit). These are carried out in small groups, on specific topics that have been treated during the course. In support of the lecture, on the on-line Moodle platform, teaching materials, instructions and protocols of laboratory exercises are loaded. Seminars on specific topics of particular interest will be organized in agreement with students and in the format of journal club to discuss recent data published in literature

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired notions on the functional anatomy of systems and organs involved in the regulation of mammalian energy homeostasis. Knowledge of the physiological mechanisms that regulate the maintenance of energy balance (nutrition vs energy expenditure) are the basis for understanding the physiopathology of metabolic disorders

The course aims to provide students with the molecular and cellular basis for understanding the onset of endocrine-metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Potential strategies on nutritional and life change treatments will be investigated to curb the early onset of these pathologies in human model

The students will acquire notions on limits and advantages of using cellular and animal models for the study of multifactorial diseases

Intro to the course: Nutrition and pathologies related.
- Outline on the functional anatomy of the gastrointestinal system and the accessory glands. Gastrointestinal hormones and mechanisms of action.
-Pancreas: Insulin and glucagon. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of their secretion.
- Liver and hepatic metabolism. Fatty liver disease: food and alcoholic steatosis and increased lipogenesis; cirrhosis.
- Adipose organ. Adipokines and adipose tissue hormones (leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin). Clinical notions on overweight and obesity. Potential intervention strategies for the control of body fat (weight management). General information on type I and II diabetes.
- Energy expenditure. Brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. General aspects of the physiology of physical exercise and metabolic effects of aerobic and anaerobic training. Muscle tissue hormones.
- Central and peripheral control of the mechanisms that regulate appetite and energy expenditure. General organization of the endocrine system;
modulation of the endocrine system.
- Concepts on nutrition-related disorders: excess and deficiency malnutrition; Nutritional assessments.
- Diet in physiological conditions and metabolic alterations.
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome;
- Eating disorders and gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease),
- Cachexia and cancer, obesity and cancer.

The exam consists in oral examination with questions targeted to evaluate the knowledge on the topics of the course

The student has to demonstrate that he/she knows and has mastered all the topics of the course and to possess the information needed to deal issues related to the functional biology of nutrition

The final exam mark is out of 30. The exam is considered passed when the mark is greater or equal to 18. There is also the possibility of giving full marks with honors (30 cum laude).

The final mark is given based on the ability demonstrated by the student during the exam of being competent on the topics of the course.

Notes taken during the lectures and powerpoint presentation handed out by the lecturer (on line Moodle platform)