ID:
503415
Duration (hours):
48
CFU:
6
SSD:
BIOCHIMICA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 12/06/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide a deep knowledge of the biochemistry of nutrition and the metabolism of nutrients. In this context, the nutritional characteristics of some nutrients and vitamins will be studied in depth. At the end of the course, the student will acquire theoretical skills on the integration of nutrients in our body.
The expected learning outcomes are the following:
1. knowledge of the main nutrients, of the essential ones, and of the" fuels" of human nutrition;
2. knowledge of the metabolism of nutrients in the phases of nutrition and fasting;
3. understanding of how various organs (brain, liver, adipose and muscle tissues) dispose of nutrients;
4. knowledge of vitamins and their biological role;
5. knowledge of the metabolism of cholesterol, of bile acids, of the physiopathology of atherosclerosis
6. Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in the management of specific diets
The expected learning outcomes are the following:
1. knowledge of the main nutrients, of the essential ones, and of the" fuels" of human nutrition;
2. knowledge of the metabolism of nutrients in the phases of nutrition and fasting;
3. understanding of how various organs (brain, liver, adipose and muscle tissues) dispose of nutrients;
4. knowledge of vitamins and their biological role;
5. knowledge of the metabolism of cholesterol, of bile acids, of the physiopathology of atherosclerosis
6. Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in the management of specific diets
Course Prerequisites
Detailed knowledge of structural and metabolic biochemistry as learned from the course BIOCHEMISTRY at the II year.
Teaching Methods
Teaching is based on lectures andseminars. Power Point presentations are available in the section dedicated to teaching on the moodle platform
KIRO. The seminars on diets are conducted by a specialist in nutrition. Inclusive teaching will be available for the specific categories identified by the Ateneum
KIRO. The seminars on diets are conducted by a specialist in nutrition. Inclusive teaching will be available for the specific categories identified by the Ateneum
Assessment Methods
The examination consists of an oral exam in which the understanding of the contents of the course and the ability to integrate information on nutrients in the entire human organism are verified.
Texts
Nelson DL, COX, MM : I Principi di Biochimica di Lehninger, Zanichelli;
Alberts et al: Biologia Molecolare della Cellula, Zanichelli
Murray et al: Harper Biochimica, McGraw
Leuzzi et al Biochimica della Nutrizione, Zanichelli
Arienti, Le Basi Molecolari della Nutrizione, Piccin
Alberts et al: Biologia Molecolare della Cellula, Zanichelli
Murray et al: Harper Biochimica, McGraw
Leuzzi et al Biochimica della Nutrizione, Zanichelli
Arienti, Le Basi Molecolari della Nutrizione, Piccin
Contents
Coordinated regulation of metabolism.
Integration of metabolic pathways. Uptake and cellaur distribution of glucose and other nutrients. Metabolic profiles of liver, muscle, adipose tissue, brain. Metabolic adaption under short and prolonged starvation. Metabolism of ethanol. Metabolic syndrome. Obesity. Insulin and diabetes. Molecular mechanisms regulating food intake and body weight. Metabolism of ethanol.
Drug metabolism.
Role of liver in the metabolism of xenobiotics. The cytochrome P450 oxidases. Xenobiotic conjugation. Glutathione.
Colesterol and diet.
Cholesterol biosynthesis and regulation. Metabolism of cholesterol and its derivatives Lipid transport in the blood: lipoproteins. LDL and atherosclerosis.
Fat soluble vitamins.
Biological roles of vitamin D in calcium homeostasis and of vitamin K in blood coagulation. Retinol and vitamin A in cell differentiation and phototrasduction. Anti-oxidant properties of vitamin E.
Water-soluble vitamins.
Natural sources, daily requirements and biological roles
Micronutrients.
The importance and biological role of Iodine, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Fluoride
Special topics in Nutritional Biochemistry.
Diet and exercise. Mediteranean diet. Ketogenic diet
Integration of metabolic pathways. Uptake and cellaur distribution of glucose and other nutrients. Metabolic profiles of liver, muscle, adipose tissue, brain. Metabolic adaption under short and prolonged starvation. Metabolism of ethanol. Metabolic syndrome. Obesity. Insulin and diabetes. Molecular mechanisms regulating food intake and body weight. Metabolism of ethanol.
Drug metabolism.
Role of liver in the metabolism of xenobiotics. The cytochrome P450 oxidases. Xenobiotic conjugation. Glutathione.
Colesterol and diet.
Cholesterol biosynthesis and regulation. Metabolism of cholesterol and its derivatives Lipid transport in the blood: lipoproteins. LDL and atherosclerosis.
Fat soluble vitamins.
Biological roles of vitamin D in calcium homeostasis and of vitamin K in blood coagulation. Retinol and vitamin A in cell differentiation and phototrasduction. Anti-oxidant properties of vitamin E.
Water-soluble vitamins.
Natural sources, daily requirements and biological roles
Micronutrients.
The importance and biological role of Iodine, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Fluoride
Special topics in Nutritional Biochemistry.
Diet and exercise. Mediteranean diet. Ketogenic diet
Course Language
Italian
Degrees
Degrees
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Bachelor’s Degree
3 years
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People
People
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