The course is focused to provide basic information on the pharmacogenetics, a discipline that refers to genetic differences in metabolic pathways which can affect individual responses to drugs, both in terms of therapeutic effect as well as adverse effects.
Course Prerequisites
The student must possess the basic knowledge of pharmacology acquired in previous courses that include concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Teaching Methods
Lectures will be conducted according to the classical teaching method of face-to-face lectures. Moreover, interactive teaching methods will be included, such as case studies and/or clinical cases discussed and presented by the students, to stimulate their active participation and to optimize their learning abilities. Practice exercises: none For the students with specific needs, who cannot attend in person the educational activities and applied for “Modalità Didattiche Inclusive” (Inclusive Teaching Methods), an adequate teaching material will be available for a fruitful self-study. If requested, the self-learning may be supported by tutoring activities or by supplementary activities, and by dedicated meetings, also online, with a flexible schedule according to the needs.
Assessment Methods
In itinere test: one final-term exam. The final-term exam consists in one oral test. The test can be only performed by students who reach the 75% of attendance to the lessons. The test concerns the handled program and the book texts/chapters indicated for reading during the course. Appropriate examination methods are planned for students who fall under the categories for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) and Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Texts
Material provided by the teacher Reference: - Laurence Brunton, Bruce Chabner, Bjorn Knollman. Goodman and Gilman's. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Twelfth Edition, Mc-Graw Hill, 2010. - Weinshilboum R. Genomic Medicine: Inheritance and Drug Response. N Engl J Med. 348: 529-537; 2003. - Evans W. E., McLeod H. L. Drug Therapy: Pharmacogenomics - Drug Disposition, Drug Targets, and Side Effects. N Engl J Med. 348:538-549; 2003. - http://www.pharmgkb.org
Contents
The course is structured in different sections: 1) Individual responses to drugs: genetics and lifestyle. 2) Pharmacogenetics in the design of individualized therapy. 3) Identification and recognition of biological targets and design of related drugs. 4) Toxicogenetics. 5) Pharmacogenetics and cardiovascular disease. 6) Pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics in oncology. 7) Pharmacogenetic approach in the treatment of chronic pain. 8) Alzheimer's disease: genetic polymorphisms and risk factors.
