500717 - medical Biochemistry

courses

ID:

500717

Duration (hours):

72

CFU:

SSD:

BIOCHIMICA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 16/01/2026)

Course Objectives

The primary objective of the course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of action of major hormones and the transduction of their signals. Students will be able to understand how dysfunctions at this level can lead to widespread diseases. Additionally, through the study of blood biochemistry, students will be able to analyze related pathologies. By the end of the course, students are expected to critically analyze and understand the molecular patterns underlying major diseases.

The expected learning outcomes are as follows:

- In-depth knowledge of hormones and biochemical messengers that coordinate physiological processes
- Knowledge of signal transduction mechanisms
- Understanding of the main diseases related to hormone dysfunctions, bio-signaling, and proteins
- Critical analysis of a research article

Course Prerequisites

To best appreciate the course content is necessary that the student know the biochemical reactions and structure of the principal biomolecules. It is necessary to know how to use the most important bibliographic search engines (Pubmed, Uniprot) and to be able to critically read a scientific article.

Teaching Methods

Frontal lessons and seminars are used . Power Point presentations are available to students in the section dedicated to teaching on the moodle KIRO platform. The blood biochemistry seminars are made by a clinician. As part of the course the students are asked to work together (small group) to analyse and present some case studies. This work will be coordinated by a tutor. Inclusive teaching will be available for the specific categories identified by the Ateneum

Assessment Methods

The examnation consists of an oral exam in which the understanding of the course content and the ability to integrate information are evaluated, with the aim of understanding the functionality of organs and tissues in both physiological and pathological states.
The evaluation will take into account the ability to communicate and the use of appropriate scientific language

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
Siliprandi e Tettamanti, Biochimica medica strutturale metabolica e funzionale, Piccin

Biochemistry of Hormones: Classification, biosynthetic mechanisms, and catabolism. Pituitary and hypothalamic hormones; thyroid hormones; hormones of the adrenal cortex and medulla; male and female gonadal hormones; eicosanoids. Glucose homeostasis, pancreatic hormones. Pathologies related to hormonal dysfunctions. Diabetes.

Biochemistry of Blood: Plasma proteins and their functions. Cholesterol and bile acids. Biochemistry of lipoproteins and atherosclerotic risk.

Hemostasis: Coagulation, fibrinolysis, control mechanisms, role of platelets and endothelium. Related diseases.

Biochemistry of Cellular Communication: Hormone receptors; ligand-receptor interaction; steroid hormone receptors. Membrane receptors. GTP-binding proteins: Gi, Gs, Gq. Receptors with tyrosine kinase activity. Mechanisms of activation and trans-phosphorylation. Effectors activated by tyrosine kinase receptors. Activation of MAP kinases. Cellular activation by insulin: Ras-dependent and independent pathways.