BIOMARCATORI LEGATI ALLA NUTRIZIONEModule SCIENZE TECNICHE DI MEDICINA DI LABORATORIO
Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: LUCA FALZONEExpected Learning Outcomes
The student must have developed and matured the theoretical, scientific and professional knowledge to understand the main methodologies for the analysis and identification of biomarkers associated with dysmetabolic disorders or linked to the metabolism of micro- and macronutrients. There are specific areas of expertise in which the student must acquire knowledge of the molecular methodologies used in the diagnosis of food intolerances, metabolic disorders and tumors potentially connected to incorrect diet or alcohol consumption. Finally, the student must have acquired skills in the critical processing of scientific data present in the literature and be able to search the main public databases for relevant information relating to biomarkers related to nutrition.
Course Structure
The teaching activity will be frontal and supplemented by some seminars. For the training of the student, additional informative material (scientific articles of relevance) will be distributed.
Required Prerequisites
Prerequisites according to the study plan.
Attendance of Lessons
As established by the study course plan
Detailed Course Content
1. Brief overview of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics
2. Main polymorphisms associated with metabolic disorders
3. Epigenetic regulation mechanisms mediated by micro- and macronutrients
4. Brief overview of techniques and methodologies used to perform genomic and epigenomic investigations
5. Role of the microbiota and interaction with micro- and macronutrients
6. Identification of biomarkers associated with specific nutrients or metabolic diseases
7. Nutrition and tumors
Textbook Information
There are no specific books. Supplementary teaching materials will be provided during the lessons.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brief overview of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics | supplementary teaching materials |
| 2 | Main polymorphisms associated with metabolic disorders | supplementary teaching materials |
| 3 | Epigenetic regulation mechanisms mediated by micro- and macronutrients | supplementary teaching materials |
| 4 | Brief overview of techniques and methodologies used to perform genomic and epigenomic investigations | supplementary teaching materials |
| 5 | Role of the microbiota and interaction with micro- and macronutrients | supplementary teaching materials |
| 6 | Identification of biomarkers associated with specific nutrients or metabolic diseases | supplementary teaching materials |
| 7 | Nutrition and tumors | supplementary teaching materials |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The student's preparation will be assessed through a multiple choice written test and possibly integrated with an oral exam
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
What is meant by epigenetics?
What is the best definition of microRNAs?
Why is obesity considered a risk factor for the development of breast cancer?
What is the static test that allows you to establish the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of a biomarker?