NUTRIZIONE E BIOCHIMICA DELL'INVECCHIAMENTO E DELLA LONGEVITA'

1 - Knowledge and Understanding-The student shall demonstrate knowledge of the biochemical and metabolic changes that characterize the aging process, a complex, progressive, and multifactorial biological phenomenon. Aging results from the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The student shall also understand how nutrition can directly modulate the metabolic pathways regulating cell growth, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In addition, topics related to different areas of conventional and complementary medicine will be addressed, with the aim of maintaining individuals in good health and in a state of optimal well-being for as long as possible.

2 - Applying Knowledge and Understanding-The student shall be able to apply and integrate theoretical knowledge in order to critically evaluate and interpret nutritional strategies and the use of bioactive compounds aimed at promoting longevity and improving quality of life, thereby acquiring the skills necessary for the development of personalized anti-aging programs. Analysis of the interaction between nutrition and cellular signalling pathways will enable students to understand the effects of the major regulators of longevity. More specifically, students shall acquire the ability to apply their knowledge to identify the functional networks involved in cellular responses to different types of stress, optimizing the biological processes underlying resilience and cytoprotection.

3 - Making Judgements-The student shall demonstrate the ability to evaluate and analyse the role of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, that can modulate oxidative stress and inflammation, understanding that the effectiveness of these compounds depends on their integration within a balanced dietary framework. Only through such integration is it possible to promote longevity while preserving functionality, independence, and quality of life over time.

4 - Communication Skills-The student shall be able to communicate clearly and effectively using technical and scientific language appropriate to the field of nutrition during aging, with the aim of promoting a more active, balanced, and well-being-oriented lifestyle, adapting communication to different professional contexts.

5 - Learning Skills-The student shall demonstrate the ability to independently acquire and critically re-elaborate disciplinary knowledge, developing continuous updating skills in relation to advances in the understanding of the indicators underlying some of the most prevalent degenerative diseases in the aging population. These competencies are essential for preventing diseases associated with the inevitable aging process and for promoting a state of complete physical, social, and mental well-being.

Lectures and laboratory practical sessions. In addition, students will be required to carry out activities following the laboratory sessions, either individually or in groups. Interactive teaching methods are envisaged through participation in working groups and active quizzes, using web-based platforms and open-source software. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata-Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within the department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti). Should the course be delivered in blended or distance-learning mode, any necessary modifications may be introduced with respect to the arrangements described above in order to ensure compliance with the programme outlined in the syllabus.

Aging: Biological Basis

Healthy Aging and Longevity Medicine

Biomarkers of Aging

Inflammation and Aging

Cellular Oxidative Stress and Aging

Aging and Nutrition

Aging and Medicinal Mushrooms

Aging and Nutritional Supplements

Personalized Supplementation in Anti-Aging Medicine

Aging and the Gut Microbiota

1) Handbook of the Biology of Aging. 9^th Edition. N. Musi, P. J. Hornsby, Science Direct, Elsevier.

2) Aging and Aging-Related Diseases. Mechanisms and Interventions. Z. Wang Editor. Springer.

3) Nutrition, Food and Diet in Ageing and Longevity. S. I. S. Rattan, G. Kaur Editor. Springer.

4) Aging Exploring Complex Phenomenon. S. I. Ahmad. CRC Press.

5) Inflammation, Aging, and Oxidative Stress. S.C. Bondy, A. Campbell Editors. Humana Press.

Assessment of learning may be carried out, at the discretion of the instructor, through an oral examination and/or a written examination, or a combination of both. The examination consists of at least three questions covering the topics included in the course syllabus.

The examination is intended to assess the understanding of the fundamental concepts of the discipline, verify knowledge of the topics covered during the course, and evaluate the competencies acquired by the student. In the overall assessment, the instructor will take into account both the appropriateness and completeness of the content and the coherence and clarity of presentation.

Assessment criteria: relevance of the answers to the questions asked; appropriate use of scientific terminology; critical analysis skills; specific knowledge of the methodologies presented; and the student’s overall communication skills.

Final Grading Criteria

Grade 29–30 cum laude: the student demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and methodological foundations of Anti-Aging Medicine and innovative technologies for the characterization of functional networks involved in cellular responses to different types of stress, the optimization of neurobiological processes underlying resilience and neuroprotection, and the evaluation of biochemical profiles for the development and characterization of personalized anti-aging programs. The student is able to integrate information promptly and accurately, critically analyse the situations presented, independently solve highly complex diagnostic problems, and demonstrates excellent communication skills and full command of the medical-scientific language of the discipline.

Grade 26–28: the student demonstrates a good knowledge of the theoretical and methodological foundations of Anti-Aging Medicine and innovative technologies for the characterization of functional networks involved in cellular responses to different types of stress, the optimization of neurobiological processes underlying resilience and neuroprotection, and the evaluation of biochemical profiles for the development and characterization of personalized anti-aging programs. The student is able to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented in a coherent and logical manner, solve complex diagnostic problems with a satisfactory degree of autonomy, and present the topics clearly using appropriate medical-scientific terminology.

Grade 22–25: the student demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of the theoretical and methodological foundations of Anti-Aging Medicine and innovative technologies for the characterization of functional networks involved in cellular responses to different types of stress, the optimization of neurobiological processes underlying resilience and neuroprotection, and the evaluation of biochemical profiles for the development and characterization of personalized anti-aging programs, although mainly limited to the principal topics. The student is able to integrate and critically analyse the situations presented, though not always in a fully coherent manner, and presents the topics with reasonable clarity and adequate language skills.

Biological Basis of Aging

Cellular Stress Response and Aging

Inflammation in Aging