Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis

Recommended Prerequisites

It takes adequate knowledge in the areas of Chemistry, Biochemistry, basics of Pharmacology and Immunology, as well as knowledge of different analytical methodologies acquired in previous analytical subjects. 

Teaching Methods

 The unit has a theoretical and a laboratory component. The contents are mainly exposed using a visual media. Although, expository, the critical discussion of the addressed issues is encouraged. In the lectures the contents are mainly exposed using a visual media. Analytical methodologies are performed based on isolation, identification and quantification of toxic agents, with emphasis on biological samples and their treatment. On the other hand, the experimental illustration of some general concepts of toxicity is shown.

Learning Outcomes

Based on acquired knowledge, students should be able to predict and assess the potential toxicological risk of a chemical agent, from the structural analysis of the xenobiotic. They must have acquired the necessary knowledge to develop a critical attitude that allows to understand and to apply the acquired primary concepts in the science of toxicology. The emphasis in molecular toxicology provides the fundamental atmosphere for inter-related competences, among others, for the evaluation of the risk in toxicology, the implementation of therapies, the design of new drugs, as well as the global and integrated understanding of the cell response to stress. They should be able to apply the analytical methodologies learned in toxicological analysis, including: the isolation, identification and quantification of toxic agents, with emphasis in the use of biological samples and its treatment.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Theoretical Progam:

Definition and historical aspects. Basic principles of Toxicology. Disposition of toxic compounds. Toxic responses to Xenobiotics. Toxicity examples: Drugs as toxic compounds; Drugs of Abuse and Metals

Molecular toxicology

Toxicity: a term that describes the adverse effects resulting from the interaction of toxic with target

Biochemical mechanisms

Interference with biochemical pathways and homeostatic mechanisms.

- Receptors and Membranes

- Metabolism

- Ca²⁺ homeostasis

- Cellular signaling

Cellular Death

Cell response to stress

Alteration of the genetic expression. Hormesis.

Toxicogenomics.

Lab. Program

Barbiturates: Extraction and Purification, TLC and spectrophotometric determination. Research and Dosage: Arsenic, Hydrogen cyanide and cyanides, Methyl alcohol and Fluoride.

Modifications in hemeproteins by oxidants and reductants with toxic implications: hydrogen peroxide, nitrite, ascorbate and polyphenols. Protein modifications. Spectral analysis in the visible

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Rita Rebelo Ferreira Barbosa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Casarett & Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, 8ª Ed by Curtis Klaassen, 2013
E. Jungreis, Spot test Analysis, 2ª Ed, J Wiley, N York 1997
Annual Review Pharmacology Toxicology, 28:331-345, 1988
“Free Radical Toxicology", Ed. Kendall Wallace. Taylor & Francis group, 1997
David A.S. Future of Toxicology – a shift in the paradigm: focus on human disease. Chem. Res. Toxicol. (2006), 16, 1121-1124.
Bowman WC (2006) Neuromuscular block. Br. J. Pharmacol. 147, Suppl. 1: S277-86.
Yi-Zhong Gu1 et al. (2000) Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 40: 519-561
Raffray M and Cohen GM (1997) Apoptosis and necrosis in toxicology: continuum or distinct modes of cell death? Pharmacol. Ther. 75, 153-177.
Aardema MJ, MacGregor JT. Toxicology and genetic toxicology in the new era of "toxicogenomics": impact of "omics" technologies. Mutat Res. 2002, 499, 13-25.