Pathophysiology and Therapeutic and Technological Targets in Aging

Year
0
Academic year
2020-2021
Code
02024628
Subject Area
Biomedical Engineering
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of medical physiology.

Teaching Methods

Direct teaching. Contact class, expositive method with a period of discussion of the content with students. In the practical classes, the students will have the opportunity to prepare a scientific project or a project for technology development, which main goal is to design a potential therapeutic or preventive approach, based on Biomedical Engeneering tools, to the most frequent pathologies of the elderly.

Learning Outcomes

The student should be able to (1) describe/explain the aging theories and main modifications at the molecular, cellular and organic level; (2) describe/explain the pathophysiology of aging; (3) describe/explain the immunomodulatory response as a modulator of aging pathology; (4) identify biomarkers of aging; (5) identify therapeutic targets and technological approaches to the most prevalent pathologies and design strategies to improve compliance and individual health management - promotion of an active life style during physical, mental and social aging and  maintenance/improvement of self-care capacities; development of methodologies to prevent, diagnose and improve the functional decline, both physical and mental/cognitive in the elderly.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Theories of Aging:

Free radicals; Injury / Repair of DNA; Genetics; Telomerase

Pathophysiology of aging pathology

Vascular pathology: cardiac, brain and peripheral

Gastrointestinal pathology

Metabolic syndrome

Hepatic and renal failure

Frailty syndrome

Osteoarticular pathology

Sarcopenia

Degenerative disorders

Eye pathology associated with optical nerve degeneration

What are the determinants of aging in humans?

Inflammatory-immune response, exercise, nutrition

Aging biomarkers

Therapeutic Targets and optimization of adherence to therapy

Technologies to support active and healthy ageing.

Head Lecturer(s)

Anabela Mota Pinto

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 30.0%
Project: 70.0%

Bibliography

• Chung HY, Cesari M, Anton S, Marzetti E, Giovannini S, Seo AY,  et al. Molecular inflammation: underpinnings of aging and age-related diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2009;8:18-30

• Solana R, Pawelec G, Tarazona R. Aging and Innate Immunity. Immunity 2006 May;24:491–494

• Sander M, Avlund K, Lauritzen M, Gottlieb T, Halliwell B, Stevnsner T, et al. Aging—From molecules to populations. Mech Ageing Dev. 2008;129:614–623

• Abajo FJ. Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on Platelet Function. Mechanisms, Clinical Outcomes and Implications for Use in Elderly Patients. Drugs Aging 2011;28(5):345-367

• Moss C, Dhillo WS, Frost G, Hickson M. Gastrointestinal hormones: the regulation of appetite and the anorexia of ageing. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2012;25:3–15.