WELLNESS AND ANTIAGING MEDICINE: THE ROLE OF DIAGNOSTICS LABORATORY

Knowledge of theoretical and methodological tools to deepen the knowledge of Antiaging Medicine, a medicine with the aim of reducing/preventing the risk of diseases associated with aging, based on the use of innovative methodologies, which, together with the use of clinical biochemistry diagnostic technologies, has the objective of providing the skills that allow the formulation of a personalized antiaging program. More specifically, the student is required to acquire: the ability to apply knowledge and understanding for the characterization of the functional networks of the cellular response to various types of stress with optimization of the biological processes underlying resilience and cytoprotection; the autonomy of judgment through the ability to reflect, analyze and discuss the data obtained from the tests performed in the laboratory; the communication ability to present the skills acquired with appropriate and pertinent language; the ability to continue learning independently for the acquisition of technical information and updating of knowledge. Furthermore, the various topics inherent to different branches of conventional and non-conventional medicine will be developed to keep the individual healthy and in a condition of effective well-being for as long as possible. At the end of the course the student will have acquired the ability to evaluate the indicators of the alterations that are at the basis of some diseases widely spread in the population to prevent pathologies related to the inevitable aging of the person to reach a state of complete physical, social and mental well-being.

         Interactive teaching is planned with participation in Working groups and Active quizzes, through the use of Web platforms and Open Source software.

             Knowledge of general concepts of physics, chemistry, biology, physiology, and statistics.

             Mandatory attendance as required by the course regulations.

The course aims to strengthen each student's knowledge and understanding of the physiopathology of aging, the biochemical-clinical investigations of the main organs and systems, and their correlation with pathological events. Students will learn about methodological approaches that allow the formulation of a personalized treatment plan. The aim of the course is to provide the appropriate tools, also through the support of natural substances to make life more productive, serene and full of well-being.

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

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

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

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

The learning assessment method for this discipline may be carried out, at the discretion of the instructor, through a written test and/or an oral interview, or a combination of both. The examination consists of at least three questions covering the topics of the program. The examination will serve to verify knowledge of the topics covered in the course and to assess the skills acquired. The examination will assess the student's overall preparation, ability to integrate the knowledge of the different parts of the programme, consequentiality of reasoning, analytical ability and autonomy of judgement. In addition, language property and clarity of presentation are assessed, in accordance with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and understanding; 3. making judgements; 4. learning skills; 5. communication skills).

The final grade will be related 70% to the degree of knowledge and 30% to the expressive capacity and autonomous critical judgement demonstrated by the student. The examination will be graded according to the following criteria:

· 30-30L: very good level of knowledge and thorough understanding of topics. Excellent analytical and synthetic skills and independent judgement. Arguments expressed in an original manner and in appropriate technical language

· 27-29: complete knowledge and understanding of the topics; considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis. Good autonomy of judgement. Arguments presented in a rigorous manner and with appropriate/technical language.

· 24-26: fair knowledge and understanding of the topics; good analytical and synthetic skills with rigorously expressed arguments but not always appropriate/technical language.

· 21-23: surface knowledge and understanding of the topics; ability to analyse and synthesise correctly with sufficiently coherent logical argumentation and appropriate/technical language.

· 18-20: barely sufficient knowledge and understanding of the topics, with possible generalisations and imperfections; sufficient capacity for analysis, synthesis and autonomy of judgement; the topics are frequently exposed in an inconsistent manner and with inappropriate/technical language.

· Exam failed: important deficiencies and/or inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics; limited capacity for analysis and synthesis, frequent generalisations and limited critical and judgement skills; the topics are exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate language.

                -Markers of aging

                -Primary and secondary antioxidants

                -Inflammaging