M10001 - BIOLOGY OF HUMAN AND DEVELOPMENTAL VARIABILITY

General objectiveTo provide students with advanced knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and epigenetics, highlighting how physical activity can modulate both processes, with positive effects on the prevention and management of chronic diseases, healthy aging and health promotion.
Specific objectivesAt the end of the course, the student will be able to:1. Understand the biological mechanisms of oxidative stresso Describe the production and role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.o Distinguish between physiological and pathological oxidative stress.o Know the main endogenous and exogenous antioxidant systems.2. Analyze the impact of physical activity on the redox balanceo Understand how physical exercise modulates acute and chronic oxidative stress.o Interpret the mechanisms of antioxidant adaptation related to training.3. Acquire the fundamentals of the characteristics of the human genome, chromosomal and genetic alterations, and introduce epigenetics with its mechanisms, environmental influences, and analysis techniques.4. Interpret the role of physical exercise as an epigenetic modulatoro Identify epigenetic changes associated with physical activity in different contexts (muscle, metabolism, inflammation).o Discuss the potential of exercise in the epigenetic prevention of chronic diseases.5. Integrate knowledge in a translational and preventive perspectiveo Critically analyze recent scientific literature on oxidative stress and epigenetics applied to sport.o Propose physical exercise interventions aimed at epigenetic and antioxidant modulation, in a perspective of health promotion and preventive medicine.