Toxicology 1400-ZS-TOK

The first part of the lecture is dedicated to xeniobiotics in the environment and comprises definition of xenobiotic, physical and chemical features that determine its fate in the environment, short introduction to detoxification processes in living organisms, general characteristics (physical and chemical properties, sources, forms in the environment, toxicity at the level of a cell and of an organism, analytic methods, examples of contamination/poisonings) of heavy metals, NaCl, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, DDT and other chloroorganic pesticides. We will also discuss main aims and forms of environmental monitoring in Poland and the EU, including the most important institutions responsible for monitoring processes (i.a. State Environmental Monitoring and General Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, European Environment Agency).
The second part of the lecture focuses on influence of doping substances on living organisms: anabolic substances (anabolic-androgenic steroid), hormones and similar compounds (erythropoietin, insulin, corticotrophin), beta–2 agonists, diuretics, stimulants, narcotics, canabinoides and glucocortystroids); analytical methods used for the detection (identification and determination) of doping substances in biological samples (urine, blood, saliva and hair). It tackles also with legal aspects of anti-doping activities of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), list of prohibited substances, evaluation of the reliability of results and its legal validity.
The last part of the lecture covers plant toxins, starting with definitions of plant primary and secondary metabolites and their biological and ecological functions. Plant toxins will be presented using a division into cytotoxins, dermatotoxins and neurotoxins. Among cytotoxins we discuss: (1) toxins interfering with cellular respiration (e.g. hydrogen cyanide), (2) toxins interfering with ribosomes (e.g. ricin), (3) toxins interfering with cytoskeleton (e.g. mitotic poisons). Among dermatotoxins we discuss toxins intercalating into DNA (e.g. furanocumarines) and toxins acting as proteases. Furthermore, we will present urushiol, which is a mixture of lipids produced by i.a. poison ivy or cashew tree, and causing serious allergic reaction. Among neurotoxins we discuss: (1) toxins interfering with ion channels (e.g. cardiac glycosides), (2) toxins interfering with neuroreceptors (e.g. caffeine), (3) toxins interfering with decomposition and/or reuptake of neurotransmitters.
During laboratory classes we present environmental fate of mercury, including bioaccumulation and biomagnification (analysis of Hg content in tissues of animals from different trophic levels); isolate chosen plant toxins and purify their extracts (convalatoxin, caffeine); present analytical methods used in anti-doping laboratories. Apart from laboratory work, students will prepare and present risk assessments of certain infrastructure (e.g. huge farm, airport), focusing on pollution problem.