Effects of Environmental Pollutants and Endocrine Disruptors On the Health of Living Beings

The teaching objective is to provide knowledge related to environmental alterations by pollutants, with particular interest in endocrine disruptors and their consequences on the ecosystem and the health of living beings. Regarding the general effect of environmental pollutants, some substances will be taken as examples and the molecular mechanisms responsible for their toxic activity will be analyzed. The course will also provide a general foundation of endocrinology necessary to discuss how such substances are able to alter the function of the thyroid gland, the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, the nervous system, and consequently metabolism, reproduction, fertility, and behavior. In addition, various stages of human life (pre- and post-natal) will be considered with emphasis on assessing the possible risks associated with their exposure. This topic will then be useful in minimizing the possible risks of exposure to these substances, in daily life.
Participation in the planned training activities (face-to-face lectures) will thus enable students to acquire general knowledge and fundamentals about environmental pollutants and endocrine disruptors and the effects they may have on the health of living beings.

Knowledge of the basics and molecular mechanisms of the effect of pollutants on the environment and health and the possible risks associated with endocrine disruptor exposure. Ability to find the technical, scientific and regulatory information in the area of pollution and ecosystem safety. Acquisition of terminology and technical skills related to the teaching topic. Acquisition of comprehension and critical skills through the use of bibliographic and communicative sources through oral and written reporting of technical and scientific content.