Biological Basis of Wellness | Università degli Studi di Milano Statale

A.Y. 2025/2026

Max ECTS

Overall hours

SSD

BIO/10 BIO/12 MED/13

Language

Italian

Included in the following degree programmes

Exercise Scienze for Healthy Life (Classe LM-67 R)-Enrolled from 2025/26 Academic Year

Learning objectives

The course provides knowledge in:
- the theoretical elements of the effects of the absence/excess of hormones involved in sports and physical activity and the theoretical principles underlying doping and antidoping
- the analytical biochemical/biomolecular methods for monitoring the effects of physical activity on health and well-being
- the biological methods and their use in genetic manipulation in sports
- the biochemical-molecular aspects of the development and differentiation of skeletal muscle
- the biomolecular processes underlying muscular hypertrophy and regenerative processes

Expected learning outcomes

Students will acquire the ability to critically analyze diverse aspects of physical activity (e.g., hormonal regulation, biochemical and biomolecular mechanisms in physical exercise) and to evaluate biochemical-molecular parameters for understanding the effects of exercise. On completing the course, students will possess a comprehensive overview of hormonal and biochemical-molecular effects of physical exercise and how to evaluate them.

Lesson period: First semester

Lessons timetable

Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi

Exams calendar

Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Take a single course

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible

Tringali Cristina Alessandra

Lesson period

First semester

Syllabus
(active tab)
Course structure

Course syllabus

Clinical biochemistry

Definition and utility of biochemical/molecular biomarkers for monitoring the effects of physical activity and to individualize training programs
Monitoring of the efficacy of physical activity in adults and older adults
- evaluation of sarcopenia
- evaluation of oxidative stress
- evaluation of inflammatory stress
- evaluation of satellite cells
- biochemical evaluation of cardiovascular status
Monitoring of the efficacy of physical activity in some pathologies:
- osteoporosis
- cancer
- musculoskeletal diseases
- inflammatory diseases
- neurodegenerative diseases

Muscle biochemistry
Il processo di differenziamento muscolare scheletrico.
Cellule satelliti muscolari: origine, caratteristiche e funzioni.
Il processo di rigenerazione del muscolo scheletrico.
Regolazione della massa muscolare: principali fattori e vie di segnale coinvolti; ruolo delle proteine di struttura del sarcomero e dei costameri. Atrofia muscolare.

Endocrinology
Hormones, receptors, mechanisms of action
Pathophysiology of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-thyroid axis
Pathophysiology of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal axis
Pathophysiology of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonad axis
GH-IGF-I axis, growth hormone, and physical exercise
Glucose metabolism and energy substrates
Pathophysiology of adipose tissue
Obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and physical exercise
Bone metabolism and physical exercise

Prerequisites for admission

Previous knowledge of:
- elements of human anatomy
- elements of general biochemistry

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and interactive activities

Teaching Resources

Lecture slides will be uploaded to the Ariel portal; scientific articles will be uploaded to the myAriel portal.
https://www.endotext.org
Core curriculum. Endocrinologia e Metabolismo, G.Faglia, P.Beck-Peccoz, 2014 McGraw-Hill ISBN 978883863979

Assessment methods and Criteria

Written exam with multiple choice questions. The test will be composed of 32 questions on clinical biochemistry, muscle biochemistry, and endocrinology (test duration: 35 minutes).
Evaluation: students will demonstrate: comprehension of hormonal mechanisms, exercise-related biochemical and molecular mechanisms, and the ability to evaluate the biochemical-molecular parameters best suited for monitoring the effects of physical activity.
Exam grading: 30/30.

BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 3
BIO/12 - CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 3
MED/13 - ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM - University credits: 3

Lessons: 54 hours

Professors: Corbetta Sabrina Luigia, Papini Nadia, Tringali Cristina Alessandra

Professor(s)

Corbetta Sabrina Luigia

Reception:

Thursday 12.00 am - 01.00 pm

IRCCS Istituto Auxologico, via Ariosto 9, Milan

Papini Nadia

Reception:

by appointment via email

v. F.lli Cervi, 93 LITA- Segrate

Tringali Cristina Alessandra

Reception:

By appointment by mail/phone

via F.lli Cervi 93-LITA Segrate

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