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Duration
Identical coursesToxicology (B-KUL-E07U2A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
In this course unit, the student will get a thorough introduction to, mainly, the descriptive toxicology. He/she will be acquainted with the most important basics, starting from the concept ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). Furthermore, he/she will learn how substances are tested before they are allowed on the market. Here, the following issues are covered: dose-response, one-time vs. multiple exposure, alternative testing, genotoxicity, ... .
Previous knowledge
Thorough knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and physiology and basic knowledge of pharmacology.
Order of Enrolment
Mixed prerequisite:
You may only take this course if you comply with the prerequisites. Prerequisites can be strict or flexible, or can imply simultaneity. A degree level can be also be a prerequisite.
Explanation:
STRICT: You may only take this course if you have passed or applied tolerance for the courses for which this condition is set.
FLEXIBLE: You may only take this course if you have previously taken the courses for which this condition is set.
SIMULTANEOUS: You may only take this course if you also take the courses for which this condition is set (or have taken them previously).
DEGREE: You may only take this course if you have obtained this degree level.
SIMULTANEOUS(E07U0A)
The codes of the course units mentioned above correspond to the following course descriptions:
E07U0A : Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
Is included in these courses of study
- Master of Biomedical Sciences (Leuven) 120 ects.
Activities
4 ects. Toxicology (B-KUL-E07U2a)
Content
PART: Introduction - Concepts - Medical applications (examples)
Introduction
• Background
Important concepts
• Parameters in toxicology
• Units
• Dose-response relationship
• Absorption (different routes) – distribution – biotransformation (bioactivation) – excretion – toxicokinetics (in as much this was not covered in pharmacology)
• Interactions of products
Part: Pre-clinical testing
Introduction
• Background / Goal
• General principles
Acute toxicology
• Acute lethal toxicity / strategies
• Eye & skin irritation
Multidose (from sub-chronic to chronic)
• Requirements in different areas
• Study design / Most important end points / Target organs
Genotoxicology & Carcinogenesis
• Requirements in different areas
• Testing
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
• General structure (segments I - III and the reproductive cycle)
Immunotoxicity
• Immunosuppression / Hypersensibilisation
Safety Pharmacology (SP)
• Goal and principles
• SP vs toxicology
Biologicals
• Biologicals vs conventional drugs
Alternative tests
• Goals
• Approach
• Examples
Risk assessment – (without exposure evaluation)
• Approaches in different areas (strategies and differences)
• Drugs (e.g First dose in man?) / Chemicals / Work environment
Risks in the lab (personal risk evaluation)
Course material
Notes covering Introduction, concepts and medical applications
Slides covering pre-clinical test, plus notes of critical issues
Files containing data of preclinical test (used during the course)
Optional:
Trimbell, J., ed. Principles of Biochemical Toxicology. Paperback ± 400 pages (1999) Publisher: Taylor & Francis, ISBN: 0748407367
This is a basic textbook with a good balance between descriptive toxicology and the biochemical description of important processes in toxicology.
Jacobson-Kran, D & Keller, K.A. , eds Toxicological Testing Handbook. Second edition ± 500 pages (2006). This book gives a detailed overview of existing toxicity tests that are used for pharmaceutical producs, chemical products in industry and chemicals used in agriculture.
Format: more information
Active participation and taking notes is expected during the lectures. Prints of the slides (available via Toledo) can facilitate note taking. Small dataset of pre-clinical tests is available - will be discussed during course