Toxicology

obligatory courses

During the lectures we present (1) general characteristics of the chosen xenobiotics (physical and chemical properties, sources, forms in the environment, toxicity at the level of a cell and of an organism, analytical methods, examples of contamination/poisonings); (2) aims and forms of environmental monitoring in Poland and the EU and institutions responsible for monitoring processes; (3) influence of doping substances on living organisms and anti-doping analytical methods; (4) characteristics of the chosen plant toxins classified as cytotoxins, dermatotoxins and neurotoxins.

During laboratory classes we focus on fate of Hg in the environment, risk assessments of certain infrastructure (e.g. huge farm, airport), focusing on pollution problem, isolation of the chosen plant toxins and examples of anti-doping analytical methods.

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.

Walker C.H., Hopkin S.P., Sibly R.M., Peakall D.B. 2001 – Principles of ecotoxicology ekotoksykologii –Taylor and Francis,Laskowski R., Migula P. 2004- Ekotoksykologia od komórki do ekosystemu – PWRiL- D. Kealey, P.J. Haines, (2005) Analytical chemistry- W. G. Bieriezkin, WNT (1992) Chromatografia. -Antydoping w Polsce, redakcja A. Pokrywka, wyd. Instytut Sportu, Warszawa (2009)- Kołodziejczyk A., Naturalne związki organiczne, Wydawnictwo naukowe PWN (2004)- Toksykologia współczesna (red. W Seńczuk) (2007) PZWL.-Analytical toxicology for clinical, forensic and pharmaceutical chemicals (H. Brandenberger, R. A. A. Maes, eds.) de Gruyter 1977.

After this course, student should:

- assess the range of implementation of studied analytical methods;

- interprete obtained results;

- define aim of research and plan the necesary activities to obtain it;

- use standardized analytical procedures and compare results with existing norms;

- have information on doping and its effects on living organisms;

- know analytical procedures for identification and isolation of chosen groups of organic compounds.

Excercises: qualitatitve and quantitative evaluation of laboratory activities, presentation from group work.

Lecture: exam in form of a test.