To obtain a solid knowledge in immunopharmacology, respiratory, cardiovascular and renal, gastrointestinal and endocrine pharmacology. To know the main groups of drugs used in the different areas covered, understand their mechanisms of action and adverse reactions.

As learning outcomes, it is expected, by concluding this course, students must:

a) have a detailed knowledge of pharmacological targets and reference drugs used in different pathologies;
b) be able to critically evaluate evolution and the state of the art in each of the pharmacological areas addressed;
c) demonstrate a thorough knowledge of recent research advances in each area and be able to gather and select relevant information and to communicate it efficiently to different audiences and through different channels;
d) develop dynamic work inter-group and intra-group and demonstrate skills to communicate and discuss the pharmacological knowledge through various forms of communication and to different audiences.

 THEORETICAL CLASSES

1. IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY

1.1Cellular and molecular framework of immunopharmacology. Historical background, synthesis, release and inactivation of the main mediators, and potential pharmacological interventions with reference to the most representative drugs in each pathway and respetive therapeutic indications.
1.1.1General aspects of the host defense mechanisms. The recognition mechanisms of the strange or of danger in innate and acquired immunity: cells, messengers, cascades and metabolic pathways involved.
1.1.2The inflammatory response and its phases (induction and resolution). Inflammatory mediators: cells, release mechanisms and forms of pharmacological intervention.
1.1.3.Histamine
1.1.4Bradykinin (kalicreina / kinin system).
1.1.5NO and other gaseous messengers.
1.1.6The complement cascade.
1.1.7Cytokines: families and best known members and respective effects.
1.1.8Lipidic messengers. Eicosanoids.
1.1.9Other lipid messengers: PAF and endocannabinoids.
1.1.10The intracellular pathways involved in cell death and survival and opportunities for pharmacological intervention.
1.1.11Mechanisms to integrate intra- and extracellular signaling pathways. The example of the ALX receptor.

1.2The mechanisms of the classic anti-inflammatory drugs under the new molecular bases.
1.2.1 Anti-inflammatory drugs: major groups and differential pharmacological profiles.
1.2.2Corticosteroids: representative drugs and respective pharmacological profiles.

1.3Imunodrugs in specific contexts
1.3.1Rheumatic diseases
1.3.2Asthma and other respiratory diseases
1.3.3Inflammatory bowel diseases
1.3.4Cardiovascular inflammatory diseases
1.3.5Cancer


2. CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY 

2.1 DRUGS AFFECTING CARDIAC FUNCTION AND VASOACTIVE AGENTS
Integrative pharmacology of major cardiovascular diseases; mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties and adverse effects of the following groups os drugs:
2.1.1 Drugs used in hypertension and diuretics.
2.1.2 Vasodilatatores and treatment of angina pectoris.
2.1.3 Drugs used in heart failure.
2.1.4 Drugs used in cardiac arrhythmias.

3. ENDOCRINE PHARMACOLOGY 

Main pathologies that affect the endocrine system: mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic characteristics and adverse effects of drugs and hormones used in the treatment of these pathologies.

3.1 DRUGS AFFECTING HIPOTHALAMUS-PITUITARY AXIS
3.1.1 Hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroidism. Antithyroid drugs used in thyrotoxicosis.
3.1.2 Pituitary hormones analogues used in the treatment of GH deficiency. Drugs used to treat acromegaly / gigantism.
3.1.3 Contraceptive drugs.
3.1.4 Gonadotrophins and analogues to treat infertility.
3.1.5 Oxytocin and drugs that modify pregnancy and lactation.

3.2 Drugs used in diabetes mellitus: insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents.

 
PRACTICAL CLASSES


1. Assays to test pharmacodynamic effects of drugs in the cardiovascular system and on immunity: effects of NO on vascular tonus and effects of drugs on macrophage polarization.
2. In silico models to predict the pharmacokinetic profile of drugs.
3. Bibliographic research and presentation of a pharmacological framework within inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

The teaching methodologies adopted in lectures are based on general expositions by the teaching staff, with presentations of the state of the art in each of the topics mentioned, with the aim of helping students succeed in reaching the learning outcomes.
It is our aim to stimulate the participation of students, circumventing the limitations of having a huge group through the use of the Socrative program.

In practical / laboratory course, the methodologies adopted will be: (i) laboratory assays, using models of isolated cells or organs, to broaden the knowledge of the experimental methods of Pharmacology; (ii) simulations, using in silico models, of pharmacokinetic problems, and (iii) development of work in groups, on emergent topics in Pharmacology, with the aims of  increasing the competencies to collect  and select  scientific information and in the effective communication to their peers.

The assessment will cover all subjects taught in theoretical and practical lessons. 

FINAL MARK (0-20) = practical assessment (0-4) + final exam (0-16). 

For the practical assessment to be considered, the students must obtain the minimum score 7.0 values in the final exam. 
The final exam will consist of a questionnaire with multiple choice questions and two with short answers. It will be made in the Moodle platform.

The practical assessment will include two events, each comprising (i) the preparation of a summary of a topic of the area assigned to the group and (ii) the response to an individual questionnaire about topics summarized by the different groups of their class. Each event will have a maximum of 2.0 values.

Worker students and ERASMUS students may waive the practical assessment. In this case they will be assessed only in a final exam (scored of 20 values) that will cover all matters of theoretical and practical lessons. Students should notify their decision to the responsible of the discipline, early in the semester. In any case, ERASMUS students will have to attend practical classes.

According to the evaluation standards of FFUP.

The student will have to repeat only the final exam, and the final score will be the sum of the score obtained in the written examination and that obtained in the practical component.

The final mark will be the highest score obtained in the tests performed.