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Medical Biochemistry

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:14.00
Study Course Accepted:09.05.2024 10:01:09
Study Course Information
Course Code:CFUBK_072LQF level:Level 7
Credit Points:11.00ECTS:16.50
Branch of Science:Chemistry; BiochemistryTarget Audience:Medicine
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Dace Reihmane
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, cfbkatrsu[pnkts]lv, dace[pnkts]reihmaneatrsu[pnkts]lv, +371 67061550
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)16Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures32
Classes (count)71Class Length (academic hours)1Total Contact Hours of Classes71
Total Contact Hours103
Full-Time - Semester No.2
Lectures (count)11Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures22
Classes (count)51Class Length (academic hours)1Total Contact Hours of Classes51
Total Contact Hours73
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Physics, chemistry, biology, anatomy.
Objective:
To provide theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemical processes (digestion and metabolism) occurring in human organism on a molecular level. To facilitate the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of biochemical processes both on molecular as well as on physiological level. To elucidate differences in and specific adaptations of biochemical processes in various tissues/organs (cell metabolism). To gain insight in pathological processes related to energy metabolism. To know the use of important biochemical markers and understand basic principles of their quantitative and qualitative detection methods.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Organic Compounds. Functional Groups and Isomers.Lectures1.00auditorium
2Functional groups, isomers, basic organic compounds.Classes3.00other
3General properties of functional groups. Reaction types (Oxidation – Reduction; Condensation and Hydrolysis; SN1, SN2, E1, E2).Lectures1.00auditorium
4Functional groups, reaction mechanisms (oxidation – reduction; condensation, hydrolysis; SN, E mechanisms). Chemical bonds.Classes3.00auditorium
5Carbohydrates. Structure. Properties.Lectures1.00auditorium
6Reducing properties of sugars.Classes2.00laboratory
7Structure, optical and structural isomers, mono-, di-, poli-saccharides.Classes3.00other
8Fats. Structures. Properties.Lectures1.00other
9Amino acids and Proteins. Structure. Properties.Lectures1.00auditorium
10Denaturation of proteins.Classes2.00laboratory
11Lipids. Structures. Properties. Amino acids, proteins, structures. Intermolecular forces.Classes3.00other
12Enzymes, enzyme classes, enzyme specificities.Lectures1.00auditorium
13Influence of temperature and pH on enzyme activity.Classes2.00laboratory
14Test: Macromolecules and reaction mechanisms. / Recognizing and describing enzyme classes.Classes3.00other
15Enzyme activation and inhibition mechanisms.Lectures1.00auditorium
16Specificity of enzymes.Classes2.00laboratory
17Enzyme activation and inhibition mechanisms, their use in medicine.Classes3.00auditorium
18Regulation of Enzyme activity in metabolic pathways, vitamins as biological catalysts.Lectures1.00auditorium
19Activation and inhibition of salivary amylase, changes in amyloclastic force.Classes2.00laboratory
20General metabolic regulation and vitamin derived cofactors.Classes3.00other
21Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and proteins.Lectures1.00auditorium
22Analysis of glucosidases in digestive juices.Classes2.00laboratory
23Hydrolysis of nutrients, peptide chain cleavage.Classes3.00other
24Digestion and absorption of lipids, synthesis and functions of bile acids/salts.Lectures1.00auditorium
25Functions of the lipase and bile, structure of bile acids.Classes2.00laboratory
26Hydrolysis of nutrients, diseases related to digestion.Classes3.00auditorium
27Colloquium I.Classes3.00auditorium
28GlycolysisLectures1.00auditorium
29Regulation of glycolysis, differences in various tissuesClasses3.00auditorium
30Oxidative decarboxylation. The Citric Acid (Tricarboxylic acid, Krebs) Cycle.Lectures1.00auditorium
31Determination of succinate dehydrogenase.Classes2.00laboratory
32Anabolic role of CAC. Calculations of acquired energy.Classes3.00other
33Bioenergetics, role of ATP in human metabolism. Oxidative stress.Lectures1.00auditorium
34Determination of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase).Classes2.00laboratory
35Oxidative stress. Activators and inhibitors of ETC.Classes3.00other
36Anaerobic glycolysis, buffer systems, gluconeogenesis, cori cycle.Lectures1.00other
37Determination of pyruvate, lactate.Classes2.00laboratory
38Lactic acidosis - symptoms, causes and treatments.Classes3.00auditorium
39Malate-aspartate shuttle. Glycerol-3P shuttle. Pentose Phosphate Pathway. Fructose metabolism.Lectures1.00auditorium
40Metabolism of glycogen and galactose. Blood glucose homeostasis.Lectures1.00auditorium
41Oxidation of carbohydrates. Dismetabolism.Classes3.00other
42Storage of carbohydrates. Dismetabolism.Classes3.00other
43Colloquium II.Classes3.00auditorium
44Transport and storage of lipids. Biosynthesis of cholesterol, functions.Lectures1.00auditorium
45Lipoproteins (HDL, LDL), Cholesterol, relation to high CH diet, hypercholesterolaemia.Classes3.00other
46Fatty Acid Catabolism, KetogenesisLectures1.00auditorium
47Energy in lipid metabolism – calculations. Carnitine deficiency, ketoacidosis.Classes3.00other
48Lipid biosynthesis (Fatty acids, TAGs and membrane Phospholipids).Lectures1.00auditorium
49Lipid biosynthesis - calculations, related pathologies.Classes3.00auditorium
50Protein catabolism, amino acid oxidation and the production of urea.Lectures1.00auditorium
51Transamination, deamination, role in various tissues. Importance of clinical biomarkers (ALT and AST).Classes3.00other
52Biosynthesis of amino acids, their derivates – biogenic amines, creatine, glutathione. Biosynthesis and degradation of purines, pyrimidines, heme.Lectures1.00auditorium
53Variety of nitrogen containing compounds and their functions in body.Classes3.00auditorium
54Hormones – classification and characteristics based on structure, general action mechanisms.Lectures1.00auditorium
55Hormonal regulation (insulin, glucagon) of metabolism in absorptive/postabsorptive periods.Classes3.00other
56Blood and urine biomarkers of nitrogen metabolism.Classes3.00auditorium
57Colloquium III.Classes3.00auditorium
58Liver metabolism.Lectures1.00auditorium
59The role of liver in detoxification. Enzymes in diagnostics (e.g. ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase).Classes3.00other
60Obesity, body weight regulation.Lectures1.00auditorium
61Factors related to increased risk of obesity.Classes3.00other
62Fuel metabolism during exercise.Lectures1.00auditorium
63Aspects that determine the use of different energy systems. Heath benefits provided by regular physical activity.Classes3.00other
64Can we "run away" from Metabolic Syndrome?Lectures1.00auditorium
65Metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.Classes3.00other
66Metabolic aspects of oncological disease.Lectures1.00auditorium
67Big data analysis with R.Classes3.00other
68Colloquium IV.Classes3.00auditorium
69General overview about enzymes and digestion.Classes3.00auditorium
70General overview about carbohydrate metabolsim.Classes3.00auditorium
71General overview about protein and lipid metabolism.Classes3.00auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
Study course includes 238 hours of independent work, 22 of those are going to be in the form of organized work for preparation of presentations. Other 216 hours include the following: • independent study of sources provided in e-studies (books, review articles); • prior preparation of homework given in e-studies (multiple tasks representing the main concept of the colloquium) for each practical class and covering topics from previous lectures; • completing on-line tests in e-studies prepared for each practical class for self-control; • preparation of practical work reports; • use of ones own knowledge in resolving cases (list of clinical tasks can be found on e-studies); • analysis of scientific publications; • individual preparation for colloquiums and exam; • voluntary research work. In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.
Assessment Criteria:
The protocol of laboratory work includes justification of the results obtained, interpretation of the results in the clinical aspect, answers to an additional individual question related to the topic Colloquium include detailed multiple choice questions that require specific theoretical and practical knowledge; various assignments assessing students’ understanding of biochemical processes and their regulation; clinical tasks estimating the ability to use the acquired knowledge by analyzing simplified clinical tasks. Examination (final assessment) includes general multiple choice questions on all topics covered during the study course; various written assignments requiring detailed knowledge of the main digestive and metabolic processes; oral questions which are designed to evaluate students’ general understanding of the relationship between biochemical processes that provide homeostasis in the body and potential dismetabolism or related pathologies. The final grade in study course Medical Biochemistry will be cumulative assessment of interim (50%) and end-of-course (50%) examinations. During the study course there will be 4 Interim examinations – colloquiums. Grade of colloquiums will be cumulative assessment of: • actual results of colloquium (85%); • average results of the mandatory quizzes held after each seminar (15%). For successful preparation for seminars bonus points to the respective colloquium can be gained. If quiz before seminar is filled out with ≥ 70% correct answers, student earns additional 1% to the colloquium grade. To gain access to Interim examinations: • all corresponding E-protocols must be passed (≥ 85% correct answers); • all quizzes after seminars must be held; • for first colloquium (Semester 1) additionally Test "Macromolecules and reaction mechanisms" must be passed. • for fourth colloquium (Semester 2) additionally Presentation "Novelty of the year in biochemistry" must be made. After successful interim examinations one written final exam will be held.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam (Written)
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:On completion of the course students will be able to: • explain and describe the synthesis and hydrolysis of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates; • name factors influencing enzyme activity; • classify digestive enzymes according to their mechanism of action and name the enzymes involved in digestion of the main nutrient classes; • recognise and name the basic metabolites of carbohydrate metabolism, name enzymes and characterise their principle of action, explain the role and regulation of various metabolic pathways and cycles (e.g. glycolysis, oxidative decarboxylation and the Krebs cycle, glycogen synthesis and breakdown); • identify and recognise the major metabolites of lipid metabolism, name enzymes and describe their principle of action, explain the role and regulation of various metabolic pathways (e.g. beta oxidation, fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis); • recognise and name the major metabolites of amino acid metabolism, name enzymes and characterise the principle of action, explain the role and regulation of metabolic pathways (e.g. ammonium detoxification and urea cycle); • describe metabolic pathways in human metabolism that connect carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids and allow these groups of substances to transform into each other, name hormones that affect these transformations; • name and explain complications related to dysfunction of biochemical pathways studied in the course (e.g. lactoacidosis and ketoacidosis); • name and explain differences between biochemical processes of various tissues/organs (cellular metabolism) and their specific adaptations; • learn methods required for basic biochemistry analysis performed in medicine.
Skills:1. Use of knowledge – ability to: • explain how enzymes activity is affected, based on the mechanism of action of enzymes; • explain how molecules are sequentially digested during digestion process, identify end products of digestion process; • explain step by step using the appropriate metabolic pathways, carbohydrates degradation for energy generation and carbohydrate storage; • explain sequentially with appropriate metabolic pathways, lipid breakdown for energy extraction and carbohydrates storage; • explain sequentially using the appropriate metabolic pathways, the degradation of amino acids for energy generation, fate of the carbon skeleton and the ammonia detoxification; • explain step by step using the appropriate metabolic pathways, interactions between fats and sugars and evaluate in which metabolic situations these transformations take place; • explain the application and basic principle of biochemical tests of biological samples (blood and urine) used to determine the functional state of the human body. 2. Problem solving skills. 3. Skills to use scientific literature as a source of information. 4. Laboratory safety skills. 5. Communication skills gained through organized team work.
Competencies:On completion of the course students will be able to: • assess possible changes in the regulation of enzymes in various homeostatic disorders and predict the consequences on total metabolism; • analyse possible changes on the digestive process with low activity of certain digestive enzymes, and predict consequences on the total spectrum of absorbed nutrients; • analyse possible changes in human metabolism in the presence of some carbohydrate, lipid or amino acid pathway disorders and predict their effects on other metabolic pathways and human homeostasis; • use the skills acquired in laboratory work – prepare and conduct laboratory experiment, use the relevant equipment and evaluate the results in further practical or scientific work; • integrate knowledge of biochemistry as part of the knowledge of the individual by promoting a perception of the human as a single organism.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Nelson, D. L. and Cox, M. M. 2017. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 7th ed. New York: W. H. Freeman & Co (ISBN: 978-1464187964)
2Baynes, J.W. and Marek H. Dominiczak M.H. 2019. Medical Biochemistry. 5th ed. Elsevier Limited.
Additional Reading
1Murray, R. K., Granner, D.K., Mayes, P. A. and Rodwell, V.W. 2018. Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, 31th ed. USA: McGraw-Hill Companies.
2Berg, J. M. , Tymoczko, J.L. and Stryer, L. 2015. Biochemistry. 5th ed. New York: W H Freeman.
3Devlin, T.M. 2011. Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations (Wiley-Liss; 7th ed.). 1240
4Harvey, R.A. and Ferrier, D.R. 2010. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry (Lippincott's Illustrated Teviews Series). 544
5Miķelsone, V. 2008. Bioķīmija. Jelgava, LLU.
6Lieberman, M.A. and Peet, A. 2018. Marks' Basic Medical Biochemistry. 5th ed. Lippincott Williams& Wilkins
7Ārvalstu studentiem/For international students:
8Murray, R. K., Granner, D.K., Mayes, P. A. and Rodwell, V.W. 2018. Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, 31th ed. USA: McGraw-Hill Companies.
9Devlin, T.M. 2011. Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations (Wiley-Liss; 7th ed.). 1240
10Harvey, R.A. and Ferrier, D.R. 2010. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry (Lippincott's Illustrated Teviews Series). 544
Other Information Sources
1Zinātniskie raksti PubMed žurnālos
2Currie, E., Schulze A., Zechner R., Walther, T. C., and Farese Jr., R. V. 2013. Cellular Fatty Acid Metabolism and Cancer. Cell Metabolism. 18 (2), 153–161.
3Kaoutari, A. E., Armougom, F., Gordon, J. I., Raoult, D. and Henrissa, B. 2013. The abundance and variety of carbohydrate-active enzymes in the human gut microbiota. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 11, 497–504.
4Mudgil, D. and Barak, S., 2013. Composition, properties and health benefits of indigestible carbohydrate polymers as dietaryfiber:A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.61, 1-6. Science Direct. Research gate.
5Vaishnavi, S. N., Vlassenko, A. G., Rundle, M. M., Snyder, A. Z., et.al. 2010. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 107 (41) 17757-17762.
6Wu, F. and Minteer, S. 2015. Krebs Cycle Metabolon: Structural Evidence of Substrate Channeling Revealed by Cross‐Linking and Mass Spectrometry. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 54: 1851-1854.
7King, M. W. The medical biochemistry page.
8Lipid absorption 2016. In Boron, W. and Boulpaep E,. ed. Medical Physiology. 3rd ed. Philadelpia: Elsevier.