HYPOTHALAMIC–PITUITARY–TESTICULAR AXIS
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Andrea M. Isidori – Position: Professor
Program content: Regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis: pathophysiology of hypogonadism. Defects at one or more levels of the HPT axis can lead to primary or secondary hypogonadism. The changes occurring in the HPT axis from fetal life to adulthood are fundamental for understanding the pathophysiology of hypogonadism. This seminar summarizes the maturation and neuroendocrine regulation of the HPT axis, discussing the main congenital and acquired causes of male hypogonadism at both the (1) hypothalamic–pituitary level (secondary hypogonadism) and (2) testicular level (primary hypogonadism).
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 14/12/2022
TRANSGENDERISM
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 1
Course instructor: Francesco Lombardo – Position: Professor
Program content: Introduction to transgenderism: definitions and socio-cultural aspects. Biological aspects: development of gender identity. Transition pathways: hormonal and surgical approaches, overview of available options. Impact of hormone therapy: effects and management. Psychological aspects: support and mental health. Legal and social aspects: rights, inclusion, legal documentation changes. Resources and support networks. Role of healthcare professionals: endocrinologists, psychologists, surgeons. Open issues and future challenges: research, healthcare policies, social acceptance.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 18/01/2023
SPERMATOGENESIS AND THE Y CHROMOSOME
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 2
Course instructor: Donatella Paoli – Position: Professor
Program content: Introduction to spermatogenesis. Evolutionary history of the Y chromosome. Structure and function of the Y chromosome: gene regions, pseudoautosomal and Y-specific regions. Role of the Y chromosome in spermatogenesis: critical genes and mechanisms. Involved genes: SRY, AZF regions, and others. Current state of research. Genetic disorders related to the Y chromosome and their impact on fertility. Genetic testing techniques: molecular analysis and sequencing. Therapeutic approaches and fertility management in the presence of abnormalities. Future perspectives: gene therapy and biotechnological advances.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 15/02/2023
NEW CLASSIFICATION OF HUMAN SPERMATOGENESIS
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Francesco Lombardo – Position: Professor
Program content: Overview of spermatogenesis: process, classical phases, and significance. Historical evolution of classifications. Rationale for the new classification: scientific advances and limitations of previous systems. Description of the new classification: criteria, categories, and key differences. Molecular and cellular aspects: markers and cell interactions. Clinical implications: diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Analytical methods and advanced technologies. Impact on research and fertility treatments. Benefits and limitations. Future perspectives and research directions.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 15/03/2023
MALE INFERTILITY AND VITAMIN D
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 1
Course instructor: Andrea Isidori – Position: Professor
Program content: Overview of male infertility: definition, epidemiology, and common causes. Vitamin D: synthesis, sources, and optimal levels. Interaction between vitamin D and male reproductive function: mechanisms. Evidence on the correlation between vitamin D and male infertility. Semen quality: concentration, motility, and morphology. Supplementation: recommendations, dosage, and considerations. Effects of deficiency: hormonal impact and spermatogenesis. Therapeutic and nutritional strategies. Discussion of clinical cases. Challenges and future research perspectives.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 05/04/2023
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Carla Lubrano – Position: Professor
Program content: Definition, classification, and environmental sources of endocrine disruptors. Mechanisms of action: hormone receptors and signaling pathways. Effects on reproduction, development, and metabolism. Impact on fertility and fetal/neonatal development. Relationship with obesity, diabetes, and endocrine disorders. Epidemiological studies: results and limitations. Assessment methodologies: in vitro, in vivo, biomonitoring. Regulations and exposure reduction policies. Individual and collective prevention strategies. Future trends: emerging compounds and holistic approaches.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 19/04/2023
METHYLATION PROFILES OF THE MALE GAMETE
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Donatella Paoli – Position: Professor
Program content: DNA methylation: basic concepts and gene regulation. Methylation patterns in the male gamete and differences compared with the female gamete. Techniques (bisulfite sequencing, NGS). Role in spermatogenesis. Association with male infertility. Impact of environment and lifestyle. Transgenerational transmission of epigenetic information. Therapeutic approaches and modulation strategies. Ethical aspects and future implications. Clinical applications in andrology.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 17/05/2023
GLUCOCORTICOID BIOLOGY
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Elisa Giannetta – Position: Professor
Program content: Chemical structure and production of glucocorticoids; physiological role. Mechanisms of action: receptors, signal transduction, genomic effects. Metabolic effects on glucose, proteins, and lipids. Role in stress response. Effects on the immune system. Dysregulation: Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. Therapeutic use: benefits and risks. Glucocorticoid resistance: causes and management. Research techniques: in vitro studies, animal models, clinical analyses. Future challenges: new therapies and personalized approaches.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 14/06/2023
APOLIPOPROTEIN POLYMORPHISMS
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Gisella Cavallo – Position: Professor
Program content: Structure and function of apolipoproteins and their role in lipid metabolism. Genetic polymorphisms: definition and functional impact. ApoA, ApoB, ApoE variants. Associations with cardiovascular disease and atherogenesis. Detection techniques (PCR, sequencing, association studies). Clinical and epidemiological evidence. Risk management strategies and personalized approaches. Role of diet and lifestyle. Future perspectives: gene therapy and personalized interventions.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 28/06/2023
STATISTICAL MODELS APPLIED TO RESEARCH
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Eleonora Poggiogalle – Position: Professor
Program content: Fundamentals of statistics for research; data types and distributions. Model selection criteria. Descriptive and inferential statistics. Linear, multiple, logistic, and nonlinear regression models. Survival analysis (Kaplan–Meier, Cox). Categorical data analysis (Chi-square, contingency tables). Multivariate analysis (PCA, factor analysis). Software (R, SPSS, SAS, Python). Ethics and bias: data management, interpretation, and reporting.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 12/07/2023
HOW TO WRITE AND INTERPRET A SCIENTIFIC PAPER
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Stefania Basili – Position: Professor
Program content: Practical advice for writing and publishing scientific papers. Online resources. Supplementary materials, reference managers, preparation of tables and figures. Structuring the discussion; strengths and limitations. International aspects of scientific writing. From journal selection to submission and citation. Ethical issues, authorship, and permissions. Grant writing, presentations, and communication for a general audience.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 26/07/2023
CRYOPRESERVATION OF GAMETES AND EMBRYOS
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 3
Course instructor: Donatella Paoli – Position: Professor
Program content: Principles and history of cryopreservation. Techniques for sperm and oocytes; success indicators. Embryo cryopreservation: protocols, cryoprotectants, survival. Clinical applications: IVF, gamete donation, fertility preservation. Advanced technologies. Impact on quality and morphological/genetic assessment. Legal and ethical aspects: storage and use. Reproductive outcomes: implantation, pregnancy, neonatal outcomes. Technical challenges and innovations. Psychosocial aspects.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 13/09/2023
TESTICULAR TUMORS
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 2
Course instructor: Carlotta Pozza – Position: Professor
Program content: Epidemiology, types, and risk factors. Histological classification and morphological features. Immunohistochemistry: markers and prognostic value. Molecular alterations and expression profiles. Multiparametric ultrasound: technique, advantages, limitations. Benign vs malignant differentiation and clinicopathological correlation. Clinical management: therapy, monitoring, adjuvant treatments. Biopsy and advanced imaging. Follow-up and surveillance. Future perspectives: new therapies and personalized approaches.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 27/09/2023
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Type: Part of the educational program
Delivery mode: Seminar
Number of hours: 2
Course instructor: Daniele Gianfrilli – Position: Professor
Program content: Definition, prevalence, and clinical relevance. Physiology of erection (neurovascular and hormonal mechanisms). Psychological and organic causes. Association with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Assessment: medical history, physical examination, diagnostic tests. Therapies: PDE5 inhibitors, hormonal treatments, devices, psychotherapy. Innovative treatments. Impact on quality of life and relationships. Prevention and lifestyle interventions. Future developments and research.
Final assessment: Oral examination
Date: Wednesday, 11/10/2023
Seminars
• 14/02/2022 – S.T.I.T.C.H. Open Seminar on Big Data and Medicine
• 04/03/2022 – Prof. Giorgio Manzi Climate, environments, human populations and adaptation
• 11/03/2022 – Prof. Saverio Cinti The adipose organ
• 21/03/2022 – S.T.I.T.C.H. Eco4co Project
• 23/03/2022 – S.T.I.T.C.H. Open Seminar on Big Data and Medicine
• 06/04/2022 Food security and quality of life
• 06/04/2022 – S.T.I.T.C.H. Natural products as a resource in drug discovery
• 13/04/2022 – S.T.I.T.C.H. The end of medicine and the last doctor
• 30/11/2022 Male breast cancer
• 14/04/2023 – Prof. Toni Mancini Concrete innovation goals driving research
• 28/04/2023 – Prof. Alessandro Doria Polygenic risk in cardiometabolic disorders
• 09/06/2023 – Prof. Philippe Froguel Genetics of obesity