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Biochemical Aspects of Oxygen Metabolities and Free Radicals

Course abstract

The study course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of oxygen and nitrogen species biochemistry (an active non-radical form of active oxygen and nitrogen).
The task of study:
1) to provide in-depth knowledge on free radicals, as well as antioxidant biochemistry;
2) biochemistry of some essential microelements: In norm, in some risk groups and the cases of most widespread diseases and pathologic conditions;

3) to introduce the practically used analytical equipment of laboratory and modern standardised analytical methods and to inform about existing legislation regulated quality control tests of analysis.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
1. Understand and explain the biochemistry of free radicals, pro-oxidative and antioxidative processes in the body, and their association with various pathological conditions and diseases.
2. Know and understand the analytical hardware and detection methods to be used in the research work of radical biochemistry.
Skills:
3. Capable of performing analyses according to the description of the method.
Competence:

4. Be able to deal with multi-disciplinary studies in the field of nutrition on an individual or team basis, in which the determination of total antioxidative status in the blood is important.

Course Content(Calendar)

Lectures
1. Oxygen as toxic gas. An introduction to oxygen toxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS). L2 2. The chemistry of Free radicals (FR). Free radicals’ interrelation with ROS. FR, other “reactive species” pathological conditions, and diseases. L4
2. FR and ROS as toxic derivatives of biochemical reactions. Reactive species as useful biomolecules. L4
3. Free radicals and antioxidant defence. Species with antioxidative and antiradical properties (RedOx homeostasis regulatory mechanism). L2
4. Oxidative stress: adaptation, damage, repair and cell death. L2
5. Oxidative stress and antioxidant protection: some special cases. Detection of free radicals and other reactive oxygen species in the laboratory. L2
Seminars
1. Oxidative stress: adaptation, damage, repair and cell death. S2
2. Oxidative stress and antioxidant protection: some special cases. Detection of free radicals and other reactive oxygen species in the laboratory. S2
Laboratory works

1. Determination of some antioxidants and/or lipid peroxidation markers in blood plasma. Lw 4

Requirements for awarding credit points

Lecture attendance is free, and participation in 2 workshops and practical work (work in the laboratory) is mandatory.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Student’s independent work is done individually by assigning the following tasks:
1) independent preparation for seminars, laboratory work and examination;

2) to read the relevant literature regarding themes of the course.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

For obtaining credit points is required:
1) participation in all seminars (40%);
2) laboratory work and practical work (30%);

3) final exam - written test (30%).

Compulsory reading

1. Free radicals in human health and diseases. Edit. Rani, V., Yadav, U.C.S. Springer, 2015., 446 p.
2. Inflammation, ageing, and oxidative stress. Edit. Bondy, S.C., Campbell, A. Springer International Publishing, 2016., 405 p.
3. Essentials of medical geology. Impacts of the natural environment. Edit. Seleniouis, O., Alloway, R., Centeno, J.A., Finkleman, R.B., Fuge, R., Lindh, U., Smedley, P. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Academic Press, 2005., 812 p.
4. Oxidative stress in cancer biology and therapy. Edit. Spitz, D.R., Domfeld, K.J., Krisshnan, K., Gius, D. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 2012., 462 p.
5. Redox signalling and regulation in biology and medicine. Edit. Jacob, C., Winyard, P.G. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Academic Press, 2005, 812 p.

6. Tirzītis, G., Škēstrs, A. (2007). Skābekļa atvasinājumi un brīvo radikāļu bioķīmiskie aspekti bioloģijā. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 106 lpp.

Further reading

1. Biosensors and bioelectronics. Edit. Karunakaren, C., Kalpana, B., Robson, B. Burlington, MA: Elsevier, 2015., 344 p.
2. McDermott, J.H. Antioxidant nutrients: Current dietary recommendations and research updates.

In: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1086580216311263

Periodicals and other sources

1. Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine.
2. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (https://nature.com/ejcn/

3. Nutra Ingredients: http://www.nutraingredients.com