The programme

Overview

The Doctoral Course in Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences is based on the Department of Medicine. The Course aims to provide the PhD candidate with the theoretical foundations and appropriate methodological knowledge to conduct research activities in various fields of biomedical sciences and to prepare them for a career as a university lecturer and/or researcher at public or private scientific institutions.

The proposed training path for PhD candidates reflects the multidisciplinarity of the Sections that constitute the Course itself. The PhD Course brings together researchers from both related fields (Dermatology, Hematology, Endocrinology, Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, Infectious Diseases, Medicine, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Rheumatology) and seemingly different ones (Maxillofacial Surgery, Pharmacology, Sports Sciences), but who find an integration in research, as well as the sharing of equipment and personnel. The scientific output of the various Sections is of excellent quality both quantitatively and, above all, qualitatively. Among the possible fields of development and research currently active and therefore proposed to PhD candidates are:

  • Characterization of resident and circulating immune cells during the progression of MASLD, the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of MASLD and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).
  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (in relation to physical activity, cardiovascular risk with related risk markers, clinical and psychological aspects, onset characteristics, and the use of immunomodulators), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; genetic aspects and evolution of micro and macrovascular complications; Diabetes related to Cystic Fibrosis; Post-pancreatectomy Diabetes: autologous beta cell transplantation, use of automated insulin infusion systems.
  • Pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacovigilance: Analysis of real-world data and big data for clinical and economic evaluations of drugs and vaccines with particular expertise in biotechnological therapies in autoimmune diseases, therapies for chronic degenerative diseases, and rare diseases; Polytherapy management; Clinical and translational research for the development of integrated therapeutic and preventive interventions for behavioral, cognitive disorders, and lifestyle.
  • Clinical-biological factors related to obstructive respiratory diseases in stability and exacerbation phases, Acute and chronic respiratory failure and related treatments (respiratory support); Rare respiratory diseases (α1AT deficiency, ASMD); Long-COVID; Secondary interstitial lung diseases, Sleep-related respiratory disorders and related ventilator treatments.
  • Liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) and extra-hepatic complications.
  • Chronic kidney diseases, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and traditional and peritoneal dialysis treatments.
  • NAFLD and its association with cardiovascular risk, risk of chronic kidney disease, and risk of other chronic degenerative diseases.
  • Obesity and its pharmacological as well as bariatric surgical treatment with related complications.
  • Osteoimmunology: relationship between the immune system and bone cells in the determinism of inflammatory, degenerative, and autoimmune osteoarticular pathologies, study of this relationship in relation to new diagnostic techniques and the most innovative therapeutic approaches.
  • Inflammatory, autoimmune, and tumor pancreatic diseases.
  • Relationship between air pollution and rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Role of stromal support in the development of malignant hematological diseases, adoptive cellular immunotherapy using CAR-T cells.
  • Role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of various diseases and the effect of plant compounds in combating oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
  • Study of the mechanisms linking inflammation to various chronic rheumatological, gastroenterological, dermatological, cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory diseases.
  • Study of the role of subclinical inflammation in aging mechanisms and in the determinism and progression of major tumors; Study of cardiovascular risk factors and aging and in particular arterial compliance.
  • Study of adapted physical activities in pathological conditions and aging.
  • Study of stem cells in regenerative medicine and in immuno-regulatory and anti-tumor cellular therapy as well as in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Assessment of nutritional status and its implications for health status in the elderly; Aging and body composition; Study of Sarcopenia and interactions with Obesity and Aging Anorexia, Identification and experimentation of new molecules capable of counteracting the mechanisms underlying aging processes.

The various Sections directly own and manage well-equipped laboratories and cutting-edge instrumentation including: 
- Laboratory of cell biology, tissue culture, molecular biology, cellular immunology, flow cytometry, cell separation, live cell microscopy, immunological assays, bone marker assays, immunofluorescence of cellular and tissue samples, Real-Time PCR... 
- Fibroscan with CAP, impedance meter, DXA densitometer, HRpQCT, Radiofrequency Ecographic Multi Spectrometry...
A significant portion of laboratory equipment is operational within the LURM: University Laboratory of Medical Research, a structure that promotes exchange and integration among researchers in a collaborative atmosphere, representing an additional advantage for the training of PhD candidates.