39213 - PHYSIOPATHOLOGY

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Jordi Sarola Gassiot

Trimester: First term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 2

• Catalan

There are some teaching materials in English.

The Physiopathology subject belongs to Subject 4, Nutrition Sciences, Dietetics and Health, and is of mandatory type.

The objectives are to know and understand the physiopathological mechanisms of the main diseases, the factors that influence them. At the same time, develop communication and treatment skills towards the patient.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer the prejudices of others.

 Topic 1. Concept and basis of disease:

• Physiopathology concept and contents.
• Instruments of the global assessment of a patient.
• Clinical history and clinical reasoning.
• Basis of diseases: genetics, infections, immunity, inflammation, oxidation, neoplasms.
• Alterations of thermoregulation.

Topic 2. Intermediary metabolism disorders:

• Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism: Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2.
• Disorders of lipid metabolism: dyslipemias.
• Disorders of protein metabolism: hyperuricemia and gout.

Topic 3. Pathophysiology of the digestive system:

• Oropharyngeal, esophageal and gastric pathology. Swallowing disorders (dysphagia), vomiting and esophagogastric reflux, ulcer, gastritis; gastrectomy
• Pathology of the small intestine. Alterations of motility (diarrhea and constipation), Malabsorption syndrome (short bowel syndrome: due to a massive intestinal resection:); Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). 2
• Food intolerances and allergies.
• Pathology of the colon and rectum. Diverticular disease, ischemic colitis, colon neoplasia; colectomy

Topic 4. Pathophysiology of the liver and pancreas (exocrine):

• Liver and gallbladder. Viral, toxic infections, autoimmune diseases, ischemia and genetic disorders (hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency); Effects of hepatobiliary diseases on nutrient metabolism, complications of cirrhosis (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy).
• exocrine pancreas Pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis), pancreatic neoplasia.

Topic 5. Pathophysiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and thyroid axis:

• Cushing's disease and Addison's disease.
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism.
• Others.

Topic 6. Changes in weight:

• Weight loss study.
• Alterations in eating behavior (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, others).
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome

Topic 7. Homeostasis of the internal environment:

• Alterations of the electrolyte balance.
• Alterations of the acid-base balance.

Topic 8. Pathophysiology of the renal system and urinary tract:

• Pathophysiology of the renal system.
• Nephrological syndromes.
• Pathophysiology of the urinary tract.

Topic 9. Cardiovascular pathophysiology:

• Arterial hypertension.
• Arteriosclerosis and ischemic heart disease.
• Heart failure.
• Alterations of heart rhythm.
• Other: congenital heart diseases, cardiac cachexia.

Topic 10. Pathophysiology of the respiratory system:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma.
• cystic fibrosis

Topic 11. Pathophysiology of the nervous system:

• Cerebrovascular disease: Vasculo-Cerebral Accident.
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease.

Topic 12. Pathophysiology of the hematological system:

• Alterations of the red series: anemias.
• Alterations of hemostasis.

Topic 13. Pathophysiology of bone metabolism. Osteo-articular pathophysiology:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Osteopenia-osteoporosis.

Topic 14. Infectious diseases:

• Definitions.
• Causal agents of infections in man.
• Tuberculosis, HIV infection.
• Others.

Tema 15. Hereditary diseases of metabolism, cancer and organ transplantation:

• Genetics and neoplastic diseases.
• Hereditary diseases of metabolism.

Seminars 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The assessment system for the skills and learning outcomes of this subject includes different assessment activities for Subject 4:

Evaluation of the face-to-face modality:

Evaluation of the virtual modality:

Evaluation activities

Seminars 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Group work and oral presentation

Virtual self-assessment questionnaires

Evaluation questionnaires associated with a reading, audiovisual material or podcast

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

In order for the exam grade to be averaged with the rest of the grades obtained during the course of the subject, it will be necessary to obtain a grade equal to or higher than 5 points out of a total of 10 points.

According to UPF regulations, students who have the option to make up the subject are those who have obtained a grade of "fail". If the subject is not passed, the only part that can be retaken is the exam, with an extraordinary exam (retake) within the same academic year.

The evaluation system and recovery period are detailed in the Learning Plan available in the virtual classroom at the beginning of the subject.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It should be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use.

Laso Guzmán, FJ Introduction to clinical medicine. Pathophysiology and semiology. 4th ed. Barcelona: Elsevier Spain 2020.

Planas, M.; Pérez-Portabella, C. (eds.). Physiopathology applied to nutrition. 1st ed. Barcelona: Ediciones Mayo, 2009.

Rozman, C. Cardellach, F. (eds). Internal medicine. Farreras/Rozman. 19th ed. Madrid: Elsevier Spain, 2020.

Mataix, J. Human Nutrition and Food. 2nd ed. (revised). Majadahonda: Ediciones Ergon, 2015.