QF-PCR is a widely used molecular biology method. To name just a few of its uses, it is considered to be useful in paternity tests, identification tests or prenatal diagnostics. Therefore, there is a good chance that medical faculty students would come into contact with this technology — directly or indirectly — during their professional work. The following article proposes a teaching classes scenario conducted in the problem-based learning manner, which aims to familiarize students with the QF-PCR technique. In addition, other modern methods of molecular genetics are among topics that students can learn during the problem-based learning modules. The classes are divided into three parts. In the first part, students learn about the possible usage of QF-PCR in paternity tests. The second part focuses on learning about the advantages and limitations of QF-PCR in prenatal diagnosis. Learning activities in the last part are designed to show the limitations of the diagnostic properties of the method — students analyze the case study, in which QF-PCR must be replaced by other modern methods of molecular genetics. By analyzing three independent stories, students learn about usage, advantages and limitations of QF-PCR, and additionally gain knowledge in basic, pre-clinical and clinical sciences. This course is designated as an elective course for final year medical students who have completed either: a basic genetics course, a mo-lecular genetics course, a biochemistry course or a molecular biology course. The focus of the classes is to draw students’ attention to the possible application and rapid development of molecular biology techni-ques, which is the base for modern therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

Background: Despite advanced research and great progress in understanding the chronic pancreatitis (CP) pathogenesis, no current causal treatment for the condition is available. For preclinical studies, the existence of a well-characterized CP animal model is essential.
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of chronic pancreatitis on the antioxidant enzymes activity in rat blood serum and on the level of glutathione (intracellular antioxidant) in rat pancreas.
Methods: The experiments were carried out on the Wistar Kyoto rats in two groups: control and study group (CP), in which chemical induction of pancreatitis with dibutyl dichloride was performed. Serum enzyme activities of amylase, lipase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were analyzed. The levels of the following biochemical parameters were also investigated: total protein, albumin, calcium, magnesium, and triglycerides. Levels of low-molecular-weight thiols: reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, were determined in pancreatic homogenates.
Results: Histopathological imaging of rat pancreatic parenchyma with induced inflammation confirmed focal lymphocytic interstitial chronic pancreatitis with fibrosis features and mild parenchymal atrophy, as well as pancreatic islets degeneration. In the CP group, we observed a statistically significant decrease in serum amylase and lipase activities and in total protein/albumin levels. Also, the elevated catalase activity was registered. In CP rats’ tissues, we observed a 15-fold reduction in GSH levels. The other examined parameters remained unchanged. Clinically relevant are hypoalbuminemia and a moderate decrease in lipase activity. The described changes are most probably indicative of the impaired exocrine pancreas function, however without organ failure features.