1 Human evolution and physical exercise: the concept of being \"born to run\" - L. Luzi 2 Cell morphology and function: the specificities of muscle cells - A. Maestroni 3 Cell membrane of the contractile unit - G. Zerbini 4 Gene polymorphisms and athletic I. Teruzzi 5 Nutrients and whole-body energy metabolism - S. Benedini 6 Mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial study for ATP synthesis - R. Codella 7 Excessive nutrients and regional energy metabolism - G. Perseghin 8 Muscle biopsy to assess mitochondrial turnover - R. Barazzoni 9 Use of tracer-based study of metabolism in vivo - A. Caumo 10 Physical activity and inflammation - P. Fiorina 11 The HPA axis and the regulation of energy balance - F. Frigerio 12 Physical exercise in obesity and mental anorexia - A. Battezzati 13 Physical exercise and transplantation - V. Lauriola, C. Ricordi 14 The baboon as a primate model to study physiology and metabolic effects of exercise - F. Folli, F. Casiraghi