A Novel Perspective on the Biology of Bilirubin in Health and Disease.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2016
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.07.004
Abstract
Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) is known to be one of the most potent endogenous antioxidant substances. While hyperbilirubinemia has long been recognized as an ominous sign of liver dysfunction, recent data strongly indicate that mildly elevated bilirubin (BLB) levels can be protective against an array of diseases associated with increased oxidative stress. These clinical observations are supported by new discoveries relating to the role of BLB in immunosuppression and inhibition of protein phosphorylation, resulting in the modulation of intracellular signaling pathways in vascular biology and cancer, among others. Collectively, the evidence suggests that targeting BLB metabolism could be considered a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate a variety of conditions.
Journal Title
Trends in molecular medicine
Volume
22
Issue
9
First Page
758
Last Page
768
MeSH Keywords
Animals; Antioxidants; Bilirubin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Hyperbilirubinemia; Inflammation; Neoplasms; Nervous System Diseases; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction
Keywords
bilirubin; bilirubinomics; human health; intracellular events; redox state
Recommended Citation
Gazzin S, Vitek L, Watchko J, Shapiro SM, Tiribelli C. A Novel Perspective on the Biology of Bilirubin in Health and Disease. Trends Mol Med. 2016;22(9):758-768. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2016.07.004
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