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Looking to the horizon: the role of bilirubin in the development and prevention of age-related chronic diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2015; 129:1-25. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20140566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bilirubin, the principal tetrapyrrole, bile pigment and catabolite of haem, is an emerging biomarker of disease resistance, which may be related to several recently documented biological functions. Initially believed to be toxic in infants, the perception of bilirubin has undergone a transformation: it is now considered to be a molecule that may promote health in adults. Data from the last decade demonstrate that mildly elevated serum bilirubin levels are strongly associated with reduced prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as well as CVD-related mortality and risk factors. Recent data also link bilirubin to other chronic diseases, including cancer and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to all-cause mortality. Therefore, there is evidence to suggest that bilirubin is a biomarker for reduced chronic disease prevalence and a predictor of all-cause mortality, which is of important clinical significance. In the present review, detailed information on the association between bilirubin and all-cause mortality, as well as the pathological conditions of CVD, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, is provided. The mechanistic background concerning how bilirubin and its metabolism may influence disease prevention and its clinical relevance is also discussed. Given that the search for novel biomarkers of these diseases, as well as for novel therapeutic modalities, is a key research objective for the near future, bilirubin represents a promising candidate, meeting the criteria of a biomarker, and should be considered more carefully in clinical practice as a molecule that might provide insights into disease resistance. Clearly, however, greater molecular insight is warranted to support and strengthen the conclusion that bilirubin can prevent disease, with future research directions also proposed.
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Bulmer AC, Ried K, Blanchfield JT, Wagner KH. The anti-mutagenic properties of bile pigments. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2008; 658:28-41. [PMID: 17602853 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2007] [Revised: 04/27/2007] [Accepted: 05/01/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Bile pigments, including bilirubin and biliverdin, are endogenous compounds belonging to the porphyrin family of molecules. In the past, bile pigments and bilirubin in particular were thought of as useless by-products of heme catabolism that can be toxic if they accumulate. However, in the past 20 years, research probing the physiological relevance of bile pigments has been mounting, with evidence to suggest bile pigments possess significant antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties. More specifically, bile pigments are potent peroxyl radical scavengers and inhibit the mutagenic effects of a number of classes of mutagens (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic amines, oxidants). Coincidentally, persons with elevated circulating bilirubin concentrations have a reduced prevalence of cancer and cardio-vascular disease. Despite the encouraging in vitro anti-mutagenic effects of bile pigments, relatively little research has been conducted on their inhibitory capacity in bacterial and cultured cell assays of mutation, which might link the existing in vitro and in vivo observations. This is the first review to summarise the published data and it is our hope it will stimulate further research on these potentially preventative compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Bulmer
- School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Biopharma Pty. Ltd., 2/67 Richland Avenue, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - K Ried
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J T Blanchfield
- School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - K-H Wagner
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Gourley GR, Li Z, Kreamer BL, Kosorok MR. A controlled, randomized, double-blind trial of prophylaxis against jaundice among breastfed newborns. Pediatrics 2005; 116:385-91. [PMID: 16061593 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-1807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neonatal jaundice is a greater problem for infants fed breast milk, compared with formula. This study tested the hypotheses that feeding breastfed newborns beta-glucuronidase inhibitors during the first week after birth would increase fecal bilirubin excretion and would reduce jaundice without affecting breastfeeding deleteriously. METHODS Sixty-four breastfed newborns were randomized to 4 groups, ie, control or receiving 6 doses per day (5 mL per dose) of L-aspartic acid, enzymatically hydrolyzed casein (EHC), or whey/casein (W/C) for the first week. L-aspartic acid and EHC inhibit beta-glucuronidase. Transcutaneous bilirubin levels (primary outcome) were measured daily (Jaundice Meter [Minolta/Air Shields, Hatboro, PA] and Bilicheck [Respironics, Pittsburgh, PA]). All stools were collected, and fecal bile pigments, including bilirubin diglucuronide, bilirubin monoglucuronides, and bilirubin, were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Follow-up assessments included day 7 body weight, day 6/7 prebreastfeeding/postbreastfeeding weights, maternal ratings, and ages at formula introduction and breastfeeding cessation. RESULTS The groups were comparable at entry. Overall, the L-aspartic acid, EHC, and W/C groups had significantly lower transcutaneous bilirubin levels than did the control group (75.8%, 69.6%, and 69.2%, respectively, of the control mean, 8.53 mg/dL, at the bilirubin peak on day 4). The L-aspartic acid, EHC, and W/C groups had significantly lower transcutaneous bilirubin levels on days 3 to 7. Fecal bile pigment excretion was greatest in the L-aspartic acid group, significantly greater than control values. There were no significant differences in dosages, follow-up measurements, and maternal ratings. CONCLUSIONS Use of minimal aliquots of L-aspartic acid and EHC for beta-glucuronidase inhibition results in increased fecal bilirubin excretion and less jaundice, without disruption of the breastfeeding experience. Decreased jaundice in the W/C group, which lacked a beta-glucuronidase inhibitor, suggests a different mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn R Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-2998, USA.
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Vítek L, Muchová L, Zelenka J, Zadinová M, Malina J. The effect of zinc salts on serum bilirubin levels in hyperbilirubinemic rats. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2005; 40:135-40. [PMID: 15699685 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200502000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intestinal metabolism of bilirubin is implicated in the pathogenesis of neonatal jaundice and Crigler-Najjar syndrome. In the present study the authors investigated the effect of oral administration of zinc salts on serum bilirubin levels in hyperbilirubinemic rats. METHODS Bilirubin-binding activities of zinc sulfate and water-insoluble zinc methacrylate were determined in vitro. Congenitally hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rats and artificially hyperbilirubinemic Wistar rats were used in in vivo studies. Animals were fed a normal diet for 1 week and then a treatment diet of either zinc sulfate or zinc methacrylate for additional 2 weeks. Serum and fecal bile pigments were determined at the end of each phase. Biliary bilirubin secretion rates were determined in hyperbilirubinemic Wistar rats fed zinc methacrylate. RESULTS Substantial bilirubin-binding activities of zinc salts were demonstrated in in vitro experiments. Treatment with oral zinc salts significantly decreased serum bilirubin levels in Gunn rats (166 +/- 53 versus 123 +/- 38 and 206 +/- 34 versus 131 +/- 31 micromol/L, P < 0.05 for zinc methacrylate and zinc sulfate, respectively). A similar effect of zinc methacrylate was also observed in hyperbilirubinemic Wistar rats (102 +/- 10 versus 14 +/- 4 micromol/L, P < 0.0001). In accord, biliary bilirubin secretion decreased significantly in these animals (45 +/- 11 versus 28 +/- 4 nmol/h 100g body weight, P < 0.02). In contrast to zinc sulfate, treatment with zinc methacrylate did not lead to the elevation of serum zinc levels. CONCLUSIONS Oral administration of zinc salts efficiently decreased serum bilirubin levels in hyperbilirubinemic rats, presumably as a result of inhibition of enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin. This approach might be useful in the treatment of severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libor Vítek
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics and 4th Department of Internal Medicine, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University of Prague, U Nemocnice 2, Praha 2, 128 08, Czech Republic.
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Nishioka T, Hafkamp AM, Havinga R, vn Lierop PPE, Velvis H, Verkade HJ. Orlistat treatment increases fecal bilirubin excretion and decreases plasma bilirubin concentrations in hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rats. J Pediatr 2003; 143:327-34. [PMID: 14517515 DOI: 10.1067/s0022-3476(03)00298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether serum levels of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) can be decreased by enhancing fecal fat excretion. STUDY DESIGN Gunn rats were fed a high-fat diet (control) or the same diet mixed with the lipase inhibitor orlistat. At regular intervals, plasma UCB concentrations were determined and 72-hour fat balances were performed. RESULTS Orlistat treatment decreased plasma UCB concentrations (at 3 weeks; 100 mg/kg, -33%+/-8%, P<.05; 200 mg/kg, -46%+/-10%, P<.01). Within days of treatment, orlistat treatment increased fecal excretion of UCB (at day 3; +220%, P<.05). During 24 weeks of orlistat treatment (200 mg/kg diet), the plasma bilirubin concentrations were continuously approximately 35% lower than in control rats. Plasma UCB concentrations were inversely correlated with the amount of fecal fat excretion (n=12, r=-0.87, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS In Gunn rats, orlistat treatment increases the fecal excretion of fat and enhances the disposal of UCB. This approach could lead to novel strategies for prevention and treatment of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoji Nishioka
- Center for Liver, Intestine, and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
In contrast to bile salts, which undergo a highly efficient enterohepatic circulation with multiple regulatory and physiologic functions, glucuronic acid conjugates of bilirubin are biliary excretory molecules that in health do not have a continuing biologic life. Intestinal absorptive cells are devoid of recapture transporters for bilirubin conjugates, and their large size and polarity prevent absorption by passive diffusion. However, unconjugated bilirubin, the beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis product of bilirubin glucuronides can be absorbed passively from any part of the small and large intestines. This can occur only if unconjugated bilirubin is kept in solution and does not undergo rapid bacterial reduction to form urobilinoids. Here we collect, and in some cases reinterpret, experimental and clinical evidence to show that in addition to the well-known occurrence in newborns, enterohepatic cycling of unconjugated bilirubin can reappear in adult life. This happens as a result of several common conditions, particularly associated with bile salt leakage from the small intestine, the most notable ileal dysfunction resulting from any medical or surgical cause. We propose that when present in excess, colonic bile salts solubilize unconjugated bilirubin, delay urobilinoid formation, prevent calcium complexing of unconjugated bilirubin and promote passive absorption of unconjugated bilirubin from the large intestine. Following uptake, reconjugation, and resecretion into bile, this source of 'hyperbilirubinbilia' may be the important pathophysiological risk factor for 'black' pigment gallstone formation in predisposed adult humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vítek
- Charles University of Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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LESTER R, SCHMID R. Intestinal absorption of bile pigments. I. The enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin in the rat. J Clin Invest 1998; 42:736-46. [PMID: 13929920 PMCID: PMC289340 DOI: 10.1172/jci104766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Onishi S, Itoh S, Isobe K, Ochi M, Kunikata T, Imai T. Effect of the binding of bilirubin to either the first class or the second class of binding sites of the human serum albumin molecule on its photochemical reaction. Biochem J 1989; 257:711-4. [PMID: 2930481 PMCID: PMC1135646 DOI: 10.1042/bj2570711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The kinetics of the photochemical changes of bilirubin were studied at a constant concentration of bilirubin bound either to the first class or to the second class of binding sites of the human serum albumin molecule. The more the bilirubin binds to the first class of binding sites in the human serum albumin molecule, the more readily geometric photoequilibrium to give (ZE)-bilirubin takes place. The more the bilirubin binds to the second class of binding sites or allosterically transformed binding sites induced by added SDS, the more readily structural photoisomerization, i.e. the formation of (EZ)-cyclobilirubin, takes place. When the serum bilirubin concentration is at low, safe, values bilirubin binds exclusively to the first class of binding sites and serves as an antioxidant [Onishi, Yamakawa & Ogawa (1971) Perinatology 1, 373-379]; at these concentrations human serum albumin protects bilirubin from irreversible photodegradation by only allowing readily reversible geometric photoisomerization. As the serum bilirubin concentration increases to high, and potentially dangerous, values, bilirubin binds to the second class of binding sites, and under these conditions human serum albumin seems to promote the photocyclization of bilirubin. During irradiation human serum albumin seems to act by retaining low, useful, concentrations of bilirubin while facilitating irreversible photoisomerization of excess bilirubin.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Onishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kagawa Medical School, Japan
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Abstract
Breast milk or formula milk and serum samples from 34 breast-fed babies, 15 formula-fed babies, and their mothers were examined at 3 and 21 days of neonatal age. Infant faecal samples were obtained on day 21 only. At both ages serum total bilirubin concentrations were significantly higher in breast-fed than in formula-fed infants. Beta-glucuronidase activity in formula milk was negligible while that in human milk was considerable. Day 21 faecal beta-glucuronidase was higher in the breast-fed babies. In the breast-fed babies, serum bilirubin levels were related to concentrations of beta-glucuronidase in breast milk on both days 3 and 21 and to levels of faecal beta-glucuronidase on day 21. In 4 additional babies whose feeds were temporarily changed from breast milk to formula milk because of hyperbilirubinaemia there was a striking decrease in faecal beta-glucuronidase activity coincident with a fall in serum bilirubin. Breast milk beta-glucuronidase seems to be an important factor in the neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia of breast-fed babies.
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Klapdor R, Bolte J, Schlosser GA. [Comparative studies in blood, bile and urine to the biliary excretion and multicompartmental analysis of glycocholic acid in the unanaesthezized pig (author's transl)]. RESEARCH IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR DIE GESAMTE EXPERIMENTELLE MEDIZIN EINSCHLIESSLICH EXPERIMENTELLER CHIRURGIE 1975; 166:209-19. [PMID: 1215666 DOI: 10.1007/bf01852633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A new model for experimental research in pigs is reported. It allows comparative analyses in blood, bile and urine in the unanaesthetized pig. Preliminary results to the physiology of biliary excretion and multicompartmental analysis of conjugated bile acids emphasize the applicability of the experimental model. On the basis of these results it is pointed out, that it is possible to analize the distribution and excretion kinetics of conjugated bile acids, namely C14-glycocholic acid, by a 3-compartmental analysis.
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Romagnoli C, Polidori G, Foschini M, Cataldi L, De Turris P, Tortorolo G, Mastrangelo R. Agar in the management of hyperbilirubinaemia in the premature baby. Arch Dis Child 1975; 50:202-4. [PMID: 1096829 PMCID: PMC1544506 DOI: 10.1136/adc.50.3.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Eighty low birthweight infants (1500 to 2500 g) were randomly assigned to a group given oral agar and a control group. The study was first performed in 24 agar-fed babies and 24 control babies. The treated infants received a daily total amount of 600 mg/kg of agar beginning at 12 hours of age, for 7 days. In the later stage of the trial, 16 agar-fed babies and 16 control babies were investigated. The total daily amount of agar was raised to 700 mg/kg, beginning at 6 hours of age for 7 days. No complications were observed with the administration of agar. Serum bilirubin levels were not significantly lower in the agar-fed infants. We conclude that agar supplemented feeding is not indicated in the management of hyperbilirubinaemia in low birthweight newborn infants.
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Brodersen R. Localization of bilirubin pools in the non-jaundiced rat, with a note on bilirubin dynamics in normal human adults and in Gilbert's syndrome. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1972; 30:95-106. [PMID: 5073096 DOI: 10.3109/00365517209081097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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ULSTROM RA, EISENKLAM E. THE ENTEROHEPATIC SHUNTING OF BILIRUBIN IN THE NEWBORN INFANT. I. USE OF ORAL ACTIVATED CHARCOAL TO REDUCE NORMAL SERUM BILIRUBIN VALUES. J Pediatr 1964; 65:27-37. [PMID: 14180215 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3476(64)80548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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KUEENZER W, SCHENCK W, VAHLENKAMP H. Bilirubinadsorption aus Duodenalsaft durch Kohle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1963; 41:1108. [PMID: 14109875 DOI: 10.1007/bf01486519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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BRODERSEN R, HERMANN LS. Intestinal reabsorption of unconjugated bilirubin. A possible contributing factor in neonatal jaundice. Lancet 1963; 1:1242. [PMID: 14015659 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(63)91869-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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