Bilirubin metabolism - UpToDate
INTRODUCTION Bilirubin is the catabolic product of heme metabolism. Within physiologic range, bilirubin has cytoprotective and beneficial metabolic effects, but in high levels it is potentially toxic. Fortunately, there are elaborate physiologic mechanisms for its detoxification and disposition. Understanding these mechanisms is necessary for interpretation of the clinical significance of high serum bilirubin concentrations. Furthermore, because bilirubin shares its metabolic pathway with various other sparingly water soluble substances that are excreted in bile, understanding bilirubin metabolism also provides insight into the mechanisms of transport, detoxification, and elimination of many other organic anions [1].
INTRODUCTION Bilirubin is the catabolic product of heme metabolism. Within physiologic range, bilirubin has cytoprotective and beneficial metabolic effects, but in high levels it is potentially toxic. Fortunately, there are elaborate physiologic mechanisms for its detoxification and disposition. Understanding these mechanisms is necessary for interpretation of the clinical significance of high serum bilirubin concentrations. Furthermore, because bilirubin shares its metabolic pathway with various other sparingly water soluble substances that are excreted in bile, understanding bilirubin metabo
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