Gilbert’s syndrome concerning a new look at the effects of hyperbilirubinemia

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Abstract

Previously, bilirubin was considered as a potentially dangerous waste product of the vital activity of the organism, and Gilbert’s syndrome, characterized by moderate increase in unconjugated bilirubin systemic level, was perceived as a pathological condition requiring correction of hyperbilirubinemia. However, recent research works show that bilirubin molecule serves as a modulator of various biological functions in the body and has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects, and the ability to regulate metabolism with obvious clinical and even therapeutic implications. That is why, moderate hyperbilirubinemia can be considered as protection against the development of a wide range of “diseases of civilization”. The review analyzes the results of current studies showing new properties of bilirubin and the mechanisms of their implementation, as well as the possible clinical significance of hyperbilirubinemia with formation of a new viewpoint at Gilbert’s syndrome.

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About the authors

Irina V. Gerasimenko

N.P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University

Author for correspondence.
Email: gerasimenkoi@list.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4008-4689

MD, PhD (Medicine), associate professor of the Department of propaedeutics of internal diseases

Russian Federation, Saransk

Nikolay T. Morozov

N.P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University

Email: morozovnt@yandex.ru

MD, PhD (Medicine), associate professor of the Department of propaedeutics of internal diseases

Russian Federation, Saransk

Anastasia A. Gerasimenko

N.P. Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University

Email: anastasiagerasimenko@list.ru

student

Russian Federation, Saransk

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