The Multifaceted Role of Bilirubin in Liver Disease: A Literature Review

Overview

Journal J Clin Transl Hepatol

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2024 Nov 15

PMID 39544246

Authors

Mariana M Ramirez-Mejia

Stephany M Castillo-Castaneda

Shreya C Pal

Xingshun Qi

Nahum Mendez-Sanchez

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Bilirubin, the primary breakdown product of hemoproteins, particularly hemoglobin, plays a key role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of liver diseases. In acute liver diseases, such as acute liver failure, drug-induced liver injury, and viral hepatitis, bilirubin serves as a biomarker reflecting the extent of hepatocyte loss and liver damage. Chronic liver diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease, chronic hepatitis C virus infection, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver diseases, are marked by persistent liver injury and inflammation. Bilirubin levels in chronic liver diseases provide insight into liver function, disease severity, and prognosis. As a versatile biomarker, bilirubin offers valuable information on the pathophysiology of liver diseases and aids in guiding clinical decision-making regarding the treatment of liver diseases and their complications. This review aimed to explore the multifunctional role of bilirubin in liver diseases by analyzing its biological functions beyond its role as a biomarker of liver damage.

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