BACKGROUND: Oxidation processes play an important role in atherogenesis. Bilirubin IXalpha is recognised as a potent antioxidant. In the present study, we assessed the role of elevated serum bilirubin levels in the prevention of ischemic heart disease (IHD). METHODS: The occurrence of IHD was determined in Gilbert syndrome (GS) patients above 40 years (n=50). The diagnosis was based on past medical history and ECG criteria. The occurrence was related to that of the comparable general population (n=2296). Serum biochemistry, including the total antioxidant status was evaluated in the GS subjects, IHD patients (n=38) and control subjects (n=38). RESULTS: The prevalence of IHD in GS subjects (aged 49.7+/-9.0 years) was 2% (0.05-10.7%, 95% confidence interval), compared to 12.1% in a general population (P<0.05). Bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were found to be significantly higher in GS subjects compared to control groups (P<0.05). According to linear discriminant analysis, hyperbilirubinemia rather than elevation of HDL cholesterol levels seemed to be more important in protection from IHD. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, low prevalence of IHD in GS subjects was detected. It may be presumed that chronic hyperbilirubinemia prevent the development of IHD by increasing the serum antioxidant capacity.

4th Department of Internal Medicine 1st Medical Faculty Charles University Prague U Nemocnice 2 128 08 Prague Czech Republic

Citace poskytuje Crossref.org

Association of Low Serum Bilirubin Concentrations and Promoter Variations in the UGT1A1 and HMOX1 Genes with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Czech Population

Serum Bilirubin and Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in a Healthy Population and in Patients with Various Forms of Atherosclerosis

Isolated Silymarin Flavonoids Increase Systemic and Hepatic Bilirubin Concentrations and Lower Lipoperoxidation in Mice

Serum Bilirubin Levels and Promoter Variations in HMOX1 and UGT1A1 Genes in Patients with Fabry Disease

The role of bilirubin in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases