Gilbert’s Syndrome – Myths and Reality

Overview

Gilbert’s syndrome is defined as a hereditary, mild, chronic, unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia occurring in theabsence of overt hemolysis or any other evidence of liver disease. It is caused by a mutation of the specific UDPglucuronosyl transferase conjugating bilirubin with glucuronic acid resulting in a reduced activity of this enzyme.Gilbert’s syndrome is considered as a rather benign disorder without necessity of any therapeutic intervention. It istherefore crucial to establish a correct diagnosis and differentiate this syndrome from serious disorders of the livertissue. In recent years strong antioxidant effects of bilirubinwere demonstrated in numerous studies and the protectiverole of hyperbilirubinemia in the pathogenesis of various oxidative stress-mediated diseases was suggested. Gilbert’ssyndrome and its relationship to associated disorders such as hemolysis, pigment cholelithiasis, neonatal jaundice,schizophrenia and drug interactions are also being discussed.

Key words:
Gilbert’s syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia, oxidative stress.