Bilirubin, purum, >=95.0% (UV)

Analysis Note

λ_max. ~453 nm, mol. absorption >56100 (chloroform)

Application

Bilirubin has been used as an interfering substance for in vitro interference and stability tests for myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and troponin-I. It has also been used as an interfering agent to test the effectiveness of the Heparin Red kit in the detection of various heparins.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Bilirubin is an active oxidative DNA cleaving agent as well as an effective antioxidant agent, a hydroxyl radical quencher. This bile pigment has both antioxidant and toxic properties. It is a natural inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation (VSMCs). It displays anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties when used as a therapeutic agent in lung/vascular diseases. Serum bilirubin concentration slightly above the normal levels have shown a lesser incidence of heart disease. It is a potential therapeutic agent in heart transplantation and T-cell mediated immune disorders.

Well over 99% of total bilirubin is transported as a conjugate with albumin. Abnormally high levels of bilirubin can cause severe neurological damage, but mildly elevated levels are linked to protection from oxidative stress.

General description

Bilirubin, a heme catabolism end-product is produced by the reduction of its metabolic precursor biliverdin by the action of enzyme biliverdin reductase.