Bilirubin is a yellow-green pigment that is produced by the liver and is excreted into the bile. There are two types of bilirubin: conjugated and unconjugated. Conjugated bilirubin is water soluble and can be transported in the blood to other organs. Unconjugated bilirubin is not water soluble and therefore cannot be transported in the bloodstream. Unconjugated bilirubin can accumulate in the brain, leading to kernicterus, a life-threatening condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin.
What is Conjugated Bilirubin?
Conjugated bilirubin is a type of bilirubin that is bound to glucuronic acid. Conjugated bilirubin is water-soluble and is secreted in bile. Conjugated bilirubin is formed when bilirubin binds to glucuronic acid. This reaction is catalyzed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. Conjugated bilirubin is then transported across the apical membrane of hepatocytes into bile. Conjugated bilirubin is later converted into urobilinogen in the intestine by bacteria. Urobilinogen is then eliminated in the feces or reabsorbed and recycled back to the liver. Conjugated bilirubin plays an important role in the elimination of waste products from the body.
What is Unconjugated Bilirubin?
- Unconjugated bilirubin is a pigment that is found in the bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Unconjugated bilirubin is then transported to the intestine, where it is converted into a water-soluble form called conjugated bilirubin. This process is known as conjugation.
- Conjugated bilirubin is then excreted in the stool. If the liver is not functioning properly, unconjugated bilirubin can build up in the blood and cause jaundice. Jaundice is characterised by a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- Unconjugated bilirubin can also be measured in a blood test. A high level of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood can indicate liver disease or dysfunction.
Difference between Conjugated Bilirubin and Unconjugated Bilirubin
- Conjugated bilirubin is a water-soluble form of bilirubin that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Conjugated bilirubin is then transported to the intestine, where it is converted into urobilinogen and excreted in the stool.
- Unconjugated bilirubin, on the other hand, is a less soluble form of bilirubin that accumulates in the bloodstream when the liver is not able to efficiently break down red blood cells.
- High levels of unconjugated bilirubin can lead to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. While both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin are waste products that need to be eliminated from the body, unconjugated bilirubin can build up to dangerous levels and cause serious health problems.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between conjugated bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin, what do you think? Do you have any questions about how this affects your health? Let us know in the comments below. And be sure to share this article with your friends and family so they can learn more about their health, too!
