Bilirubin: An Endogenous Inducer of Nrf2 Pathway and Its Possible Application in Therapy- Juniper Publishers
JUNIPER PUBLISHERS-OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY Bilirubin: An Endogenous Inducer of Nrf2 Pathway and Its Possible Application in Therapy Authored by Mohammed Qaisiya Abstract It has been asked, why convert-in a step that consumes energy-biliverdin a non-toxic easily excretable waste product, into bilirubin, that is excretable, neurotoxic, and must be further metabolized for dispose? This two page opinion focus on the possible effects of bilirubin on an important cyto-protective pathway named Nrf2 antioxidant signaling. In animals, the product of oxidative degradation of heme results in a yellow pigment named un-conjugated bilirubin [UCB] that has a significant importance role during physiological and pathological conditions. UCB once produced is transferred into liver and then conjugated with glucuronic acid by the enzyme UGT1A1. UCB is responsible for neonatal jaundice that occurs in most newborn during the first week of life. However, UCB is a potential neu...