Predictive value of bilirubin and serum γ-glutamyltranspeptidase levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is a major complication of diabetes mellitus(DM).Type-2 DM(T2DM)is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality,while serum biomarkers may facilitate the prediction of these outcomes.Early differential diagnosis of T2DM complicated with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)plays an important role in controlling disease progression and improving safety.AIM To investigate the correlation of serum bilirubin andγ-glutamyltranspeptidase(γ-GGT)with major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)in T2DM patients with ACS.METHODS The clinical data of inpatients from January 2022 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.According to different conditions,they were divided into the T2DM complicated with ACS group(T2DM+ACS,n=96),simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=85),and simple ACS group(ACS,n=90).The clinical data and laboratory indices were compared among the three groups,and the correlations of serum total bilirubin(TBIL)levels and serumγ-GGT levels with other indices were discussed.T2DM+ACS patients received a 90-day follow-up after discharge and were divided into event(n=15)and nonevent(n=81)groups according to the occurrence of MACEs;Univariate and multivariate analyses were further used to screen the independent influencing factors of MACEs in patients.RESULTS The T2DM+ACS group showed higherγ-GGT,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)and lower TBIL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the T2DM and ACS groups(P<0.05).Based on univariate analysis,the event and nonevent groups were significantly different in age(t=3.3612,P=0.0011),TBIL level(t=3.0742,P=0.0028),γ-GGT level(t=2.6887,P=0.0085),LDL-C level(t=2.0816,P=0.0401),HbA1c level(t=2.7862,P=0.0065)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LEVF)levels(t=3.2047,P=0.0018).Multivariate logistic regression analysis further identified that TBIL level and LEVF level were protective factor for MACEs,and age andγ-GGT level were risk factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Serum TBIL levels are decreased andγ-GGT levels are increased in T2DM+ACS patients,and the two indices are significantly negatively correlated.TBIL andγ-GGT are independent influencing factors for MACEs in such patients.

Combined preoperative albumin bilirubin score and hepatectomy percentage for evaluate the liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

Surgical resection is a pivotal therapeutic approach for addressing hepatic space-occupying lesions,with liver volume restoration and hepatic functional recovery being crucial for assessing surgical prognosis.The preoperative albumin-bilirubin(ALBI)score,encompassing serum albumin and bilirubin levels,can be determined via blood analysis,effectively mitigating human error and providing an accurate depiction of liver function.The hepatectomy ratio,which is the proportion of the liver volume removed to the total liver volume,is critical in preserving an adequate liver tissue volume to ensure postoperative hepatic functional compensation,minimize surgical complications,and reduce mortality rates.Incorporating the preoperative ALBI score and hepatectomy ratio aids surgeons in assessing the optimal timing and extent of partial hepatectomy.The introduction of preoperative albumin bilirubin score and hepatectomy percentage is beneficial for the surgeons to evaluate the timing and magnitude of partial liver resection.

Interplay of serum biomarkers bilirubin andγ-glutamyltranspeptidase in predicting cardiovascular complications in type-2 diabetes mellitus

This editorial synthesizes insights from a series of studies examining the interplay between metabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers in cardiovascular disease(CVD),focusing particularly on type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and acute coronary syndrome(ACS).The central piece of this synthesis is a study that investigates the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in the body through the analysis of serum bilirubin andγ-glutamyltranspeptidase(γ-GGT)levels in T2DM patients with ACS.This study highlights serum bilirubin as a protective antioxidant factor,while elevatedγ-GGT levels indicate increased oxidative stress and correlate with major adverse cardiovascular events.Complementary to this,other research contributions revealγ-GGT’s role as a risk factor in ACS,its association with cardiovascular mortality in broader populations,and its link to metabolic syndrome,further elucidating the metabolic dysregulation in CVDs.The collective findings from these studies underscore the critical roles ofγ-GGT and serum bilirubin in cardiovascular health,especially in the context of T2DM and ACS.By providing a balanced view of the body’s oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms,these insights suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions and improved prognostic assessments in patients with T2DM and ACS.This synthesis not only corroborates the pivotal role ofγ-GGT in cardiovascular pathology but also introduces the protective potential of antioxidants like bilirubin,illuminating the complex interplay between T2DM and heart disease.These studies collectively underscore the critical roles of serum bilirubin andγ-GGT as biomarkers in cardiovascular health,particularly in T2DM and ACS contexts,offering insights into the body’s oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms.This synthesis of research supports the potential of these biomarkers in guiding therapeutic strategies and improving prognostic assessments for patients with T2DM and some CVD.

Association of total bilirubin with depression risk in adults with diabetes:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Individuals with diabetes mellitus are more likely to experience depression,although most patients remain undiagnosed.The relation between total bilirubin and depression has been increasingly discussed,but limited studies have examined the association of total bilirubin with depression risk in adults with diabetes,which warrants attention.AIM To investigate the association between total bilirubin levels and the risk of depression in adults with diabetes.METHODS The study included adults with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018.Depression was determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.Multivariable logistic regression,propensity scorematched analysis and restricted cubic spline models were utilized to investigate the association between total bilirubin levels and depression risk in adults with diabetes.RESULTS The study included 4758 adults with diabetes,of whom 602(12.7%)were diagnosed with depression.After adjusting for covariates,we found that diabetic adults with lower total bilirubin levels had a higher risk of depression(OR=1.230,95%CI:1.006-1.503,P=0.043).This association was further confirmed after propensity score matching(OR=1.303,95%CI:1.034-1.641,P=0.025).Subgroup analyses showed no significant dependence of age,body mass index,sex,race or hypertension on this association.Restricted cubic spline models displayed an inverted U-shaped association of total bilirubin levels with depression risk within the lower range of total bilirubin levels.The depression risk heightened with the increasing levels of total bilirubin,reaching the highest risk at 6.81μmol/L and decreasing thereafter.CONCLUSION In adults with diabetes,those with lower levels of total bilirubin were more likely to have depressive symptoms.Serum total bilirubin levels may be used as an additional indicator to assess depression risk in adults with diabetes.

Unconjugated bilirubin alleviates experimental ulcerative colitis by regulating intestinal barrier function and immune inflammation

BACKGROUND Unconjugated bilirubin(UCB) is generally considered toxic but has gained recent prominence for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of it on the interaction between intestinal flora and organisms and how it influences immune responses remain unresolved.AIM To investigate the role of UCB in intestinal barrier function and immune inflammation in mice with dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis.METHODS Acute colitis was induced by 3%(w/v) dextran sulfate sodium salt in drinking water for 6 d followed by untreated water for 2 d. Concurrently, mice with colitis were administered 0.2 mL UCB(400 μmol/L) by intra-gastric gavage for 7 d.Disease activity index(DAI) was monitored daily. Mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The length of the colon and weight of the spleen were recorded. Serum level of D-lactate, intestinal digestive proteases activity, and changes to the gut flora were analyzed. In addition, colonic specimens were analyzed by histology and for expression of inflammatory markers and proteins.RESULTS Mice treated with UCB had significantly relieved severity of colitis, including lower DAI, longer colon length, and lower spleen weight(colon length: 4.92 ±0.09 cm vs 3.9 ± 0.15 cm; spleen weight: 0.33 ± 0.04 vs 0.74 ± 0.04, P < 0.001). UCB administration inactivated digestive proteases(chymotrypsin: 18.70 ± 0.69 U/g vs44.81 ± 8.60 U/g; trypsin: 1.52 ± 0.23 U/g vs 9.05 ± 1.77 U/g, P < 0.01), increased expression of tight junction(0.99 ± 0.05 vs 0.57 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), decreased serum level of D-lactate(31.76 ± 3.37 μmol/L vs 54.25 ± 1.45 μmol/L, P < 0.001), and lowered histopathological score(4 ± 0.57 vs 7 ± 0.57, P < 0.001) and activity of myeloperoxidase(46.79 ± 2.57 U/g vs 110.32 ± 19.19 U/g, P < 0.001). UCB also regulated the intestinal microbiota, inhibited expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF) α and interleukin 1β(TNF-α: 52.61 ± 7.81 pg/mg vs 105.04 ± 11.92 pg/mg,interleukin 1β: 13.43 ± 1.68 vs 32.41 ± 4.62 pg/mg, P < 0.001), decreased expression of Toll-like receptor 4(0.61 ± 0.09 vs 1.07 ± 0.03, P < 0.001) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(0.73 ± 0.08 vs 1.01 ± 0.07, P <0.05), and increased expression of TNF-receptor-associated factor 6(0.79 ± 0.02 vs0.43 ± 0.09 P < 0.05) and inhibitor of kappa B α(0.93 ± 0.07 vs 0.72 ± 0.07, P < 0.05)in the colon.CONCLUSION UCB can protect intestinal barrier function, regulate normal intestinal homeostasis, and suppress inflammation via the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

Significance and prognostic value of increased serum direct bilirubin level for lymph node metastasis in Chinese rectal cancer patients

AIM: To determine the significance of increased serum direct bilirubin level for lymph node metastasis(LNM) in Chinese rectal cancer patients, after those with known hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases were excluded.METHODS: A cohort of 469 patients, who were treated at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of Health(Beijing, China), in the period from January 2003 to June 2011, and with a pathological diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma, were recruited. They included 231 patients with LNM(49.3%) and 238 patients without LNM. Follow-up for these patients was taken through to December 31, 2012.RESULTS: The baseline serum direct bilirubin concentration was(median/inter-quartile range) 2.30/1.60-3.42 μmol/L. Univariate analysis showed that compared with patients without LNM, the patients with LNM had an increased level of direct bilirubin(2.50/1.70-3.42 vs 2.10/1.40-3.42, P = 0.025). Multivariate analysis showed that direct bilirubin wasindependently associated with LNM(OR = 1.602; 95%CI: 1.098-2.338, P = 0.015). Moreover, we found that:(1) serum direct bilirubin differs between male and female patients; a higher concentration was associated with poor tumor classification;(2) as the baseline serum direct bilirubin concentration increased, the percentage of patients with LNM increased; and(3) serum direct bilirubin was associated with the prognosis of rectal cancer patients and higher values indicated poor prognosis.CONCLUSION: Higher serum direct bilirubin concentration was associated with the increased risk of LNM and poor prognosis in our rectal cancers.

Post-operative albumin-bilirubin grade predicts long-term outcomes among Child–Pugh grade A patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection

Background: Although Child–Pugh grade A patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) are candidates for curative resection, some may have a poor prognosis. The albumin-bilirubin(ALBI) grade, a measure of liver function based on albumin and bilirubin, has the potential to detect Child–Pugh grade A HCC patients with poor prognosis. Because components of the ALBI grade can be measured easily even after surgery, we explored the predictive values of ALBI in patient prognosis after HCC resection. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, we included 136 HCC patients who underwent curative resection between January 2004 and December 2013 at our hospital. ALBI grade was calculated from laboratory data recorded the day before surgery and at post-operative day 5. Results: Pre-and post-operative ALBI grade predicted patients’ long-term outcomes( P = 0.020 and P < 0.001, respectively, for overall survival, and P = 0.012 and P = 0.015, respectively, for recurrence-free survival). Post-operative ALBI grade was associated with patients’ surgical factors of repeated hepatic resection( P = 0.012), intra-operative bleeding( P = 0.006), and surgery duration( P = 0.033). Furthermore, post-operative ALBI grade, rather than pre-operative ALBI grade, was an independent predictive factor of long-term outcome of Child–Pugh grade A patients with HCC. Conclusions: Post-operative ALBI grade is useful to predict the prognosis in patients after HCC resection.

Causes of immune dysfunction in hyperbilirubinemia model rats

Objective:To explore the causes of immune dysfunction in neonatal rats with hyperbilirubinemia.Methods:A total of 60 newborn SD rats were equally randomized into normal saline(NS) group,LPS control group,bilirubin control group,low-dose group and high-dose group.After anesthesia,0.1 mL NS was given to the NS and LPS control group and different doses of bilirubin for the other groups;1 h later,the NS and bilirubin control group received the intraperitoneal injection of 0.05 mL NS and 1mg/kg LPS for the other groups.After 5 or 24 hours of model establishment,spleens were collected for detecting the expression levels of MyD88 and p-TAK1 protein and the spleen cells apoptosis by immunohistochemmistry and TUNEL method.After 24 hours of model establishment,scrum inflammatory factors levels and T cell subsets distribution were determined by ELISA and flow cytometry.Results:In contrast to low-dose bilirubin,high-dose bilirubin could induce spleen cells apoptosis in coordination with LPS.After 5 hours of model establishment,compared with NS group.MyD88 expression level in low-dose group elevated while p-TAK1 level in high-dose group reduced(P<0.05).In high-dose group,inflammotory factors levels and CD8^+T cells percentage were all higher than LPS control and NS group(P<0.05),while CD4^+ T cells percentage was lower than NS group(P<0.05).Conclusions:High-concentration plasma bilirubin in coordination with LPS could inhibit NF- κB signal pathways activation and aggravate inflammatory reaction,thus caused immunosuppression with inflammation cascade,which resulted in the immune dysfunction.

Predictive effects of bilirubin on response of colorectal cancer to irinotecan-based chemotherapy

AIM: To examine the predictive effects of baseline serum bilirubin levels and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) 1A1*28 polymorphism on response of colorectal cancer to irinotecan-based chemotherapy.METHODS: The present study was based on a prospective multicenter longitudinal trial of Chinese metastatic colorectal cancer(m CRC) patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy(NCT01282658). Baseline serum bilirubin levels, including total bilirubin(TBil) and unconjugated bilirubin(UBil), were measured,and genotyping of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was performed. Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) analysis was used to determine cutoff values of TBil and UBil. The TBil values were categorized into > 13.0 or ≤ 13.0 groups; the UBil values were categorized into > 4.1 or ≤ 4.1 groups. Combining the cutoff values of TBil and UBil, which was recorded as Co Bil, patients were classified into three groups. The classifier's performance of UGT1A1*28 and Co Bil for predicting treatment response was evaluated by ROC analysis. Associations between response and Co Bil or UGT1A1*28 polymorphism were estimated using simple and multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among the 120 m CRC patients, the serum bilirubin level was significantly different between the UGT1A1*28 wild-type and mutant genotypes. Patients with the mutant genotype had an increased likelihood of a higher TBil(P = 0.018) and a higher UBil(P = 0.014) level compared with the wild-type genotype. Patients were stratified into three groups based on Co Bil. Group 1 was patients with TBil > 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; Group 2 was patients with TBil ≤ 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; and Group 3 was patients with TBil ≤ 13.0 and UBil ≤ 4.1. Patients in Group 3 had more than a 10-fold higher likelihood of having a response in the simple(OR = 11.250; 95%CI: 2.286-55.367; P = 0.003) and multiple(OR = 16.001; 95%CI: 2.802-91.371; P = 0.002) analyses compared with the Group 1 individuals. Patients carrying the UGT1A1*28(TA)7 allele were 4-fold less likely to present with a response compared with the individuals harboring a homozygous(TA)6 genotype in the simple(OR = 0.267; 95%CI: 0.100-0.709; P = 0.008) and multiple(OR = 0.244; 95%CI: 0.088-0.678; P = 0.007) analyses. Classifier's performance of Co Bil and UGT1A1*28 were comparable.CONCLUSION: Co Bil and UGT1A1*28 are both independent biomarkers for predicting the treatment response of m CRC patients to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. After validation, Co Bil, an easily determinable index in the clinic, might be helpful in facilitating stratification of m CRC patients for individualized treatment options.

Studies on The Adsorption Capacity for Bilirubin of The Adsorbent Chitosan-β-Cyclodextrin

The adsorbent crosslinked chitosan-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was prepared by the reaction of glutaraldehyde with chitosan and β-cyclodextrin. This type of adsorbent has high adsorption capacity for unconjugated bilirubin. The adsorption capacity was related to the β-CD content of the adsorbent; phosphate buffer concentration; temperature; pH value; ionic strength and the adsorbent beads. The results indicated that the chitosan-β-CD was a good adsorbent for unconjugated bilirubin with high capacity.

New Sorbent for Bilirubin Removal from Human Plasma: Albumin Immobilized Microporous Membranous PTFE Capillaries

In this study, we developed a tailored capillary sorbent for bilirubin removal. For immobilized bioligand, capillaries were grafted with epoxy groups using RIGP. The HSA immobilized capillaries has a high affinity adsorption capacity （71.2 mg bilirubin/g polymer） and a shorter adsorption equilibrium time （about 60 min）.

Adjusting CA19-9 values to predict malignancy in obstructive jaundice:Influence of bilirubin and C-reactive protein

AIM:To find a possible relationship between inflammation and CA19-9 tumor marker by analyzing data from patients with benign jaundice(BJ) and malignant jaundice(MJ).METHODS:All patients admitted for obstructive jaundice,in the period 2005-2009,were prospectively enrolled in the study,obtaining a total of 102 patients.On admission,all patients underwent complete standard blood test examinations including C-reactive protein(CRP),bilirubin,CA19-9.Patients were considered eligible for the study when they presented obstructive jaundice confirmed by instrumental examinations and increased serum bilirubin levels(total bilirubin > 2.0 mg/dL).The standard cut-off level for CA19-9 was 32 U/mL,whereas for CRP this was 1.5 mg/L.The CA19-9 level was adjusted by dividing it by the value of serum bilirubin or by the CRP value.The patients were divided into 2 groups,MJ and BJ,and after the adjustment a comparison between the 2 groups of patients was performed.Sensitivity,specificity and positive predictive values were calculated before and after the adjustment.RESULTS:Of the 102 patients,51 were affected by BJ and 51 by MJ.Pathologic CA19-9 levels were found in 71.7% of the patients.In the group of 51 BJ patients there were 29(56.9%) males and 22(43.1%) females with a median age of 66 years(range 24-96 years),whereas in the MJ group there were 24(47%) males and 27(53%) females,with a mean age of 70 years(range 30-92 years).Pathologic CA19-9 serum level was found in 82.3% of MJ.CRP levels were pathologic in 66.6% of the patients with BJ and in 49% with MJ.Bilirubin and CA19-9 average levels were significantly higher in MJ compared with BJ(P = 0.000 and P = 0.02),while the CRP level was significantly higher in BJ(P = 0.000).Considering a CA19-9 cut-off level of 32 U/mL,82.3% in the MJ group and 54.9% in the BJ group were positive for CA19-9(P = 0.002).A CA19-9 cut-off of 100 U/mL increases the difference between the two groups:35.3% in BJ and 68.6% in MJ(P = 0.0007).Adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum bilirubin level meant that 21.5% in the BJ and 49% in the MJ group remained with a positive CA19-9 value(P = 0.003),while adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum CRP value meant that 31.4% in the BJ group and 76.5% in the MJ group still had a positive CA19-9 value(P = 0.000004).Sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive values of CA19-9 > 32 U/mL were 82.3%,45% and 59.1%;when the cutoff was CA19-9 > 100 U/mL they were,respectively,68.6%,64.7% and 66%.When the CA19-9 value was adjusted by dividing it by the bilirubin or CRP values,these became 49%,78.4%,69.4% and 76.5%,68.6%,70.9%,respectively.CONCLUSION:The present study proposes CRP as a new and useful correction factor to improve the diag-nostic value of the CA19-9 tumor marker in patients with cholestatic jaundice.

Serum Bilirubin as a Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. In 2010, about 7 out of total 53 million deaths were due to ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship of serum bilirubin level with the severity and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and Methods: 70 patients with STEMI who were undergoing primary PCI were included in the study. All the patients included in the study were subjected to full routine investigations and standard coronary angiographic projections. Total bilirubin level was measured and the patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 was with serum TB (and Group 2 was with serum TB (>1 mg/dl). Severity and complexity of coronary artery lesions will be assessed using Gensini score. Results: After PCI, the two studied groups were compared regarding the number of vessels affected by one and more than one vessel disease. Single vessel disease was frequent in Group 2 (71%) with significant p value (0.003). Cardiac enzymes (troponin I) was more in Group 1 (S. Bil value (0.02). Also (ALT, AST) were more in Group 1 (p value = 0.01). By comparing the 2 groups, there was a significant difference regarding (EF) between both which was less in Group 1 (S.TB 1), p value significance (0, 0001). Also GENSENI was more in Group 1 (S.TB 1) with mean (80.35 vs 34.71) and significant pvalue (0.0001). There was a highly significant negative correlation between serum bilirubin & GENSENI score (r = -0.762, p value 0.0001). Regarding the incidence of complications, incidence was more in Group 1 (S.TB 1), which means a significant difference between both groups with significant p value (0.0001). There was a significant negative correlation between serum bilirubin & incidence of complications (R = -0.38, pvalue 0.001). Also, there was a significant negative correlation between GENSINI score, complication and bilirubin among both groups (r: -0.762\-0.38) with p value (0.0001\0.001) respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results suggested that the Serum Bilirubin level is inversely correlated with the severity of CAD. Also, the SB level is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in CAD patients. Understandably, our findings need further verification by large-scale, multicenter clinical trials in the future.

Effect of preoperative biliary drainage on surgical results after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with distal common bile duct cancer:Focused on the rate of decrease in serum bilirubin

AIM: To examine if the rate of decrease in serum bilirubin after preoperative biliary drainagecan be used as a predicting factor for surgical complications and postoperative recovery after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with distal common bile duct cancer.METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 49 consecutive patients who underwent pancrea-ticoduodenectomy for distal common bile duct cancer. Potential risk factors were compared between the complicated and uncomplicated groups. Also, the rates of decrease in serum bilirubin were compared pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) was performed in 40 patients (81.6%). Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 46.9% (23/49) and 6.1% (3/49), respectively. The presence or absence of PBD was not different between the complicated and uncomplicated groups. In patients with PBD, neither the absolute level nor the rate of decrease in serum bilirubin was significantly different. Patients with rapid decrease preoperatively showed faster decrease during the first postoperative week (5.5 ± 4.4 μmol/L vs -1.7 ± 9.9 μmol/L, P = 0.004).CONCLUSION: PBD does not affect the surgical outcome of pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with distal common bile duct cancer. There is a certain group of patients with a compromised hepatic excretory function, which is represented by the slow rate of decrease in serum bilirubin after PBD.

Affinity Adsorption of Bilirubin on Cibacron Blue F3GA-modified Microporous Polytetrafluoroethylene Capillary

Bilirubin removal from human plasma was obtained via an affinity microporous polytetrafluoroethylene（MPTFE） capillary. The new adsorbent comprised grafted glycidyl methacrylate（GMA） via radiation-induced polymerization as hydrophilic coating and reactive sites; ethylenediamine（EDA） as a spacer arm; Cibacron Blue F3GA（CB F3GA） as an affinity ligand; MPTFE capillary as the supporting matrix. The average density of CB F3GA attachment to MPTFE capillaries was found to be 136.5 μmol/g. The capacity of bilirubin adsorbed on affinity MPTFE capillaries is 76.1 mg bilirubin/g polymer（at 25℃）. This new adsorbent has advantages over both membrane and traditional micro-column, and this system is stable and easy to operate. The results of blood tests suggest the CB F3GA affinity capillary has good blood compatibility.

Bilirubin in coronary artery disease:Cytotoxic or protective?

Bilirubin has traditionally been considered a cytotoxic waste product.However,recent studies have shown bilirubin to have anti-oxidant,anti-inflammatory,vasodilatory,anti-apoptotic and anti-proliferative functions.These properties potentially confer bilirubin a new role of protection especially in coronary artery disease(CAD),which is a low grade inflammatory process exacerbated by oxidative stress.In fact,recent literature reports an inverse relationship between serum concentration of bilirubin and the presence of CAD.In this article,we review the current literature exploring the association between levels of bilirubin and risk of CAD.We conclude that current evidence is inconclusive regarding the protective effect of bilirubin on CAD.A causal relationship between low serum bilirubin level and increased risk of CAD is not currently established.

PURIFICATION OF BILIRUBIN AND MICRO-PARTICLE FORMATION WITH SUPERCRITICAL FLUID ANTI-SOLVENT PRECIPITATION

1 INTRODUCTIONA supercritical fluid is one existing at temperatures and pressures above its criticalpoint values(T_c,p_c) [1].Supercritical fluid has unconventional thermophysical prop-erties,exhibiting higher density,greater compressibility,lower viscosity between the gasand liquid extremes.Its solute binary diffusion coefficient is considerably higher thanthat in liquids[2-4].Supercritical fluid extraction(SFE)has been suggested as a viablealternative to other separation technologies.

Facility-based constraints to exchange transfusions for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in resource-limited settings

Several clinical guidelines for the management of infants with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia recommend immediate exchange transfusion(ET) when the risk or presence of acute bilirubin encephalopathy is established in order to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. However, the literature is sparse concerning the interval between the time the decision for ET is made and the actual initiation of ET, especially in low- and middle-income countries(LMICs) with significant resource constraints but high rates of ET. This paper explores the various stages and potential delays during this interval in complying with the requirement for immediate ET for the affected infants, based on the available evidence from LMICs. The vital role of intensive phototherapy, efficient laboratory and logistical support, and clinical expertise for ET are highlighted. The challenges in securing informed parental consent, especially on religious grounds, and meeting the financial burden of this emergency procedure to facilitate timely ET are examined. Secondary delays arising from posttreatment bilirubin rebound with intensive phototherapy or ET are also discussed. These potential delays can compromise the effectiveness of ET and should provide additional impetus to curtail avoidable ET in LMICs.

A Study on Bilirubin Radical Cation Generated by One-Electron Oxidation

Introduction Bilirubin (BR) is generally regarded as a toxic compound when accumulated at an abnormally high concentration in biological tissues, and in fact a normal adult man produces about 300 mg of BR a day. However, it was proposed that the bile pigments BR and biliverdin(BV), which is the precursor of BR, may protect vitamin A and linoleie acid from oxidative destruction in the intestinal tract Further stud

Effects of Bilirubin on Alveolar Macrophages in Rats with Emphysema and Expression of iNOS and NO in Them

To explore the effects of bilirubin on alveolar macrophages (AM) and expression of iNOS and NO in them in emphysema model, the rats were pretreated with bilirubin before exposed to smoke. AM were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and cultured. Pathological microscopic examination of AM and immunohistochemical analysis of iNOS were performed. Nitric oxide (NO) content in the samples was determined by nitrate reductase technique. The results showed both alveoli and alveolar septum appeared normal in size and shape in normal group. AM showed kidney-shaped nucleus and were rich in Golgi complexes and primary lysosomes in the cytoplasm. The inner membrane of mitochondrion was continuous. Most cristae of the mitochondria were intact. In model group, the alveoli were expanded, ruptured and bullaes were formed. Both the population and sizes of AM increased significantly. Secondary lysosomes were rich in the cytoplasm. Deformation and pyknosis of the nucleus, swelling of the mitochondrions and rupture of the inner mitochondrial membrane could also be seen. At high magnification, most of the mitochondrial cristae were broken, or completely lost at certain points. In bilirubin group, alveoli partly expanded and the population of AM also increased, with morphological changes being slighter than that in model group. Both NO contents and expression of iNOS in model group were higher than those in normal group (P<0.05). In bilirubin group the two indice were lower than those in model group (P<0.05). Our findings suggested that high expression of iNOS and high NO content in AM accelerate the development of emphysema associated with smoking in rats. Bilirubin may exert protective effects on AM and retards the development of emphysema in rats.