BILIVERDIN Meaning and
Definition
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Biliverdin is a compound formed during the breakdown of heme, a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. It is a green pigment that is synthesized through the enzymatic conversion of bilirubin, a byproduct of heme degradation. Biliverdin plays a crucial role in the body's natural processes for metabolizing and eliminating heme from red blood cells.
Biliverdin is predominantly found in the bile, a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It is responsible for the green color of bile and also contributes to the characteristic greenish hue of bruises as it leaks out of ruptured blood vessels. Additionally, biliverdin can be present in small amounts in other tissues and body fluids.
The compound has been investigated for its potential biological and medical applications. Researchers have discovered that biliverdin possesses antioxidant properties, capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may play a role in regulating immune responses. Moreover, biliverdin can be converted into bilirubin through further enzymatic reactions, which is then processed by the liver and excreted from the body in the feces.
Overall, biliverdin is an important intermediate product in the breakdown of heme, with various physiological functions and potential therapeutic implications.
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A green pigment, C16H20N2O5, in human bile and that of the herbivora.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BILIVERDIN
- viliverdin
- niliverdin
- hiliverdin
- giliverdin
- buliverdin
- bjliverdin
- bkliverdin
- boliverdin
- b9liverdin
- b8liverdin
- bikiverdin
- bipiverdin
- bioiverdin
- biluverdin
- biljverdin
- bilkverdin
- biloverdin
- bil9verdin
- bil8verdin
Etymology of BILIVERDIN
The word "biliverdin" is a combination of two Latin roots: "bili-" and "verdin".
1. "Bili-" is derived from "bilis", meaning "bile". Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.
2. "Verdin" is derived from "verde", which means "green" in Latin. It is also related to the English word "verdant", which means "green with vegetation".
Therefore, "biliverdin" can be interpreted as "green bile" or "green pigment of bile". This name accurately describes the green pigment found in bile, which is responsible for the green color seen in certain conditions like jaundice.
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