Conjugated bilirubin is a medical term pronounced as /ˈkɒndʒəɡeɪtɪd bɪˈlɪruːbɪn/. The word "conjugated" is spelled with c-o-n-j-u-g-a-t-e-d, and refers to a form of bilirubin that has been processed by the liver and can be excreted in urine. "Bilirubin" is spelled with b-i-l-i-r-u-b-i-n, and is a yellowish pigment that is formed when red blood cells break down. Conjugated bilirubin is an important measurement in diagnosing liver function and can indicate liver disease or dysfunction.
Conjugated bilirubin refers to a form of bilirubin that has undergone a biochemical process known as conjugation. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced as a byproduct of the degradation of heme, a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. It is then transported to the liver where it is metabolized and excreted from the body.
When bilirubin is initially produced, it is in an unconjugated or indirect form, meaning it is not water-soluble and cannot be easily excreted by the kidneys. However, in order to be eliminated from the body efficiently, bilirubin needs to be transformed into a water-soluble form through conjugation. This process occurs in the liver, where the enzyme uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) adds a molecule called glucuronic acid to the bilirubin, forming a more soluble compound known as conjugated bilirubin.
Conjugated bilirubin is less toxic and can be excreted into the bile, which is then transported to the intestines. From there, it can be eliminated through feces. Elevated levels of conjugated bilirubin in the blood can indicate liver dysfunction or obstruction of the bile ducts, leading to conditions such as cholestasis or jaundice. Monitoring and measuring the level of conjugated bilirubin in the blood can help healthcare professionals diagnose and manage liver and bile duct disorders.
The word "conjugated" comes from the Latin word "conjugare", which means to join together. "Bilirubin" is derived from the Latin words "bilis" meaning bile and "rubin" meaning reddish. The term "conjugated bilirubin" is specifically used in medical terminology to describe a form of bilirubin that has been modified in the liver and bound to other substances.