"Exploring BilR: The Microbial Enzyme Transforming Bilirubin in the Gut"
Researchers have identified a gut microbial enzyme named BilR that converts bilirubin into urobilinogen, a key process in the human body's haem degradation pathway. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding how gut microbiota influence serum bilirubin levels, which are crucial for maintaining health. Bilirubin acts as an antioxidant at moderate levels but can be toxic when elevated. The presence of the bilirubin reductase gene was found to be nearly universal in healthy adults but less prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and infants, who are at higher risk for jaundice. This breakthrough provides a foundation for further research into disorders related to serum bilirubin homeostasis.