Lumirubin: Difference between revisions

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'''Lumirubin''' is a [[metabolite]] of [[bilirubin]] that is produced by the action of [[light]] on the skin. It is a yellow pigment that is excreted in the [[urine]] and [[feces]]. Lumirubin is thought to be less toxic than bilirubin and is therefore beneficial in conditions such as [[neonatal jaundice]], where high levels of bilirubin can be harmful.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Lumirubin}}


==Formation==
== Lumirubin ==
Lumirubin is formed when bilirubin absorbs light. This process, known as [[photoisomerization]], changes the structure of bilirubin and converts it into lumirubin. The process is facilitated by the presence of [[oxygen]] and [[albumin]], a protein that binds to bilirubin in the blood.
[[File:(Z)-Lumirubin.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Lumirubin]]


==Role in Neonatal Jaundice==
'''Lumirubin''' is a water-soluble [[tetrapyrrole]] that is formed as a result of the photochemical conversion of [[bilirubin]]. It is an important compound in the context of [[neonatal jaundice]] treatment, where it is produced during [[phototherapy]].
In [[neonatal jaundice]], high levels of bilirubin can cause [[kernicterus]], a form of brain damage. Treatment with [[phototherapy]] uses light to convert bilirubin into lumirubin, which is less toxic and more easily excreted from the body. This helps to reduce the levels of bilirubin in the blood and alleviate the symptoms of jaundice.


==Measurement==
== Formation ==
The levels of lumirubin in the body can be measured using a [[spectrophotometer]]. This device measures the amount of light that is absorbed by a sample, which can be used to determine the concentration of lumirubin.
Lumirubin is formed when [[bilirubin]], a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down [[heme]] in [[red blood cells]], is exposed to light. This exposure leads to a structural isomerization of bilirubin, converting it from its native form to lumirubin. The process involves the breaking of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and a change in the configuration of the molecule from a Z,Z-bilirubin to a Z,E-bilirubin, and eventually to lumirubin.


==See Also==
== Role in Phototherapy ==
[[Phototherapy]] is a common treatment for [[neonatal jaundice]], a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood of newborns. During phototherapy, the skin of the infant is exposed to blue light, which facilitates the conversion of bilirubin into lumirubin. Unlike bilirubin, lumirubin is more water-soluble and can be excreted in the bile and urine without the need for conjugation in the liver. This conversion helps reduce the levels of bilirubin in the blood, alleviating the symptoms of jaundice.
 
== Chemical Properties ==
Lumirubin, like other [[tetrapyrroles]], is characterized by its ring structure. The conversion from bilirubin to lumirubin involves a change in the double bond configuration, which alters its solubility and excretion properties. The chemical structure of lumirubin is depicted in the adjacent image.
 
== Clinical Significance ==
The ability of lumirubin to be excreted without conjugation is crucial in the treatment of [[hyperbilirubinemia]] in newborns. By reducing bilirubin levels, phototherapy prevents the risk of [[kernicterus]], a form of brain damage that can result from very high levels of bilirubin.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Bilirubin]]
* [[Bilirubin]]
* [[Phototherapy]]
* [[Neonatal jaundice]]
* [[Neonatal jaundice]]
* [[Phototherapy]]
* [[Kernicterus]]
* [[Kernicterus]]


[[Category:Metabolites]]
[[Category:Tetrapyrroles]]
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Neonatology]]
[[Category:Neonatology]]
 
[[Category:Phototherapy]]
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Latest revision as of 04:03, 13 February 2025


Lumirubin[edit]

Chemical structure of Lumirubin

Lumirubin is a water-soluble tetrapyrrole that is formed as a result of the photochemical conversion of bilirubin. It is an important compound in the context of neonatal jaundice treatment, where it is produced during phototherapy.

Formation[edit]

Lumirubin is formed when bilirubin, a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in red blood cells, is exposed to light. This exposure leads to a structural isomerization of bilirubin, converting it from its native form to lumirubin. The process involves the breaking of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and a change in the configuration of the molecule from a Z,Z-bilirubin to a Z,E-bilirubin, and eventually to lumirubin.

Role in Phototherapy[edit]

Phototherapy is a common treatment for neonatal jaundice, a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood of newborns. During phototherapy, the skin of the infant is exposed to blue light, which facilitates the conversion of bilirubin into lumirubin. Unlike bilirubin, lumirubin is more water-soluble and can be excreted in the bile and urine without the need for conjugation in the liver. This conversion helps reduce the levels of bilirubin in the blood, alleviating the symptoms of jaundice.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Lumirubin, like other tetrapyrroles, is characterized by its ring structure. The conversion from bilirubin to lumirubin involves a change in the double bond configuration, which alters its solubility and excretion properties. The chemical structure of lumirubin is depicted in the adjacent image.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The ability of lumirubin to be excreted without conjugation is crucial in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. By reducing bilirubin levels, phototherapy prevents the risk of kernicterus, a form of brain damage that can result from very high levels of bilirubin.

Related Pages[edit]