Lumirubin

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.

Formation

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.

Role in Neonatal Jaundice

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

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.

See Also

• Bilirubin
• Neonatal jaundice
• Phototherapy
• Kernicterus

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