Description
Key facts
Detection method:Colorimetric,
Sample types:Serum,
Assay type:Quantitative,
Assay Platform:Microplate reader
Product details:
Bilirubin Assay Kit (Total and Direct, Colorimetric) (ab235627) utilizes the Jendrassik-Grof principle to detect bilirubin. Total bilirubin (unconjugated + conjugated) concentration is determined in the presence of a catalyst, where bilirubin reacts with a diazo-salt to form azobilirubin, which absorbs at 600 nm. Direct bilirubin (conjugated) is determined in the absence of catalyst (550 nm).
This product was previously called K553 Biovision Bilirubin (Total and Direct) Colorimetric Assay Kit. Biovision was acquired by Abcam in 2021.
Bilirubin, a degradation product of heme catabolism, is a non-polar molecule. There are two forms of bilirubin: water-soluble (conjugated or direct) and water-insoluble (unconjugated or indirect) bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum as unconjugated bilirubin, which binds to albumin in plasma and forms albumin-bilirubin complex. This complex is transported to the liver, where it is conjugated with glucuronic acid and forms conjugated bilirubin. Bilirubin has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and autoimmune properties. Bilirubin concentration in human body depends on gender, drug intake, age, etc. Low serum bilirubin is directly correlated with pathological conditions including diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. However, high bilirubin indicates hemolysis, jaundice, Gilbert's syndrome, hepatitis, drug toxicity, and possible blockage of bile ducts.
The Safety Datasheet for this product has been updated for certain countries. Please check the current version in the Support and downloads section.
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions--20°C, Storage information--20°C
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Bilirubin is a yellow compound a byproduct of heme catabolism formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. In humans bilirubin appears in the bloodstream and is eventually processed by the liver. It has a molecular weight of approximately 584.7 Da. Bilirubin is often measured in clinical settings as "bilirubin total" or separated into "direct bilirubin" (conjugated form) and total bilirubin values for diagnostic purposes. This target mainly expresses in the liver and to some extent in the spleen and bone marrow.
Biological function summary
Bilirubin acts as an antioxidant and plays a significant role in cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. In the liver it is conjugated by glucuronosyltransferase into direct bilirubin making it more water-soluble for excretion in bile. It does not directly participate as part of a larger protein complex but has interactions within the cell associated with detoxification and antioxidant networks. The fractionation into bilirubin 1.5 as a form ensures efficient disposal of this molecule.
Pathways
Bilirubin is an integral part of the heme degradation pathway which includes the proteins heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase. These proteins transform heme into biliverdin and subsequently into bilirubin. The liver exits bilirubin through the bile production and excretion pathway involving proteins like multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) for transport into bile ducts. These pathways highlight bilirubin’s quintessential role in heme turnover and in maintaining lipid membrane health through its antioxidant properties.
Bilirubin levels associate with jaundice and Gilbert's syndrome. Elevated bilirubin or hyperbilirubinemia may indicate liver dysfunction. In liver diseases such as hepatitis bilirubin processing is impaired showcasing its diagnostic utility. Bilirubin total and direct bilirubin readings help assess liver function and gauge bile duct obstruction. Certain proteins like albumin bind to bilirubin in the bloodstream for its transport important for understanding conditions like neonatal jaundice where immature liver function leads to increased unconjugated bilirubin levels.
