Bile pigment

Bile Pigment is a type of biochemical compound that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. The two primary bile pigments are bilirubin and biliverdin, which are responsible for the yellow and green color of bile, respectively.

Production and Function

Bile pigments are byproducts of the breakdown of hemoglobin in aged or damaged red blood cells. The process begins in the spleen, where red blood cells are broken down into their constituent parts. The heme portion of hemoglobin is converted into biliverdin, which is then reduced to bilirubin. This bilirubin is transported to the liver, where it is conjugated with glucuronic acid to form conjugated bilirubin. This is then excreted into the bile and stored in the gallbladder.

During digestion, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine. Here, bile pigments aid in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats. They also give feces its characteristic brown color.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the production, transport, or excretion of bile pigments can lead to various health conditions. For instance, excessive bilirubin levels in the blood can cause jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. This can occur due to liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or conditions that increase the breakdown of red blood cells, such as hemolytic anemia.

In contrast, a blockage in the bile ducts can prevent the excretion of bile pigments, leading to their accumulation in the gallbladder. This can result in gallstones, which can cause severe abdominal pain and other complications.

See Also

• Bilirubin
• Biliverdin
• Jaundice
• Gallstones