Bile pigments

Bile Pigments are organic compounds that are produced during the breakdown of hemoglobin in the liver. They are responsible for the characteristic color of bile, feces, and urine. The two primary bile pigments are bilirubin and biliverdin.

Production

Bile pigments are produced in the liver as a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. The process begins with the conversion of hemoglobin into biliverdin, a green pigment. This is then quickly reduced to bilirubin, a yellow pigment. Both of these pigments are excreted in the bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder until it is needed for digestion.

Function

The primary function of bile pigments is to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. They do this by emulsifying the fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets that can be more easily digested by the body. In addition, bile pigments also play a role in the body's immune response, as they have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal levels of bile pigments in the body can lead to a variety of health conditions. For example, high levels of bilirubin can lead to jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. On the other hand, low levels of bile pigments can indicate problems with the liver or gallbladder, such as cirrhosis or gallstones.

See Also

• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Hemoglobin
• Bilirubin
• Biliverdin
• Jaundice
• Cirrhosis
• Gallstones