The enzyme was found to be present in a specific group of gut bacteria, predominantly from the Clostridia class in the Firmicutes phylum. This discovery has important implications for understanding gut health as well as diseases such as jaundice and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
In newborns, bilirubin reductase deficiency can lead to jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Deficiency of this enzyme in adults with IBD is associated with the formation of pigmented gallstones.
Researchers believe that bilirubin reductase plays a critical role in regulating bilirubin metabolism and may have potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of jaundice and IBD. They also suggest that the amount of urobilin in the body may be associated with various health conditions, such as insulin resistance, obesity, heart disease and heart failure.
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Source: Ferra
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