Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A favorable endogenous response

The clinical significance of increased frequency of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unknown. Serum bilirubin is an endogenous anti-oxidant, and oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this study, we have documented 25.4% prevalence of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in 204 consecutive NAFLD patients. These patients had a significantly less severe liver disease on histopathology and/or fibroScan which may be attributed to anti-oxidant effect of bilirubin. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.