Abstract
Bilirubin arises from enzymatic reduction by biliverdin reductase of biliverdin, a product of heme oxygenase activity. Recent literature describes that bilirubin is a major physiologic antioxidant that can protect cells from chemical oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide. Recently, it has been reported that oxidative stress may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of asthma. We report a case of complete resolution of persistent difficult-to-control asthma in accordance with increased levels of serum bilirubin due to acute hepatitis B. The present case suggests that anti-oxidative agents might be effective for the treatment of asthma.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 193-196 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine |
Volume | 199 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2003 Mar 1 |
Keywords
- Antioxidant activity
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Intractable asthma
- Oxidative stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)