Bilirubin is a compound produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells.
It is in excreted urine, and high levels may indicate certain diseases. It is responsible for the yellow color of bruises and the yellow discoloration in jaundice. Bilirubin may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help protect cells, the researchers said.
Bilirubin is created by the activity of biliverdin reductase on biliverdin, a green tetrapyrrolic bile pigment which is also a product of heme catabolism. Bilirubin, when oxidized, reverts to become biliverdin once again. This cycle, in addition to the demonstration of the potent antioxidant activity of bilirubin, has led to the hypothesis that bilirubin’s main physiologic role is as a cellular antioxidant.
Previous studies suing animals have shown that raised bilirubin levels in the blood appears to protect the lungs against environmental damage, which may be due to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of bilirubin, she added.
Laura J. Horsfall, M.Sc., of University College London, and colleagues examined the association between serum bilirubin levels and the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and all-cause death in a large population-based group of patients from the United Kingdom .
Although the research did not establish causality for any of the relationships, there is some experimental evidence that bilirubin has benefits for respiratory health because of its cytoprotective properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects, according to the researchers. Evidence in support of the health-promoting properties of vitamin D continues to mount as new research shows a direct link between blood levels of the super-nutrient and the risk of developing colon cancer. The National Cancer Institute provides statistics showing that colon cancer is the second most deadly form of the disease, taking the lives of more than 50,000 each year in the US. The International Journal of Cancer has published a meta-analysis from nine comprehensive studies showing dramatic reductions in colon cancer risk with higher blood concentrations of the sunshine vitamin.
The pooled data from the studies reviewed showed that for every 10 nanograms per milliliter increase in vitamin D blood level saturation, there was a corresponding decrease in colon cancer incidence of 15%. Breast cancer risk was lowered by 11% with the same increase in vitamin D. Researchers made note that they were testing the biologically active form of vitamin D known as cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and not the less active precursor (vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol). Vitamin D was tested using the more accurate 25(OH)D blood test.
The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention has been theorized since the early 1940`s when scientists discovered that cancer rates were much lower in countries closest to the equator. At the time they believed that sunshine played an important role in `cancer immunity`. Over time the link between vitamin D production in the skin and sun exposure has become increasingly apparent and extensive research demonstrates how this crucial nutrient can protect DNA integrity and prevent cancer-causing mutations.
Research studies over the past decade have provided conclusive evidence that vitamin D blood levels in the 50 to 80 ng/ml range are associated with a significantly reduced cancer risk from all lines of the disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study showing that vitamin D (1100 IU per day) combined with calcium (1400 to 1500 mg per day) `substantially reduces all-cancer risk in postmenopausal women`.
Scientists found that the two nutrients work synergistically to lower cancer risk in aging healthy women. The authors conducting the study concluded, "these findings highlight the importance of promoting optimum vitamin D status and underscore the value of achieving and maintaining a high serum 25(OH)D concentration." This study demonstrates the importance of maintaining multi-nutritional status to prevent chronic illness.
Vitamin D is only one of a very small number of natural nutrients that are known to prevent and treat many types of potentially life-threatening conditions. Up until the age of 40 sun exposure provides the best source of vitamin D, but conversion of the nutrient declines as we age and supplementation using an oil-based gelcap is necessary to maximize blood saturation and lower cancer risk.
While many are trying to synthesize blood or reproduce its effects, as of today there is no substitute. And every two seconds, someone needs blood. This year alone, more than 5 million patients will require blood transfusions as they recover from accidents or surgery or receive treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases.
Giving blood is a way to support the community by helping to ensure that a stable inventory is available for premature babies, cancer patients and the many people who suffer accidents and other illnesses which may require transfusions. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, and, therefore must continually be replenished. Donors can give blood every 56 days, or up to six times a year.
Trish Gutierrez of San Angelo knows the importance of blood donation. "Almost every member of my family has needed blood at some point. I have had three hip replacements and needed blood transfusions," she said. "My uncle needed 21 units of blood recently."
I was on a mission to meet Gutierrez. After all, she was the driving force behind the overwhelming student response at the Howard College blood drive in the fall. I wanted to know what her secret was. I struggle every day with the statistic that states that while 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate, only 5 percent do so — and on some days, that percentage is zero. Gutierrez more than overcame that statistic, and I wanted to know how — maybe I could bottle it and release it into the air when our blood supply becomes dangerously low.
Gutierrez is an instructor at Howard College. She is a psychology professor, teaches six or seven classes every semester and instructs between 200 and 300 students. She has been at Howard College for 18 years.
Gutierrez was familiar with the blood donation process at an early age while growing up in Arkansas City, Kan. Her mother, Ann Long, was very involved in the community. Gutierrez's father did not want his wife to work for wages, so she spent her time giving back to the community. Long would organize community blood drives and Gutierrez accompanied her — well actually, "Mom drug me along," as Gutierrez related. Too young to donate, Gutierrez was the snack supplier for the donors.
When Gutierrez became old enough to donate blood, she did so. She even has the photo that was published in the local newspaper to prove it.
"Hate to say it, but it's in our blood," said Gutierrez. She laughed because of course she was talking about blood donation. While Gutierrez is not currently eligible to donate, she encourages her students to do so.
Gutierrez is on the community involvement committee at Howard College. She said the Howard College blood drives are "our pet project." Gutierrez is an inspiration to her students when it comes to encouraging them to donate blood. Whatever she does, it really works because blood drive participation has increased dramatically.
Gutierrez grinned and told me, "I met my husband while donating blood at the State Hospital in Big Spring." She assured me she was not a patient at the time. She asked to have the bed by the window on the bus so she could watch the men working outside the bus. "He caught my eye and then he waved at me. I told my friend who was donating at the same time, 'I'm telling you, I'm going to marry that man.'" She did marry that man and they have been together ever since.
