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UDP-glucuronosyltransferase in Gilbert's syndrome
H S Debinski1, C S Lee, A P Dhillon
1Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic.
Pathology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
An immunohistochemical staining method using UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) antibodies confirmed Gilbert's syndrome by showing reduced UGT staining in liver tissues. This technique aids in diagnosing the condition, which involves chronic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gilbert's syndrome is characterized by mild jaundice due to chronic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
- Current diagnosis is often presumptive, and its pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- An immunohistochemical method could confirm Gilbert's syndrome diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an immunohistochemical staining method for confirming Gilbert's syndrome.
- To investigate UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) expression in liver tissues of Gilbert's syndrome patients.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was performed on liver biopsies from 10 Gilbert's syndrome patients and 6 controls.
- Polyclonal antibodies against UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) were used.
- Standard hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed normal liver histology in all subjects.
Main Results:
- Normal liver tissue showed diffuse UGT staining in hepatocytes, with accentuation in zone 3.
- Liver specimens from Gilbert's syndrome patients exhibited reduced UGT immunostaining throughout the lobule.
- Faint residual UGT staining was observed in zone 3 of affected livers.
Conclusions:
- Immunohistochemical staining for UGT is a useful method to confirm clinical diagnoses of Gilbert's syndrome.
- Reduced UGT expression in liver tissue correlates with the condition.
- Further research into UGT gene polymorphisms may elucidate Gilbert's syndrome pathogenesis.
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