title: Transient relief of asthma symptoms during jaundice: a possible beneficial role of bilirubin.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric and Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ohrui
authors.forename: Hiroyasu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yasuda
authors.forename: Mutsuo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamaya
authors.forename: Toshifumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsui
authors.forename: Hidetada
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sasaki
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006932:Hyperbilirubinemia / Q000378:metabolism; D007565:Jaundice / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D001663:Bilirubin