Sunlight-Induced Mutation of Bilirubin in a Long-Distance Runner

Abstract

To the Editor: Phototherapy of neonatal jaundice depends for its success on photochemical reactions of bilirubin within the baby.¹ The chance observation of an apparent bilirubin photoproduct in a healthy adult who had just returned from a run suggested that these reactions might be more general than recognized at present, and prompted the following study.Blood samples were taken from the same subject before and after he had completed a 1 1/2-hour (about 14 miles [23 km]) run outdoors at midday, clad only in shorts and shoes. Exposure to direct sunlight or bright electric light was restricted for at least . . .