Hepatic Bilirubin UDP-Glucuronyl Transferase Activity in Liver Disease and Gilbert's Syndrome

Abstract

A recently described method for assaying the specific hepatic enzyme responsible for the conjugation of bilirubin was applied to specimens of liver obtained at laparotomy or by percutaneous needle biopsy. Seventy-nine patients with parenchymatous liver disease, biliary obstruction or Gilbert's syndrome were studied, and the results obtained were compared with those from 11 patients without liver disease. A reduction in enzyme activity was observed in each of the 11 patients with Gilbert's syndrome, and in the four patients with Wilson's disease. Biliary obstruction appeared to cause an increase in the activity of the enzyme.