Like unbound bilirubin (BIL) the bilirubin-albumin complex (BlL:ALB) scavenges superoxide. Small amounts of plasma bilirubin are sufficient to prevent oxidation of albumin-bound fatty acids as well as of the protein itself. This indicates a role for BIL:ALB as a physiological antioxidant in plasma and the extravascular space. There is however no evidence for a fully circular mechanism where all bilirubin is oxidized back to biliverdin to be available again as antioxidant (Stocker et al, 1987; Maghzal et al, 2009).
Ames, BN, Glazer, AN, Stocker, R
Li, C, Stocker, R, Maghzal, GJ, Leck, MC, Collinson, E
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