Gilbert's Syndrome and the gut microbiota. Insights from the case-control BILIHEALTH study

Increased unconjugated bilirubin levels above the defined threshold of 17.1 uM is the characteristic trait for Gilbert syndrome. This has been identified as a health promoting condition by showing protection from cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes as well as BMI-lowering effects. Furthermore, it is well established that the gut microbiota and its composition is linked to health as well as anthropometric status. The connection however, between bilirubin metabolism and the gut microbiota has not been evaluated so far. The aim of this project was therefore to discover links between UCB, and microbiota diversity and if these effects may be age and sex dependent.