Effects of Gilbert's Syndrome on Lipid Profile, Levels of Serum Uric Acid, Glucose and Insulin Resistance

Purpose: The protective effect of bilirubin on atherosclerotic heart disease in Gilbert's syndrome(GS) is well known. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the atherosclerotic risk factors such as uric acid (UA), insulin resistance, glucose and lipid profiles are reduced in patients with GS compared with healthy subjects. Material and Methods: Thirty-four male and 38 female a total of 72 GS patients and a similar age group of 72 healthy individuals (34 males and 38 females) were included in the study. Both groups were between 16-45 years old and all patients were were non-smokers and drinkers. The levels of UA, lipids, glucose, insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were examined. HOMA-IR index were estimated. Results: GS patient's UA is 4.2 +/- 0.8 mg/dL, control group's UA is 4.8 +/- 1.1 mg/dL. GS patient's HOMA-IR is 1.8 +/- 0.6, control group's HOMA-IR is 2.0 +/- 0.4. GS patients had significantly lower levels of UA (p < 0.001), insulin (p = 0.021), HOMA-IR (p = 0.039), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.005), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.036) and CRP (p = 0.006) compared with the control group. Even insignificantly, GS patients had lower levels of total cholesterol whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.001) was found to be higher. Conclusion: Our results shown that in GS patients, increased bilirubin levels are associated with decrease in UA, insulin, LDL, TG, and increased HDL. In GS patients, low level of UA, insulin and lipid profile may be contributed to cardioprotective effect.