Direct bilirubin (DBIL) is a water-soluble, conjugated version of bilirubin, created by the liver to be excreted in bile. High levels of DBIL can indicate conditions such as gallstones, extrahepatic duct obstruction, or liver metastases.
Interestingly, while high total bilirubin is linked to decreased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, a relative increase in DBIL may correspond with increased CVD risk. Low levels of DBIL could be associated with metabolic syndrome and small, dense LDL particles, which are more atherogenic.
Understanding the specific contributions of DBIL to overall health, therefore, plays an essential role in diagnosing and managing a range of medical conditions.
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