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Many individuals have never considered the reasons behind the yellow color of their urine. However, scientists have been studying this phenomenon for over 100 years.
During the late 1800s, scientists in the medical field discovered that urobilin is responsible for the unique green-yellow color of urine.
They were unaware of the specific method by which our gut bacteria creates urobilin from a waste product called bilirubin, which is produced when red blood cells die.
A recent research published in the reputable journal Nature Microbiology states that the enzyme responsible for producing urobilin has been identified.
The enzyme known as bilirubin reductase has been identified and could potentially provide insight into the role of gut bacteria in the development of conditions like jaundice, gallstones, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Brantley Hall, a professor at the University of Maryland and lead author, expressed excitement in being able to provide an explanation for a long-standing unexplained biological occurrence. This discovery is significant as it has been overlooked for quite some time.
He elaborated on the topic in an interview with Healthline, stating that researching gut microbes can be a difficult task. This is due to the low-oxygen environment in the gut, which can cause certain bacteria to die if exposed to too much oxygen. As a result, conducting experiments and growing them in a lab setting can be challenging.
However, according to him, recent developments in genetics have enabled researchers to analyze the DNA of various microbe strains and determine the gene responsible for bilirubin reductase.
In conclusion, Mr. Hall stated that we have discovered a key element in understanding how our gut bacteria impact our daily experiences.
Researchers have extensively understood the correlation between the level of urobilin in an individual’s bloodstream and the color of their urine as a significant factor in diagnosing certain illnesses.
An excess of bilirubin in the body can lead to jaundice, which can be caused by inadequate metabolism in the liver or other organs.
A recent study revealed that infants and individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease have reduced levels of bilirubin reductase, which may increase their susceptibility to jaundice and related conditions.
Mr. Hall is currently seeking to conduct human trials in order to explore his theory that the production of reductase by our gut bacteria affects the levels of bilirubin in our bodies.
The source is the Independent, a UK-based news publication.
