Gilbert disease

pathology

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Gilbert disease is a hereditary condition characterized by a mild, lifelong tendency towards unconjugated jaundice. This occurs due to a deficiency in the liver's ability to transport and conjugate bilirubin, a bile pigment that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.1

The pathology involves reduced levels of ligandin, a protein crucial for bilirubin transport, and the enzyme glucuronyl transferase, which conjugates bilirubin for excretion. This leads to an accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood, particularly noticeable during periods of fasting or fatigue. While it causes jaundice, Gilbert disease is considered harmless and does not typically lead to serious health issues. Jaundice itself is a symptom of excess bile pigments in the body, resulting in a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes.12

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digestive system disease
Unconjugated jaundice
Gilbert disease, a fairly common hereditary deficiency in the hepatic transport protein ligandin and the conjugating enzyme glucuronyl transferase, results in a harmless lifelong tendency to mild degrees of unconjugated jaundice, especially during periods of fasting or fatigue.
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Gilbert disease, a fairly common hereditary deficiency in the hepatic transport protein ligandin and the conjugating enzyme glucuronyl transferase, results in a harmless lifelong tendency to mild degrees of unconjugated jaundice, especially during periods of fasting or fatigue.
Read More