urobilinogén

Urobilinogén is a compound found in the body that plays a role in the breakdown of red blood cells. It is a colorless byproduct of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is formed when hemoglobin from old red blood cells is broken down. Bilirubin is processed in the liver and then excreted into the bile, which aids in digestion.

Within the intestines, bacteria convert bilirubin into urobilinogén. A portion of this urobilinogén is then reabsorbed back into the bloodstream and travels to the kidneys, where it is filtered out and excreted in the urine. This process gives urine its characteristic yellow color, as urobilinogén is further converted into urobilin, a yellowish-brown pigment. Another portion of the urobilinogén remains in the intestines and is excreted in the feces, contributing to the brown color of stool.

The levels of urobilinogén in urine and feces can be indicative of certain medical conditions. For example, increased levels in urine might suggest conditions like hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate, or liver disease. Conversely, a complete absence of urobilinogén in both urine and feces can indicate a blockage in the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from reaching the intestines. Measuring urobilinogén is a common diagnostic tool in clinical laboratories.