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Gilbert’s Syndrome
Gilbert's syndrome is due to a genetic mutation that causes underactivity of the conjugating enzyme system bilirubin-uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase (bilirubin-UGT).This is the only enzyme that detoxifies bilirubin, a toxic product of the natural breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin-UGT is responsible for conjugating bilirubin into bilirubin monoglucuronides anddiglucuronides and is located primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes. Bilirubin-UGT is one of several UGT enzyme isoforms responsible for the conjugation of a wide array of substratesthat include carcinogens, drugs, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This enzymatic shortage leads to an excess of bilirubin (and other toxins) in the blood serum

Cause
Gilbert's syndrome is anautosomal recessive disorder, which is a condition requiring both carrier parents to contribute an affected gene for a disease to take effect.
The syndrome may be precipitated by
* Dehydration
*Fasting
* Menstrual periods
* Stress from a current illness or vigorous exercise.
Mortality/Morbidity: Gilbert syndrome is a benign condition with no associated morbidity or mortality.Althoughit is one of the most common causes of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, not causing harm, there are others to rule out such as Crigler-Najjar syndrome which is dangerous and inherited from the samegene.
Race: Gilbert syndrome is not restricted to any ethnic group and occurs in persons of all races.
Sex: Population studies show that Gilbert syndrome occurs predominately in men, with amale-to-female ratio ranging from 2-7:1.
Age
Gilbert syndrome is usually diagnosed around puberty, possibly because of the inhibition of bilirubin glucuronidation by endogenous steroid hormones. In olderpersons, the diagnosis is usually made when unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is noted on routine blood test results or unmasked by an intercurrent illness or stress.

Signs and Symptoms
At least 30%...