Stercobilinogen

Stercobilinogen (pronunciation: ster-co-bil-i-no-gen) is a chemical compound that is part of the metabolic pathway of bilirubin. It is a colorless compound that is converted into stercobilin, a brown pigment responsible for the color of feces.

Etymology

The term "stercobilinogen" is derived from the Greek words "stercus" meaning feces, "bilis" meaning bile, and "gen" meaning producing.

Metabolism

Stercobilinogen is produced in the intestine from the reduction of bilirubin by the action of bacteria. It is then partially reabsorbed by the intestine, enters the circulation, and is excreted in the urine, giving it a dark yellow color. The remaining stercobilinogen is oxidized to form stercobilin, which gives feces its brown color.

Clinical significance

In certain pathological conditions, the level of stercobilinogen in the urine can increase, a condition known as stercobilinogenuria. This can be a sign of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or a blockage of the bile ducts. Conversely, the absence of stercobilinogen in the feces can indicate a complete obstruction of the bile ducts.

Related terms

• Bilirubin
• Stercobilin
• Urobilinogen
• Heme metabolism
• Liver disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Stercobilinogen
• Wikipedia's article - Stercobilinogen

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