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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) usually is caused by atheromatous plaques in the aorta and distal arteries. Plaque formation often occurs when the endothelium is injured by exposure to reactive oxygen species, such as those present in oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Bilirubin has antioxidant properties; higher serum levels are associated with lower risk for coronary artery disease. Whether high bilirubin levels also lower the incidence of PAD is the subject of a new study by investigators from Harvard Medical School.
In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that was conducted between 1999 and 2004, more than 7000 adults and children in the U.S. underwent comprehensive evaluations of demographic, socioeconomic, die…