Dolgopolov suffers from Gilbert’s syndrome
Tennis.com reported that Alexandr Dolgopolovsuffers from Gilbert’s syndrome, a hereditary condition that affects the liver and causes repeated bouts of jaundice.
“Nobody really knows how it affects a person. It is a relatively new condition, which was discovered only about 30 to 40 years ago. Yes, it affects my energy level and I feel weak sometimes,” Dolgopolov said. “I don't remember the last time I was affected by it but despite taking measures, like controlling my diet, it sometimes just happens. Whenever I suffer from it, I need about a week or two to get treatment in the hospital.”
Gilbert's syndrome is the most common hereditary cause of increased bilirubin and is found in up to 5% of the population (though some gastroenterologists maintain that it is closer to 10%).
A major characteristic is jaundice, caused by elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream (hyperbilirubinemia).
The cause of this hyperbilirubinemia is the reduced activity of the enzyme glucuronyltransferase, which conjugates bilirubin and a few other lipophilic molecules. Conjugation renders the bilirubin water-soluble, after which it is excreted in bile into the duodenum.