Rotor syndrome

Rotor syndrome is an inherited disorder caused by having mutations in both the SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3 genes. These genes provide instructions for making proteins that are found in liver cells, where they transport bilirubin and other substances from the blood into the liver so that they can be cleared from the body. In the liver, bilirubin is dissolved in a digestive fluid called bile, and then excreted from the body.^[1]

The mutations in the SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3 genes that cause Rotor syndrome either prevent the production of the transporting proteins, or prevent them from functioning properly. When this occurs, bilirubin is not effectively removed from the body and builds up, leading to jaundice.^[1]

Consuming alcohol cannot cause a person to develop Rotor syndrome. Rotor syndrome is an inherited disorder caused by having mutations in both the SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3 genes. Mutations in both genes are required for the disorder to occur.

We are not aware of reports that discuss the effects of alcohol on people with Rotor syndrome. However, affected people are generally advised to avoid alcohol as well as drugs that may be toxic to the liver. People with Rotor syndrome typically do not have progression to liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatic fibrosis (thickening and scarring of tissue), unless they also have a separate chronic liver disease.^[2]