Beta 2 Microglobulin
26.80 BGN
General information:
β2-microglobulin is a low molecular weight protein. It belongs to the HLA system (-A1-B and -C antigen). It can be detected in all body fluids, including blood and urine. It is filtered through the glomeruli and reabsorbed in the cells of the proximal tubule. Normally, urine contains traces of β2-microglobulin.
Informative content and clinical relevance Benign diseases:
- Excretion of this protein increases in tubulointerstitial diseases, heavy metal poisoning, anticarcinomatous treatment, anti-inflammatory treatment.
- In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, viral diseases, the serum level of β2-microglobulin correlates with disease activity.
It is used as a tumor marker in malignant diseases of the lymphatic system:
- Hodgkin's disease;
- non-Hodgkin's lymphomas;
- chronic lymphatic leukemias;
- multiple myeloma.
The concentration of β2-microglobulin in the serum correlates with the size of the tumor mass and stage, has prognostic significance and largely reflects the success of the treatment.
An increased level of β2microglobulin has also been described in carcinoma of:
- the stomach;
- the mammary gland;
- the bronchi.
Sample Required:
Venous blood in the morning in fasting
Key words:
β2- Microglobulin