ß-2 microglobulin (serum)

General Information

Beta-2-microglobulin is a protein on the surface of the cell membrane, mainly found in lymphocytes and tumor cells. It is a component of class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex.

Since the synthesis of beta-2-microglobulin in the body takes place mainly in lymphocytes, therefore, all diseases involving the proliferation of lymphocytes are characterized by an increase in the concentration of this protein: lymphomas, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and others.

During such diseases, which are characterized by an increase in cellular immune reactions - autoimmune diseases, infectious mononucleosis, the reaction of transplant cells and others - are also characterized by an increase in the plasma concentration of beta-2-microglobulin.

Beta-2-microglobulin affects renal glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption. Accordingly, an increase in its level in the blood is often associated with kidney glomerular damage, while a decrease in its concentration in the serum, and an increase in the urine indicates damage to the renal tubular system.

An increase in plasma beta-2-microglobulin concentration is also observed during acute or reactivated cytomegalovirus infection.

In patients with immunodeficiency virus, especially with opportunistic infections, the concentration of serum beta-2-microglobulin is elevated.

When is the survey conducted?

Determination of beta-2-microglobulin is an informative marker both for diagnostics and for evaluating the progression of the disease.

Multiple myeloma

Hodgkin's disease

Chronic lympho-leukemia

HIV infection (assessment of disease progression)

Graft removal reaction

Cytomegalovirus infection

Follow-up of kidney transplantation

Preparation of the patient: The study is conducted on an empty stomach

Study sample: Venous blood

Reference norms

Norms are defined only for adults 22-64 years old

0.6 mg/L (2.5 percentile) – 2.366 mg/L (97.5% percentile)

Interpretation of results:

The rate of increase in the concentration of beta-2-microglobulin in serum or urine is informative only in the clinically manifested form of the disease.

In chronic lympho-leukemia, the level of beta-2-microglobulin increases proportionally to the progression of the disease.

In large cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, beta-2-microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase are prognostic markers of the disease.

In Hodgkin's lymphoma, beta-2-microglobulin is a prognostic indicator of disease activity.

Determination of beta-2-microglobulin is a valuable routine diagnostic method in multiple myeloma. A sharp increase in its index is associated with a bad prognostic outcome.