Recommended level of b2 microglobulin on dialysis. Effect of b2-microglobulin (b2M) on the course and prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Modern laboratory diagnostic methods make it possible to identify any disorders in the body. In particular, testing for beta-2 microglobulin gives the doctor insight into the health of the kidneys and immune system. When is this analysis prescribed and how can it be useful?

What is beta-2-microglobulin?

Beta-2-microglobulin is a small protein that is located on the surface of many nucleated cells in the body. Beta-2-microglobulin is present in large quantities on lymphocytes. And the level of this protein reflects the proliferation of lymphocytes and their cellular turnover. In various pathological conditions of the immune system, in particular in lymphoproliferative diseases, there is an increase in beta-2-microglobulin in the blood.

It is also known that beta-2-microglobulin undergoes filtration in the renal glomeruli. And then in the kidney tubules it is reabsorbed into the blood. Therefore, in a healthy person, only traces of beta-2-microglobulin are detected in the urine. Detection of an increase in the concentration of this protein in the urine indicates damage to the kidney tubules.

Tumor marker beta-2-microglobulin - what does it show?

Beta-2-microglobulin is found in all biological fluids of the body. For diagnostic purposes, protein is determined in blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Determination of beta-2-microglobulin in the blood is indicated for suspected hematological proliferative diseases, and in the urine for kidney pathology.

So, in what specific cases is a blood test for beta-2-microglobulin indicated?

To identify multiple myeloma, determine the severity and stage of cancer, and make a prognosis;
To determine the extent of prevalence, possible metastasis of leukemia and malignant ones, and make a prognosis.

A blood test for the tumor marker beta-2-microglobulin, unfortunately, is not highly specific. Therefore, the test cannot be used for the primary diagnosis of oncohematological diseases. However, if a diagnosis of lymphocytic leukemia is established, the doctor may prescribe periodic examinations, since the results allow one to assess the extent of the disease. Thus, a high level of this protein indicates accelerated cellular turnover of lymphocytes and a significant prevalence of the malignant process.

A urine test is usually prescribed along with a blood test. This approach increases the specificity of the test. In general, a urine test for beta-2-microglobulin is prescribed in the following cases:

To identify renal pathology;
To carry out differential diagnosis between glomerular and tubular disorders in the kidneys;
For degree assessment;
For early detection of rejection.

For a more detailed assessment of renal dysfunction, the patient is also prescribed urine tests for creatinine, microalbumin, etc.

Tumor marker beta-2-microglobulin - norm and explanation

For the study, blood is taken from a vein or a portion of morning urine. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in the morning on an empty stomach. It is allowed to drink non-carbonated water. On the eve of the study, you should stop drinking alcohol and fatty foods, as these factors can affect the analysis.

The norm of beta-2-microglobulin in urine for people of all ages is up to 0.3 mg/l.

The causes of increased protein in the urine are the following pathological conditions:

Kidney diseases with damage to the renal tubules (this is observed with amyloidosis, diabetic nephropathy);
Lymphoproliferative diseases (multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphocytic leukemia);
Autoimmune diseases, acute viral infections;

note

The normal values of beta-2-microglobulin in the blood differ in different age groups. Thus, children (especially newborns) have higher protein levels. At the age of six months, the norm of beta-2-microglobulin in the blood is up to 3.324 mg/l in boys and up to 3.774 mg/l in girls.

The norm of beta-2-microglobulin in the blood in adults is up to 2.329 mg/l. An increase in beta-2-microglobulin in the blood is associated with increased protein synthesis, as well as a violation of its excretion.

Beta-2-microglobulin

Beta-2-microglobulin– oncohematological marker and laboratory sign of kidney tubule damage. Research is used to monitor and control the treatment of blood cancer, differentiation of tubular and glomerular renal lesions. Indicated for multiple myeloma, malignant lymphomas, leukemia, and kidney diseases. Protein levels are determined in venous blood and morning urine. The tests are performed using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Normal values are 670-2329 ng/ml (serum), 0-300 ng/ml (urine). Completion time: from 1 to 4 working days.

Beta-2-microglobulin is classified as a protein in its chemical structure. It is found on the membrane of most cells containing nuclei and is a component of the HLA histological compatibility complex. Its amount in the blood reflects the activity of cell synthesis/decomposition and mitotic division of lymphocytes, therefore B2M is in demand as a marker of hematological proliferative diseases and inflammatory reactions. In the kidneys, the protein is filtered by the glomerular capsules, reabsorbed and metabolized through the proximal tubules. B2M in plasma increases with dysfunction of the renal glomerular capsules; in urine, the concentration of globulin increases in cases of damage to the renal tubules.

Indications

A study of the serum concentration of beta-2-microglobulin can reveal accelerated cell turnover, increased immune reactivity of the body, and the development of renal failure. Indications for blood tests:

Multiple myeloma. The analysis is prescribed to obtain additional information about the likely development of the disease. The amount of B2M allows you to determine the severity and stage of cancer, make a prognosis, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. The frequency of the study is determined by the doctor individually.
Leukemia, malignant lymphoma. In these oncological pathologies, B2M is used as a prognostic marker: its concentration correlates with the tumor mass, changes in dynamics reflect the aggressiveness of the cancer. Based on the test results, the probability of spread of metastases, involvement of the central nervous system in the pathological process, and the risk of death are assumed.

A urine test, as a rule, is prescribed in conjunction with a blood test - comparison of indicators increases the specificity of the examination and is used for diagnosing and differentiating renal disorders. Indications:

Kidney failure. Tests are performed for patients with symptoms of kidney pathology: urinary disorders (oliguria, polyuria), edema, high blood pressure. They are also indicated for patients at risk: those with autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The data makes it possible to distinguish between glomerular and tubular lesions, assess the degree of renal failure, and select adequate therapy.
Urinary tract infection. Tests are performed for atypical forms of cystitis and urethritis, accompanied by symptoms of nephritis. The results make it possible to clarify the diagnosis and assess the involvement of the proximal nephron tubules in the inflammation process.
Kidney transplantation. Tests are prescribed in the postoperative period for early detection of transplant rejection.
Metal toxicity. The studies are indicated for people who have long-term contact with cadmium, mercury, and lead. Used for early diagnosis of nephropathies.

For oncohematological diseases, determination of beta-2-microglobulin is not advisable as part of screenings and diagnostic examinations, since the test has low specificity. For patients with renal failure, tests are prescribed along with tests for creatinine, microalbumin, and urea.

Preparing for analysis

Blood serum from a vein and a portion of morning urine are examined. The procedure for taking both types of biomaterial is performed in the morning, on an empty stomach. Preparation includes a number of rules:

The last meal should be taken 8-12 hours before. You must refrain from consuming fatty foods and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. Still water can be drunk without restrictions.
On the eve of the procedure, you need to avoid intense physical and mental stress and emotional stress.
You should inform your doctor about the medications you are taking 7-10 days in advance and rule out their influence on the outcome of the study.
Physiotherapy procedures and instrumental examinations are allowed to be carried out after donating blood.
Smoking is prohibited 3 hours before the procedure.

Blood is drawn using venipuncture in a medical office. Urine collection is performed by the patient independently. Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to take a hygienic shower and collect an average portion of biomaterial during the first morning urination in a sterile container. The most common research method is ICL. Preparation of results takes 1-4 days.

Normal values

Normally, the level of beta-2-MG in a portion of urine in people of all ages does not exceed 0.3 mg/l. Serum protein concentration in adults ranges from 0.67 to 2.329 mg/l; in children, reference values depend on age and gender. For boys and young men they are (mg/l):

Up to 4 weeks – 1.603-4.79.
4 weeks – 6 months – 1.423-3.324.
6-12 months – 0.897-3.095.
1-4 years – 0.827-2.228.
4-7 years – 0.567-2.260.
7-13 years old – 0.699-1.836.
13-16 years old – 0.681-1.954.
16-19 years old – 0.724-1.874.

Physiological excess of the norm is possible in women during pregnancy. Corridor of reference values for girls and young women (mg/l):

From birth to 1 month – 1.722-4.547.
From 1 month to six months – 1.024-3.774.
From six months to a year – 0.999-2.282.
From one year to 4 years – 0.742-2.396.
From 4 to 7 years – 0.546-2.170.
From 7 to 13 years – 0.704-1.951.
From 13 to 16 years old – 0.787-1.916.
From 16 to 19 years old – 0.555-1.852.

Increasing the indicator

Beta-2-microglobulin in serum increases with increased protein synthesis and impaired protein excretion. The reasons for the increase in the indicator are:

Lymphoproliferative diseases. The highest values are determined in patients with multiple myeloma, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease. They reveal insufficient effectiveness of therapy and are associated with the risk of death and the likelihood of complications from the central nervous system.
Kidney diseases. An increase in serum B2M, combined with a low level of this globulin in a urine sample, confirms a violation of the filtering ability of the kidneys (damage to capsules).
Kidney transplant rejection. A decrease in the functions of the transplanted organ is manifested by impaired blood filtration and an increase in the level of proteins, including B2M.
Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Activation of the immune system leads to an increase in protein concentration. An increased rate is characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis. The amount of beta-2-microglobulin reflects the severity of the inflammatory process.
Viral infections. The test value may exceed the norm for HIV, cytomegalovirus infection, and infectious mononucleosis. The amount of globulin increases due to accelerated cell destruction and the development of an immune response.
Taking medications. An increase in beta-2-MG occurs during treatment with lithium, cyclosporine, cisplatin, carboplatin, and aminoglycoside antibiotics.

The causes of increased B2M excretion are lesions of the proximal convoluted tubule and increased protein entry into the bloodstream. The indicator increases in the following cases:

Kidney diseases. Proximal renal tubules are affected in primary and secondary glomerulonephritis, interstitial bacterial nephritis, autoimmune nephritis, systemic vasculitis, amyloidosis, acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, diabetic nephropathy.
Pathologies with increased cell turnover. Protein excretion increases with the development of multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, lymphocytic leukemia, inflammation, autoimmune pathologies, and viral infections. If kidney function is preserved, the indicator increases in proportion to changes in the amount of whey protein.
Metal poisoning. The level of globulin becomes higher during intoxication with cadmium and mercury salts.

Decrease in indicator

The amount of serum beta-2-microglobulin decreases with rapid excretion of protein in the urine and a reduction in its synthesis. The decrease in test data is significant in two types of situations:

Kidney pathologies. A low value of beta-2-MG in a blood test in combination with its increased excretion indicates a violation of the reabsorbing function of the kidneys (tubular damage).
Treatment of oncohematological diseases. When monitoring generalized plasmacytoma, leukemia and lymphomas, a decrease in the test value to normal confirms a positive response to therapy and increases the likelihood of remission.

A decrease in the amount of beta-2-microglobulin in a urine test has no diagnostic value. Low levels and absence of globulin are the norm.

Treatment of abnormalities

Beta-2-microglobulin has become widespread in medical practice as a tumor marker and marker of kidney damage. Due to their high sensitivity, the tests are successfully used to monitor myeloma, some types of lymphomas and leukemia, as well as for the differential diagnosis of kidney diseases. If the final data deviates from the normal range, you must seek advice from your attending physician - a therapist, nephrologist, oncologist, hematologist.

There are various metabolites that belong to tumor markers, compounds indicating the presence of malignant tumors in the body. But some of these compounds are formed when tumors arise, and are practically never found in a healthy person. Protein beta-2 microglobulin belongs to other compounds. It is found in almost all cells of our body, that is, it can also be found in healthy people. In addition to the cells of organs and tissues, it is also found in most physiological fluids, which include blood, urine, some secretions of internal organs, as well as other liquid media. The greatest diagnostic value is provided by the study of beta-2 microglobulin in blood plasma, as well as in urine.

The study of beta-2 microglobulin in modern laboratories is carried out using chemiluminescence immunoassay, which refers to, that is, immune methods. There is another name for this metabolite: thymotoxin, or β-2 M. Therefore, if you ordered an analysis for beta-2 microglobulin, and as a result you see beta-2 M, then you do not need to think that the laboratory made a mistake. This is the same name.

What role does this compound play in the body, and for what diseases and conditions can this analysis be useful in diagnostic searches?

β 2 M - what is it?

This protein is a light-weight compound, weighing up to 12 daltons. The function of this protein is quite complex; it is a structural component of the major histocompatibility complex, which is related to the recognition of “self or foe” signals. Microglobulin is contained in all cells of the human body that have nuclei. Recall that there are no nuclei in one very large population of blood cells: this. They transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, and any foreign inclusions, including the nucleus, reduce the volume of the red blood cell, reducing the volume of transported oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules.

In adults, the content of microglobulin in the blood most closely reflects the function of lymphocytes, since it is in these cells that it is represented in the greatest quantity. This is not surprising, since it is the lymphocytes, which are trained in the immune organs to recognize their own and foreign compounds, that should be the most knowledgeable about all the “violators” of the immune system.

It is important that the rate of production of this substance is maintained at almost the same level and does not change throughout life. This protein is secreted by the kidneys, and only traces of this compound can be found in the urine of a healthy person. Thus, beta 2 microglobulin in the blood increases under those conditions in which the human immune system is under the greatest stress. These are various inflammatory processes, autoimmune pathology, reactions associated with transplant rejection in the body, as well as various malignant neoplasms of the blood that affect immune cells. These include, first of all, multiple myeloma and various lymphomas.

The amount of this protein increases sharply with a disease such as amyloidosis. Beta-2 microglobulin in the kidneys of patients with amyloidosis is able to condense and form long chains. They “clog” the membranes of the renal glomeruli, reduce the filtration rate, and thus the concentration of microglobulin in patients with amyloidosis can affect the activity of the process.

Due to the fact that microglobulin is a protein of low molecular weight, if it is found in increased quantities in the blood plasma, then it can accumulate in excess quantities in the cerebrospinal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid. Most often this is caused by conditions and diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia, as well as viral damage to the nervous system, for example, neuroAIDS in HIV infection.

When is the analysis used in clinical practice, and what are the indications for the study?

Why is analysis needed?

It is most often used as a tumor marker. Beta 2 microglobulin increases if the patient has leukemia associated with the degeneration of immunocompetent cells. These are various lymphomas. The second indication is to control the activity of the process in patients with amyloidosis. It must be remembered that a single study alone cannot make a diagnosis of amyloidosis.

One of the main indications for the purpose of this analysis is:

suspicion of multiple myeloma in the patient;
indirect determination of the stage of this malignant process.

It is also important to monitor microglobulin levels to assess the effectiveness of treatment. It was said above that its amount in a healthy person is constant, and if after the use of specific antitumor therapy its amount decreases, this may indicate the success of the treatment. After all, the total volume of this protein directly corresponds to the total amount of the tumor mass secreting it.

Important! Reducing beta-2 microglobulin levels in patients with diagnosed myeloma during treatment improves prognosis.

Plasma concentration testing of this metabolite is indicated in patients after kidney transplantation to detect the earliest signs of transplant rejection and take action. In some cases, the study of this protein helps to diagnose damage to the central nervous system during viral infections, and in the same myeloma, since it accumulates in the cerebrospinal fluid.

It is known that long-term exposure to industrial poisons such as cadmium and mercury can cause damage to the immune system and kidney tissue (toxic nephropathy). Therefore, in occupational pathology with chronic intoxication with cadmium and mercury, the level of this protein also reflects the activity of kidney damage. Does the patient need to prepare in any way for this test?

Preparing for the study

Preparing for the study of this tumor marker is not too difficult. We can consider these to be general recommendations for taking blood tests with minor additions. Thus, it is advisable to conduct this study in the morning, on an empty stomach, after a period of normal night sleep. You can drink water in the morning. The following recommendations are important:

it is necessary to completely give up fatty foods one day before;
30 minutes before donating blood, excessive physical activity is prohibited;
In the morning, before taking the test, it is advisable to eliminate stress, both domestic and work-related.

It is very important for smokers to know that every cigarette smoked earlier than 3 hours before the test can significantly distort its result.

Results and their deviations from the norm

Perhaps a person without medical education does not need to know all the subtleties of the fluctuations of this protein in the blood plasma of a healthy person of different ages. It can be said that:

starting from the age of 19, that is, in adults, the norm of beta-2 microglobulin ranges from 0.67 to 2.329 mg per liter (mg/l) in blood plasma. There is no difference between men and women, just as there is no difference between a pregnant woman and a non-pregnant woman;
from childhood until the age of 19 years, significant fluctuations of this metabolite occur in the blood plasma: the highest value of beta-2 microglobulin in the blood plasma occurs in infants. In babies, from the first day of life until they reach the age of one month, the value can reach 4.7 for boys and 4.5 mg per liter for girls.

This is natural, since microglobulin is a protein that ensures the functioning of the immune system, and the immune system grows and develops starting from early childhood, during the period when the body becomes familiar with various antigenic environmental factors, microorganisms, when becoming familiar with childhood infections, and so on.

Deviations from reference values

Despite the significant variation in reference values, it should be remembered that low levels of this protein are normal. And if they do not exceed 0, 7, or 0.9 mg per liter, then everything is fine, as well as with a value of 2.5 mg/l. The greatest concern is a significant increase in concentration, but it is definitely impossible to judge the nature of the pathology only from this analysis.

This may be a suspicion of a malignant neoplasm, autoimmune diseases, which are treated by rheumatologists, and so on. A full examination is required. If the protein concentration is significantly exceeded, the patient first needs to consult a hematologist, since there is a suspicion of multiple myeloma, or a blood tumor.

If in a patient with myeloma after treatment the level of this protein decreases in relation to the initial one, then this fact indicates that the treatment has been correctly selected and the total amount of tumor mass has decreased. If in patients with myeloma the protein concentration in the blood plasma has not changed, or, on the contrary, has increased, then this indicates a worsening prognosis and (or) ineffective treatment.

If the patient has a sign of renal pathology, for example, protein in the urine, high blood pressure, edema, signs of nephropathy, then the level of microglobulin can be used to judge the dysfunction of the renal glomerular capsules. But this sign is important only if beta-2 microglobulin is high in the blood and low in the urine. If the situation is the opposite, and the metabolite has a low concentration in the blood plasma and a high concentration in the urine, then most often there is a disease associated with damage to the renal tubules. It is this fact that is important when chronic intoxication with mercury and cadmium is suspected. After all, these metals can cause damage specifically to the tubules, causing tubular necrosis.

If the level of this protein in the blood plasma increases in patients after kidney transplantation, this may indicate the onset of a serious complication: the onset of transplant rejection.

The study of beta-2 microglobulin in blood plasma is one of those tests that, if the permissible standards are exceeded, entail a full range of laboratory and instrumental research methods. From the above it is clear that an increase, even a significant one, of this substance in the blood plasma cannot be unambiguously considered a sign of either a malignant disease or kidney damage. Additional research methods are needed.

In addition, changes in the concentration of microglobulin in the blood plasma can be influenced by various severe infectious processes and medications, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium preparations, and cytostatics. If a patient undergoes this test soon after a CT scan or MRI using contrast agents, such as Omnipaque, this can also lead to false positive results and an increase in protein concentrations in the blood.

b-2 microglobulesn- tumor marker, indicator in the diagnosis of inflammation of various origins, malignant diseases (malignant lymphomas, multiple myeloma). This is a low molecular weight protein that is synthesized daily in the body in an amount of 150 mcg. Excreted by the kidneys (filtered and catabolized by the renal tubules). The appearance of this protein in the urine primarily indicates a violation of renal filtration.

In adults, the rate of b-2 microglobulin production is relatively constant.

The increase in the concentration of b-2 microglobulin depends on the stage of the disease, the degree of malignancy and the cell type. In patients with progressive pathology, the concentration of b-2-microglobulin is significantly higher than in patients during the stabilization period. High protein levels correlate with poor prognosis.

Normally, only trace amounts of beta-2 microglobulin are detected in the urine. Its half-life in plasma is 107 minutes.

The level of beta-2 microglobulin in the blood increases with renal failure (decreased renal clearance). When proximal tubule cells are damaged due to kidney disease, drug intoxication, toxic effects of heavy metals, etc., urinary excretion of beta-2 microglobulin increases.

Determination of beta-2 microglobulin in urine is used as a marker of damage to the proximal tubules of the kidneys. This test may be useful in differentiating between upper and lower urinary tract infections. The synthesis of beta-2 microglobulin increases in many conditions associated with increased cellular turnover and increased activity of the immune system: inflammation of all types, autoimmune disorders, antigen response, transplant rejection, B-cell lymphoma, multiple myeloma, viral infections, including HIV- infection, cytomegalovirus infection.

Limits of detection: 0.004 mg/l–2.5 mg/l

Indications:

kidney pathology;
differential diagnosis of upper and lower urinary tract infections;
assessment of the degree of damage to the proximal kidneys due to drug intoxication, toxic effects of heavy metals;
control during kidney transplantation.

Preparation
On the eve of the test, it is not recommended to eat vegetables and fruits that can change the color of urine (beets, carrots, cranberries, etc.), or take diuretics.

Empty your bladder (this portion of urine is poured into the toilet). Drink a large glass of water (200–250 ml). After about an hour, collect the urine in a sterile container with a lid. The urine collection container should be filled to 1/3–1/2 capacity.

Interpretation of results
Units of measurement: mg/l.

Alternative units: mg% = mg/100 ml.

Conversion of units: mg/100 ml x 10 = mg/l.

Reference values:< 0,3 мг/л.

Increasing values:

kidney diseases with damage to the proximal parts;
diabetic nephropathy;
side effects of drugs (carboplatin, cisplatin, gentamicin, nifedipine, tobramycin, radiocontrast agents);
increased turnover of lymphoid cells: inflammation with activation of cellular immunity, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (lymphogranulomatosis), chronic lymphocytic leukemia, viral infections (HIV, cytomegalovirus, etc.), autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.);
intoxication with cadmium salts.

Beta-2-microglobulin is a marker of the activity of the pathological process in some types of cancer (lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma), inflammation and immunological diseases. This protein is present on the surface of all cells of the body that contain nuclei, but most of all it is on B lymphocytes. The level of Beta-2 Microglobulin in the blood is directly dependent on the volume of the tumor structure and allows us to predict the prognosis of the disease.

People with suspected cancer of the hematopoietic organs are always tested. Its decoding is of interest to all patients, because a conditionally ill person at the moment simply needs to know, before the hepatologist’s verdict, what he should prepare for - long-term treatment for a deadly disease or whether his indicators are normal. One of the criteria for this study is beta-2-microglobulin.

This is a specific substance, a light chain of HLA class antigens, located on the surface of the cells of the human body and present in all biological fluids - blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, urine. The tumor marker, the biomolecule beta-2-microglobulin, allows us to identify a large number of diseases that arise due to qualitative changes in the structure of leukocytes that protect the human body from the effects of infectious agents.

Indications for analysis

What does beta-2-microglobulin show? The concentration of surface protein changes when various pathological processes occur in the human body.

It is recommended to take an analysis for the tumor marker beta-2-microglobulin not only for blood oncology, but also in the following cases:

if necessary, adequate assessment of the activity of the immune system and the degree of the pathological process in autoimmune diseases;
after surgery for kidney transplantation to carry out dynamic monitoring of the engraftment and functioning of the graft;
to carry out the differential division of cytomegalovirus and HIV infections.

Blood tests for beta-2-microglobulin are prescribed to provide a specialist with additional information about the prognosis of the disease and assess the effectiveness of treatment. A test for this tumor marker allows one to predict the likelihood of damage to the nervous system by metastases and determine the risks of early death. The frequency of this type of blood test is determined by the attending physician individually for each specific patient.

Preparation and execution

No special preparation is required for the beta-2 microglobulin test.

Prepare for it in the same way as for other blood and urine tests:

In the morning, any food intake, tea or coffee consumption is excluded. It is only permissible to drink clean water;
You should not smoke for 3 hours before the test;
on the eve of the test, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol and eat fatty foods;
It is unacceptable to undergo physical procedures for several days before the analysis;
It is recommended (in the absence of a vital need) to limit the intake of medications, especially cyclosporines and aminoglycosides.

Blood sampling for beta-2-microglobulin is performed from a vein in the morning. Urine collection is also performed in the morning, after mandatory hygiene procedures.

Important! A special recommendation before undergoing these tests is to be mentally prepared for the fact that the level of a specific molecule in purified plasma (blood serum) may differ significantly from the norm. There is no point in becoming despondent in case of positive results, since timely detection of the pathological process in most cases allows it to be cured completely.

Beta-2-microglobulin in cerebrospinal fluid

Liquor, cerebrospinal fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid are rarely used to test for beta-2-microglobulin. This diagnostic study is prescribed solely to clarify the degree of involvement of the central nervous system in the pathological process. If the results of the analysis reveal an excess of the level of a specific biomolecule, the amount of which in the cerebrospinal fluid should be less than 2.2 mg/l, the patient is diagnosed with damage to the central nervous system, provoked by the active progression of primary diseases.

Worth knowing! Interpretation of the results of a study of cerebrospinal fluid for the tumor marker B-2-MG should be performed only by a qualified specialist, since the indicators of this test themselves are not the basis for making a diagnosis. The disease can be correctly diagnosed only taking into account clinical symptoms, medical history and the results of other diagnostic studies.

Beta-2-microglobulin in urine

For urine, the norm of this biomolecule is up to 0.3 mg/l. Beta-2-microglobulin in biological fluid increases when the proximal tubules located in the renal medulla are damaged.

The development of such a pathology of the urinary system is possible with the following diseases:

kidney amyloidosis;
diabetic nephropathy;
autoimmune nephritis.

In addition, elevated beta-2-microglobulin in the urine may indicate an infectious process in the lower urinary tract or donor graft rejection after a kidney transplant.

Important! When the acidity of the biological fluid is low, beta-2-microglobulin in the urine decreases, so when assessing the result, they first look at the pH of the urine. If it is significantly lower than normal, the test results are considered invalid and the patient is recommended to follow a special diet for several days, and then the test is ordered to be repeated.

What can affect the result?

When testing for beta-2-microglobulin, the results are not always accurate, which is due to the obligatory presence of this specific substance in human plasma, but due to the fact that its level in the blood is individual for everyone, you should not count on the same indicators. In addition, beta-2-microglobulin changes in quantitative ratio under the influence of natural processes occurring in the body of a healthy person, for example, menstruation or the period of pregnancy in women.

In addition, a false result may be obtained in the following cases:

the patient’s medical history includes diseases that are directly related to a high rate of cell generation or destruction;
recent viral diseases;
autoimmune disorders.

Beta-2-microglobulin in the blood can also be elevated in people who smoke or take certain medications for a long time, for example, aminoglycoside antibiotics. In addition, there are a number of nuances that affect changes in the amount of this protein in the blood, so only an experienced doctor can correctly interpret the results of the analysis.

Interpretation of indicators: indicators of norms and deviations

The norm of beta-2-microglobulin indicates the absence of pathological processes in the human body, so deciphering the results of this analysis is of interest to many. In the blood, normal levels of the tumor marker beta-2-microglobulin are 670 to 2143 ng/ml, and in the urine - 3.8-251.8. An increase in the concentration of this substance, although it indicates the development of pathology, does not provide definite information about the illness that has affected the person.

A high concentration of tumor marker in urine indicates damage to the renal tubules.
Exceeding 300 mg/l beta 2 microglobulin in the blood of a pregnant woman indicates the development of an infectious form of pyelonephritis.
A very high concentration of a biomolecule, exceeding 5.0 mg/l for a long time, most often indicates the progression of HIV infection and its transition to the AIDS stage.

If during a course of therapy with a diagnosis of leukemia or other blood cancer pathologies, beta-2-microglobulin in the blood is significantly increased, this is an unfavorable signal indicating the progression of the disease and the ineffectiveness of treatment.

Reasons for increased Beta-2-microglobulin

It is under no circumstances recommended to independently interpret the results of an analysis for the B-2-MG tumor marker, much less panic when its concentration changes. As already mentioned, elevated levels of this protein do not always indicate a dangerous disease.

Very often, the reasons for the increase in microglobulin lie in the patient’s violation of the rules recommended before collecting biomaterial, or in natural processes currently occurring in the body. Only the attending physician can say that beta-2-microglobulin is elevated due to the development of a dangerous disease after evaluating all the results of the diagnostics.

Why does Beta-2-microglobulin decrease?

Low microglobulin levels are normal. Moreover, in some cases this specific protein may not be detected in urine at all. If this indicator decreases during the treatment of blood cancer pathologies, experts talk about the body’s positive response to treatment and a further favorable prognosis.

What diseases can cause deviations from the norm?

The specific protein beta-2 microglobulin is produced in increased quantities not only during oncological processes, but also in many pathological conditions associated with increased activity of the immune system. All of them were listed above. But this diagnostic criterion is used not only in primary diagnosis, to identify the disease that has affected a person. Quantitative changes in the oncmarker in the biomaterial taken during treatment of the disease are also important. They help to establish the response to the therapeutic course and predict the course of further treatment measures.