Beta2-microglobulin

Semin Dial. 2009 Jul-Aug;22(4):378-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-139X.2009.00584.x.

Abstract

Among the uremic toxins in the "middle molecule" range, beta2-microglobulin (beta2-M) is certainly one of the most frequently studied compounds. Its serum level increases with the progression of chronic kidney disease, to reach very high concentrations in patients with end-stage kidney disease. It is the major protein component of dialysis-related amyloidosis, a dramatic complication which results from high extracellular concentration and posttranslational modification of beta2-M and a number of other promoters of amyloid fibril formation and deposition in osteo-articular tissues. Effective removal of beta2-M can be achieved with highly effective hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration techniques but predialysis session serum levels cannot be normalized. The prevalence and severity of beta2-M amyloidosis appear to have decreased in the last 20 years, although its occurrence may simply be delayed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / etiology
  • Amyloidosis / metabolism
  • Amyloidosis / therapy
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / complications
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy*
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • beta 2-Microglobulin / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • beta 2-Microglobulin