Biomaterial Database

Unexpected normal serum beta-microglobulin (B2M) levels in multiple myeloma. 1987

R Bataille, and J Grenier, and J Sany

Measuring serum beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) in 90 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) from diagnosis to death (83 cases), or to the terminal phase of their disease (7 cases), we have obtained evidence that 9% of them retained normal serum B2M levels during the whole of their follow-up. This was observed in 6 IgA MM, in one light chain MM only and in one non-secretory MM. These data suggest a lack of B2M production and/or secretion by some myeloma tumors. This could limit the use of B2M as clinical marker in MM.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009101	Multiple Myeloma	A malignancy of mature PLASMA CELLS engaging in monoclonal immunoglobulin production. It is characterized by hyperglobulinemia, excess Bence-Jones proteins (free monoclonal IMMUNOGLOBULIN LIGHT CHAINS) in the urine, skeletal destruction, bone pain, and fractures. Other features include ANEMIA; HYPERCALCEMIA; and RENAL INSUFFICIENCY.	Myeloma, Plasma-Cell,Kahler Disease,Myeloma, Multiple,Myeloma-Multiple,Myelomatosis,Plasma Cell Myeloma,Cell Myeloma, Plasma,Cell Myelomas, Plasma,Disease, Kahler,Multiple Myelomas,Myeloma Multiple,Myeloma, Plasma Cell,Myeloma-Multiples,Myelomas, Multiple,Myelomas, Plasma Cell,Myelomas, Plasma-Cell,Myelomatoses,Plasma Cell Myelomas,Plasma-Cell Myeloma,Plasma-Cell Myelomas
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001613	beta 2-Microglobulin	An 11-kDa protein associated with the outer membrane of many cells including LYMPHOCYTES. It is the small subunit of MHC CLASS I MOLECULES. Association with beta 2-microglobulin is generally required for the transport of class I heavy chains from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. Beta 2-microglobulin is present in small amounts in serum, CEREBROSPINAL FLUID, and urine of healthy individuals, and to a much greater degree in the urine and plasma of patients with tubular PROTEINURIA, renal failure, or kidney transplants.	Thymotaxin,beta 2 Microglobulin