Description
β2-microglobulin (β2-M) is a single polypeptide chain containing 100 amino acids and is found on the surface of nucleated cells. β2-M is continuously secreted into the circulatory system and therefore maintains a balanced serum level. Clinical Trends: − Decreases in the glomerular filtration rate gives rise to increases in the level of β2-M. − β2-M is a helpful marker in the diagnosis of kidney disease and active rheumatoid arthritis. − Patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) show an increased level of β2-M. β2-M has a low concentration in serum. We have found in a normal unselected population that in serum the highest level for β2-M is 3.8 mg/L. The total number of serum samples tested was 92, showing little differences in the normal level in males, pre- and postmenopausal females. The average for male samples = 1.582 mg/L, for premenopausal female = 1.457 mg/L, for postmenopausal female = 1.608 mg/L and finally for young people = 1.13 mg/L