Serum beta2-microglobulin levels in normal children and sex-linked agammaglobulinemia patients

β₂-Microglobulin levels have been determined in cord blood sera and sera of healthy children of different ages, as well as in sera of patients with Bruton's type of agammaglobulinemia. The results obtained showed the highest β₂-microglobulin levels in cord blood sera and a gradual decrease in β₂-microglobulin concentration with age; normal adult levels of β₂-microglobulin are reached at the age of approx. 12 years. No correlation has been found between serum β₂-microglobulin levels and immunoglobulin concentration. The results suggest that the production of β₂-microglobulin does not depend solely on B-cell function.A simple and sensitive radioactive method for the quantitation of β₂-microglobulin is described.     

Serum beta2-microglobulin in controls and cancer patients.

Serum beta2-microglobulin levels have been measured in 210 cancer and control patients to assess the significance of this investigation in cancer patients. Subjects studied included patients with breast and gastrointestinal cancer, corresponding control patients in both categories, and healthy volunteers. The composition of these groups allowed an assessment of the relative importance of changes related to cancer, benign disease, age and sex. A significant rise in serum beta2-microglobulin levels with advancing age was demonstrated in the control subjects. Mean levels were also consistently higher in females than in males in each patient group. After statistical correction for these age and sex effects, mean values remained significantly higher in each of the various cancer groups than in their controls. Patients with more advanced breast cancer had higher levels than those with 'early' disease, as did patients with stomach cancer compared to those with colo-rectal cancer. One possible interpretation is that levels increase with increasing tumour bulk, and therefore the estimation of serum beta2-microglobulin may be useful as one of a battery of tests in the management of cancer patients.     

Beta2-microglobulin: occurrence in fetal life and malignancy

The levels of β₂-microglobulin in human fetal sera were found increased as compared with those in maternal and normal adult sera. Serum concentrations of β₂-microglobulin in the course of intrauterine development parallel concentration changes of feto-specific proteins. Elevated serum levels of β₂-microglobulin were also found in a number of pathological conditions, especially those of a neoplastic nature.     

Serum 2 -microglobulin in various disorders

In 216 patients admitted to hospital for various disorders serum β₂-microglobulin was determined by a radioimmunoassay. Only subjects with a serum creatinine value in the lower half of the normal range were studied as the level of serum β₂-microglobulin is known to increase when there is an impairment of the renal function. Most patients had normal serum levels but high values of serum β₂-microglobulin were relatively often found in patients with malignant disease. Elevated values were also found in a few subjects with inflammatory disorders thought to be connected with a pronounced or abnormal immune response.     

Serum beta2-microglobulin levels and p24 antigen,lymphocyte depletion and disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus infection

Summary Abnormally elevated serum beta₂-microglobulin levels have been associated with progression of human immunodeficiency virus disease. In this study we have analyzed the relationship between serum beta₂-microglobulin levels of patients at different stages of the disease and serological and immunological parameters commonly used for monitoring the infection. The investigation was performed on 150 patients and 30 controls during the period from March 1989 to March 1990. At that time, 30 patients had the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or its related complex and 120 had persistent generalized lymphadenopathy or were asymptomatic. Thirty-nine antibody-negative subjects, belonging to a high-risk group for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, were used as controls. All patients had normal renal function. There was a significant relationship between increased serum beta₂-microglobulin levels and the presence of p24 antigen, a decrease in the total number of lymphocytes (≤1500/mm³) and a decrease in CD4⁺ T lymphocytes (≤200/mm³). No significant relationship between serum beta₂-microglobulin levels and CD3⁺ T lymphocytes was found.     

Analysis of urinary albumin,transferrin, N-acetylβ-D-glucosaminidase and β2-microglobulin in patients with impaired glucose tolerance

We investigated the changes in urinary albumin and urinary transferrin as glomerular proteins, and in urinary N-acetyl-β-D -glucosaminidase and urinary β₂-microglobulin as tubular proteins, in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. We attempted to compare the proteins of normal subjects to those of diabetics with pre-nephropathy. Transferrin and N-acetyl-β-D -glucosaminidase levels were significantly increased in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, while albumin and β₂-microglobulin levels were only slightly increased. In addition, there was no significant difference in transferrin levels between patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetics with pre-nephropathy. In our observation, although albumin levels were only slightly increased in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, a sharp increase in transferrin levels was reflected in patients with glomerular disorders. In addition, since N-acetyl-β-D -glucosaminidase levels varied markedly, tubular disorders were suspected. It should be stressed that increased parameters for both glomerular and tubular disorders in group C—patients who showed abnormal levels in three proteins—had already been observed in some patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Therefore, the evaluation of the mutual relationships between various urinary protein components in patients with impaired glucose tolerance will become a more important assessment tool than that of single urinary protein components. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 12:351–355, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Serum β2-microglobulin in intravenous drug users and its correlation with human immunodeficiency virus infectionin intravenous drug users and its correlation with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Summary High levels of serum β₂-microglobulin have been associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection and β₂-microglobulin has been used with other serological and immunological markers for monitoring disease progression. The usefulness of β₂-microglobulin as a prognostic marker during human immunodeficiency virus infection has been demonstrated in homosexual men and hemophiliacs; few and contradictory data have been reported in intravenous drug users. We have evaluated a cohort of 160 intravenous drug users (81 seronegative and 79 seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus infection) with normal renal function to assess whether serum β₂-microglobulin could be used as a serological marker for monitoring infection; 78 healthy subjects were used as controls. Of 79 seropositive drug users, 54 were asymptomatic or had persistent generalized lymphoadenopathy the remaining 25 had the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Seropositive patients were tested for CD4⁺ lymphocyte number, p24 antigen and anti-p24 antibodies. A significant statistical difference was found in mean serum β₂-microglobulin levels between seronegative and seropositive drug users. Moreover, higher levels of β₂-microglobulin were observed in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients compared with asymptomatic or patients with persistent lymphadenopathy. A significant relationship was also observed between increased concentration of β₂-microglobulin and the serological and immunological markers which indicate human immunodeficiency virus disease progression.     

Dietary Intake and Serum Levels of Iron in Relation to Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer Patients

Iron may induce oxidative stress via production of reactive oxygen species, facilitating mammary carcinogenesis. This study investigated the role of iron in relation to oxidative stress as a potential risk factor in the development of breast cancer (BC). BC patients (n = 121) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 149) were entered into the study. Iron and antioxidant vitamins intakes were estimated using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Thirty one subjects from each group provided blood samples for measurement of serum iron, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Total and non-heme iron intake of BC patients were lower than those of the controls. However, the serum iron level was significantly higher in BC patients. Plasma MDA levels were also significantly higher in BC patients whereas no significant difference in FRAP values were observed between the two groups. Log-transformed serum iron concentration showed no significant correlation with MDA or FRAP. These results suggest that serum iron overload may be a breast cancer risk factor possibly due to increased oxidative stress.     

A comparative study of serum alpha 1-microglobulin and beta 2-microglobulin levels in cancerous and other diseases

The levels of serum alpha 1-microglobulin in 60 normal persons and in 191 patients suffering from a variety of benign and malignant disorders were determined by an enzyme immunoassay, and these values were compared with the levels of beta 2-microglobulin. A discrepancy between the serum levels of these proteins was found in hepatobiliary disorders; that is, an increased serum level of beta 2-microglobulin was observed in 73.9%, while in only 4.3% was there an elevation of alpha 1-microglobulin. In particular, alpha 1-microglobulin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis were well below the normal range, while beta 2-microglobulin levels were elevated. Elevated levels of both proteins were noted in patients with some impairments of renal function, particularly in chronic renal failure, and in immunological diseases. In 81 patients with neoplastic diseases, a high alpha 1-microglobulin value was found in only 15 patients (16.4%), while a high beta 2-microglobulin value in 62 patients (76.5%). The serum levels of both alpha 1-microglobulin and beta 2-microglobulin were especially high in plasma cell dyscrasia with Bence Jones protein, but other neoplastic diseases were mostly associated with beta 2-microglobulin elevation alone.     

Serum YKL-40 levels as a prognostic factor in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

INTRODUCTION: YKL-40 is a growth factor for connective tissue cells; it also stimulates the migration of endothelial cells. YKL-40 is secreted by cancer cells, and elevated serum levels have been associated with poorer prognosis in metastatic breast cancer. In the present study we evaluated the prognostic role of serum YKL-40 levels in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. METHODS: YKL-40 levels were measured using ELISA in serum samples obtained from 45 breast cancer patients prior to surgery and chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 46 months (range, 10-96 months). All patients underwent surgery after chemotherapy. During the follow-up period, 21 patients relapsed and there were 17 deaths. RESULTS: The median serum YKL-40 concentration in patients with locally advanced breast cancer was 149.5 mug/l (range, 25.0-1021.3 mug/l). This was higher than levels observed in healthy female controls but the difference was not significant (P=0.44). Serum YKL-40 levels were also higher in patients with tumour size >2 cm and node-positive disease but again the differences were not significant (P>0.05). Tumour volume was correlated with serum YKL-40 levels (r=0.308, P=0.039). High serum YKL-40 levels were associated with shorter disease-free and overall survival although this trend failed to reach significance (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis including tumour size, lymph node status, oestrogen and progesterone receptor status, tumour grade, and serum YKL-40 levels indicated that serum YKL-40 levels were an independent prognostic variable for overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence intervals: 1.00, 1.07; P=0.027). Tumour size, lymph node status and oestrogen receptor status were also independent prognostic variables for overall survival (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results show that serum levels of the growth factor YKL-40 may be a useful prognostic indicator of outcome for patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Further studies are required to fully elucidate the biological function of YKL-40 in breast cancer.     

Urine B2-microglobulin in patients with macroglobulinemia Waldenström

The level of B₂-microglobulin in the urine was determined by a radioimmunoassay technique in six patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. In 50% of the patients the B₂-microglobulin in the urine was significantly increased. In none of the analyzed patients any glomerular malfunction, as measured by serum creatinine and creatinine clearance, was observed.     

Human cytokine response to Texas crotaline envenomation before and after antivenom administration

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize the human cytokine response to Texas crotaline envenomation before and after antivenom administration.

Methods

This study enrolled crotaline bite victims presenting to a regional trauma center and children's hospital from March to November 2007 and age-matched unbitten controls. Blood spot cards were obtained from bite victims at presentation and at 1 and 6 hours after antivenom administration. One control sample was drawn from each of the age-matched controls selected from urgent care patients presenting for minor complaints. Samples were delivered to a laboratory using a proprietary method for quantitative evaluation of a large number of biomarkers in parallel with bead-based multiplex immunoassays.

Results

After obtaining informed consent, 14 crotaline bite victims (age range, 5-85 years; median age, 45 years; 50% female) (Snakebite Severity Score, 2-7; median, 3) and 14 age-matched controls were enrolled. There were 7 copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) bites, 4 rattlesnake (probably Western Diamondback Crotalus atrox) bites, 2 cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) bites, and 1 bite from a snake that was not identified by the victim. In t tests, the means in the presentation samples for apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), Apo C3, interleukin 4 (IL-4), myeloperoxidase, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), epidermal growth factor, and regulated upon activation, normal t-cell expressed and secreted were significantly lower and Apo H was significantly higher in the bite patients than in the controls. In the 1-hour sample, α₁-antitrypsin, Apo A-I, Apo C3, eotaxin, IL-4, myeloperoxidase, and PAI-1 levels were lower and prostatic acid phosphatase and cancer antigen 125 levels were higher in the bite patients than in the controls. And in the 6-hour sample, α₁-antitrypsin, Apo A-I, Apo C3, endothelin-1, IL-4, macrophage inflammatory protein 1β, myeloperoxidase, and epidermal growth factor levels were lower and Apo H level was higher in the bite patients than in controls (all P values < .05).

Conclusions

Crotaline venom produces a broad cytokine response in human bite victims. In particular, IL-4, myeloperoxidase, and Apo A-I and C3 levels remain altered despite antivenom therapy, whereas PAI-1 and regulated upon activation, normal t-cell expressed and secreted levels seem to normalize after antivenin as other markers are affected. Understanding this profile and further study of the markers identified might lead to improved therapies and better prognostic indicators.     

beta 2-microglogulin levels in cancerous and other disease states.

Serum beta2-microglobulin levels were measured, by radioimmunoassay, in patients suffering from a variety of benign and malignant clinical disorders. Elevated beta 2-microglobulin values were found in neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders affecting a variety of organs. The most striking increases in beta 2-microglobulin are found in the plasma cell dyscrazias and several solid tumors, particularly those affecting the lung. Lymphoid neoplasms demonstrate a spectrum of changes of serum beta 2-microglobulin. At the one end of this spectrum were the plasma cell tumors, which show a high incidence of raised beta 2-microglobulin levels, while patients with Hodgkin's disease rarely show such increases in circulating beta 2-microglobulin.     

Role of serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 to predict breast cancer progression

ObjectiveMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, have been reported as putative tumor markers because of their involvement in cancer invasion and metastasis. The aim of our study was to elucidate the possible role of MMP-2 and -9 as serum prognostic biomarker for breast cancer classification and correlate it with the clinicopathological variables.Design and MethodsOur study consisted of 60 females with primary breast cancer, 40 cases of benign breast disease and 60 healthy female volunteers as controls. The serum MMP-2 and -9 levels were quantitatively measured by ELISA technique.ResultsA significantly raised MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were observed in breast cancer patients. Significant rise in serum MMP-9 concentration was found in patients presenting with metastasis as well as in those cases who presented with a duration of less than 1 year. ROC analyses depicted a serum cutoff value of 315 ng/mL for MMP-9 to discriminate the breast cancer patients from the control group.ConclusionOur results suggest that serum MMP-9 level is a better marker than serum MMP-2 in predicting the breast cancer development and progression.     

The plasma levels of relaxin-2 and relaxin-3 in patients with diabetes

ObjectivesRelaxin-2 has been found to alleviate fibrosis in experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy. In addition, the levels of serum relaxin-3 were increased and correlated with all the component traits of metabolic syndrome. We investigated the levels of plasma relaxin-2 or relaxin-3 and their relationship to component traits in patients with diabetes.Design and methodsWe studied 33 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients and 38 age-matched healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken at study entry, and relaxin-3, relaxin-2, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, serum insulin and hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) levels were measured.ResultsRelaxin-2 levels were significantly lower in patients with diabetes than in controls: the median plasma relaxin-2 concentration was 34.68 pg/mL (range, < 29.00–50.81 pg/mL) in patients with diabetes and 45.80 pg/mL (range, < 37.42–54.46 pg/mL) in controls (p = 0.0150). However, no differences in relaxin-3 levels were observed between the diabetes group and controls (p = 0.6550). The plasma levels of relaxin-2 or relaxin-3 were not correlated with systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and HbA_1c in patients with diabetes. Additionally, there was no correlation between the plasma concentrations of relaxin-2 and relaxin-3 in patients with diabetes (r_s = 0.225; p = 0.208).ConclusionsWe conclude that the plasma levels of relaxin-2 in diabetes patients were lower than in controls, however, there are no difference in plasma relaxin-3 concentrations between controls and patients with diabetes. Relaxin-2 or relaxin-3 levels are not related to component traits in patients with diabetes.     

胃癌病人血清β_2-微球蛋白含量变化的临床意义

目的:探讨胃癌病人血清中β2-微球蛋白(β2-microglobulin,β2-MG)含量变化及临床应用价值。方法用免疫放射分析法(IRA)检测62例胃癌病人、30例慢性胃炎伴幽门螺杆菌(helicobacterpylori,HP)感染病人以及3例正常健康人血清β2-MG含量。动态检测胃癌手术前后β2-MG含量变化。结果:胃癌病人血清中β2-MG含量明显高于健康对照组(P<0.05)和慢性胃炎伴HP组(P<0.05);胃癌患者术前血清β2-MG含量增高者,术后含量明显降低(P<0.05);有转移复发时,其含量又升高。结论:检测血清β2-MG含量变化在胃癌早期诊断以及疗效和预后判断等方面具有重要临床意义。     

Clinical significance of serum M30 and M65 levels in patients with breast cancer

M30 and M65 are relatively new assays that detect different circulating forms of the epithelial cell structural protein cytokeratin18. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the serum levels of M30 and M65 in patients with breast cancer. A total of 80 patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer were enrolled into the study. Serum M30 and M65 concentrations were determined by the solid-phase sandwich ELISA method. Serum samples were obtained on first admission before any type of treatment. The median age at diagnosis was 52 years, range 30 to 81 years. The baseline serum M30 and M65 levels in patients with metastatic disease were significantly higher than those in the non-metastatic patients (P = 0.017 and P = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, serum M65 level was also elevated in patients with large tumor size (P = 0.02). No correlation was found between these serum assay levels and response to chemotherapy (P > 0.05). However, the significant relationship was found between the serum levels of M30 and M65 (r_s = 0.96, P < 0.001). Neither serum M30 nor serum M65 had significantly effect on survival (P = 0.50, and P = 0.52, respectively). In conclusion, although both serum M30 and M65 levels are elevated in metastatic disease, no predictive and prognostic roles on survival were found in patients with breast cancer.     

Role of transforming growth factor-β2 in, and apossible transforming growth factor-β2 gene polymorphism as a marker of, renal dysfunction in essential hypertension: A study in Turkish patients

Background:

Many studies have shown that transforming growth factor(TGF)-β has a major role in renal scarring in many renal diseases and hypertension.

Objectives:

The primary aim of this study was to investigate both the relationship between hypertension and serum and urinary levels of TGF-β₂ (a more sensitive isoform for glomeruli than TGF-β₁), and the effects of combination therapy with perindopril + indapamide on microalbuminuria, which becomes an early indicator of hypertensive benign nephropathy, and serum and urinary TGF-β₂ levels in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. In addition, we examined the possible relationship between TGF-β₂ gene polymorphism and essential hypertension.

Methods:

This study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. Patients aged ≥18 years with newly diagnosed mild to moderate essential hypertension (systolic/diastolic blood pressure [SBP/DBP] >120/>80 mm Hg) who had not previously received antihypertensive treatment were included in the study. Patients with stage I hypertension received perindopril 2 mg + indapamide 0.625 mg (tablet), and patients with stage lI hypertension received perindopril 4 mg + indapamide 1.125 mg (tablet). All study drugs were given OD (morning) PO with food for 6 months. Serum and urinary TGF-β₂ and creatinine levels and serum and urinary albumin levels were measured before and after perindopril + indapamide administration. Amplified DNA fragments of the TGF-β₂ primer region were screened using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the number of ACA repeats was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Genetic studies were performed using a commercial TGF-β₂ kit.

Results:

Forty patients were enrolled in the study, and 38 patients (27 women, 11 men; mean [SD] age, 46.3 [6.5] years) completed it. SBP and DBP were significantly decreased from baseline with perindopril/indapamide (both, P < 0.001). Microalbuminuria and urinary TGF-β₂ levels also decreased significantly from baseline (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas the serum TGF-β₂ level did not change significantly. Three patients, all of whom were found to have TGF-β₂ gene mutations, had increased urinary TGF-β₂ levels despite good blood pressure control.

Conclusions:

The results of this study in patients with mild to moderate hypertension suggest that, despite good clinical control of blood pressure, the persistence of microalbuminuria and high urinary TGF-β₂ levels might predict renal impairment. When treating these patients, genetic tendencies and possible polymorphisms on the TGF-β₂ locus should be kept in mind.     

血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ在乳腺肿瘤定性诊断中价值及与预后相关性研究

目的探讨血清白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)在乳腺肿瘤定性诊断中价值及与预后相关性。方法选取2016年9月至2018年11月本院92例乳腺癌患者为乳腺癌组,同期行手术切除治疗的92例乳腺良性肿瘤(乳腺纤维瘤)患者为良性组。对比2组与不同临床特征乳腺癌患者血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ水平,绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清各指标单一与联合检测对乳腺肿瘤良恶性的诊断价值,并比较不同预后(1年复发、未复发)乳腺癌患者血清各指标表达,Spearman相关性分析探讨血清各指标表达与乳腺癌预后复发的关联性。结果乳腺癌组血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ水平高于良性组(P<0.05);血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ诊断乳腺肿瘤良恶性均具有较高AUC,应用3者联合诊断乳腺肿瘤良恶性的敏感度为77.17%、特异度为84.78%;临床分期为Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、组织分化程度为中低分化、有淋巴结转移乳腺癌患者血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ水平高于临床分期为Ⅰ~Ⅱ期、组织分化程度为高分化、无淋巴结转移患者(P<0.05);1年复发患者血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ水平高于未复发者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);Spearman相关性分析显示,血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ表达与乳腺癌预后复发呈显著正相关。结论血清IL-1β、IL-10、IFN-γ在乳腺肿瘤定性诊断中具有重要价值,与乳腺癌临床分期、组织分化程度、淋巴结转移密切相关,且可用于预后复发预测。     

Serum vitamin E level in patients with breast cancer

In this study, the serum vitamin E (total tocopherol) levels in patients with breast cancer (n= 100) and healthy controls (n= 70) were measured. The mean values for vitamin E were found to be 0–44 mg/100 ml in breast cancer patients and 1108 mg/100 ml in controls. In the statistical evaluation, the vitamin E levels in breast cancer patients are significantly lower than in the controls (P < 0–05). The influence of factors such as suckling period, age of first gestation, smoking status and dietary habits were also studied.