Serum β2- microglobulin in liver disease

Abstract

The concentration of β₂-microglobulin in serum was determined in seventy-one patients with various liver disorders. Elevated values were found in most patients with chronic active or chronic persistent hepatitis and in over 80% of patients with alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. In contrast, patients with alcohol-induced fatty liver, the serum β-microglobulin concentrations were mostly within the normal range. Significant correlation (P< 0.001) was noted between the elimination rate of galactose from blood and the serum β₂-microglobulin concentration in patients with alcoholic liver damage but not in patients with chronic hepatitis. The reasons for the increased S-β₂microglobulin concentrations in liver diseases are unknown. Several explanations including a release of β₂-microglobulin from necrotic liver cells or an increased synthesis of β₂-microglobulin consequent to inflammation in the liver are possible. Alternatively, raised β₂-microglobulin levels may reflect the hepatic synthesis during reparative growth.