ABSTRACT
Beta 2 microglobulin is a low molecular weight protein integrating the light chain HLA antigens. Its serum concentration is increased in different neoplasias and in renal failure. Using solid phase RIA we determined the concentration of beta 2 microglobulin in plasma and spinal fluid of 57 healthy individuals and patients with hematologic neoplasia. Serum levels were 1.34 +/- 0.34 mg/l and spinal fluid levels were 1.3 +/- 0.7 mg/l in healthy subjects. Serum levels in 29 patients with myeloma was 7.51 mg/l, significantly higher in those with renal failure (12.35 mg/l) compared to those without (4.54). In 30 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma the mean serum levels were 2.90 mg/l, significantly greater in those with active disease (3.18) than in those with remission (1.5). No difference was found according to the degree of malignancy. Patients with acute lymphatic leukemia had elevated values of beta 2 microglobulin while the disease was active (3.37 mg/l), decreasing to normal levels after remission (1.79 mg/l). Spinal fluid levels of beta 2 microglobulin were elevated only in patients with central nervous system involvement. Our results indicate that serum levels of beta 2 microglobulin are helpful in patients with hematologic neoplasia in assessing the activity of the disease and tumor mass, especially in multiple myeloma.