SERUM BETA-2-MICROGLOBULIN IN LIVER-DISEASE

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 βmicroglobulin 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. © 1979 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.