Beta2-Microglobulin

Among the uremic toxins in the "middle molecule" range, beta2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) is certainly one of the most frequently studied compounds. Its serum level increases with the progression of chronic kidney disease, to reach very high concentrations in patients with end-stage kidney disease. It is the major protein component of dialysis-related amyloidosis, a dramatic complication which results from high extracellular concentration and posttranslational modification of beta 2-M and a number of other promoters of amyloid fibril formation and deposition in osteo-articular tissues. Effective removal of beta 2-M can be achieved with highly effective hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration techniques but predialysis session serum levels cannot be normalized. The prevalence and severity of beta 2-M amyloidosis appear to have decreased in the last 20 years, although its occurrence may simply be delayed.