We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Elevated Levels of Beta-2 Microglobulin Linked to Increased Stroke Risk

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 May 2017
Print article
Image: Results published in a recent paper indicated that elevated levels of the protein beta-2 microglobulin in the blood were linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke among women (Photo courtesy of the AHA).
Image: Results published in a recent paper indicated that elevated levels of the protein beta-2 microglobulin in the blood were linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke among women (Photo courtesy of the AHA).
Beta-2 microglobulin, also known as B2M, is a component of the MHC class I molecules, which are present on all nucleated cells. They also occur on platelets, but not on red blood cells. Their function is to display peptide fragments of non-self-proteins from within the cell to cytotoxic T-cells; this will trigger an immediate response from the immune system against a particular non-self-antigen displayed with the help of an MHC class I protein.

As recent studies had found associations between beta-2 microglobulin and heart disease, investigators at Harvard Medical School decided to study the association between beta-2 microglobulin and ischemic stroke.

The investigators measured B2M levels in 473 ischemic strokes cases confirmed by medical record review and in 473 controls matched 1:1 to the cases on age, race, date of blood collection, menopausal status, postmenopausal hormone use, and smoking status. The subjects were women with an average age of 61 who provided blood samples between 1989 and 1990 and who had no history of stroke or cancer. Participants completed questionnaires about their lifestyle and medical history every two years. The investigators analyzed the association between B2M and ischemic stroke using multivariable conditional logistic regression to adjust for traditional stroke risk factors.

Results revealed that participants who later had an ischemic stroke had higher levels of beta-2 microglobulin than those who did not have a stroke. The average level of the protein was 1.86 milligrams per liter in those who had ischemic strokes, compared to 1.80 milligrams per liter in those who did not have a stroke. Those in the highest quarter of beta-2 microglobulin levels were 56% more likely to have a stroke than those in the bottom quarter. In the top quarter, 163 of the 283 women had strokes, compared to 106 of the 227 women in the bottom quarter.

“Recent studies have found associations between beta-2 microglobulin and heart disease,” said first author Dr. Pamela Rist, instructor in medicine and epidemiology at Harvard Medical School. “However, less is known about the association between beta-2 microglobulin and ischemic stroke. Given the high rate of disability from stroke, it is important to identify people who may be at higher risk of this disease. This protein could be a marker that might help us in the fight against stroke. Further studies are needed to determine if beta-2 microglobulin levels can be modified through lifestyle changes.”

The study was published in the May 10, 2017, online issue of the journal Neurology.

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.