Letter to the Editor

Helicobacter pylori and Beta-2 Microglobulin Levels

Authors: Nazmiye Dincer, MD, Kerem Karaman, MD, Mevlut Kurt, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


Beta-2 microglobulin is present in all nucleated cells and it can be used as a nonspecific but sensitive marker of various neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious conditions. Levels of beta-2 microglobulin can be elevated in lymphoid malignancies, for instance in multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.1 It is also used as a marker in inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease, and it reflects the activity, severity, and diffuseness of the disease.2

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References

1. Cooper EH, Plesner T. Beta-2-microglobulin review: its relevance in clinical oncology. Med Pediatr Oncol 1980;8:323–334.
 
2. Zissis M, Afroudakis A, Galanopoulos G, et al. B2 microglobulin: is it a reliable marker of activity in inflammatory bowel disease? Am J Gastroenterol 2001;96:2177–2183.
 
3. Akay H, Akay A, Köklü S. Serum and tissue beta-2 microglobulin levels in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Dig Dis Sci 2008;53:358–362.
 
4. Dincer N, Topal F, Karaman K, et al. Relationship of the intensity of Helicobacter pylori and severity of inflammation with beta-2 microglobulin levels in serum according to the updated sydney system.South Med J 2010;103:1092–1096.