Related Experiment Videos
Serum beta2-microglobulin reflects increased bone resorption in immobilized stroke patients
Objective:
The so-called bone-derived growth factor, beta2-microglobulin, has a regulatory function in bone metabolism by stimulating osteoclast activity. We undertook this study because osteoclast activity is known to be enhanced in patients with immobilized stroke, suggesting that their beta2-microglobulin concentrations may be increased.
Design:
We studied 79 patients with acute stroke hemiplegia, including 36 men and 43 postmenopausal women ranging in age between 51 and 70 yr.
Results:
The mean Barthel Index was 43 and 42 for men and women, respectively. The serum beta2-microglobulin concentration was increased in male and female patients, compared with the findings of 44 age-matched control subjects, and the serum concentration of pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen was also increased in male and female patients, compared with the findings of the control subjects. Serum concentrations of pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen correlated negatively with Barthel Index scores in both genders, indicating increased bone resorption caused by immobilization in these patients. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between beta2-microglobulin and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen in both genders.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that beta2-microglobulin reflects osteoclastic activity in response to stroke-induced immobilization in both genders. Beta2-microglobulin is a useful indicator of bone resorption in patients with immobilized stroke.