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Comparison of β2-microglobulin serum level between Alzheimer's patients, cognitive healthy and mild cognitive
Roberto Dominici1, Dario Finazzi2,3, Letizia Polito4
1a ASST Ovest Milanese Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Magenta Hospital , Legnano , Italy.
Background:
Several studies performed in the last years on the brain, showed that beta2-microglobulin (β2m) and MHC can act independently of their canonical immune function to regulate normal brain development, synaptic plasticity and behaviour. Increased systemic levels of soluble β2m have been implicated in cognitive impairments like that associated with chronic haemodialysis, or aortic valve replacement. Increased soluble β2m has also been detected in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of patients with HIV-associated dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Objective:
To compare plasma β2m levels in healthy subjects and subjects with dementia or cognitive impairment.
Methods:
We measured the concentration of β2m in a cohort of 245 individuals and compared sex matched, cognitive healthy individuals.
Results:
We found higher levels of β2m in AD patients compared to non-AD MCI and healthy controls (2063 ng/mL ±852 versus 1613 ± 503 and 1832 ± 382 ng/mL, p< 0.001 and <0.033, respectively), while there was no difference between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy controls (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Our data confirm that β2m could play a role in AD. However, a replication study in an independent cohort would be necessary to confirm our preliminary results.
Insights
Elevated beta2-microglobulin (β2m) levels were found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared to healthy individuals. This suggests a potential role for β2m in AD pathogenesis, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Beta2-microglobulin (β2m) and MHC influence brain development, synaptic plasticity, and behavior independently of immune roles.
- Elevated systemic soluble β2m is linked to cognitive impairments, including those seen in chronic hemodialysis and after aortic valve replacement.
- Increased soluble β2m is detected in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with HIV-associated dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma β2m levels between healthy individuals and those with dementia or cognitive impairment.
- To investigate the association between β2m levels and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 245 individuals was analyzed.
- Plasma β2m concentrations were measured.
- Levels were compared between sex-matched healthy controls and subjects with cognitive impairment or AD.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients exhibited significantly higher plasma β2m levels compared to both non-AD MCI patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.033, respectively).
- No significant difference in plasma β2m levels was observed between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and healthy controls (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that β2m may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Further validation through replication studies in independent cohorts is necessary to confirm these preliminary results.