Relation between endemic (Balkan) nephropathy and urinary-tract tumours

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) and papillary tumors of the urinary tract are prevalent in specific regions.
• Beta 2-microglobulin (B2M) is a protein found on the surface of most nucleated cells, and its levels can indicate kidney damage or certain cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum and urine beta 2-microglobulin concentrations in an at-risk population.
• To explore the potential association between B2M levels, papillary tumors, and BEN.

Main Methods:

• Serum and urine B2M levels were measured in 869 inhabitants of a village endemic for BEN.
• Participants included healthy individuals, patients with papillary tumors, and those with evidence of renal involvement.

Main Results:

• Over 23% of the apparently healthy population exhibited elevated serum and/or urine B2M.
• 5 out of 6 patients with renal pelvis papillary tumors had raised serum B2M.
• 13.4% of the healthy population had elevated serum B2M.

Conclusions:

• Increased B2M levels are common in this endemic population, even in healthy individuals.
• Tumor cells may overproduce B2M, potentially leading to a nephropathy similar to BEN.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the role of B2M in the pathogenesis of BEN.