Urinary excretion of albumin and β₂-microglobulin in a population from an area where Balkan nephropathy is endemic

Abstract

The urinary excretion of albumin and β₂-microglobulin in a population of 294 persons, living in an area where Balkan nephropathy is endemic, has been studied. In fifty-six (about 19%) of the subjects the β₂-microglobulin concentration was above the + 2 SD level for a reference group of healthy individuals from non-endemic areas. Albumin elevation was found in forty-four (about 15%) of the cases. In twenty-one of the subjects the urinary concentration of both β₂-microglobulin and albumin were increased, in sixteen of these cases the relationship between the two proteins was consistent with tubular proteinuria. An increased β₂-microglobulin excretion is considered to be a sign of Balkan nephropathy. Radioimmunoassay of the protein is sensitive enough to detect tubular proteinuria at an early stage and is suggested as a suitable screening test for the disease.

Key Words:

• kidney disease
• kidney tubules
• proximal
• proteinuria
• radioimmunoassay