Is beta2-microglobulin a marker of bone remodling in postmenopausal osteoporosis?

ABSTRACT

Beta[2]-microglobulin plays a role as a bone-derived growth factor regulating both osteoblast and osteoclast cell activity. Serum beta[2] -microglobulin has been proposed as a bone remodeling biological marker in high bone turnover conditions. Osteoclastic activity is, enhanced in postmenopausal osteoporosis, suggesting that beta[2] microglobulin concentration may also be increased in this disease. In this study, beta[2]- microglobulin concentration was found to be raised [P< 0.001] in 30 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis as compared with 30 normal women of similar age; tartrate - resistant acid phosphatase concentration also was raised [P< 0.001]. Linear regression analysis revealed a highly negative correlation result between total body bone mineral content and beta[2] - microglobulin [r = 0.577, P < 0.001], and positive correlation result between beta[2] - microglobulin and tartrate - resistant acid phosphatase concentration [r2 = 0.806, P< 0.00 I]. These findings, and the stimulatory effect of beta[2] microglobulin on osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity suggest that beta[2]- microglobulin may play an important role as a local regulator factor in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoprosis