title: Elevated serum beta 2-microglobulin levels and C1q-binding immune complexes in sarcoidosis.
abstract: Serum beta 2 microglobulin levels were found significantly higher (3.05 +/- 0.98 mg/l) in 32 sarcoidosis patients without renal dysfunction than in normal controls (1.54 +/- 0.22 mg/l). Low levels of C1q-binding immune complexes were detected in 70% of patient's sera, despite the absence of extra-thoracic manifestations. C-reactive protein was detected in 55% of sarcoidosis sera. Neither C1q-binding immune complexes nor C-reactive protein were correlated with beta 2 microglobulin levels. Beta 2 microglobulin raised during relapses and fell under efficient corticosteroid treatment. Beta 2 microglobulin would represent a possible biological marker of disease activity.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003172:Complement C1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001609:Beta-Globulins; D003172:Complement C1; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein