β2-microglobulin is a single-chain, low molecular weight (MW=11.8 kDA) polypeptide [1,2] and has similar structure to the CH3domain of the immunoglobulin molecule [3]. β2-microglobulin forms the invariant light chain portion of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules [4-6], which can be found on the membrane of all nucleated cells [7]. Thus, cellular membrane turnover is the main source of serum β2-microglobulin [3]. Because of its small size, β2-microglobulin is filtered freely through the glomeruli of the kidney [8,9]. Then, a majority of β2-microglobulin in the filtrate is reabsorbed and catabolized by renal proximal tubular cells [8,10]. Only trace amounts of β2-microglobulin remain in urine and are excreted [10]. Therefore, β2-microglobulin serves as a useful biomarker to evaluate both glomerular and tubular function [11]
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