Role of β2-microglobulin in postoperative cognitive decline.

Authors :: Załęska-Kocięcka M
Jezierski P
Grabowski M
Kuśmierski K
Dąbrowski M
Piotrowska K
Banaszewski M
Imiela J
Stępińska J
Source :: Biomarkers in medicine [Biomark Med] 2017 Mar; Vol. 11 (3), pp. 245-253. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Feb 16.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: Aim: β2-microglobulin (β2M) was proved to affect hippocampal functions in mice.<br />Materials & Methods: Seventy-one patients undergoing aortic valve replacement were analyzed in prospective observational study. Kidney biomarkers and Mini Mental State Examinations (MMSEs) were performed before procedure, at discharge and after 6 months.<br />Results: Patients with β2M increase over the median change (>0.42 mg/l) experienced a significant in-hospital drop in MMSE (p = 0.005). Patients with β2M increase over the median change also failed to improve a delayed-word-recall domain of the test (p = 0.826) while patients with a lower increase improved results in the domain (p = 0.004). After 6 months, MMSE improvement was associated with a significant decrease in β2M (p = 0.042).<br />Conclusion: These are the first in man data demonstrating relation between changes in cognition and β2M. The phenomenon was reversible which indicates its therapeutic potential.