Survey of small molecule and ion binding to beta 2-microglobulin--possible relation to BEN.

Using a new method which permits rapid detection of ligand binding to cross linked protein films and crystals, we evaluated a spectrum of ligand binding to cross linked amorphous films of beta 2-microglobulin purified from urine of Balkan endemic nephropathy patients. Among more than 50 substances studied, including amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, nucleotides, nucleosides, and different inorganic ions, only polyvalent cations, such as Cu2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Be2+ and La3+, were found to strongly bind to human beta 2-microglobulin with dissociation constants in the range 10(-6) to 10(-4) M. These cations can release beta 2-microglobulin from HLA complexes leading to an increased beta 2-microglobulin level in serum. These observations suggest a possible mechanism for the release of beta 2-microglobulin to make it available to exert toxic effects on the kidney as a potential pathogenesis of Balkan endemic nephropathy.