URINARY BETA(2)-MICROGLOBULIN AND ALPHA(1)-MICROGLOBULIN LEVELS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS IN SINGAPORE

Differing normal values for urinary beta2-microglobulin have been repo rted for different countries. In this study, we have attempted to esta blish the urinary beta2- and alpha1-microglobulin levels of apparently healthy subjects in Singapore. Urine samples collected from 271 subje cts were analysed. The subjects ranged from 19 to 62 years old, with a mean age of 36.8 years. The majority (84.5%) were non-smokers. Urine samples with a pH level < 5.5 were excluded from the analysis. The uri nary beta2- and alpha1-microglobulin values followed log normal distri butions. Their 95th percentiles were 288 mug/g creatinine and 7.35 mg/ g creatinine, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between sexes and ethnic groups for urinary beta2-microglobulin values. Both alpha1- and beta2-microglobulin values increased signifi cantly with age. Smokers had significantly higher urinary alpha1-micro globulin values.