Inhibitory effects of β2-microglobulin on invitro calcification of osteoblastic cells

Elevated levels of aluminum and β 2 -microglobulin have been demonstrated in chronic dialysis patients. The role of aluminum in the pathogenesis of renal osteodystrophy has also been shown. We report on the effects of β 2 -microglobulin on calcification in vitro using osteoblastic cells, clone MC3T3-E1. At concentrations comparable to those in plasma of chronic dialysis patients, both β 2 -microglobulin and aluminum suppressed calcification while collagen synthesis and alkaline phosphatase activity were maintained. These observations may be related to the impaired bone mineralization frequently observed in chronic dialysis patients.