[JillJohnson]

Changing UPEP protein fractions - does it mean anything?

by JillJohnson on Wed May 31, 2017 5:26 am

I have had three 24-hour urine tests since the time of my smoldering multiple myeloma diagnosis in March 2016. The first two (March and July 2016) showed the protein in my urine as 100% albumin. My most recent (March 2017) showed that other proteins are now coming to the party, namely the globulin family and their bratty kids beta and gamma. So results are 22% albumin, 6% alpha 1, 21% alpha 2, 28% beta and 23% gamma.

Is there any reason for this to happen? Does having the protein in urine made up of a variety of proteins mean anything different than when it consists solely of albumin? Or is a protein a protein and the main concern is the total protein in urine, regardless of the kind of protein?

[Multibilly]

Re: Changing UPEP protein fractions - does it mean anything?

by Multibilly on Thu Jun 01, 2017 10:19 am

Hi Jill,

I'm not that adept at interpreting UPEPs since my doctor rarely uses them with his patients, including me. But I think that it is customary that the various protein fractions (alpha 1, beta, etc) are only reported when excess protein (which can be caused by several things) is detected on the lab report. So, I'm thinking that you didn't necessarily go from your urine protein being 100% albumin (albumin is always reported) to your current protein makeup. But, again, I'm no expert on UPEPs.

A quick reality check would be to see what your serum m-spike and serum free light chain values have done over the last three tests. Have any of these values changed significantly? Also, what have your urine m-spike (Bence Jones proteins) and total urine protein values done over the last three tests?

In any case, it would be good to discuss all this with your doctor.

[Kathymcknight60]

Re: Changing UPEP protein fractions - does it mean anything?

by Kathymcknight60 on Wed Jun 28, 2017 9:49 am

I believe what they look for is Bence-Jones protein, which is made of light chains.

[Dimamar]

Re: Changing UPEP protein fractions - does it mean anything?

by Dimamar on Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:53 pm

Jill,

I think that is normal. I've done this tests a few times, too, in two different clinics, and it always had the breakdown, like below:

Albumin %, 24 Hr Urine 32.0 % %
Alpha 1 Globulin %, 24 Hr Ur 9.8 % %
Alpha 2 Globulin %, 24 Hr Ur 19.2 % %
Beta Globulin %, 24 Hr Ur 21.6 % %
Gamma Globulin %, 24 Hr Ur 17.5 %

The important part is total protein in 24 hours, it's supposed to be <0.16 gram/24 hours.

Mine was a bit higher.

And, of course, the Bence-Jones (or M-protein) in urine. It's better if you do not have it in urine, of course.

Beat of luck!