Is M protein the same as Bence Jones protein?
Jul 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Bence Jones protein generally refers to immunoglobulin light chains. Under normal circumstances, M-protein is not a Bence Jones protein; the two are distinct concepts. M-protein is an abnormally large amount of immunoglobulin produced by monoclonal malignant proliferation of plasma cells or B lymphocytes. It is essentially a complete immunoglobulin or a fragment thereof, and may be associated with diseases such as multiple myeloma and cryoglobulinemia.
Bence Jones protein generally refers to immunoglobulin light chains. Under normal circumstances, M protein is not the same as Bence Jones protein; they are distinct concepts. The specific details are as follows:
M protein is an abnormally large amount of immunoglobulin produced by monoclonal malignant proliferation of plasma cells or B lymphocytes. It is essentially a complete immunoglobulin or a fragment thereof, and may be associated with conditions such as multiple myeloma, cryoglobulinemia, lymphoma, and leukemia. Bence Jones protein consists of free immunoglobulin light chains that can freely pass through the glomerular filtration membrane. When their concentration exceeds the reabsorption capacity of the proximal renal tubules, they are excreted in the urine. Bence Jones proteins may be associated with diseases such as multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia, and primary systemic amyloidosis. Although both may be linked to multiple myeloma, they refer to different types of immunoglobulins.
If either M protein or Bence Jones protein is detected during testing, patients should seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician, which helps promote recovery.
