Great question! (And just a small note — they're actually called Bence Jones proteins, named after the pathologist Henry Bence Jones who first identified them.)
Bence Jones proteins are a type of M protein (also called monoclonal protein) found in the urine of some people with myeloma. They are specifically the light chain Show Full Answer
Great question! (And just a small note — they're actually called Bence Jones proteins, named after the pathologist Henry Bence Jones who first identified them.)
Bence Jones proteins are a type of M protein (also called monoclonal protein) found in the urine of some people with myeloma. They are specifically the light chain portion of abnormal immunoglobulins (antibodies) produced by myeloma cells. Here's a simple breakdown:
- Normal antibodies are shaped like a "Y" and have two parts: heavy chains and light chains
- In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells can produce excess light chains that the body can't use
- These extra light chains pass through the kidneys and show up in the urine
- They are detected through a urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) test, which requires collecting urine over a 24-hour period
Bence Jones proteins are an important marker used to help diagnose and monitor myeloma. High levels can also put stress on the kidneys, so keeping track of them matters.
4 days ago
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