β_2-Microglobulin-Related Amyloidosis in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Amyloidosis, containing β_2-microglobulin (β_2-M), and osteoarthropathy are frequent complications of long-term hemodialysis, but the mechanism of its development is not completely known as yet. β_2-M is an amyloid protein, though other factors including calcium are greatly involved in the development of this disease. Regarding the treatment of dialysis amyloidosis, there has been progress in the development of a β_2-M adsorption column and the successful elimination of β_2-M from blood. Extensive studies should be performed to investigate the effect of antioxidants. This paper first reviews the current concepts concerning dialysis amyloidosis, secondly discusses the factors involved in the pathogenesis and finally, attempts to outline new perspectives of treatment for the disease