Bence Jones proteinuria is characterized by the urinary excretion of what type of light chain?

Bence Jones proteinuria is characterized by the urinary excretion of what type of light chain?

• A. Kappa light chains
• B. Lambda light chains
• C. Both kappa and lambda light chains
• D. Either kappa or lambda light chains

Answer: (D)

Bence Jones proteins are free immunoglobulin light chains that spill into the urine when plasma cells produce them in excess. There are two light chain isotypes, kappa and lambda, and the malignant plasma cell clone can secrete either type. Because the specific clone determines which light chain is produced, the urinary excretion can be kappa or lambda light chains (and in rare cases both if biclonal activity is present). That’s why the statement that fits best is that Bence Jones proteinuria reflects excretion of either kappa or lambda light chains.

Bence Jones proteins are free immunoglobulin light chains that spill into the urine when plasma cells produce them in excess. There are two light chain isotypes, kappa and lambda, and the malignant plasma cell clone can secrete either type. Because the specific clone determines which light chain is produced, the urinary excretion can be kappa or lambda light chains (and in rare cases both if biclonal activity is present). That’s why the statement that fits best is that Bence Jones proteinuria reflects excretion of either kappa or lambda light chains.