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Creatine Kinase (CK)

The CK enzyme is a dimer composed of subunits derived from either muscle (M) or brain (B). Three isoenzymes have been identified: MM, MB, and BB. Normal serum CK is predominantly the CK‑MM isoenzyme. Elevated CK‑serum levels are found in skeletal muscle disease, particularly muscular dystrophy. The CK‑MB fraction is found primarily in myocardial tissue and its presence is generally detected within the 48‑hour period following the onset of a myocardial infarction. The use of total CK and CK‑MB in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction is the most important single application of CK measurement in clinical chemistry.Serum CK activity is also increased after cerebral ischemia, acute cerebrovascular disease, and head injury. CK is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle and other tissues. Increased amounts are released into the bloodstream when there is muscle damage.

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