CREATINE KINASE

Creatine kinase (CK) catalyzes the transfer of phosphate group between creatine phosphate and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Determinations of creatine kinase activity in serum are used to diagnose and monitor muscular injuries. It is also used as an aid in diagnosis of clinical conditions associated with abnormal creatine kinase activity. Increased creatine kinase activity can be observed in myocardial infarction, viral myositis, polymyositis and other muscle inflammations, muscular dystrophy, malignant hyperthermia, acute rhabdomyolysis, muscle injuries, circulatory disorders, overactive thyroid gland or kidney failure. High creatine kinase activity may also occur in infectious diseases (e.g. typhoid fever), prostate, kidney, ovary and gallbladder cancers, after surgical procedures and in damage of the muscle tissue as a consequence of intense training.