CPK enzymes

There are different isoforms of CPK enzyme. These isoforms are known as CPK enzymes. Those are CPK-BB (Which is present in the brain cells) CPK-MM (Present in the skeletal muscles) CPK-MB (Present in the myocardial cells) Isolation of these different CPK enzymes ( isoforms) provide a significant therapeutic value. For an example in a myocardial infarction the blood level of CPK-MB is elevated. In an injury to skeletal muscles the blood level of CPK-MM is elevated. So the plasma level of CPK enzymes can be used to diagnose various diseases. This provides a great therapeutic tool for the doctors to uphold the health of the patient.

Elevation of CK is an indication of damage to muscle. It is therefore indicative of injury, rhabdomyolysis, myocardial infarction, muscular dystrophy, myositis, myocarditis, malignant hyperthermia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It is also seen in McLeod syndrome and hypothyroidism. The use of statin medications, which are commonly used to decrease serum cholesterol levels, may be associated with elevation of the CPK level in about 1% of the patients taking these medications, and with actual muscle damage in a much smaller proportion.