Creatine kinase

Creatine kinase: role in the body and diagnostic significance

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme from the group of phosphotransferases that plays an important role in the body's energy metabolism. It catalyzes the reaction of transferring a phosphate group from creatine phosphate to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), forming creatine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Thus, CK is a key enzyme in the mechanism for ensuring rapid energy metabolism in muscles.

Creatine kinase is present in various tissues of the body, but the highest concentrations are observed in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and brain. Therefore, analysis of CK activity in the blood can serve as an important indicator of the condition of these tissues.

Elevated levels of CK in the blood may indicate damage to muscle tissue, for example, due to injury or destruction of the muscle. Also, increased CK activity may be associated with myocardial infarction, since in this case lysis of cardiac muscle cells occurs and CK is released into the blood. However, elevated CK levels can also be observed in other diseases, such as myopathies, neurological diseases, hepatitis and others.

Reduced CK activity may also have diagnostic value. Thus, in patients with hypothyroidism, a decrease in CK activity may be observed, associated with a general decrease in metabolism in the body.

Methods for determining CK activity in the blood include photometric, electrochemical and immunological analysis. However, it should be borne in mind that the level of CK may vary depending on age, gender, physical activity and other factors. Therefore, the interpretation of the results of tests for CK activity should be carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the clinical picture.

Thus, CK is an important enzyme that plays a key role in the body’s energy metabolism. Analysis of CK activity may be a useful indicator of muscle tissue damage and a diagnostic criterion for some diseases. However, to correctly interpret test results, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the clinical picture.



Creatine kinases (CK) are a group of enzymes that are involved in oxidative phosphorylation reactions and the conversion of amino acids into energy. CCs are components of muscle tissue, as well as other tissues and organs of the human body. They are widely used in medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

The main functions of creatine kinases: 1. Oxidative phosphorylation - the conversion of nutrients into energy for the cells of the human body. 2. Protein synthesis - with the participation of creatine kinase enzymes, enzymes and proteins are formed that are necessary for the functioning of the heart, muscles, brain, liver and kidneys. 3. Energy metabolism - CKs are involved in the metabolism of glucose to produce energy in the body. 4. Transformation of amino acids - CCs are capable of converting amino acids into