CREATINE-KINASE MB ISOFORMS

The MB isoenzyme of human creatine kinase (CK) can be further subdivid ed into two isoforms (subforms derived from the same isoenzyme). The f ormation of these isoforms is a postsynthetic phenomenon brought about by a serum carboxypeptidase which acts on the M monomer of the enzyme . The analysis of CK-MB isoforms is important for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and for the early determination of coro nary artery reperfusion in patients treated with thrombolytic therapy. Preliminary clinical data indicate that their quantification in serum may ultimately enhance diagnostic efficiency of enzymatic analysis fo r myocardial infarction. However, the clinical utility and diagnostic performance of MB isoform determination have not yet been definitively established because of the lack of a simple and rapid assay for the m easurement of these markers.