Macro-creatine kinase

Macro-creatine kinase (Macro-CK) is a type of creatine kinase (CK) that is found in the bloodstream. It is a complex of CK molecules that are bound together, which makes it larger than the typical CK molecule. Macro-CK is not typically found in healthy individuals and its presence can indicate certain medical conditions.

Types

There are two types of Macro-CK: Macro-CK type 1 and Macro-CK type 2.

Macro-CK type 1 is a complex of CK-BB (creatine kinase BB) molecules that are bound to immunoglobulins. It is often found in patients with autoimmune diseases, liver disease, and malignancies.

Macro-CK type 2 is a complex of CK-MB (creatine kinase MB) molecules that are bound to mitochondria. It is often found in patients with myocardial infarction and other cardiac diseases.

Clinical significance

The presence of Macro-CK in the blood can be detected through a blood test. It is often used as a diagnostic marker for various diseases. For example, an elevated level of Macro-CK type 1 can indicate the presence of an autoimmune disease, liver disease, or malignancy. Similarly, an elevated level of Macro-CK type 2 can indicate a myocardial infarction or other cardiac disease.

However, it is important to note that the presence of Macro-CK is not definitive proof of any specific disease. It is just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle and must be interpreted in the context of other clinical findings and test results.

See also

• Creatine kinase
• Blood test
• Autoimmune diseases
• Liver disease
• Malignancies
• Myocardial infarction
• Cardiac diseases