Enzymes in clinical medicine: an overview

Enzymes are biocatalysts and because of their remarkable properties, they are extensively used in medical diagnosis. Researches in the last two decades have concentrated more on enzymes such as creatine kinase-MB, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase etc. for clinical applications. Enzymes are the preferred markers in various disease states such as myocardial infarction, jaundice, pancreatitis, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. They provide insight into the disease process by diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of response therapy. Even though the literature on the use of enzymes in various disease conditions has accumulated, a comprehensive analysis is lacking and hence this review.