Circulating CK-MB and CK-BB isoenzyme after gastrointestinal surgery

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical enzymology
• Surgical research

Background:

• Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity is a marker for tissue damage.
• Gastrointestinal surgery involves significant physiological stress.
• Understanding isoenzyme profiles aids in localizing tissue injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gastrointestinal surgery on serum CK activity.
• To identify the specific CK isoenzymes (CK-MB and CK-BB) affected.
• To explore the potential origins of elevated CK isoenzymes post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 30 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.
• Creatine kinase activity and its isoenzyme profile (CK-MB, CK-BB) were analyzed.
• Patients' electrocardiographic (ECG) data were reviewed for cardiac abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Serum CK-MB isoenzyme was detected in 30% of patients, with levels ranging from 0.8% to 10.3% of total CK.
• Serum CK-BB isoenzyme was found in 23% of patients, with levels from 0.6% to 18.4% of total CK.
• No patients exhibited electrocardiographic changes suggestive of myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

• Elevated CK-BB is likely of gastrointestinal origin due to high CK activity in the GI tract.
• Increased serum CK-MB, despite the absence of ECG changes, suggests a potential cardiac origin, possibly related to myocardial ischemia.
• Further investigation is warranted to clarify the clinical significance of these findings.