Ancestral contribution of the muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKM) polymorphism rs4884 in the knee osteoarthritis risk: a preliminary study.

Our results suggest a protection role of the rs4884 polymorphism against knee OA development; further studies are required to confirm it. Key Points • CK-MM enzyme catalyzes the conversion of creatine and ATP to create phosphocreatine and ADP; this reaction is reversible. • In tissues that consume ATP rapidly, such as skeletal muscle, the phosphocreatine serves as an important energy reservoir. • During knee OA, peripheral muscle tissues of the joint may be affected. • The rs4884 polymorphism of the CKM gene may participate as a protective factor in the development of OA.