Final answer:
An increase in plasma creatine phosphokinase could indicate muscle damage or injury. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found in tissues like the cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and the brain. When these tissues are damaged, CPK is released into the bloodstream, leading to an increase in plasma CPK levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
An increase in plasma creatine phosphokinase could indicate muscle damage or injury. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found in tissues like the cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and the brain. When these tissues are damaged, CPK is released into the bloodstream, leading to an increase in plasma CPK levels.
For example, an increase in CPK levels can be seen in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack) or kidney failure. It can also be observed in athletes who engage in intense physical activity, as their muscle cells experience damage and CPK is released.
Therefore, an increase in plasma creatine phosphokinase is a diagnostic indicator of muscle damage or injury.