Role of vitamin K2 in bone-vascular crosstalk

The investigation of connection between anticoagulant therapy and vitamin K homologues in human determined by LC-MS/MS

Aim: Differences are existed in the bioactivity among various vitamin K (VK) forms. To investigate the correlation between clinical parameters of initial anticoagulation and plasma levels of VK1 and VK2 (MK-4 and MK-7), it was necessary to establish a quantitative method for simultaneous determination.Materials & methods: Plasma samples in cardiovascular patients were extracted by cyclohexane and analyzed using a C18 column. Baseline concentrations of VK1, MK-4 and MK-7 were 0.98 ± 0.52 ng/ml, 0.45 ± 0.13 ng/ml and 0.65 ± 0.31 ng/ml, respectively. The concentrations of MK-7 and total VKs were significantly relevant to INR0, respectively (p = 0.010 and p = 0.048, respectively).Conclusion: Thus, when adjusting anticoagulation dosage, concentrations of various VK homologues might be considered.

Vitamin K: Infection, Inflammation, and Auto-Immunity

Vitamin K (VK) comprises a group of substances with chlorophyll quinone bioactivity and exists in nature in the form of VK1 and VK2. As its initial recognition originated from the ability to promote blood coagulation, it is known as the coagulation vitamin. However, based on extensive research, VK has shown potential for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of VK on immunity, antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbiota regulation, epithelial development, and bone protection have drawn growing interest in recent years. This review article focuses on the mechanism of action of VK and its potential preventive and therapeutic effects on infections (eg, asthma, COVID-19), inflammation (eg, in type 2 diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, aging, atherosclerosis) and autoimmune disorders (eg, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis). In addition, VK-dependent proteins (VKDPs) are another crucial mechanism by which VK exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This review explores the potential role of VK in preventing aging, combating neurological abnormalities, and treating diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Although current research appoints VK as a therapeutic tool for practical clinical applications in infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, future research is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of action in more detail and overcome current limitations.