Age group and sex do not influence responses of vitamin K biomarkers to changes in dietary vitamin K

Lack of Consensus Between Measurements of Plasma Phylloquinone by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assays and a Well-Validated High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method

Enzyme-linked i2mmunosorbent assays (ELISAs) that measure circulating phylloquinone have become commercially available, but their validity is uncertain. The objective of this study was to compare plasma phylloquinone concentrations measured using two commercially available ELISAs with concentrations measured using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay in 108 samples obtained from participants in a depletion (∼10 mcg phylloquinone/d)-supplementation (∼500 mcg phylloquinone/d) study. The geometric mean of plasma phylloquinone measured with ELISA A was 0.70 nmol/L, 37% lower than that measured with HPLC. The mean of the ELISA B measures was 12.4 nmol/L, >700% higher than the HPLC measures. Plasma phylloquinone measured using HPLC was significantly lower during phylloquinone depletion than supplementation (0.4 ± 0.1 compared with 1.2 ± 0.2 nmol/L; P < 0.001). Neither of the two ELISAs detected any significant difference in plasma phylloquinone concentrations between depletion and supplementation (ELISA A, P = 0.76; ELISA B, P = 0.29). These findings reinforce the need to validate plasma phylloquinone assays as they become available. Curr Dev Nutr 2023;x:xx.

Dietary vitamin K is remodeled by gut microbiota and influences community composition

Vitamins have well-established roles in bacterial metabolism. Menaquinones (MKn, n = prenyl units in sidechain) are bacterially produced forms of vitamin K produced by the gut microbiota and consumed in the diet. Little is known about the influence of dietary vitamin K quinones on gut microbial composition and MKn production. Here, male and female C57BL6 mice were fed a vitamin K deficient diet or vitamin K sufficient diets containing phylloquinone (PK, plant-based vitamin K form), MK4, and/or MK9. DNA was extracted from cecal contents and 16S sequencing conducted to assess microbial composition. Cecal microbial community composition was significantly different in vitamin K deficient female mice compared to females on vitamin K sufficient diets (all p < .007). Parallel trends were seen in male mice, but were not statistically significant (all p > .05 but <0.1). Next, stable isotope-labeled vitamin K quinones were supplemented to male and female C57BL6 mice (²H₇PK, ¹³C₁₁MK4, ²H₇MK7, ²H₇MK9) and to an in vitro fermentation model inoculated with human stool (²H₇PK, ²H₇MK4, ²H₇MK9, or vitamin K precursor ²H₈-menadione). Vitamin K quinones in feces and culture aliquots were measured using LC-MS. In vivo, supplemented vitamin K quinones were remodeled to other MKn (²H₇- or ¹³C₆-labeled MK4, MK10, MK11, and MK12), but in vitro only the precursor ²H₈-menadione was remodeled to ²H₇MK4, ²H₇MK9, ²H₇MK10, and ²H₇MK11. These results suggest that dietary vitamin K deficiency alters the gut microbial community composition. Further studies are needed to determine if menadione generated by host metabolism may serve as an intermediate in dietary vitamin K remodeling in vivo.

Determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of vitamin K1 in rats after an intravenous infusion

Pharmacokinetic parameters of vitamin K1 have a large range of values in different literature. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of vitamin K1 following post-constant speed intravenous infusion (PCSII) to provide rational pharmacokinetic parameters of vitamin K1 and compare these with results of noncompartmental analysis following intravenous injection (IV). After 15 hours intravenous infusion of vitamin K1 in rats, the logarithmic concentration-time curve of vitamin K1 was fit to a linear equation following PCSII (R2  = 0.9599 ± 0.0096). Then, half-time (T1/2 ), apparent volume of distribution (Vd ), and clearance rate (CL) were estimated successively. T1/2 of vitamin K1 was 4.07 ± 0.41 hour, CL was 89.47 ± 3.60 mL/h, and Vd was 525.38 ± 54.45 mL in rats following PCSII. There was no significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters of vitamin K1 among different sampling times. For noncompartmental analysis, T1/2 and mean residence time (MRTINF ) for a sampling duration of 6h were shorter than those of 12 hours or 24 hours sampling duration following IV (P < .05, P < .01). In addition, T1/2 of vitamin K1 was obviously different from MRT-equated half-time (T1/2,MRT )(P < .05). Vd and CL of vitamin K1 following PCSII were larger than those following IV based on noncompartmental analysis (P < .01). The results demonstrated that drug distribution in the body was balanced and the Napierian logarithmic concentration-time curve of vitamin K1 fit to a linear equation following PCSII. Vitamin K1 has a long T1/2 and a relatively large Vd following PCSII.

The Contribution of Lipids to the Interindividual Response of Vitamin K Biomarkers to Vitamin K Supplementation

SCOPE

A better understanding of factors contributing to interindividual variability in biomarkers of vitamin K can enhance the understanding of the equivocal role of vitamin K in cardiovascular disease. Based on the known biology of phylloquinone, the major form of vitamin K, it is hypothesized that plasma lipids contribute to the variable response of biomarkers of vitamin K metabolism to phylloquinone supplementation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The association of plasma lipids and 27 lipid-related genetic variants with the response of biomarkers of vitamin K metabolism is examined in a secondary analysis of data from a 3-year phylloquinone supplementation trial in men (n = 66) and women (n = 85). Year 3 plasma triglycerides (TG), but not total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, or HDL-cholesterol, are associated with the plasma phylloquinone response (men: β = 1.01, p < 0.001, R2  = 0.34; women: β = 0.61, p = 0.008, R2  = 0.11; sex interaction p = 0.077). Four variants and the TG-weighted genetic risk score are associated with the plasma phylloquinone response in men only. Plasma lipids are not associated with changes in biomarkers of vitamin K function (undercarboxylated osteocalcin and matrix gla protein) in either sex.

CONCLUSION

Plasma TG are an important determinant of the interindividual response of plasma phylloquinone to phylloquinone supplementation, but changes in biomarkers of vitamin K carboxylation are not influenced by lipids.

Hypocoagulation induced by broad-spectrum antibiotics in extensive burn patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with extensive burns usually develop pro-coagulation soon after the injury if there is no sepsis occurred. We describe the case of an extensive burn adult suffering from hypocoagulation not related to sepsis, but secondary to antibiotic treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we report a case of an adult male patient suffering from flame burns of 45% total body surface area (40% full thickness) combined with inhalation injury. Hypocoagulopathy with soaring prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time value occurred on third week post-burn while systemic infection had been under control by application of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Investigations showed that not the infection but vitamin K-related coagulation factor deficiency were responsible for unexpected bleeding. However, supplemental vitamin K was not the key as we expected, which prompted us trying to decode the underlying cause of coagulation disturbance in this patient and pick out the most effective treatment for live-saving. After the withdrawal of highly suspected broad-spectrum antibiotic, Meropenem®, disturbed vitamin K related coagulation factors gradually restored to their optimal levels so as to maintain normal coagulation status. Therefore, surgical procedures without further risk of bleeding could be carried out in time for wound recovery. The patient was discharged on post-burn day 67 and transferred to a secondary hospital for his rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Hypocoagulopathy may be devoted to different reasons other than sepsis in extensive burns. Early recognition of the cause for coagulation disturbance is critical to make appropriate treatment and save patients' lives. This case illustrated the importance of unveiling the mist cause for coagulation disturbance occurred in extensive burn patient, which paved the way for optimal life-saving treatments. And we also recommend burn surgeons to be alerted to antibiotic-induced vitamin K deficiency-related coagulopathy among critical burn patients.

Plasma Response to Deuterium-Labeled Vitamin K Intake Varies by TG Response, but Not Age or Vitamin K Status, in Older and Younger Adults

Background

Phylloquinone is the primary form of vitamin K in the diet and circulation. Large intra- and interindividual variances in circulating phylloquinone have been partially attributed to age. However, little is known about the nondietary factors that influence phylloquinone absorption and metabolism. Similarly, it is not known if phylloquinone absorption is altered by the individual's existing vitamin K status.

Objective

The purpose of this secondary substudy was to compare plasma response with deuterium-labeled phylloquinone intake in older and younger adults after dietary phylloquinone depletion and repletion.

Methods

Forty-two older [mean ± SD age: 67.2 ± 8.0 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 25.4 ± 4.6; n = 12 men, 9 women] and younger (mean ± SEM age: 31.8 ± 6.6 y; BMI: 25.5 ± 3.3; n = 9 men, 12 women) adults were maintained on sequential 28-d phylloquinone depletion (∼10 µg phylloquinone/d) and 28-d phylloquinone repletion (∼500 µg phylloquinone/d) diets. On the 23rd d of each diet phase, participants consumed deuterated phylloquinone-rich collard greens (2H-phylloquinone). Plasma and urinary outcome measures over 72 h were compared by age group, sex, and dietary phase via 2-factor repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

The plasma 2H-phylloquinone area under the curve (AUC) did not differ in response to phylloquinone depletion or repletion, but was 34% higher in older than in younger adults (P = 0.02). However, plasma 2H-phylloquinone AUC was highly correlated with the serum triglyceride (TG) AUC (r2 = 0.45). After adjustment for serum TG response, the age effect on the plasma 2H-phylloquinone AUC was no longer significant.

Conclusions

Plasma 2H-phylloquinone response did not differ between phylloquinone depletion and repletion in older and younger adults. The age effect observed was explained by the serum TG response and was completely attenuated after adjustment. Plasma response to phylloquinone intake, therefore, seems to be a predominantly lipid-driven effect and not dependent on existing vitamin K status. More research is required to differentiate the effect of endogenous compared with exogenous lipids on phylloquinone absorption. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00336232.

Vitamin K and cancer

Subclinical vitamin K deficits refer to carboxylation defects of different types of vitamin K-dependent hepatic and extrahepatic so-called Gla proteins without prolongation of the prothrombin time. This condition has been reported in different clinical situations due to insufficient supply or malabsorption of vitamin K as well as drug interactions. This review discusses the effects of different vitamin K subspecies on tumour growth and the possible anti-tumour effects of increased vitamin K intake. Blocking carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins with warfarin anticoagulation - what are the risks/benefits for carcinogenesis? Previous studies on both heparin and low molecular weight heparin blocking of the vitamin K-dependent factors X and II have shown tumour suppressive effects. Vitamin K has anti-inflammatory effects that could also impact carcinogenesis, but little data exists on this subject.

Tissue Concentrations of Vitamin K and Expression of Key Enzymes of Vitamin K Metabolism Are Influenced by Sex and Diet but Not Housing in C57Bl6 Mice

BACKGROUND

There has been limited characterization of biological variables that impact vitamin K metabolism. This gap in knowledge can limit the translation of data obtained from preclinical animal studies to future human studies.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of diet, sex, and housing on serum, tissue, and fecal vitamin K concentrations and gene expression in C57BL6 mice during dietary vitamin K manipulation.

METHODS

C57BL6 4-mo-old male and female mice were randomly assigned to conventional or suspended-wire cages and fed control [1400 ± 80 μg phylloquinone (PK)/kg] or deficient (31 ± 0.45 μg PK/kg) diets for 28 d in a factorial design. PK and menaquinone (MK) 4 plasma and tissue concentrations were measured by HPLC. Long-chain MKs were measured in all matrices by LC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry. Gene expression was quantified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in the liver, brain, kidney, pancreas, and adipose tissue.

RESULTS

Male and female mice responded differently to dietary manipulation in a tissue-dependent manner. In mice fed the control diet, females had ∼3-fold more MK4 in the brain and mesenteric adipose tissue than did males and 100% greater PK concentrations in the liver, kidney, and mesenteric adipose tissue than did males. In mice fed the deficient diet, kidney MK4 concentrations were ∼4-fold greater in females than in males, and there were no differences in other tissues. Males and females differed in the expression of vitamin K expoxide reductase complex 1 (Vkorc1) in mesenteric adipose tissue and the pancreas and ubiA domain-containing protein 1 (Ubiad1) in the kidney and brain. There was no effect of housing on serum, tissue, or fecal concentrations of any vitamin K form.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin K concentrations and expression of key metabolic enzymes differ between male and female mice and in response to the dietary PK concentration. Identifying factors that may impact study design and outcomes of interest is critical to optimize study parameters examining vitamin K metabolism in animal models.

Beneficial role of vitamin K supplementation on insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: A review

Micronutrients are gaining acceptance as an important nutritional therapy for the prevention and/or management of diabetes and its associated health risks. Although a very small quantity of micronutrients are required for specific functions in our bodies, moderate deficiencies can lead to serious health issues. Impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance play a major role in the development of diabetic pathophysiology. Vitamin K is well known for its function in blood coagulation. Moreover, several human studies reported the beneficial role of vitamin K supplementation in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, preventing insulin resistance, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2 D). Both animal and human studies have suggested that vitamin K-dependent protein (osteocalcin [OC]), regulation of adipokine levels, antiinflammatory properties, and lipid-lowering effects may mediate the beneficial function of vitamin K in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. This review for the first time provides an overview of the currently available preclinical and clinical evidences on the effect of vitamin K supplementation in the management of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The outcome of this review will increase understanding for the development of a novel adjuvant therapy to achieve better control of glycemia and improve the lives of diabetic patients.

Concepts and Controversies in Evaluating Vitamin K Status in Population-Based Studies

A better understanding of vitamin K's role in health and disease requires the assessment of vitamin K nutritional status in population and clinical studies. This is primarily accomplished using dietary questionnaires and/or biomarkers. Because food composition databases in the US are most complete for phylloquinone (vitamin K1, the primary form in Western diets), emphasis has been on phylloquinone intakes and associations with chronic diseases. There is growing interest in menaquinone (vitamin K2) intakes for which the food composition databases need to be expanded. Phylloquinone is commonly measured in circulation, has robust quality control schemes and changes in response to phylloquinone intake. Conversely, menaquinones are generally not detected in circulation unless large quantities are consumed. The undercarboxylated fractions of three vitamin K-dependent proteins are measurable in circulation, change in response to vitamin K supplementation and are modestly correlated. Since different vitamin K dependent proteins are implicated in different diseases the appropriate vitamin K-dependent protein biomarker depends on the outcome under study. In contrast to other nutrients, there is no single biomarker that is considered a gold-standard measure of vitamin K status. Most studies have limited volume of specimens. Strategic decisions, guided by the research question, need to be made when deciding on choice of biomarkers.

Osteocalcin carboxylation is not associated with body weight or percent fat changes during weight loss in post-menopausal women

Osteocalcin (OC) is a vitamin K-dependent bone protein used as a marker of bone formation. Mouse models have demonstrated a role for the uncarboxylated form of OC (ucOC) in energy metabolism, including energy expenditure and adiposity, but human data are equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between changes in measures of OC and changes in body weight and percent body fat in obese, but otherwise healthy post-menopausal women undergoing a 20-week weight loss program. All participants received supplemental vitamins K and D and calcium. Body weight and body fat percentage (%BF) were assessed before and after the intervention. Serum OC [(total (tOC), ucOC, percent uncarboxylated (%ucOC)], and procollagen type 1N-terminal propeptide (P1NP; a measure of bone formation) were measured. Women lost an average of 10.9 ± 3.9 kg and 4 %BF. Serum concentrations of tOC, ucOC, %ucOC, and P1NP did not significantly change over the twenty-week intervention, nor were these measures associated with changes in weight (all p > 0.27) or %BF (all p > 0.54). Our data do not support an association between any serum measure of OC and weight or %BF loss in post-menopausal women supplemented with nutrients implicated in bone health.

Gamma-carboxylation and fragmentation of osteocalcin in human serum defined by mass spectrometry

Serum osteocalcin (Oc) concentration is a highly specific measure of bone turnover, but its circulating proteoform(s) have not been well defined. Based on immunological methods, the major forms are thought to be the intact polypeptide and a large N-terminal-mid molecule fragment for which there is no consensus on the precise sequence. Vitamin K-dependent gamma (γ)-carboxylated variants of Oc are also found in circulation but there have been no methods that can define how many of the three potential γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues are γ-carboxylated or provide their relative abundances. Recent reports that uncarboxylated and partially γ-carboxylated Oc forms have hormonal function underscore the need for precise evaluation of Oc at all three potential γ-carboxylation sites. Herein, mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) was used to provide qualitative and semiquantitative (relative percent abundance) information on Oc molecular variants as they exist in individual plasma and serum samples. Following verification that observable Oc proteoforms were accurately assigned and not simply ex vivo artifacts, MALDI-MSIA and ESI-MSIA were used to assess the relative abundance of Oc truncation and γ-carboxylation, respectively, in plasma from 130 patients enrolled in vitamin K supplementation trials. Human Oc was found to circulate in over a dozen truncated forms with each of these displaying anywhere from 0-3 Gla residues. The relative abundance of truncated forms was consistent and unaffected by vitamin K supplementation. In contrast, when compared with placebo, vitamin K supplementation dramatically increased the fractional abundance of Oc with three Gla residues, corresponding to a decrease in the fractional abundance of Oc with zero Gla residues. These findings unequivocally document that increased vitamin K intake reduces the uncarboxylated form of Oc. Several reports of a positive effect of vitamin K intake on insulin sensitivity in humans have shown that un- or undercarboxylation of Oc, unlike in mice, is not associated with insulin resistance. Analyses similar to those described here will be useful to understand the functional significance of Oc γ-carboxylation in human health and disease.

α-Tocopherol disappearance rates from plasma depend on lipid concentrations: studies using deuterium-labeled collard greens in younger and older adults

BACKGROUND

Little is known about α-tocopherol's bioavailability as a constituent of food or its dependence on a subject's age.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the α-tocopherol bioavailability from food, we used collard greens grown in deuterated water ((2)H collard greens) as a source of deuterium-labeled ((2)H) α-tocopherol consumed by younger and older adults in a post hoc analysis of a vitamin K study.

DESIGN

Younger (mean ± SD age: 32 ± 7 y; n = 12 women and 9 men) and older (aged 67 ± 8 y; n = 8 women and 12 men) adults consumed a test breakfast that included 120 g (2)H collard greens (1.2 ± 0.1 mg (2)H-α-tocopherol). Plasma unlabeled α-tocopherol and (2)H-α-tocopherol were measured by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry from fasting (>12 h) blood samples drawn before breakfast (0 h) and at 24, 48, and 72 h and from postprandial samples collected at 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, and 16 h.

RESULTS

Times (12.6 ± 2.5 h) of maximum plasma (2)H-α-tocopherol concentrations (0.82% ± 0.59% total α-tocopherol), fractional disappearance rates (0.63 ± 0.26 pools/d), half-lives (30 ± 11 h), and the minimum estimated (2)H-α-tocopherol absorbed (24% ± 16%) did not vary between age groups or sexes (n = 41). Unlabeled α-tocopherol concentrations were higher in older adults (26.4 ± 8.6 μmol/L) than in younger adults (19.3 ± 4.2 μmol/L; P = 0.0019) and correlated with serum lipids (r = 0.4938, P = 0.0012). In addition, (2)H-α-tocopherol half-lives were correlated with lipids (r = 0.4361, P = 0.0044).

CONCLUSIONS

Paradoxically, α-tocopherol remained in circulation longer in participants with higher serum lipids, but the (2)H-α-tocopherol absorbed was not dependent on the plasma lipid status. Neither variable was dependent on age. These data suggest that plasma α-tocopherol concentrations are more dependent on mechanisms that control circulating lipids rather than those related to its absorption and initial incorporation into plasma. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT0036232.

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for circulating phylloquinone concentrations

BACKGROUND

Poor vitamin K status is linked to greater risk of several chronic diseases. Age, sex, and diet are determinants of circulating vitamin K; however, there is still large unexplained interindividual variability in vitamin K status. Although a strong genetic component has been hypothesized, this has yet to be examined by a genome-wide association (GWA) study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to identify common genetic variants associated with concentrations of circulating phylloquinone, the primary circulating form of vitamin K.

DESIGN

We conducted a 2-stage GWA meta-analysis of circulating phylloquinone in 2 populations of European descent from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium Nutrition Working Group. Circulating phylloquinone was measured by using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Results from adjusted cohort-specific discovery GWA analyses were meta-analyzed with inverse variance weights (n = 2138). Associations with circulating phylloquinone at P < 1 × 10(-6) were then evaluated in a second-stage analysis consisting of one independent cohort (n = 265).

RESULTS

No significant association was observed for circulating phylloquinone at the genome-wide significance level of 5 × 10(-8). However, from the discovery GWA, there were 11 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with circulating phylloquinone at P < 1 × 10(-6), including a functional variant previously associated with warfarin dose and altered phylloquinone metabolism. These SNPs are on 5 independent loci on 11q23.3, 8q24.3, 5q22.3, 2p12, and 19p13.12, and they fall within or near the candidate genes APOA1/C3/A4/A5 cluster (involved in lipoprotein metabolism), COL22A1, CDO1, CTNAA2, and CYP4F2 (a phylloquinone oxidase), respectively. Second-stage analysis in an independent cohort further suggests the association of the 5q22.3 locus with circulating phylloquinone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple candidate genes related to lipoprotein and vitamin K metabolism were identified as potential determinants of circulating phylloquinone. Further investigation with a larger sample is warranted to verify our initial findings and identify other loci contributing to circulating phylloquinone. Trials related to this study were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00005121 (Framingham Offspring Study) and NCT00005487 (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Bone as an endocrine organ relevant to diabetes

There are well-established associations between diabetes and fracture risk and yet the mechanism underlying these associations are controversial. Guided by a series of mouse studies, a specific form of the bone protein, osteocalcin, was proposed to be the mechanistic link between these two chronic diseases. Translation to humans initially appeared elusive in part because serum concentrations of osteocalcin are a biomarker of bone turnover and not necessarily specific to the biology of this protein. The suitability of the mouse model for the study of osteocalcin as a therapeutic target also appears ambiguous. With greater discrimination of the different forms of osteocalcin present in circulation and inclusion of multiple measures of bone turnover, evidence currently does not support osteocalcin as a protein critical to the diabetes and fracture association in humans.

Phylloquinone concentrations and the risk of vascular calcification in healthy women

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of plasma phylloquinone concentrations with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and vascular calcification.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

In a prospective cohort of 508 postmenopausal women, plasma phylloquinone concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Calcification was measured in the coronary arteries, aortic valve, mitral valve, and thoracic aorta by multidetector computed tomography. To combine these calcification scores, we dichotomized each of the 4 areas into present or absent. Because of the continuous measurement of CAC, we categorized this as calcification present if Agatston score was >0, and calcification score was calculated as the sum of the calcified areas. Multivariate-adjusted prevalence ratios and odds ratios were estimated using Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression. After 8.5 years of follow-up, 22% of the women had no calcification, whereas 5% had calcification in all measured areas. Detectable phylloquinone concentrations were associated with increased CAC compared with nondetectable phylloquinone concentrations with a prevalence ratio of 1.34 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.77). When dividing women with detectable phylloquinone concentrations into low detectable (>0-0.70 nmol/L) and moderate to high detectable (>0.70 nmol/L) phylloquinone concentrations versus nondetectable phylloquinone concentrations, both were associated with increased CAC with a prevalence ratio of 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.76) and 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.81), respectively. Detectable phylloquinone concentrations were not associated with the number of calcified areas with an odds ratio(no versus ≥ 3 areas calcifications) of 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-3.99; P=0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Detectable phylloquinone concentrations are not associated with reduced vascular calcification but seemed to be associated with an increased prevalence of CAC.

The role of osteocalcin in human glucose metabolism: marker or mediator?

Increasing evidence supports an association between the skeleton and energy metabolism. These interactions are mediated by a variety of hormones, cytokines and nutrients. Here, the evidence for a role of osteocalcin in the regulation of glucose metabolism in humans is reviewed. Osteocalcin is a bone matrix protein that regulates hydroxyapatite size and shape through its vitamin-K-dependent, γ-carboxylated form. The concentration of osteocalcin in the circulation is a measure of bone formation. The undercarboxylated form of osteocalcin is active in glucose metabolism in mice. Total serum osteocalcin concentrations in humans are inversely associated with measures of glucose metabolism; however, human data are inconclusive with regard to the role of uncarboxylated osteocalcin in glucose metabolism because most studies do not account for the influence of vitamin K on the proportion of undercarboxylated osteocalcin or differentiate between the total and uncarboxylated forms of osteocalcin. Furthermore, most human studies do not concomitantly measure other bone turnover markers to isolate the role of osteocalcin as a measure of bone formation from its effect on glucose metabolism. Carefully designed studies are required to define the role of osteocalcin and its carboxylated or undercarboxylated forms in the regulation of glucose metabolism in humans.