Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

BACKGROUND: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a type of vitamin K that has a longer half-life and stays in the body for a more extended period compared to other types of vitamin K. Recently, the effects of this vitamin on body weight, glycemic control, and lipid profiles have garnered much attention. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the effects of MK-7 on anthropometric measurements, glycemic indices, and lipid profiles. METHODS: A systematic search via appropriate keywords was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to October 2023 to obtain relevant original articles. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Six original articles met our criteria and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that MK-7 had a desirable effect on inulin (SMD= -0.56; 95 % CI: -0.77, -0.36; P = 0.000, I2 = 84 %, P = 0.000), HbA1c (SMD=-0.32; 95 % CI: -0.55, -0.09; P = 0.007, I2 = 86.8 %, P = 0.000), and homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD= -0.56; 95 % CI: -0.76, -0.35; P = 0.000, I2 = 84.3 %, P = 0.000). Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed negligible effects of MK-7 on total cholesterol (TC), insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR in both genders of patients who received ≤ 90 mg MK-7 for less than 12 weeks. However, MK-7 didn't have any meaningful effect on other factors. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present systematic review and meta-analysis, MK-7 may have beneficial effects on glycemic control and TC, although further highly qualified original research is needed for a consistent conclusion.

PURPOSE: Vitamin K2 supplementation has emerged as a strategy to enhance recovery and modulate postexercise physiological responses. This study aimed to assess the effects of vitamin K2 on recovery from muscle-damaging exercise in young and older adults. METHODS: Healthy young (18-40 yr) and older (65+ yr) adults were randomly assigned to either vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7, MK-7, 240 μg/d) or placebo (cellulose) for 12 wk in this double-blind randomized controlled trial. Before and after supplementation, knee extensor maximal torque, functional ability, muscle soreness, and systemic blood markers of muscle damage and inflammation were measured before (0 h) and 3, 24, 48, and 72-h postexercise. Data were analyzed using regression and mixed models. RESULTS: Seventy-one participants (35 young and 36 older) completed the study, with 12 wk of vitamin K2 supplementation increasing circulating MK-7 levels (P-value <0.001). There were no supplement × time effects for any variables. Significant supplement × time × older age interaction effects were noted for electromechanical delay (EMD) (P-value = 0.03), electromyography root mean square (RMS) (P-value = 0.01), interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations (P-value <0.001), and creatine kinase (CK) levels (P-value = 0.02). In older adults, after 12 wk, EMD appeared lower at all time points and RMS higher postexercise in the vitamin K2 group. No clear pattern in IL-6 or CK was observed, but at 72-h postexercise CK was lower in older adults in the vitamin K2 group. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin K2 supplementation had no effect on muscle strength, physical function, muscle soreness, or inflammatory responses in the recovery period after a bout of resistance exercise. Effects of supplementation were observed on EMD, RMS, IL-6, and CK by age and warrant further investigation.

Background/Objectives: Post-menopausal women are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in coagulation and maintaining vascular health. The aim of the post hoc analysis of this one-year study is to investigate the effects of MK-7 supplementation on the vascular parameters in pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women. Methods: In a clinical intervention trial (NCT02404519), a total of 165 women with a low vitamin K status received either 180 µg of MK-7 daily (n = 82) or a matching placebo (n = 83) for one year. Established vascular parameters were measured before and after one year of vitamin K2 supplementation. Pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women were subdivided according to arterial stiffness, with a high b-stiffness index defined as being greater than the overall median of 9.83. Results: The post hoc analyses showed a significant decrease in desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) plasma levels after MK-7 supplementation (pre/peri, p = 0.009; post, p < 0.001). MK-7 treatment significantly attenuated vascular stiffness in post-menopausal women (placebo +49.1% ± 77.4; MK-7 +9.4% ± 67.1; p = 0.035). Post-menopausal women with a high stiffness index showed significantly improved vascular markers after MK-7 treatment, e.g., a decreased blood pressure at brachialis (-3.0% ± 9.0; p = 0.007) and an increased distensibility coefficient (+13.3% ± 32.3; p = 0.040). Conclusions: Our results confirm that menopause affects vascular health status. Post-menopausal women with an increased stiffness benefit most from MK-7 supplementation, with a significantly improved blood pressure. Further research is needed to unravel the beneficial effects of MK-7 in post-menopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID (LC) is characterized by persistent symptoms at least 3 months after a SARS-COV-2 infection. LC has been associated with fungal translocation, gut dysfunction, and enhanced systemic inflammation. Currently, there is no approved treatment for this condition. The anti-inflammatory effect of vitamins K2 and D3 was shown to help attenuate the course of acute COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESIS: This trial aims to investigate the effects of vitamins K2/D3 on LC symptoms, as well as gut and inflammatory markers, in people with established long COVID. Our hypothesis is that by attenuating systemic inflammation, vitamins K2/D3 will improve long COVID symptoms. METHODS: This single-site randomized controlled study enrolled adults experiencing ≥2 moderate LC symptoms at least 3 months after a COVID-19 infection. The RECOVER Long COVID Research Index and number and type of LC symptoms were considered. Participants were randomized 2:1 to daily 240 µg K2 (pure MK-7 form) and 2000 UI vitamin D3 or standard of care (SOC) for 24 weeks. The endpoints were changes in symptomatology and in select inflammatory, metabolic, and gut biomarkers at 24 weeks. RESULTS: We enrolled 151 participants (n = 98 received vit K2/D3 and 53 received SOC). The median age was 46 years; 71% were female and 29% were non-white. Baseline demographics were balanced between groups. At 24 weeks, the active treatment group only had a sharp increase in 25(OH) D, indicating good treatment adherence. In the vitamin K2/D3 arm, there was a 7.1% decrease in the proportion who had an LC Index ≥12 (vs. a 7.2% increase in the SOC group; p = 0.01). The average number of LC symptoms remained stable in the vitamin K2/D3 arm but increased in the SOC arm (p = 0.03). Additionally, reductions in oxidized LDL, inflammatory markers sTNF-RI and sCD163, and fungal translocation marker (1,3)-β-d-glucan were observed in the vitamin K2/D3 arm compared to the SOC arm (p < 0.01) over 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamins K2/D3 improved the RECOVER Long COVID Index, the number of LC symptoms, and several gut and inflammatory markers. Vitamins K2/D3 provide a promising safe intervention for people suffering f

OBJECTIVE: Patients on dialysis treatment have poor functional vitamin K status, and this may increase the risk of vascular calcification. Vitamin K supplementation may therefore be relevant in patients on dialysis, but the procoagulant effects have not been studied. We evaluated effects of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) supplementation on biomarkers of coagulation in patients on dialysis. METHODS: Double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in 123 patients on dialysis randomized to 52 weeks of vitamin K (MK-7, 360 μg/daily, n = 61) or placebo (n = 62). Measurements at baseline and after 52 weeks of intervention included thrombin generation (endogenous thrombin potential, peak thrombin concentration, time to peak, and lag time); clot activities of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (F) II, VII, IX, and X; prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1+2); and proteins induced by vitamin K absence II (PIVKA-II). Between-group differences (vitamin K vs. placebo) at 52 weeks were determined with an analysis of covariance. Within-group changes in vitamin K and placebo groups were analyzed with a paired t-test. Vascular adverse events and serious adverse events were registered based on hospital records, laboratory data, and participant interviews and compared between groups using Fisher's exact test or Pearson's Chi-Squared test. RESULTS: A between-group difference at 52 weeks was observed for PIVKA-II (P < .001). PIVKA-II decreased significantly from baseline to 52 weeks in the vitamin K group, but not in the placebo group. We observed no between-group differences or within-group changes for biomarkers of coagulation, except for FVII clot activity which was reduced in the placebo group (P = .04), and no between-group differences in adverse events and serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: One year of vitamin K supplementation in patients on dialysis has no detectable effects on biomarkers of coagulation activation, clot activities of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, and vascular events or death, indicating no procoagulant effects of this treatment.

BACKGROUND: There is a very high prevalence of subclinical vitamin K deficiency in patients requiring hemodialysis (HD), and this problem is associated with vascular calcification and arterial stiffness. Vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation can improve vitamin K status in HD patients. However, the benefits of vitamin K supplementation on arterial stiffness have still not been established. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) supplementation on arterial stiffness in chronic HD patients. METHODS: This open-label multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted in 96 HD patients who had arterial stiffness, defined by high carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s). The patients were randomly assigned to receive oral MK-7 (375 mcg once daily) for 24 weeks (n = 50) or standard care (control group; n = 46). The change in cfPWV was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the change in cPWV at 24 weeks between the MK-7 group and standard care [-6.0% (-20.2, 2.3) vs. -6.8% (-19.0, 7.3), p = 0.24]. However, we found that MK-7 significantly decreased cPWV in patients with diabetes [-10.0% (-15.9, -0.8) vs. 3.8% (-5.8, 11.6), p = 0.008]. In addition, the MK-7 group had a lower rate of arterial stiffness progression, compared to controls (30.2% vs. 39.5%, p = 0.37), especially in diabetes patients (21.4% vs. 72.7%, p = 0.01). No serious adverse events were observed during the 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: Vitamin K supplements provided a beneficial impact in lowering the rate of arterial stiffness progression in chronic hemodialysis patients with diabetes. Possible benefits on cardiovascular outcomes require further investigation.

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a multipotent vitamin K2, possesses a wide range of biological activities, a precise curative effect and excellent safety. A simple and rapid LC-APCI-MS/MS method for the determination of MK-7 in human plasma with single liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) extraction and 4·5-min analysis time has been developed and validated. Four per cent bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as surrogate matrix for standard curves and endogenous baseline subtraction. This method was reproducible and reliable and was used to analyse of MK-7 in human plasma. The endogenous circadian rhythm and bioavailability of MK-7 were investigated in two randomised single-dose, open, one-way clinical trials (Study I and Study II). A total of five healthy male subjects were enrolled in Study I and 12 healthy male subjects in Study II. Single-dose (1 mg) of MK-7 was given to each subject under fasting condition, and all eligible subjects were given a restricting VK2 diet for 4 d prior to drug administration and during the trial. The experiment results of Study I demonstrated that endogenous MK-7 has no circadian rhythm in individuals. Both studies showed MK-7 are absorbed with peak plasma concentrations at about 6 h after intake and has a very long half-life time.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin K deficiency is highly prevalent in patients on dialysis and may contribute to their low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fracture. This study investigated the effect of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) supplementation on BMD in patients on chronic dialysis. METHODS: In a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial, 123 patients on chronic dialysis were randomised to a daily oral supplement of either MK-7 360 µg or placebo for 2 years. BMD of the distal radius (1/3, mid, ultradistal and total), femoral neck, lumbar spine (L1-L4) and whole body was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum levels of vitamin K1 and MK-7 and plasma levels of total osteocalcin, dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein and protein induced by vitamin K absence II were measured to assess vitamin K status. RESULTS: After 2 years, an accelerated BMD loss of the 1/3 distal radius was found with MK-7 supplementation {mean difference of changes relative to placebo -0.023 g/cm2 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.039 to -0.008]}, whereas the decrease in lumbar spine BMD seen in the placebo group was prevented [mean difference of changes between groups 0.050 g/cm2 (95% CI 0.015-0.085)]. No significant effects were observed at the remaining skeletal sites. Vitamin K status strongly improved in MK-7-supplemented participants. CONCLUSION: Compared with placebo, an accelerated BMD loss of the 1/3 distal radius was found after 2 years of MK-7 supplementation, whereas a decline in lumbar spine BMD was prevented. As such, MK-7 supplementation might modify BMD site-specifically in patients on dialysis. In aggregate, our findings do not support MK-7 supplementation to preserve bone in patients on dialysis. © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the ERA.

BACKGROUND: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), also known as vitamin K2, is a cofactor for the carboxylation of proteins involved in the inhibition of arterial calcification and has been suggested to reduce the progression rate of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in patients with aortic stenosis. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial, men from the community with an AVC score >300 arbitrary units (AU) on cardiac noncontrast computer tomography were randomized to daily treatment with tablet 720 µg MK-7 plus 25 µg vitamin D or matching placebo for 24 months. The primary outcome was the change in AVC score. Selected secondary outcomes included change in aortic valve area and peak aortic jet velocity on echocardiography, heart valve surgery, change in aortic and coronary artery calcification, and change in dp-ucMGP (dephosphorylated-undercarboxylated matrix Gla-protein). Safety outcomes included all-cause death and cardiovascular events. RESULTS: From February 1, 2018, to March 21, 2019, 365 men were randomized. Mean age was 71.0 (±4.4) years. The mean (95% CI) increase in AVC score was 275 AU (95% CI, 225-326 AU) and 292 AU (95% CI, 246-338 AU) in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively. The mean difference on AVC progression was 17 AU (95% CI, -86 to 53 AU; P=0.64). The mean change in aortic valve area was 0.02 cm2 (95% CI, -0.09 to 0.12 cm2; P=0.78) and in peak aortic jet velocity was 0.04 m/s (95% CI, -0.11 to 0.02 m/s; P=0.21). The progression in aortic and coronary artery calcification score was not significantly different between patients treated with MK-7 plus vitamin D and patients receiving placebo. There was no difference in the rate of heart valve surgery (1 versus 2 patients; P=0.99), all-cause death (1 versus 4 patients; P=0.37), or cardiovascular events (10 versus 10 patients; P=0.99). Compared with patients in the placebo arm, a significant reduction in dp-ucMGP was observed with MK-7 plus vitamin D (-212 pmol/L versus 45 pmol/L; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly men with an AVC score >300 AU, 2 years MK-7 plus vitamin D supplementation did not influence AVC progression. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique iden

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common disorder that is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation, which also have a reinforcing effect on each other. The present research studied the effects of menaquinone (MK-7) supplementation on serum dp-ucMGP (dephospho uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein), PIVKAII (Prothrombin Induced by Vitamin K Absence), inflammatory markers and body composition indices in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: This 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial allocated 60 T2DM patients equally into a MK-7 (200 mcg/day) group or a placebo group. All patients also received dietary advice at the beginning of study and their dietary intakes were checked using a 3-day food record. The body composition of each patient was also measured and their vitamin K status was assessed using the ELISA method to measure serum dp-ucMGP and PIVKAII. In addition, inflammatory status indices were also measured, including hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interleukin-6) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha). All measurements were made both before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: In total 45 patients completed the trial (MK-7 group = 23 and placebo group = 22). The calorie and macronutrient intake of the two groups were similar pre and post intervention. There were statistically significant increases in dietary vitamin K intake for both groups over the course of the study (p < 0.05), but the intergroup differences were not significant. The body composition indices (i.e., body fat percentage, fat mass, fat free mass, muscle mass, bone mass and total body water) were not significantly different between groups or across the trial. The serum levels of the vitamin K markers, PIVKAII and dp-ucMGP, decreased significantly in the MK-7 group over the course of the study (p < 0.05), but there was no decrease in the placebo group. However, after adjusting for the baseline levels and changes in vitamin K intake, the between group differences were only significant for PIVKAII (p < 0.05). Following the intervention, the serum levels of the inflammatory markers (hsCRP, IL-6,

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Vascular calcification is one of the most prevalent disorders in pediatric hemodialysis patients that eventually lead to cardiovascular morbidity. Vitamin K2 was investigated in adults in previous studies and showed favorable effects on calcification markers. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin K2 and cholecalciferol on the calcification regulators in pediatric patients. METHODS: A prospective, randomized and controlled trial was conducted on sixty hemodialysis pediatric patients who were divided to four groups; Group 1: administered 100 µg of vitamin K2 (MK-7); Group 2: administered 10 µg of native vitamin D; Group 3: administered 100 µg of vitamin K2 (MK-7) in addition 10 µg of native vitamin D, and Group 4: administered the standard therapy only. The duration of supplementation was 4 months. In addition to a group of healthy normal control of age and sex-matched. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, serum levels of FGF23, dp-uc-MGP, and uc-OC were measured. It was found that serum levels of dp-uc-MGP, uc-OC, and FGF23 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the hemodialysis patients as compared to the healthy normal control. After 4 months, group 3 revealed the most significant decrease in dp-uc-MGP, uc-OC as compared to the other groups. However, there was no change in FGF23. CONCLUSION: Vitamin K2 and native vitamin D showed a beneficial effect on calcification regulators in pediatric hemodialysis patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinical trial.gov (NCT04145492). © 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.

Vitamin K plays important biological roles in maintaining normal blood coagulation, bone mineralization, soft tissue physiology, and neurological development. Menaquinone-7 is a form of vitamin K2 that occurs naturally in some animal-derived and fermented foods. It is also available as an ingredient of dietary supplements. Menaquinone-7 has greater bioavailability than other forms of vitamin K, which has led to increasing sales and use of menaquinone-7 supplements. This special article reviews the chemistry, nomenclature, dietary sources, intake levels, and pharmacokinetics of menaquinones, along with the nonclinical toxicity data available and the data on clinical outcomes related to safety (adverse events). In conclusion, the data reviewed indicate that menaquinone-7, when ingested as a dietary supplement, is not associated with any serious risk to health or with other public health concerns. On the basis of this conclusion, US Pharmacopeia monographs have been developed to establish quality standards for menaquinone-7 as a dietary ingredient and as a dietary supplement in various dosage forms. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: [email protected].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the worldwide use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), there is limited knowledge of the influence of dietary vitamin K on anticoagulation control. In view of the increasing nutraceutical availability of menaquinone-7 (MK-7; vitamin K2 ) and its promotion for bone and cardiovascular health, it is important to determine the posology for the interference of supplemental MK-7 with VKA therapy. PATIENTS: Eighteen healthy men and women were anticoagulated for 4 weeks with acenocoumarol, and 15 of them attained a target International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.0. In the six subsequent weeks, subjects were given increasing doses of MK-7 (10, 20 and 45 μg day(-1) ) while continuing acenocoumarol treatment at established individual doses. RESULTS: Apart from the INR, acenocoumarol treatment significantly increased the levels of uncarboxylated factor II (ucFII), uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), and desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla-protein (dp-ucMGP), and decreased endogenous thrombin generation (ETP). A daily intake of 45 μg of MK-7 significantly decreased the group mean values of both the INR and ucFII by ~ 40%. Daily intakes of 10 and 20 μg of MK-7 were independently judged by two hematologists to cause a clinically relevant lowering of the INR in at least 40% and 60% of subjects, respectively, and to significantly increase ETP by ~ 20% and ~ 30%, respectively. Circulating ucOC and dp-ucMGP were not affected by MK-7 intake. CONCLUSIONS: MK-7 supplementation at doses as low as 10 μg (lower than the usual retail dose of 45 μg) significantly influenced anticoagulation sensitivity in some individuals. Hence, the use of MK-7 supplements needs to be avoided in patients receiving VKA therapy. © 2013 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in blood coagulation and bone metabolism. The detection and monitoring of vitamin K homologues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is a challenging problem due to the smaller concentrations of vitamin K and the presence of several interfering medications. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a new highly sensitive and selective chemiluminescence (CL) method designated to quantify vitamin K homologues in plasma of RA patients including phylloquinone (PK, vitamin K(1)), menaquinone-4 (MK-4, vitamin K(2)) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7, vitamin K(2)). The method was based on the unique photochemical properties of vitamin K homologues that were exploited for selective luminol CL reaction. The correlation coefficients of 0.998 or more were obtained in the concentration ranges of 0.1-100 ng mL(-1) vitamin K homologues. The detection limits were 0.03-0.1 ng mL(-1) in human plasma for vitamin K homologues. The developed HPLC-CL system was successfully applied for selective determination of vitamin K homologues in plasma of RA patients. The developed method may provide a useful tool for monitoring vitamin K homologues in different clinical studies such as RA, osteoporosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in which vitamin K is intervented.

Whether the anabolic effect of beta-cryptoxanthin (CRP), a kind of carotenoid, on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells are modulated in the presence of various hormones or nutrient factors were investigated. Cells were cultured for 72 h in a minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and the cells with subconfluency were changed to a medium containing either vehicle or CRP (10(-8)-10(-6) M) in the presence or absence of various factors without FBS. Cells were cultured for 72 h. Protein content or alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblastic cells were significantly increased after culture with CRP (10(-7) or 10(-6) M), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (VD(3); 10(-9) or 10(-8) M), 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 10(-9) M), genistein (10(-7) or 10(-6) M), or menaquinone-7 (MK-7; 10(-7) or 10(-6) M). The effect of CRP (10(-6) M) in increasing protein content in the cells was significantly enhanced in the presence of E(2) (10(-9) M) or genistein (10(-6) M). Gene expression in osteoblastic cells was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Culture with CRP (10(-7) or 10(-6) M) caused a significant increase in the expression of Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase mRNAs in the cells. Runx2 mRNA expression was significantly increased after culture with E(2) (10(-9) M) or MK-7 (10(-7) or 10(-6) M), but not VD(3) (10(-9) or 10(-8) M) or genistein (10(-7) or 10(-6) M). Alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression was significantly increased after culture with VD(3) (10(-9) or 10(-8) M), genistein (10(-7) or 10(-6) M), or MK-7 (10(-7) or 10(-6) M), but not E(2) (10(-10) or 10(-9) M). The effect of CRP (10(-7) or 10(-6) M) in increasing Runx2 or alkaline phosphatase mRNA expressions in the cells was not enhanced in the presence of VD(3), E(2), genistein, or MK-7. Culture with zinc sulfate (zinc; 10(-5) M) caused a significant increase in protein content or alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblastic cells. The effect of CRP (10(-7) M) in increasing protein content or alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells was not significantly enhanced in the presence of zinc (10(-5) M). Culture with zinc (10(-5) M) caused a significant increase in alpha1(I) colla

BACKGROUND: Population aging is driving a convergent rise in three disorders historically managed in isolation: cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive decline, and osteoporotic bone loss. Mechanistic data indicate that these systems are coupled through shared regulators of calcium trafficking, inflammation resolution, vascular integrity, and inflammaging. On this basis, a "Heart-Brain-Bone" axis has been proposed; it should be understood as an integrative conceptual framework that organizes evidence drawn from three separate studies, not as a validated physiological entity with agreed diagnostic criteria or demonstrated modifiability. Three lipid-soluble nutrients-long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA/DHA), vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), and vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7 [MK-7])-act on overlapping nodes of this network. METHODS: We performed a structured narrative review. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to 25 June 2026 using predefined term blocks for each nutrient, each organ domain, and each candidate mechanism, and the search was updated on 7 August 2026. Records were screened against prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria by two authors independently, with disagreements resolved by a third. The strength of evidence for each nutrient-organ relationship was graded with an explicitly defined four-level scheme ((-) to (+++)) applied separately to preclinical, observational, randomized and meta-analytic evidence. RESULTS: Vitamin K2-dependent gamma-carboxylation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteocalcin has been proposed to influence whether calcium is incorporated into the bone matrix or deposited in the arterial wall, offering a candidate mechanistic account of the "calcium paradox" associated with isolated vitamin D3 supplementation; EPA/DHA-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators may support resolution of endothelial and neuronal inflammation; and bone-, vascular- and brain-derived signals (osteocalcin, FGF23, the neurovascular unit) interconnect the three organs. These mechanisms are biologically plausible but remain insufficiently confirmed in humans. The clinical e

Vitamin K is classically known for hepatic γ-carboxylation via VKORC1, yet accumulating evidence suggests broader redox-regulatory roles. Here, we characterize the VKORC1 paralogue VKORC1L1 as an anti-oxidative enzyme that couples the vitamin K cycle to ferroptosis defense in the endothelium. In human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), menaquinone-7 (Vitamin K2, MK-7) increased viability and attenuated RSL3-induced lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis, and NF-κB-dependent inflammatory activation. In vivo, a MK-7 enriched diet accelerated reendothelialization after electric carotid injury in C57BL/6J mice without altering hemostasis. Silencing VKORC1L1, but not the coagulation-linked VKORC1, diminished HCAEC proliferation, raised reactive oxygen species, and triggered NF-κB activation. Importantly, MK-7 failed to rescue these effects in VKORC1L1-deficient cells, supporting a functional requirement for VKORC1L1 in vitamin K-mediated cytoprotection. Transcriptomics of VKORC1L1-deficient cells revealed a lipid peroxide/NF-κB/TNF pathway that amplified oxidative inflammation. This signaling axis was blocked by the lipid-radical scavenger ferrostatin-1 or by inhibiting TNF shedding. Collectively, these data identify VKORC1L1 as a redox-responsive component of the endothelial vitamin K cycle that limits lipid peroxides, suppresses ferroptosis, restrains TNF-driven inflammation, and promotes vascular repair. © 2026. The Author(s).

Background/Objectives: The benefits of vitamin K are well established in skeletal and cardiovascular health through activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins, including osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein. Emerging evidence also links vitamin K to pathways that influence body composition, including insulin sensitivity, adiponectin regulation, lipid oxidation, and inflammation. Vitamin K deficiency is linked to adverse health outcomes. We therefore evaluated whether menaquinone-7 (MK-7) supplementation alters body composition in adults with low vitamin K status. Methods: A total of 243 participants (166 women and 77 men) with low vitamin K status received 180 mcg of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of Vitamin K, daily for one year. Changes in body mass index (BMI), body weight, fat mass, lean mass, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were assessed. Results: At baseline, higher dp-ucMGP, indicating lower vitamin K status, was positively associated with BMI (r = 0.223; p < 0.01), fat mass index (r = 0.200; p < 0.01), and VAT (r = 0.286; p < 0.001). After one year of supplementation, the total cohort showed a small but significant BMI reduction (-0.66%; p = 0.041). Responders (≥183 pmol/L dp-ucMGP drop) showed improvements in fat mass (-1.93%, p = 0.039), waist-to-hip ratio (-1.43%, p = 0.012), BMI (-1.37% ± 3.21, p = 0.004), and weight (-1.25%, p = 0.008), while non-responders exhibited an increase in VAT (+7.28%, p = 0.002). Women, especially premenopausal ones, experienced greater reductions in BMI, fat mass, and weight. dp-ucMGP levels significantly decreased in 90.9% of women (p < 0.001), whereas in men, although 77.8% showed a decrease, the change was not statistically significant. Among high responders (≥183 pmol/L dp-ucMGP reduction), both sexes demonstrated improvement, albeit significant body composition changes were seen only in women. Conclusions: Lower vitamin K status was associated with higher BMI, fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue. After one year of MK-7 supplementation, a modest reduction in BMI was observed, with more pronounced improvements in body composition among women. While these sex related differences may suggest that men require higher doses

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ovarian torsion is a typical surgical emergency in gynecology. Ovarian torsion-detorsion (T/D) causes ischemia-reperfusion injury characterized by excessive oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, ultimately impairing ovarian structure and function. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7, MK-7) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may provide pharmacological protection against ischemic tissue damage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of MK-7 against ovarian T/D injury in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-two mature female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four experimental groups (n = 8 per group): control, sham-operated, torsion/detorsion (T/D), and MK-7-treated T/D. Ovarian torsion was induced under anesthesia and maintained for 2 h. Postoperative treatment consisted of MK-7 (30 mg/kg) administered via oral gavage. Dosing commenced 4 h after surgery and continued once daily for 7 days. Blood and ovarian tissue specimens were collected at the end of the treatment period for analysis. ELISA measured serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Oxidative stress markers-malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT)-and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were quantified using commercial ELISA kits. Ovarian tissue mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), caspase-3, p53, and AMH was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-κB p65) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. At the same time, histopathological changes were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome (MT) staining. RESULTS: Ovarian T/D significantly elevated oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by elevated MDA (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.01), and IL-6 (p < 0.001), along with significant activation of apoptotic signaling, reflected by increased BAX (p < 0.01) and caspase-3 expression (p < 0.001). Moreover, it upregulated NF-κB

Background: Dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a vitamin K2 subtype, has shown benefits for glucose tolerance and vascular health in some studies. We evaluated the impact of MK-7 on dicarbonyls, free AGEs, and protein nitration/oxidation adducts in a rat model of T2DM. Methods: Male heterozygous (fa/+, control) and homozygous (fa/fa, diabetic) Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats were fed a diabetogenic diet without or with MK-7 for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, plasma dicarbonyls as well as plasma and urinary levels of free AGEs and protein nitration/oxidation adducts were quantified by isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Diabetic rats showed significantly increased plasma glyoxal, 3-deoxyglucosone, and fructosyl-lysine with non-significant trends toward increased methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone and methionine sulfoxide, as well as reductions in methylglyoxal and dityrosine. Urinary carboxyethyl-lysine, carboxymethyl-lysine, fructosyl-lysine (all significant), and dityrosine (non-significant) were elevated in diabetic rats; glucosepane (non-significant) was reduced. MK-7 supplementation reduced no measured parameter but was associated with non-significant further increases in plasma glyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone, carboxyethyl-lysine, carboxymethyl-lysine, fructosyl-lysine, 3-nitrotyrosine, and methionine sulfoxide, as well as in urinary glyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone, carboxyethyl-lysine, fructosyl-lysine, and 3-nitrotyrosine, in diabetic rats. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between glucose, dicarbonyls, AGEs, and oxidative markers. Conclusions: High-dose MK-7 supplementation did not improve dicarbonyl stress, AGE burden, or protein nitration/oxidation. With respect to available scientific evidence and our observations, the combination of glycemia-driven amplification of glycation and oxidative stress, as well as MK-7-induced glutathione depletion, were likely causative.

Patients with celiac disease are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to long-term inflammation of the small intestine. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the correlation between CeD and micronutrients. A cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 59 newly diagnosed celiac patients and 59 controls. Levels of 17 vitamins and 10 trace elements were measured. Symptoms, serum IgA anti-TG2 (tTG-IgA), BMI, albumin, hemoglobin, and Marsh classification were recorded. The levels of micronutrients were compared between cases and controls, and correlations between micronutrients and other factors were analyzed. Celiac patients had lower levels of BMI, albumin, hemoglobin, vitamins A, E, K2 (MK-7, MK-4), B6, and B7, as well as zinc, and higher levels of vitamin B3 and chromium than controls (p < 0.05). The deficiency rates of vitamins A, E, and K2 (MK-7) and the excess rate of vitamin B3 were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.05). Vitamin C, iron and calcium levels were negatively correlated with Marsh classification, while vitamin D and E levels were negatively correlated with serum tTG-IgA levels (p < 0.05). The vitamin A level in classical patients was lower than in non-classical patients (p < 0.01). In conclusion, micronutrient imbalance is very common in celiac patients, including both deficiencies and excesses. Therefore, it is necessary to assess micronutrient levels in newly diagnosed celiac patients. © 2025. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is marked by insulin resistance, low grade chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Vitamin K2, especially menaquinone-7 (MK-7), might delay T2DM progression and alleviate its consequences. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of MK-7 on serum and urine markers of diabetes in an animal model of T2DM. METHODS: Hetero- (fa/+, control) and homozygous (fa/fa, diabetic) male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were supplemented or not with MK-7 for 12 weeks. After euthanasia, vitamin K1, menaquinone-4 and MK-7 serum concentrations were analyzed via reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Glucose (serum), fructosamine (serum) and creatinine (serum and urine) levels were assessed photometrically, serum cystatin C and urinary total protein were turbidimetrically determined. Serum transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) were quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Urinary marker proteins were analyzed via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Nephropathy was assessed histologically. RESULTS: Supplementation led to significantly elevated MK-7 serum levels and a significant reduction of PIIINP serum levels in both hetero- and homozygous ZDF rats. Additionally, not statistically significant reductions of TGF-β1 serum levels, proteinuria as well as the nephropathy score were observed. In vivo body mass, serum fructosamine, glucose, cystatin C and creatinine levels were unaffected. CONCLUSION: MK-7 reduced serum markers of fibrosis, histological features of nephropathy and urinary protein excretion, but failed to affect serum markers of T2DM. The therapeutic potential of MK-7 in T2DM and its mode of action should be further investigated in more detail. © 2024 The Authors.

The GI tract hosts a dynamic community known as the gut microbiota, which encompasses thriving bacteria that actively contribute to the physiological functions of the human body. The intricacies of its composition are profoundly influenced by dietary preferences, where the quality, quantity, and frequency of food consumption play a pivotal role in either fostering or impeding specific bacterial strains. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent and deleterious condition that originates from excessive hyperglycemia. Do lifestyle interventions targeting dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, physical activity, and weight management programs exhibit a significant relationship in altering the composition of the gut microbiome and managing T2DM? This paper aims to evaluate the effects of lifestyle interventions on patients with T2DM and the implications of these changes on disease outcomes and progression. Lifestyle interventions can significantly impact the management of T2DM, especially those targeting dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, physical activity, and weight management programs. The adoption of a high-fiber diet and increased fruit consumption have shown positive impacts on both insulin sensitivity and the composition of the gut microbiota. Additionally, promising outcomes emerge from supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin K2 (MK-7), and transglucosidase, which influence insulin levels, glycemic control, and gut microbiota composition. Personalized diet interventions and the transformative effects of the Mediterranean diet present positive outcomes in metabolic control. The intensity of exercise plays a pivotal role in shaping the composition of the gut microbiota, with moderate-intensity continuous exercise displaying positive effects on anti-inflammatory microbes. Chronic exercise showcases favorable impacts on glycemic control and systemic inflammation. Emphasizing the intricate relationship between dietary habits, gut microbiota, and the risk of T2DM underscores the potential of the gut microbiota as a universal biomarker for assessing diabetes risk. Nutritional supplements and exercise interventions provide potential ave

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) has been shown to cause significant changes in different physiological processes and diseases, but its role in acute lung injury (ALI) is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effects of VK2 against LPS-induced ALI in mice. The male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7): the control group, LPS group, negative control group (LPS + Oil), positive control group (LPS + DEX), LPS + VK2 (L) group (VK2, 1.5 mg/kg), and LPS + VK2 (H) group (VK2, 15 mg/kg). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of lung tissue was performed. Antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities, and the Ca2+ level in the lung tissue were measured. The effects of VK2 on inflammation, apoptosis, tight junction (TJ) injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy were quantitatively assessed using Western blot analysis. Compared with the LPS group, VK2 improved histopathological changes; alleviated inflammation, apoptosis, and TJ injury; increased antioxidant enzyme activity; reduced Ca2+ overload; regulated mitochondrial function; and inhibited lung autophagy. These results indicate that VK2 could improve tight junction protein loss, inflammation, and cell apoptosis in LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive autophagy, indicating that VK2 plays a beneficial role in ALI and might be a potential therapeutic strategy.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease that has received considerable critical attention in the field of intensive care. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of vitamin K2 (VK2) in ALI. Intraperitoneal injection of 7 mg/kg LPS was used to induce ALI in mice, and VK2 injection was intragastrically administered with the dose of 0.2 and 15 mg/kg. We found that VK2 improved the pulmonary pathology, reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and levels of TNF-α and IL-6, and boosted the level of IL-10 of mice with ALI. Moreover, VK2 played a significant part in apoptosis by downregulating and upregulating Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 expressions, respectively. As for further mechanism exploration, we found that VK2 inhibited P38 MAPK signaling. Our results also showed that VK2 inhibited ferroptosis, which manifested by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and iron levels, increasing glutathione (GSH) level, and upregulated and downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions, respectively. In addition, VK2 also inhibited elastin degradation by reducing levels of uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (uc-MGP) and desmosine (DES). Overall, VK2 robustly alleviated ALI by inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and elastin degradation, making it a potential novel therapeutic candidate for ALI. Copyright: © 2023 Wang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Recent studies have shown that, coupled with other environmental factors, aluminium exposure may lead to neurodegeneration resulting in cognitive impairment resembling Alzheimer's disease. Menaquinone, a form of vitamin K2, aids in maintaining healthy bones and avoids coronary calcification. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here, we study the neuroprotective effects of vitamin K2 (MK-7) using the animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aluminium chloride (AlCl3; 100 mg/kg for 3 weeks orally) was administered to Swiss albino mice to induce neurodegeneration and Vitamin K2 (100 g/kg for 3 weeks orally) was applied as treatment. This was followed by behavioural studies to determine memory changes. The behavioural observations correlated with proinflammatory, oxidative, and brain histopathological changes in AlCl3-treated animals with or without vitamin K2 treatment. AlCl3 administration led to memory decline which was partially restored in Vitamin K2 treated animals. Myeloperoxidase levels in the brain increased due to AlCl3-mediated inflammation, which Vitamin K2 prevented. The acetylcholine esterase and oxidative stress markers induced by AlCl3 were reversed by Vitamin K2. Also, Vitamin K2 helps to restore hippocampal BDNF levels and reduced the amyloid β accumulation in AlCl3-administered animals. Additionally, Vitamin K2 protected the hippocampal neurons against AlCl3-mediated damage as observed in histopathological studies. We conclude that Vitamin K2 could partially reverse AlCl3-mediated cognitive decline. It increases acetylcholine and BDNF levels while reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and β-amyloid deposition, thus protecting the hippocampal neurons from AlCl3-mediated damage. © 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Vitamin K2/ Menaquinones produced predominantly by the gut microbiome improve bone health and prevent coronary calcification. The central nervous system has been linked with gut microbiota via the gut-brain axis and is strongly associated with psychiatric conditions. In the present study, we show the role of Vitamin K2 (MK-7) in gut dysbiosis-associated cognitive decline. Gut dysbiosis was induced in mice by administering Ampicillin (250 mg/kg twice a day orally) for 14 days and Vitamin K2 (0.05 mg/kg) for 21 days with or without antibiotic treatment and altered gene expression profile of intestinal microbes determined. This was followed by behavioural studies to determine cognitive changes. The behavioural observations are then correlated with proinflammatory, oxidative, and brain and intestinal histopathological changes in antibiotic-treated animals with or without vitamin K2 administration. With the use of antibiotics, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Firmicutes, and Clostridium's relative abundance reduced. When vitamin K2 was added to the medication, their levels were restored. Cognitive impairment was observed in behavioural trials in the antibiotic group, but this drop was restored in mice given both an antibiotic and vitamin K. Myeloperoxidase levels in the colon and brain increased due to gut dysbiosis, which vitamin K2 prevented. The acetylcholine esterase and oxidative stress markers brought on by antibiotics were also decreased by vitamin K2. Additionally, vitamin K2 guarded against alterations in intestine ultrastructure brought on by antibiotic use and preserved hippocampus neurons. So, it can be concluded that vitamin K2 improved cognitive skills, avoided hippocampus neuronal damage from antibiotics, and lowered intestine and brain inflammation and oxidative stress.

Vitamin K2-7, also known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a form of vitamin K that has health-beneficial effects in osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Compared to vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), K2-7 is absorbed more readily and is more bioavailable. Clinical studies have unequivocally demonstrated the utility of vitamin K2-7 supplementation in ameliorating peripheral neuropathy, reducing bone fracture risk and improving cardiovascular health. We examine how undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) and matrix Gla protein (ucMGP) are converted to carboxylated forms (cOC and cMGP respectively) by K2-7 acting as a cofactor, thus facilitating the deposition of calcium in bones and preventing vascular calcification. K2-7 is beneficial in managing bone loss because it upregulates osteoprotegerin which is a decoy receptor for RANK ligand (RANKL) thus inhibiting bone resorption. We also review the evidence for the health-beneficial outcomes of K2-7 in diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we discuss the K2-7-mediated suppression of growth in cancer cells via cell-cycle arrest, autophagy and apoptosis. The mechanistic basis for the disease-modulating effects of K2-7 is mediated through various signal transduction pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAP Kinase, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, etc. Interestingly, K2-7 is also responsible for suppression of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1α, IL-1β and TNF-α. We elucidate various genes modulated by K2-7 as well as the clinical pharmacometrics of vitamin K2-7 including K2-7-mediated pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD). Further, we discuss the current status of clinical trials on K2-7 that shed light on dosing strategies for maximum health benefits. Taken together, this is a synthetic review that delineates the health-beneficial effects of K2-7 in a clinical setting, highlights the molecular basis for these effects, elucidates the clinical pharmacokinetics of K2-7, and underscores the need for K2-7 supplementation in the global diet.

Vitamins K exert a range of activities that extend far beyond coagulation and include anti-inflammatory effects, but the mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory action remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that various forms of exogenous vitamins-K1, K3, K2 (MK-4, MK-5, MK-6 and MK-7)-regulated a wide scope of inflammatory pathways in murine macrophages in vitro, including NOS-2, COX-2, cytokines and MMPs. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that macrophages are able to synthesise endogenous MK-4 on their own. Vitamins with shorter isoprenoid chains-K1, K3 and MK-5-exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory potential than vitamins with longer isoprenoid chains (MK-6 and MK-7) and simultaneously were preferably used as a substrate for MK-4 endogenous production. Most interesting, atorvastatin pretreatment inhibited endogenous MK-4 production but had no impact on the anti-inflammatory activity of vitamins K. In summary, our results demonstrate that macrophages are able to synthesise endogenous MK-4 using exogenous vitamins K, and statin inhibits this process. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of exogenous vitamins K was independent of endogenous MK-4 synthesis.

The taxonomic position of two isolates belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium was determined. The first isolate, R-53603T, was obtained from purulent discharge from the toe of a cellulitis patient in Kuwait. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed 99.87 % similarity of R-53603T with environmental isolate P031 (=R-53745) originating from activated sludge in Singapore. The two isolates were phylogenetically positioned on the same sub-branch. Highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was found with the type strains of Sphingobacterium mizutaii (98.23 %), Sphingobacterium lactis (97.78 %) and Sphingobacterium daejeonense (97.14 %). DNA-DNA hybridizations revealed <70 % relatedness between the two isolates and the type strains of the close phylogenetic neighbours S. mizutaii(18.0-24.5 %), S. lactis(20.3-25.9 %) and S. daejeonense(13.2-20.0 %). The high relative contribution of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c) in the cellular fatty acid profiles of R-53603T and R-53745, the presence of sphingophospholipids, MK-7 as the dominant menaquinone and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid in strain R-53603T are typical chemotaxonomic characteristics for members of the genus Sphingobacterium. Phenotypic features most useful for differentiation of the two novel strains from the most closely related species S. mizutaii include growth on MacConkey agar, and utilization of stachyose, guanidine HCl and lithium chloride in Biolog GEN III tests. Strains R-53603T and R-53745 thus represent a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium cellulitidis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R-53603T (=LMG 28764T=DSM 102028T).

Circulatory markers of low-grade inflammation such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) positively correlate with endothelial damage, atheroma formation, cardiovascular disease, and aging. The natural vitamin K2-menaquinone-7 (MK-7) added to the cell culture of human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDMs) at the same time as toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists did not influence the production of TNF-α. When the cells were pretreated up to 6 h with MK-7 before treatment with TLR agonists, MK-7 did not inhibit significantly the production of TNF-α after the TLR activation. However, 30 h pretreatment of hMDMs with at least 10 μM of MK-7 effectively and dose dependently inhibited the proinflammatory function of hMDMs. Pretreatment of hMDMs with 10 μM of MK-7 for 30 h resulted in 20% inhibition of TNF-α production after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation (P < .05) and 43% inhibition after macrophage-activating lipopeptide (MALP) activation (P < .001). Pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PMPP) activation was inhibited by 20% with MK-7 pretreatment; however, this inhibition was not statistically significant. The 30 h pretreatment of a THP-1-differentiated monocyte cell line with MK-7 resulted in a dose-dependent downregulation of TNFα, IL-1α, and IL-1β gene expression as evaluated by RNA semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MK-7 is able to modulate immune and inflammatory reactions in the dose-response inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-1β gene expression and protein production by the healthy hMDMs in vitro.

A Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, coryneform bacterium, designated strain 32T, was isolated from a closed pus sample from a patient having finger necrosis in Korea. Strain 32T was considered as representing a novel species according to its initial identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight MS. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 32T belonged to the genus Dermabacter and was closely related to Dermabacter hominis DSM 7083T (=ATCC 49369T) (98.34 % similarity). Optimal growth was observed at 30-40 °C and pH 7. Growth occurred in the presence of 0-6 % (w/v) NaCl. Menaquinones MK-8, MK-7 and MK-9 were the major respiratory quinones. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, glycolipid and two unknown lipids. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain 32T was 62.58 mol%, and the mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 32T and D. hominis ATCC 49369T was 49±1.6 %. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain 32T is confirmed to represent a novel species of the genus Dermabacter, for which the name Dermabacter jinjuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 32T (=NCCP 16133T=DSM 101003T).

Population-based studies have shown an inverse association between dietary menaquinones (MK-n, vitamin K2) intake, coronary calcification and CHD risk, suggesting a potential role of vitamin K in vascular health. To date, the effects of increased menaquinone intake on (markers of) vascular health have been investigated using predominantly food supplements. Dairy products contain many essential nutrients and can serve as a good matrix for food fortification in order to support health. We were therefore interested to study the effects of a menaquinone-fortified yogurt drink (menaquinone as menaquinone-7 (MK-7); 28 µg MK-7/yogurt drink) on vitamin K status and markers of vascular health. The yogurt drink was also fortified with n-3 PUFA, vitamin D, vitamin C, Ca and Mg to support vascular and/or general health. Healthy men (n 32) and postmenopausal women (n 28) with a mean age of 56 (sd 5) years received either basic or fortified yogurt drink twice per d for 12 weeks. MK-7 was efficiently absorbed from the fortified yogurt drink. Levels of circulating MK-7 were significantly increased from 0·28 to 1·94 ng/ml. In accordance, intake of the fortified yogurt drink improved vitamin K status, as measured by significant decreases in uncarboxylated osteocalcin and desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla-protein. No effects were, however, seen on markers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and lipid metabolism. In summary, consumption of a yogurt drink fortified with low doses of among others MK-7 for 3 months significantly improved vitamin K status in a healthy population.

Comment in Thromb Haemost. 2008 Oct;100(4):527-9. Naturally occurring vitamin K compounds comprise a plant form, phylloquinone (vitamin K(1)) and a series of bacterial menaquinones (MKs) (vitamin K(2)). Structural differences in the isoprenoid side chain govern many facets of metabolism of K vitamins including the way they are transported, taken up by target tissues, and subsequently excreted. In the post-prandial state, phylloquinone is transported mainly by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) and long-chain MKs mainly by low-density lipoproteins (LDL). TRL-borne phylloquinone uptake by osteoblasts is an apoE-mediated process with the LRP1 receptor playing a predominant role. One K(2) form, MK-4, has a highly specific tissue distribution suggestive of local synthesis from phylloquinone in which menadione is an intermediate. Both phylloquinone and MKs activate the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) that initiates their catabolism, but MK-4 specifically upregulates two genes suggesting a novel MK-4 signalling pathway. Many studies have shown specific clinical benefits of MK-4 at pharmacological doses for osteoporosis and cancer although the mechanism(s) are poorly understood. Other putative non-cofactor functions of vitamin K include the suppression of inflammation, prevention of brain oxidative damage and a role in sphingolipid synthesis. Anticoagulant drugs block vitamin K recycling and thereby the availability of reduced vitamin K. Under extreme blockade, vitamin K can bypass the inhibition of Gla synthesis in the liver but not in the bone and the vessel wall. In humans, MK-7 has a greater efficacy than phylloquinone in carboxylating both liver and bone Gla proteins. A daily supplement of phylloquinone has shown potential for improving anticoagulation control.

Five coagulase-negative, novobiocin-susceptible staphylococcal strains were isolated from human blood cultures in different German and Belgian medical facilities. A novel species, 'Staphylococcus pettenkoferi' was proposed recently to accommodate two of these strains (B3117(T) and A6664), although the name was not validly published. All five strains belonged to the genus Staphylococcus because they were non-motile, Gram-positive, catalase-positive cocci with peptidoglycan type (A3 alpha type L-lys-gly(2-4)-L-Ser-Gly), menaquinone pattern (MK-7, MK-6 and MK-8) and major cellular fatty acids (ai-C(15 : 0), ai-C(17 : 0) and i-C(15 : 0)) that corresponded to those of staphylococci. Phenotypically, the isolates most closely resembled Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis and Staphylococcus auricularis, but they could be distinguished from these species by physiological tests and chemotaxonomic investigations. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization, chemotaxonomic investigations and 16S rRNA gene and RNA polymerase B gene (rpoB) sequence analysis enabled strains B3117(T), K6999, 229 and 230 to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from known Staphylococcus species, indicating that these isolates are representatives of a novel species. The name Staphylococcus pettenkoferi sp. nov. is proposed for this novel species, with strain B3117(T) (=CIP 107711(T)=CCUG 51270(T)) as the type strain. Due to differences in the results of physiological and chemotaxonomic investigations and DNA-DNA hybridization data, strain A6664 was not included in the description of the novel species.