Medical Researches
Possibly Effective
Based on 15 Researches
Vitamin K2 impacts arteriosclerosis positivelyVitamin K2 can suppress the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, and inhibit calcification of aortic intima in ApoE mice as well as smooth muscle cells.
High relevance to vascular health
We set out to investigate the role of vitamin K2 in combating arteriosclerosis, particularly looking at its effects on vascular calcification. The study involved eighteen ApoE mice divided into three groups: one receiving a high-fat diet without treatment, another on the same diet but treated with vitamin K2, and a control group fed a normal diet.
After 12 weeks, we observed that the mice on the high-fat diet had significant signs of atherosclerosis and intimal calcification in their aortas. However, those treated with vitamin K2 showed less severe atherosclerosis and a notable reduction in calcium deposits. This points to vitamin K2’s potential protective effects against artery hardening.
Our results also included tests on smooth muscle cells that further supported the conclusion that vitamin K2 can inhibit calcification. Importantly, we noted reduced levels of two inflammatory markers, TLR2 and TLR4, in the vitamin K2 treated group compared to the untreated group. This suggests a mechanism by which vitamin K2 might mitigate the inflammatory processes contributing to vascular issues.
The findings reveal vitamin K2's promise in addressing vascular calcification associated with high-fat diets. By reducing both calcification and inflammatory markers, vitamin K2 could be a valuable factor in future treatments geared towards heart health and vascular integrity.
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Menaquinone intake reduces CHD riskDietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study.
Significant findings on vitamin K2
We examined the relationship between dietary intake of menaquinone, also known as vitamin K2, and its impact on coronary heart disease (CHD) and vascular health. Through the Rotterdam Study, which involved 4,807 adults without a history of heart attacks, we analyzed dietary habits spanning from 1990 to 2000.
Our findings revealed that higher intakes of menaquinone were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing CHD and were also linked to lower overall mortality rates. Specifically, those in the mid and upper levels of menaquinone intake had a 27% to 57% lower risk of death from heart disease and a noticeable reduction in aortic calcification compared to those with the lowest intake.
Interestingly, the intake of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) didn’t show any connection to these health outcomes, highlighting the unique relevance of menaquinone. These results underscore how important it could be to include adequate dietary sources of vitamin K2 as a proactive measure in preventing cardiovascular diseases and maintaining vascular health.
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Vitamin K2 may prevent calcificationTissue-specific utilization of menaquinone-4 results in the prevention of arterial calcification in warfarin-treated rats.
Relevance score indicates high importance
We investigated how different forms of vitamin K, specifically vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 (menaquinone-4), influence the risk of arterial calcification in a rat model treated with warfarin, a common blood thinner.
The study involved feeding these rats diets containing either K1, MK-4, or a combination of both. While both types of vitamin K serve as essential cofactors in the body, only MK-4 was effective in preventing warfarin-induced arterial calcification.
Interestingly, we found that although the liver absorbed K1 three times more than MK-4, the aorta utilized MK-4 three times more efficiently than K1. This suggests that the differences in how these vitamins are used in the body could explain why MK-4 is more effective at combating arterial calcification.
We also noted that the unique structure of MK-4, particularly its side chain, might play an undiscovered role in interrupting processes that lead to vascular issues. Overall, our findings highlight the potential significance of MK-4 in vascular health and its possible advantages over K1 in combating arteriosclerosis.
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Vitamin K2 limits vascular calcificationOsteogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats and potential menaquinone-4 inhibiting effect.
Relevant to vascular health research
We explored the impact of menaquinone-4, a form of Vitamin K2, on vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) to understand its potential in preventing arteriosclerosis. In our study, we used cells isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats as an in vitro model of vascular dysfunction, comparing their behavior to control cells from normotensive rats.
Our findings showed that Vitamin K2 can help maintain the contractile phenotype of these cells. This effect was mediated through a specific pathway involving γ-glutamyl carboxylase, suggesting it has the ability to block one of the key processes related to vascular calcification—a problem often associated with arteriosclerosis.
While our results indicate that Vitamin K2 has potential benefits for vascular health, we did not test its effectiveness in real-world clinical settings or alongside other treatments. Thus, while there's promise, further research is needed to fully understand how Vitamin K2 can be used in dietary supplements for artery health.
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Vitamin K2's impact on calcificationMenaquinone-7 Supplementation to Reduce Vascular Calcification in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: Rationale and Study Protocol (VitaK-CAC Trial).
Direct investigation of MK-7 effects
We designed a study to explore whether menaquinone-7, or MK-7, a form of vitamin K2, could slow down vascular calcification in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This issue is crucial because coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a significant marker that helps predict cardiovascular disease risks.
To test our hypothesis, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with specific levels of CAC. Participants were divided to either receive MK-7 supplements or a placebo for 24 months. The main focus was on observing differences in how the CAC scores progressed in both groups.
We anticipated that the MK-7 supplementation would reduce or even halt the progression of calcification. By evaluating not only changes in CAC scores but also the impact on arterial structure and function, we aim to uncover vital insights that may pave the way for new treatment options for vascular calcification and cardiovascular conditions that follow.
This trial could potentially unlock the promise of vitamin K2 in combatting arteriosclerosis, potentially leading to broader implications for heart health and prevention strategies in the future.
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