scholarly journals The role of menaquinones (vitamin K2) in human health

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (8) ◽  
pp. 1357-1368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joline W. J. Beulens ◽  
Sarah L. Booth ◽  
Ellen G. H. M. van den Heuvel ◽  
Elisabeth Stoecklin ◽  
Athanasia Baka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Coagulation Factors ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Dietary Reference Values

Recent reports have attributed the potential health benefits of vitamin K beyond its function to activate hepatic coagulation factors. Moreover, several studies have suggested that menaquinones, also known as vitamin K2, may be more effective in activating extra-hepatic vitamin K-dependent proteins than phylloquinone, also known as vitamin K1. Nevertheless, present dietary reference values (DRV) for vitamin K are exclusively based on phylloquinone, and its function in coagulation. The present review describes the current knowledge on menaquinones based on the following criteria for setting DRV: optimal dietary intake; nutrient amount required to prevent deficiency, maintain optimal body stores and/or prevent chronic disease; factors influencing requirements such as absorption, metabolism, age and sex. Dietary intake of menaquinones accounts for up to 25 % of total vitamin K intake and contributes to the biological functions of vitamin K. However, menaquinones are different from phylloquinone with respect to their chemical structure and pharmacokinetics, which affects bioavailability, metabolism and perhaps impact on health outcomes. There are significant gaps in the current knowledge on menaquinones based on the criteria for setting DRV. Therefore, we conclude that further investigations are needed to establish how differences among the vitamin K forms may influence tissue specificities and their role in human health. However, there is merit for considering both menaquinones and phylloquinone when developing future recommendations for vitamin K intake.

scholarly journals Liquid–liquid phase separation in human health and diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Wang ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Tong Dai ◽  
Ziran Qin ◽  
Huasong Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Liquid Phase ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Liquid Phase Separation ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Liquid Liquid Phase Separation

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) represents a vital and ubiquitous phenomenon underlying the formation of membraneless organelles in eukaryotic cells (also known as biomolecular condensates or droplets). Recent studies have revealed evidences that indicate that LLPS plays a vital role in human health and diseases. In this review, we describe our current understanding of LLPS and summarize its physiological functions. We further describe the role of LLPS in the development of human diseases. Additionally, we review the recently developed methods for studying LLPS. Although LLPS research is in its infancy—but is fast-growing—it is clear that LLPS plays an essential role in the development of pathophysiological conditions. This highlights the need for an overview of the recent advances in the field to translate our current knowledge regarding LLPS into therapeutic discoveries.

scholarly journals Emerging role of a novel small non-coding regulatory RNA: tRNA-derived small RNA

ExRNA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fangfang Jin ◽  
Zhigang Guo
Keyword(s):  
Small Rna ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Regulatory Rna ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Abstract The discovery of small non-coding RNAs, such as miRNA and piRNA, has dramatically changed our understanding of the role RNA plays in organisms. Recent studies show that a novel small non-coding RNA generated from cleavage of tRNA or pre-tRNA, called tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), serves as a new regulator of gene expression. tsRNA has been determined participate in regulating some specific physiological and pathological processes. Although knowledge regarding the biological roles of miRNA and piRNA is expanding, whether tsRNAs play similar roles remains poorly understood. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action and biological functions of tsRNAs in intracellular, extracellular and intergenerational inheritance, and highlight the potential application of tsRNAs in human diseases, and present the current problems and future research directions.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial Iron in Human Health and Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 453-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane M. Ward ◽  
Suzanne M. Cloonan
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Mitochondrial Homeostasis ◽  
Innate Immune Signaling ◽  
Mitochondrial Iron ◽  
Health And Disease

Mitochondria are an iconic distinguishing feature of eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria encompass an active organellar network that fuses, divides, and directs a myriad of vital biological functions, including energy metabolism, cell death regulation, and innate immune signaling in different tissues. Another crucial and often underappreciated function of these dynamic organelles is their central role in the metabolism of the most abundant and biologically versatile transition metals in mammalian cells, iron. In recent years, cellular and animal models of mitochondrial iron dysfunction have provided vital information in identifying new proteins that have elucidated the pathways involved in mitochondrial homeostasis and iron metabolism. Specific signatures of mitochondrial iron dysregulation that are associated with disease pathogenesis and/or progression are becoming increasingly important. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating mitochondrial iron pathways will help better define the role of this important metal in mitochondrial function and in human health and disease.

Role of vitamin K-dependent proteins in the arterial vessel wall

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (04) ◽  
pp. 251-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. L. Chatrou ◽  
C. P. Reutelingsperger ◽  
L. J. Schurgers
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Coagulation Factors ◽  
Coagulation Cascade ◽  
High Intake ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cell Migration

SummaryVitamin K was discovered early last century at the same time as the vitamin K-antagonists. For many years the role of vitamin K was solely ascribed to coagulation and coagulation was thought to be involved only at the venous blood side. This view has dramatically changed with the discovery of vitamin K-dependent proteins outside the coagulation cascade and the role of coagulation factors at the arterial side. Vitamin K-dependent proteins are involved in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell migration, apoptosis, and calcification. Vascular calcification has become an important independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin K-antagonists induce inactivity of inhibitors of vascular calcification, leading to accelerated calcification. The involvement of vitamin K-dependent proteins such as MGP in vascular calcification make that calcification is amendable for intervention with high intake of vitamin K. This review focuses on the effect of vitamin K-dependent proteins in vascular disease.

scholarly journals The Role of Vitamin K and Its Related Compounds in Mendelian and Acquired Ectopic Mineralization Disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2142
Author(s):  
Lukas Nollet ◽  
Matthias Van Gils ◽  
Shana Verschuere ◽  
Olivier Vanakker
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin K ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum ◽  
Ectopic Calcification ◽  
Multifactorial Diseases ◽  
Multiple Organs ◽  
Keutel Syndrome ◽  
Ectopic Mineralization ◽  
Related Compounds

Ectopic mineralization disorders comprise a broad spectrum of inherited or acquired diseases characterized by aberrant deposition of calcium crystals in multiple organs, such as the skin, eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels. Although the precise mechanisms leading to ectopic calcification are still incompletely known to date, various molecular targets leading to a disturbed balance between pro- and anti-mineralizing pathways have been identified in recent years. Vitamin K and its related compounds, mainly those post-translationally activated by vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ectopic mineralization as has been demonstrated in studies on rare Mendelian diseases, but also on highly prevalent disorders, like vascular calcification. This narrative review compiles and summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role of vitamin K, its metabolism, and associated compounds in the pathophysiology of both monogenic ectopic mineralization disorders, like pseudoxanthoma elasticum or Keutel syndrome, as well as acquired multifactorial diseases, like chronic kidney disease. Clinical and molecular aspects of the various disorders are discussed according to the state-of-the-art, followed by a comprehensive literature review regarding the role of vitamin K in molecular pathophysiology and as a therapeutic target in both human and animal models of ectopic mineralization disorders.

scholarly journals Role of Accessory Components in the Activation of Vitamin K-Dependent Coagulation Factors

1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 216-226
Author(s):  
J.L.M.L. van Rijn ◽  
R.F.A. Zwaal ◽  
H.C. Hemker ◽  
J. Rosing
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin K ◽  
Coagulation Factors

scholarly journals Role of Vitamin K-Dependent Factors Protein S and GAS6 and TAM Receptors in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19-Associated Immunothrombosis

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 2186
Author(s):  
Anna Tutusaus ◽  
Montserrat Marí ◽  
José T. Ortiz-Pérez ◽  
Gerry A. F. Nicolaes ◽  
Albert Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin K ◽  
Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Tam Receptors ◽  
Viral Mimicry

The vitamin K-dependent factors protein S (PROS1) and growth-arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6) and their tyrosine kinase receptors TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK, the TAM subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), are key regulators of inflammation and vascular response to damage. TAM signaling, which has largely studied in the immune system and in cancer, has been involved in coagulation-related pathologies. Because of these established biological functions, the GAS6-PROS1/TAM system is postulated to play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and progression complications. The participation of the TAM system in vascular function and pathology has been previously reported. However, in the context of COVID-19, the role of TAMs could provide new clues in virus-host interplay with important consequences in the way that we understand this pathology. From the viral mimicry used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells, to the immunothrombosis that is associated with respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients, TAM signaling seems to be involved at different stages of the disease. TAM targeting is becoming an interesting biomedical strategy, which is useful for COVID-19 treatment now, but also for other viral and inflammatory diseases in the future.

scholarly journals Cadherin Cell Adhesion System in Canine Mammary Cancer: A Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adelina Gama ◽  
Fernando Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Mammary Cancer ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Tumour Progression ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Canine Mammary Cancer ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Adhesion System

Cadherin-catenin adhesion complexes play important roles by providing cell-cell adhesion and communication in different organ systems. Abnormal expression of cadherin adhesion molecules constitutes a common phenomenon in canine mammary cancer and has been frequently implicated in tumour progression. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on cadherin/catenin adhesion molecules (E-cadherin,β-catenin, and P-cadherin) in canine mammary cancer, focusing on the putative biological functions and clinical significance of these molecules in this disease. This paper highlights the need for further research studies in this setting in order to elucidate the role of these adhesion molecules during tumour progression and metastasis.

scholarly journals Beyond the News: Health Risks of Climate Change

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie L Ebi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Climate change is affecting the health of millions of people through altering the geographic distribution and incidence of climate-sensitive health outcomes, including through injuries, illnesses, and deaths due to extreme weather events, food-, water-, and vectorborne diseases, air pollution, aeroallergens, and malnutrition (1). The magnitude of impacts is projected to increase as the climate continues to change. The scope and scale of projected impacts mean that climate change will touch the professional and personal lives of many public health and health care professionals. Avoiding, preparing for, and effectively responding to the health risks of climate change will require broad engagement of scientists, decision-makers, and the public. Achieving this engagement means that increased scientific literacy is needed of the causes and implications of climate change for human health. There are growing numbers of assessments of the potential health impacts of climate change (1-4) and summaries for various audiences (5). Instead of summarizing current knowledge of the causes and consequences for human health of anthropogenic climate change, this paper will highlight a few issues that may help with understanding the human health impacts of climate change.

scholarly journals Phyto-oestrogens through the life cycle

2000 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aedin Cassidy ◽  
Marian Faughnan
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Intestinal Microflora ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Wide Range

The growing interest in the role of phyto-oestrogens in human health has prompted scientists to evaluate the risk : benefit which would result from consuming high levels of these compounds at different stages of the life cycle. These compounds have been shown to exert a wide range of hormonal and non-hormonal activities in animals and in vitro, and these activities suggest plausible mechanisms for potential health effects in human subjects consuming phyto-oestrogen-rich diets. In addition, experimental and epidemiological data are available supporting the concept that phyto-oestrogen-rich diets exert physiological effects in vivo; however, their relative importance to human health remains to be elucidated. Our understanding of factors involved in their absorption and metabolism, including the role of intestinal microflora, is limited, and these factors together with dose-related effects may well be important in determining clinical efficacy.

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