[Vitamin K].
Vitamin K has several biological functions in which the major role is a cofactor for gamma-carboxylation of glutamate residues in Gla proteins, such as, several coagulant and anticoagulant proteins for blood clotting. This enzymatic process can be wholly dissolved. If adequate amounts of vitamin K are absent or anticoagulant drugs are administered, this process will be incomplete and abnormal proteins will appear in the blood. Recently, it was found that this carboxylation is blocked by the antibiotics having the N-methyltetrazolethiol group. These antibiotics inhibit vitamin K epoxide reductase, stop the recycling of vitamin K and cause vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is also necessary for biosynthesis of osteocalcin, which is a important protein in the normal function of the bone.
Igarashi
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Institute of Environmental Science for Human Life, Ochanomizu University.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000502:physiology*; D014813:Vitamin K Deficiency / Q000209:etiology
D014812:Vitamin K