title: [Vitamin K].
abstract: It is well-known that vitamin K has a strong blood coagulation activity by acting a cofactor for gamma-carboxylase which catalizes the conversion of specific glutamic acid residue to gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residue (Gla). Some of the Gla-containing proteins, such as osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein have been found in calcifying tissues. These proteins are considered to play an important role in Ca-deposition. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated the substantial role of vitamin K in bone metabolism that has been developed for clinical use. Furthermore, diverse physiological activities have been found subsequently as follows: regulation of glucose metabolism, anti-arteriosclerosis, and induction of cell differentiation. Here I introduce the mainly physiological activities of vitamin K2, making a comparison with vitamin K1.
authors.affiliation: Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Department of Nutrition.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Koshihara
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014812:Vitamin K