Potential role of vitamin K(2) as a chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma.
Vitamin K, a cofactor necessary for the production of several antihemorrhagic factors, can inhibit the growth of various types of cells derived from neoplasms. In hepatoma cells, vitamin K(2) causes cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Vitamin K(2) is widely used in Japan to treat osteoporosis. The safety, relatively low cost and ease of use of vitamin K(2) have led to good compliance with treatment. The result of preliminary clinical trials in patients with chronic liver diseases are intriguing and suggest that vitamin K(2) might reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis as well as prevent disease recurrence after curative therapy in patients with HCC. This article reviews the potential role of vitamin K(2) as a chemopreventive agent against HCC and discusses future directions for clinical trials.
Tamori
Akihiro
A
Department of Hepatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
Habu
Daiki
D
Shiomi
Susumu
S
Kubo
Shoji
S
Nishiguchi
Shuhei
S