| Theme | New era of the vitamin K research in bone metabolism | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Relationship between bone disease, vascular calcification, and vitamin K in chronic kidney disease | |
| Publish Date | 2011/07 | |
| Author | Mieko Miyazaki | Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health / Ashiya Central Hospital |
| Author | Masahito Tamura | Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health |
| [ Summary ] | Epidemiological evidence suggests a possible link between bone disease and atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, renal osteodystrophy has been renamed CKD mineral bone disorder (CKD‒MBD). Vitamin K deficiency is involved in the progression of CKD‒MBD. UcOC is a marker for vitamin K deficiency. UcOC is elevated in patients with CKD, and is associated with increased risk of bone fractures. Vitamin K2 decreases ucOC levels and increases risk of bone fractures. Warfarin, which is an antagonist of vitamin K, may affect the progression of CKD‒MBD. Further studies are needed for the elucidation of the role of vitamin K in the progression of CKD‒MBD. | |