Clarification of novel functions of menaquinone-4 converted from vitamin K1 in animal organs

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23380070
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Food science
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: SHIRAKAWA Hitoshi 東北大学, (連合)農学研究科(研究院), 准教授 (40206280)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): KOMAI Michio 東北大学, 大学院農学研究科, 教授 (80143022) ; GOTO Tomoko 東北大学, 大学院農学研究科, 助教 (00342783)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 栄養学 / ビタミンK

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A part of dietary vitamin K is converted to menaquinone-4, one of vitamin K2, in several organs in animals. However, detail of conversion system and function of synthesized menaquinone-4 have not been well elucidated. In this study, we showed that side chain substrate for menaquinone-4 synthesis is the product of mevalonate pathway. And we also showed that menaquinone-4 enhances formation of signaling complex leading to NFkB activation to express anti-inflammation activity. Vitamin K deficient diet enhanced insulin resistance in liver and showed insufficient glucose-induced insulin secretion. These results indicated that vitamin K deficient condition can promote symptom of diabetes in diabetic model animals.

Free Research Field

栄養化学