Effect of activated vitamin K analogue on endocrine function

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26292063
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• 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): 駒井 三千夫 東北大学, (連合)農学研究科(研究院), 教授 (80143022) ; 後藤 知子 東北大学, (連合)農学研究科(研究院), 助教 (00342783) ; 豊水 正昭 東北大学, (連合)農学研究科(研究院), 教授 (80180199)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 栄養学 / ビタミンK

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Vitamin K is the micronutrient which is essential for blood coagulation system and bone metabolism in animals. The distribution of vitamin K is not only restricted in liver and bone, but also other organs including brain, gonadal tissues and pancreas. However, the functions of vitamin K in those tissues are remaining to be clarified. In this study, we analyzed the effect of vitamin K on insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Vitamin K enhanced glucose dependent insulin secretion via the up-regulation of intracellular cAMP. Our results suggested that vitamin K regulates insulin secretion in pancreas.

Free Research Field

栄養化学