[Jacqueline]

Vitamin K2 and multiple myeloma

by Jacqueline on Thu Feb 26, 2015 5:57 pm

I just read an interesting article on vitamin K2. I would like to know what you think.

It seems that this vitamin, combined with vitamin D3, and that helps against osteoporosis, maybe has an impact against myeloma. There is a contraindication: Do not take anti-coagulant therapy such as Coumadin (warfarin).

It seems that the Japanese have stronger bones because they consume natto, a kind of fermented soybeans with a very special bacterium, Bacillus subtilis Natto. But there is vitamin K2 in egg yolks also, for example.

If it works, anyway, it's not a miracle vitamin because it must be taken in the long term.

Tsujioka T. et al., The mechanisms of vitamin K2-induced apoptosis of myeloma and lymphoma cells," Haematologica, 2006 May, 91(5):613-9 (link to full text)

Abstract:

Background & Objectives: Physiologically, vitamin K compounds act as co-factors for g-carboxylation of selected glutamates at the N-terminus of prothrombin and some other coagulation factors. These congeners have some growth inhibitory effects of human neoplastic cells. Furthermore, vitamin K2 (VK2) cause apoptosis of some leukemic cells. In search for a new candidate agent to use in the maintenance treatment of myeloma, we analyzed the growth inhibitory effects and apoptosis-inducing capacity of VK2 in human myeloma cells.

Design & Methods: The growth of myeloma, lymphoma and non-lymphoid cells cultured with various concentrations of VK2 with or without dexamethasone or allopurinol was assayed. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptotic cells, activated caspase-3 and -9, the generation of superoxide by hydroethidine, and mitochondrial membrane potential (E centym). In addition, the activation of apoptosis-inducing MAPK, p38 and JNK, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and change in the relative Bcl-XL/Xs expression balance were analyzed by Western blotting.

Results: Myeloma cells and B-cell lymphoma cells were sensitive to VK2. The growth inhibition was caused by apoptosis and activation of caspase-3. The generation of superoxide, and inhibitory effects of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, were demonstrated in myeloma cells. The phosphorylation of MAPK was increased by VK2 in myeloma cells. In addition, the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was activated.

Interpretation & Conclusions: VK2 may be a good candidate for myeloma patients, particularly patients who are not suitable candidates for intensive cytoreductive chemotherapy due to age and/or complications.