Regression of warfarin-induced medial elastocalcinosis by high intake of vitamin K in rats.

Blood Journal ^ | NOVEMBER 30, 2006 | Leon J. Schurgers , Henri M. H. Spronk , Berry A. M. Soute , Paul M. Schiffers , Jo G. R. DeMey

[ConservativeMind]

Abstract

Arterial calcification (AC) is generally regarded as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In rats, inactivation of MGP by treatment with the vitamin K antagonist warfarin leads to rapid calcification of the arteries. Both of the Vitamin K (VK)-rich diets decreased the arterial calcium content by some 50%. In addition, arterial distensibility was restored by the VK-rich diet. Using MGP antibodies, local VK deficiency was demonstrated at sites of calcification. This is the first study in rats demonstrating that AC and the resulting decreased arterial distensibility are reversible by high-VK intake.

Introduction

Arterial calcification is an important independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal disease. Patients with arterial calcification have an unfavorable prognosis compared with patients with mild calcification. Therefore, the prevention or reversal of arterial calcification may lead to improved patient outcomes. For a long time it has been thought that calcification was a passive process and the end stage of cardiovascular disease. During the past 10 years, however, it has become clear that several osteoregulatory proteins, both stimulatory and inhibitory, are involved in the calcification of vascular tissue.

In our model, normal vitamin K1 in the diet was not capable of affecting arterial distensibility, whereas during the high–vitamin K diet (both K1 and K2) the vascular properties that were lost by warfarin-induced calcification were restored.

The animal model we used mimics arterial media sclerosis. Media sclerosis is particularly common in diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, and aging. Notably, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. These patients often receive a high-calcium diet (to complex phosphate), vitamin D, and warfarin (to prevent thrombotic events). It was demonstrated, however, that each of these treatments is associated with an increased risk of arterial calcification.

[lonevoice]

Thanks. I’m bookmarking for later reading when I’m more awake.

[Nailbiter]

flr

[ncpatriot]

“I came to the belief — true or otherwise — that nobody knows for sure about a lot of this.”

Good point. We do know a few things: sugar and heavy carbs are bad...I avoid for most part. Certain fats are bad. Other than that, research on foods, drugs change from year to year. But sometimes, research rings true.

Thx for responding.