The Role of Vitamin K in Bone Remodeling and Osteoporosis
- Authors: Giammanco, M; Di Majo, D; Leto, G; Flandina, C; Di Piazza, M; La Guardia, M
- Publication year: 2012
- Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- Key words: vitamin K, bone metabolism, glutamic acid, osteocalcin, osteoporosis
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/66803
Abstract
Vitamin K is an essential fat soluble vitamin involved in the regulation of normal coagulation. However, growing evidence highlights that this molecule appears to be also implicated in the regulation of other important biological functions such as bone mineralization, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, cell growth and signal transduction. In particular, many studies have focused their attention on the protective effects of vitamin K on bone tissue in the outlook of its use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The objective of the present paper is to review data of the literature regarding the metabolic effects of Vitamin K in bone tissue and its clinical role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.