Vitamin K and cancer

Abstract

Subclinical vitamin K deficits refer to carboxylation defects of different types of vitamin K-dependent hepatic and extrahepatic so-called Gla proteins without prolongation of the prothrombin time. This condition has been reported in different clinical situations due to insufficient supply or malabsorption of vitamin K as well as drug interactions. This review discusses the effects of different vitamin K subspecies on tumour growth and the possible anti-tumour effects of increased vitamin K intake. Blocking carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins with warfarin anticoagulation – what are the risks/benefits for carcinogenesis? Previous studies on both heparin and low molecular weight heparin blocking of the vitamin K-dependent factors X and II have shown tumour suppressive effects. Vitamin K has anti-inflammatory effects that could also impact carcinogenesis, but little data exists on this subject.

Keywords:

• Vitamin K
• neoplasm
• steroid and xenobiotic receptor
• apoptosis
• PIVKA-II
• anticoagulants
• osteocalcin
• matrix Gla protein
• growth arrest-specific protein 6
• cell cycle checkpoints

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.