ARS | Publication request: Associations between vitamin K and circulating cytokines in older men and women

Submitted to: Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: February 1, 2008
Publication Date: April 5, 2008
Citation: Shea, K.M., Dallal, G., Dawson-Hughes, B., Ordovas, J.M., O'Donnell, C.J., Gundberg, C., Peterson, J.W., Booth, S.L. 2008. Associations between vitamin K and circulating cytokines in older men and women. FASEB Journal. 22:1106.1

Technical Abstract: Vitamin K modulates cytokines involved in bone turnover in vitro, suggesting an alternative mechanism by which vitamin K may affect skeletal health. In 379 men and women (60-80y, 59% F) participating in a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the effect of phylloquinone supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD), we examined cross-sectional associations between measures of vitamin K status[plasma phylloquinone and serum % undercarboxylated osteocalcin (%ucOC)] and interleukin- 6 (IL6), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations at baseline, and the effect of 3-years of daily 500mcg phylloquinone supplementation on circulating cytokines. Cross-sectionally, plasma phylloquinone was inversely associated with IL6 and CRP (p<0.05); %ucOC was positively associated with IL6 (p<0.05). OPG was associated positively with plasma phylloquinone and inversely with %ucOC (p<0.05). IL6, OPG, and CRP concentrations did not differ after 3 years between individuals who received phylloquinone supplementation and those who did not. There was no association between the 3-year changes in circulating cytokines and BMD. That the baseline cross-sectional associations between vitamin K status and circulating cytokines were not supported in a 3 year RCT may suggest that vitamin K status is reflective of healthy lifestyle patterns that influence inflammation.