Mice were protected from insanity
Scientists have shown how vitamin K protects the brain from dementia
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
The properties of vitamin K have shown promising neuroprotective effects on the aging brain of rats. Now vitamin supplements are considered as a preventive measure for people with a high predisposition to dementia, but they will not be recommended for a group of patients with cardiovascular pathologies.
From previous studies, vitamin K is known to be associated with some brain functions, and its deficiency is associated with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. In the new work , scientists from Al-Maarif University (Saudi Arabia) has revealed a molecular pathway explaining the protective properties of vitamin K for cognitive functions, writes Neuroscience News.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is divided into the forms K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). K1 is found in leafy greens and some vegetables, and K2 is synthesized in the intestine and is present in animal products.
In rat models, scientists tested the effect of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) at the age of three months in the period up to 17 months. Compared with the control group, MK-7 supplements clearly improved the cognitive abilities of rodents as they aged.
There was a decrease in cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety, better spatial memory and learning ability.
At the end of the experiment, studying samples of rat brain tissue, scientists discovered the involvement of NLRP3, caspase-1 and Nrf-2 proteins in the biological pathways of vitamin K. These proteins play an important role in inflammatory reactions and antioxidant activity.
In addition, vitamin K probably increased the expression of tyrosine, an amino acid necessary for the preservation of cognitive functions, the authors believe.
So far, scientists do not give recommendations on taking vitamin K supplements as a preventive measure against brain aging. Only further clinical studies will be able to determine them. Meanwhile, patients taking blood thinners and other medications should avoid taking additional vitamin K, which is involved in the blood clotting process in the body, they stressed.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru