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Potential role of vitamin K 2 as a chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma
Author(s) -
Tamori Akihiro,
Habu Daiki,
Shiomi Susumu,
Kubo Shoji,
Nishiguchi Shuhei
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
hepatology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.123
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1872-034X
pISSN - 1386-6346
DOI - 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2007.00202.x
Subject(s) - hepatocellular carcinoma , medicine , cirrhosis , vitamin , osteoporosis , gastroenterology , clinical trial , vitamin d and neurology , apoptosis , oncology , biology , biochemistry
Vitamin K, a cofactor necessary for the production of several antihemorrhagic factors, can inhibit the growth of various types of cells derived from neoplasms. In hepatoma cells, vitamin K 2 causes cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis. Vitamin K 2 is widely used in Japan to treat osteoporosis. The safety, relatively low cost and ease of use of vitamin K 2 have led to good compliance with treatment. The result of preliminary clinical trials in patients with chronic liver diseases are intriguing and suggest that vitamin K 2 might reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis as well as prevent disease recurrence after curative therapy in patients with HCC. This article reviews the potential role of vitamin K 2 as a chemopreventive agent against HCC and discusses future directions for clinical trials.