(2,3-epoxyphytyl)menaquinone

Description

Vitamin K is a dietary nutrient essential for the normal biosynthesis of factors that are required for blood clotting. It has also been shown to inhibit cell growth. Vitamin K₁ 2,3-epoxide is the inactive metabolite of vitamin K₁. During clotting, vitamin K₁ is converted to this epoxide form and then rapidly reduced back to the vitamin by a microsomal epoxide reductase. This is referred to as the vitamin K epoxide cycle. Certain anticoagulants target clotting factor synthesis by inhibiting the recycling of vitamin K₁ from the inactive epoxide.

Chemical Properties

Clear Colourless to Pale Yellow Oil

Uses

A metabolite of Vitamin K1 (V676080).

Biochem/physiol Actions

Vitamin K1 2,3-epoxide is a vitamin K derivative. It is a fat soluble vitamin produced by plants. Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation. Vitamin K is rarely deficient in a human diet since it is continually recycled in our cells. Vitamin K 2,3-epoxide acts as a substrate for vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) complex. Elevated levels of serum vitamin K epoxide in patients is associated with familial multiple coagulation factor deficiency.

References

[1] IA CHOONARA. The relationship between inhibition of vitamin K1 2,3-epoxide reductase and reduction of clotting factor activity with warfarin.[J]. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 1988, 25 1: 1-7. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1988.tb03274.x