Vitamin K in Vertebrates’ Reproduction: Further Puzzling Pieces of Evidence from Teleost Fish Species

Abstract

Vitamin K (VK) is a fat-soluble vitamin that vertebrates have to acquire from the diet, since they are not able to de novo synthesize it. VK has been historically known to be required for the control of blood coagulation, and more recently, bone development and homeostasis. Our understanding of the VK metabolism and the VK-related molecular pathways has been also increased, and the two main VK-related pathways—the pregnane X receptor (PXR) transactivation and the co-factor role on the γ-glutamyl carboxylation of the VK dependent proteins—have been thoroughly investigated during the last decades. Although several studies evidenced how VK may have a broader VK biological function than previously thought, including the reproduction, little is known about the specific molecular pathways. In vertebrates, sex differentiation and gametogenesis are tightly regulated processes through a highly complex molecular, cellular and tissue crosstalk. Here, VK metabolism and related pathways, as well as how gametogenesis might be impacted by VK nutritional status, will be reviewed. Critical knowledge gaps and future perspectives on how the different VK-related pathways come into play on vertebrate’s reproduction will be identified and proposed. The present review will pave the research progress to warrant a successful reproductive status through VK nutritional interventions as well as towards the establishment of reliable biomarkers for determining proper nutritional VK status in vertebrates.

Serum fat-soluble vitamins and the menstrual cycle in women of childbearing age

“…Vitamin K, known to be a key element in the synthesis of active coagulation factors and involved in blood clotting, was also reported to have a biological function in reproduction. 10 In our study, vitamin K was found to be positively associated with the irregular menstrual cycle, especially the long menstrual cycle, which has not been reported before. In the context of the female reproductive system, vitamin K antagonists were reported to increase the risk of heavy menstrual bleeding.…”

A single‐cell transcriptomic atlas characterizes cell types and their molecular features in yak ovarian cortex

“…20 In the mammalian ovary, LH targets theca cells of antral follicles to stimulate steroidogenesis, elevating the gene levels of STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, HSD3B2, and CYP17A1 through PKA signaling and synthesizing androgens and progesterone. 49 The expression of STAR and CYP17A1 enables theca cells to synthesize androgens at the secondary follicle stage. 50 Cells expressing STAR and CYP17A1 offer a possibility of the presence of theca cells.…”

Fish Microbiome Modulation and Convenient Storage of Aquafeeds When Supplemented with Vitamin K1

“…This assessment is critical to implement the effective use of nutrients and feed additives at the farm level. Regarding VK, several articles revealed the biological function and the associated mechanisms in fish species [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 46 ]. However, little is known on how storing conditions might affect their maintenance in the short and long term [ 47 , 48 , 49 ], which is basic in providing practical guidelines to the industries.…”