radually die, leading to debilitating symptomsAlthough medications are available to alleviate symptoms, they do not halt the continued progression of these diseases, highlighting the urgent need for new treatments.
In a promising scientific development, Japanese researchers have succeeded in developing a new form of vitamin K that could open up unprecedented therapeutic prospects. The research team, led by Assistant Professor Yoshihisa Hirota and Professor Yoshitomo Suhara from the Shibaura Institute of Technology, was able to design synthetic analogues of vitamin K that are three times more effective than the natural form.
The researchers were able to synthesize 12 hybrid vitamin K compounds by combining it with retinoic acid (a derivative of vitamin A) and tested their effectiveness in stimulating the differentiation of neural stem cells into mature neurons. One of these compounds, dubbed Novel VK, demonstrated remarkable superiority, achieving a threefold increase in neurogenesis compared to the natural compounds.
The study revealed an unprecedented mechanism by which vitamin K protects neurons. Researchers found that it activates glutamate receptors (mGluR1), which play a crucial role in communication between neurons. Molecular analyses showed that the new analog, Novel VK, has a superior ability to bind to these receptors, which explains its increased effectiveness.
Experiments on mice confirmed that the new compound:
It has stable pharmacological properties.
Crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively
Easily converted to the active form in the brain
It achieves higher concentrations in brain tissue than natural vitamin K.
Commenting on these findings, Dr. Hirota said, "This research may pave the way for the development of revolutionary treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. A vitamin K-derived drug that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease or improve its symptoms would not only improve the lives of patients and their families, but could also alleviate the enormous economic and social burden of these diseases."
The research team hopes these discoveries will translate into effective clinical treatments, offering hope to millions of patients around the world in their battle against these incurable diseases.
