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Effect of vitamin K on neonatal erythrocytes
1Dr. Joseph Kaufmann Hematology Laboratory, Corob Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Abstract:
This study investigated the possible oxidative effect of vitamin K3 (menadione) and Vitamin K1 (Konakion) on neonatal erythrocytes by controlled in vitro exposure. Menadione caused only mild morphological changes and did not decrease ATP levels. However, it oxidized intracellular hemoglobin to methemoglobin in neonatal cells more than in adult cells. Reduced glutathione contents were higher in neonatal cells, but less available for antioxidant protection. Konakion did not increase methemoglobin levels in newborn infants after a prophylactic injection. In vitro exposure to Konakion did not affect reduced glutathione and ATP levels, nor did it oxidize hemoglobin. However, extensive morphological changes were observed, attributed to the effect of its solvent. Therefore, it seems that menadione, which is no longer administered to newborns, causes oxidative stress in neonatal cells whereas Konakion, the current vitamin K1, does not, either in in vitro studies or by therapeutic administration.
Insights
Vitamin K3 (menadione) causes oxidative stress in neonatal red blood cells, unlike Vitamin K1 (Konakion). Konakion is safe for newborns, showing no oxidative effects in vitro or in clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Neonatal vitamin K administration is crucial for preventing bleeding disorders.
- Concerns exist regarding potential oxidative stress induced by vitamin K analogs in neonatal erythrocytes.
- Understanding the differential effects of vitamin K3 and K1 is vital for neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro oxidative effects of vitamin K3 (menadione) and vitamin K1 (Konakion) on neonatal erythrocytes.
- To compare the oxidative potential of menadione and Konakion in neonatal versus adult red blood cells.
- To assess the clinical relevance of Konakion's effects following prophylactic administration.
Main Methods:
- Controlled in vitro exposure of neonatal and adult erythrocytes to menadione and Konakion.
- Assessment of morphological changes, ATP levels, reduced glutathione, and methemoglobin formation.
- Analysis of Konakion's effects in neonatal subjects post-prophylactic injection.
Main Results:
- Menadione induced methemoglobin formation in neonatal cells more than adult cells, despite higher glutathione levels.
- Konakion did not increase methemoglobin or affect ATP/glutathione levels in vitro.
- Konakion showed no adverse oxidative effects in vivo or in vitro, with observed morphological changes attributed to its solvent.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin K3 (menadione) poses an oxidative risk to neonatal erythrocytes, a concern given its historical use.
- Vitamin K1 (Konakion) demonstrates a lack of oxidative stress potential in neonatal red blood cells.
- Konakion is a safe and appropriate vitamin K source for newborns, with no observed adverse oxidative effects.