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The Sound of Evolution
Phytonadione/Vitamin K
Mechanism of action:
Phytonadione is vitamin K₁ and belongs to the naphthoquinone derivatives. It participates in the catalytic reaction of γ-glutamyl carboxylase in the liver, converting glutamate residues on clotting factors into γ-carboxyglutamate. After γ-carboxylation, these clotting factors can bind calcium ions and then attach to the phospholipid surface of platelets, allowing the coagulation cascade to proceed properly.
Reference(s):
1. Barkhan P et al. (1977). Metabolism of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) in man. Proc R Soc Med.
2. McBurney A et al. (1980). Preparative isolation and characterization of the urinary aglycones of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) in man. Biochem Med.
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