Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of physical disability in older age, afflicting nearly 27 million Americans, at an estimated annual cost burden of over $80 billion. Although treatments that alleviate OA symptoms exist, there is currently no proven therapy to reduce OA progression. Observational studies suggest vitamin K insufficiency is associated with greater risk for OA. Several vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins are present in joint tissues, suggesting vitamin K may be implicated in more than one pathological pathway in OA. In order to function, VKD proteins must undergo a post-translational carboxylation, which requires vitamin K. Matrix gla protein (MGP) is a VKD protein identified in human articular cartilage and considered an important player in reducing soft-tissue calcification, which is a characteristic of OA that affects OA progression. Without sufficient vitamin K, MGP is not able to inhibit calcification. Vitamin K has also been shown to regulate expression of genes implicated in OA pathology. These observations together suggest vitamin K may be involved in multiple aspects of OA pathophysiology. However, it is currently unclear how vitamin K influences OA pathology because mechanistic studies have not been undertaken. The overall career objective of the principle investigator (PI) is to become an independent translational scientist (incorporating basic and clinical science), focusing on the nutritional modulation of OA and related disability. Her research experience to date has focused primarily on observational and clinical studies, which are not able to test hypotheses to clarify mechanistic pathways. The proposed research and training are designed to provide the PI with an in-depth knowledge of OA pathology and a comprehensive laboratory skill-set to be able to study mechanisms underlying the role of nutrients in OA progression and disease management. This training will take place under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Loeser, a translational expert in OA, at Wake Forest University. The training and research together will complement her experience to date, so that she can develop an independent translational research program that utilizes clinical and laboratory-based studies focused on the nutritional modulation of joint health, which is her long-term goal. Identifying nutritional pathways that are implicated in the maintenance of healthy joint tissues may provide important and novel therapeutic targets for improving physical function and quality of life for persons with OA.

Public Health Relevance

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of lower-extremity disability, afflicting nearly 27 million Americans, and there is currently no proven therapy to delay its progression. Low vitamin K status has been associated with more severe osteoarthritis population-based studies. While vitamin K dependent processes are implicated in joint function, mechanisms of how vitamin K affects OA have not been well-studied. A better understanding of how vitamins K influences osteoarthritis progression is important because nutrient intakes are modifiable and may represent a novel and achievable approach by which to reduce disease progression.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
7K01AR063167-02
Application #
8517589
Study Section
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Special Grants Review Committee (AMS)
Program Officer
Tyree, Bernadette
Project Start
2012-08-01
Project End
2016-07-31
Budget Start
2013-08-01
Budget End
2014-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$111,714
Indirect Cost
$8,275
Name
Tufts University
Department
Nutrition
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
039318308
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02111
Shea, M Kyla; Loeser, Richard F; McAlindon, Timothy E et al. (2018) Association of Vitamin K Status Combined With Vitamin D Status and Lower-Extremity Function: A Prospective Analysis of Two Knee Osteoarthritis Cohorts. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 70:1150-1159
Shea, M Kyla; Booth, Sarah L; Weiner, Daniel E et al. (2017) Circulating Vitamin K Is Inversely Associated with Incident Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Those Treated for Hypertension in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (Health ABC). J Nutr 147:888-895
Shea, M Kyla; Dawson-Hughes, Bess; Gundberg, Caren M et al. (2017) Reducing Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin With Vitamin K Supplementation Does Not Promote Lean Tissue Loss or Fat Gain Over 3 Years in Older Women and Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Bone Miner Res 32:243-249
Harshman, Stephanie G; Shea, M Kyla (2016) The Role of Vitamin K in Chronic Aging Diseases: Inflammation, Cardiovascular Disease, and Osteoarthritis. Curr Nutr Rep 5:90-98
Shea, M Kyla; Loeser, Richard F; Hsu, Fang-Chi et al. (2016) Vitamin K Status and Lower Extremity Function in Older Adults: The Health Aging and Body Composition Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 71:1348-55
Shea, M Kyla; Booth, Sarah L (2016) Concepts and Controversies in Evaluating Vitamin K Status in Population-Based Studies. Nutrients 8:
Shea, M K; Kritchevsky, S B; Hsu, F-C et al. (2015) The association between vitamin K status and knee osteoarthritis features in older adults: the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 23:370-8
Shea, M K; Cushman, M; Booth, S L et al. (2014) Associations between vitamin K status and haemostatic and inflammatory biomarkers in community-dwelling adults. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Thromb Haemost 112:438-44