Menaquinone-4 Boosts Testosterone Production in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Ito Asagi, Shirakawa Hitoshi, Takumi Naofumi, Minegishi Yoshihiko, Ohashi Ai, Howlader Zakir H, Ohsaki Yusuke, Sato Toshiro, Goto Tomoko, Komai Michio
Primary Institution: Tohoku University
Hypothesis
Does menaquinone-4 enhance testosterone production in the testis and testis-derived tumor cells?
Conclusion
Menaquinone-4 significantly increases testosterone production in rats and testis-derived tumor cells through the activation of protein kinase A.
Supporting Evidence
- Testosterone levels in the plasma and testes of MK-4-fed rats were significantly increased compared to control rats.
- Secreted testosterone levels from I-10 cells were elevated by MK-4 in a dose-dependent manner.
- Expression of CYP11A, the rate-limiting enzyme in steroidogenesis, was stimulated by MK-4.
Takeaway
Menaquinone-4, a type of vitamin K, helps rats make more testosterone, which is important for their health.
Methodology
Male Wistar rats were fed a diet supplemented with menaquinone-4 for 5 weeks, and testosterone levels were measured in plasma and testis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of animal models and dietary interventions.
Limitations
The study was conducted only on male Wistar rats, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Eight-week-old male Wistar rats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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