Andrea Fuso, PhD, a 15-year research collaborator with Gnosis by Lesaffre focusing on cognitive health, has expanded his area of study to include Vitamin K2 in neurological support and has published a new study highlighting K2’s role in neurological protection. His study, published in Cells, identifies a link between supplemental K2 and neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, pointing to K2’s potential role as a supplement for support of healthy brain and cognitive function.
In the new study[1], Fuso, Associate Professor in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, examined K2 as menaquinone-7 (in a reduced form) along with K2 menaquinone-4 on a model of neuroblastoma cells to determine how forms of K2 affect the expression of genes involved in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
Vitamin K2 administration was found to support neurological function by creating a favorable balance of activity: it reduces the expression of genes associated with neurodegeneration (PSEN1 and BACE1) and neuroinflammation (IL-1β and IL-6), while simultaneously upregulating genes protecting against amyloid formation (ADAM10 and ADAM17).
Additionally, the team also profiled the DNA methylation patterns of the genes and discovered a correlation between hypermethylation and the downregulation of PSEN1, IL-1β, and IL-6.
This new mechanistic study supports earlier work discussing K2’s roles in Alzheimer’s via gut dysbiosis.[2]
An expert in neurological research, Fuso's earlier research with Gnosis illuminated the crucial role of one-carbon metabolism in brain health, influencing gene activity. He demonstrated in vivo that S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) improves memory[3] and is effective in repressing genes associated with neurodegeneration and reducing amyloid deposition[4]. His study with Adonat® Premium SAMe shows promise for cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of epigenetic memory and methyl-donor availability for healthy aging, supporting the role of one-carbon metabolism in cognitive decline.
Summarizing his research, Dr. Fuso commented, “Our earlier studies highlighted the role of B vitamins and SAMe as dietary factors connecting nutrition with the epigenetic modulation of brain disease. Now, we introduce research on a new compound crucial for cognition: Vitamin K2.”
“Our 15-year collaboration with Dr. Fuso and his team has resulted in a growing body of evidence demonstrating how ingredients of natural origin [e.g., SAMe and vitamin K2 (as MK-7)] significantly impact the function of the brain and cognitive activity,” says Jean-François Jeanne, Substantiation and Applications Manager at Gnosis by Lesaffre. “We are excited to continue our relationship and support Dr. Fuso’s further research exploring Vitamin K2 for cognitive benefits.”
