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Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) stands out from other members of the vitamin K family due to its unique molecular structure. It is primarily found in meat and dairy products or converted from K1 in the gut. The conversion process of K1 to K2 in animal tissues, along with the role of intestinal bacteria in K2 production, is crucial for maintaining adequate levels. Extensive research has highlighted the importance of vitamin K2 in promoting bone health, preventing arterial calcification, and enhancing cardiovascular health. Additionally, vitamin K2 supports fertility and growth, and is associated with reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex degenerative articular disease that has an ambiguous pathogeny because variant risk factors participate in the process of cartilage deterioration. Genetic factors may have a role in the onset and progression of OA. Objective To investigate potential association between severity of knee OA (KOA) and Double von Willebrand factor A domains DVWA rs11718863 gene polymorphism. Methods One hundred and twenty Iraqi patients diagnosed with KOA, aged (45 years and above) and sixty healthy people (control) at the same age range, with no family history of OA were evaluated at Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City (Rheumatology Department). The degree of severity of KOA was assessed by clinical and radiographic assessment. DVWA rs11718863 genotyping was performed using DNA sequencing (Sanger's method). Results Two different genotypes wild homozygote (TT) genotype and heterozygote (AT) appeared by genotyping of DVWArs:11718863. Highly significant difference (p<0.001) was found in distribution of the two genotypes in the three study groupsl the genotype (TT) was more frequent in control group (95.0%). Also, high significant difference (p<0.001) was noted in the two alleles (A, T) frequencies between control group and KOA patients group giving odd ratio 6.437 with 95% confidence intervals of (1.93-21.42). Conclusion Iraqi subjects carrying AT genotype of DVWA rs11718863 gene are mostly susceptible for developing of KOA and the allele A of Tyr169Asn polymorphism are more frequent in those patients indicating that allele A may be a risk factor of onset of this disease. Age and body mass index are considered risk factors of onset and progression of KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease with a chronic relapsed-remitting course with manifestations started at early childhood. AD is two types; extrinsic and intrinsic. Zinc has a crucial role in the immune system functions and antioxidant mechanisms, it also serves in the metabolism and cell growth through signaling several enzymes. Objective To assess serum zinc level in patients with childhood AD. Methods A case-controlled study was conducted in Dermatology outpatient’s clinic in Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City, from the period of September 2016-June 2017. Twenty patients with AD were enrolled in this study. AD severity was graded using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD). The control group consisted of age-matched and sex-matched twenty healthy children were taken with weight above 80%. Fasting blood samples were taken from patients and controls between 8 AM and 10 AM. Results Of the twenty patients of AD, 13 (65%) were males and 7 (35%) were females. Their mean age was 4.58±3.13. Regarding the control group 9 (45%) were males and 11 (55%) were females, their mean age was 4.29±2.46. No statistical difference in serum zinc level between AD patients and control groups. Concerning zinc level in males and females, no statistical differences was found in AD patients, but highly significant difference was found in control group. Serum zinc level was highly significantly low in patients with moderate AD than in those with mild AD. There was negative correlation between serum zinc level and severity of AD. Conclusion There is a negative correlation between serum zinc level and severity of AD, also there is a gender variation in serum zinc level in normal children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Male infertility constitutes about 50% of overall causes of infertility and apoptosis is known to have an essential role in the control of germ cell number in testis. Cigarette smoking is common in males at reproductive age. Studying the influence of smoking on apoptosis in male genital tract and its influence on fertility helps in the management of infertility in smokers. Objectives To assess the influence of cigarette smoking on seminal plasma (SP) soluble Fas (sFas) and the correlation between SP sFas and serum sex steroidal hormones and conventional semen parameters in males of infertile couples. Methods Seventy male partners of infertile couples (30 smokers and 40 non-smokers) were enrolled in this study. A subject was considered smoker if he had history of smoking of more 10 cigarettes per day for at least one year. Semen analysis was done according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2010. Specific kits were used for the measurement of SP sFas and serum testosterone and estradiol (E2). Results In smokers' group, SP sFas was significantly (p <0.05) negatively correlated with age and sperm motility and positively correlated with immotile sperm and round cell number. Conclusion Germ cell apoptosis in smoker males of infertile couples is interrelated with sperm motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]