Abstract: Vitamin K is effective in counteracting the reduction in arterial elasticity normally associated with the aging process. A pharmaceutical composition or nutritional formulation comprising vitamin K can be used to combat age-related stiffening of the arteries, and the consequences thereof, namely pulmonary congestion, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive (right sided) heart failure, left sided or left ventricular failure, chronic cardiac failure, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, Mönckeberg's sclerosis and stroke.

Abstract: Vitamin K is effective in counteracting cardiovascular disorders such as the reduction in arterial elasticity normally associated with the aging process. A pharmaceutical composition or nutritional formulation comprising vitamin K can be used to combat age-related stiffening of the arteries, and the consequences thereof, namely pulmonary congestion, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive (right sided) heart failure, left sided or left ventricular failure, chronic cardiac failure, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, Mönckeberg's sclerosis and stroke. In various embodiments, vitamin K can also be used to reduce or reverse calcification of a blood vessel in pre-existing cardiovascular disorders such as arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: A non-toxic biologically active compound is provided having the following general formula (I): wherein n is an integer from 1 to 14, preferably from 2 to 4, and R is an organic moiety, preferably a group different from but structurally substantially similar to 2-methyl naphthoquinone, or a group P—C(R1)—P, where each P stands for a —PO(OH)2 group and R1 is a (poly)isoprenyl group, hydroxy, halogen (preferably chloro or bromo), or hydrogen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof. These compounds are useful for the treatment or prevention of certain disorders in a mammal, especially a human being, for example postmenopausal loss of bone in women, juvenile or senile osteoporosis in men and women, cardiovascular calcification and other ectopic calcifications.

Abstract: The present invention includes a diagnostic assay for the detection and determination of MGP in a human serum sample, which comprises the use of one or more antibodies, preferably monoclonal antibodies, specifically recognizing epitopes on and/or conformations of human Matrix Gla-Protein. A method is provided for using MGP-related antigens as biomarkers for certain diseases, for example, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, and angiogenesis/neogenesis in tumor development. Monoclonal antibodies of class IgG are described for use in the assay, which are defined herein as mAb3-15, mAb35-49[Glu], mAb35-49[Gla], mAb35-53[Glu], and mAb35-53[Gla]. Polyclonal antibodies and methods are also disclosed for measuring MGP in a human serum sample.