SLOW-Slower Progress of caLcificatiOn With Vitamin K2

Overview

A randomized 12-month trial will include two groups of 100 individuals aged over 50 years, with asymptomatic mild to moderate Aortic valve stenosis (AVA \> 1 cm2, Vmax \< 4 m/s). The first group of 100 individuals will serve as the intervention group that will receive 300 mcg of K2 vitamin on a daily basis, while the second group of 100 individuals will be the control group that will receive placebo on a daily basis as well. Both groups will be monitored identically in order to investigate therapeutic effects on calcification and valve stenosis progression. Correlation with Mitral annulus and ascending Aorta.Exclusion criteria: Chronic Kidney disease, Vitamin K antagonists, statins, age \< 50 y.o,prosthetic valves,Aortic Valve area (AVA) \< 1cm2 ,Vmax \> 4 m/s

For the purposes of this study, all individuals will be subjected to the same quantitative and qualitative tests, before and after the daily administration of 300mcg K2 vitamin/placebo for a period of one year.Clinical examination,extensive blood laboratory tests,direct measurement of Dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP(dp-ucMGP), Echocardiogram and ECS,carotid ultrasound,ophthalmologic exam,further imaging methods with MSCT Calcium Score(Agatston score) will take place.Correlations with their medical and pharmacological therapy history. Before and after the administration of VK2/placebo, the following measurements will take place i)Quantitative and percentile rate determination of Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve and Ascending Aorta calcification via MSCT Calcium score without contrast. ii)Echocardiogram and calcification evaluation via Echocardiographic Calcium Score (ECS), iii)Determination of changes in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and Carotid stenosis iv)Standard ophthalmologic examination v)Direct measurement of Dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP(dp-ucMGP) vi)Correlation with blood biomarkers