Warfarin Pathway


Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the liver enzyme vitamin K reductase. This leads to the depletion of the reduced form of vitamin K (vitamin KH2). As vitamin K is a cofactor for the gamma-carboxylation and subsequent activation of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (II, VII, IX, and X), this ultimately results in reduced cleavage of fibrinogen into fibrin and decreased coagulability of the blood.

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References

  1. Coumadin. (2009). [Electronic version]. e-CPS. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
  2. Jennings, L.K., & Saucedo, J.F. (2008). Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents: key differences in mechanisms of action, clinical application, and therapeutic benefit in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndromes. Curr Opin Cardiol, 23(4), 302-308. PMID: 18520712
  3. Walker, C.P., & Royston, D. (2002). Thrombin generation and its inhibition: a review of the scientific basis and mechanism of action of anticoagulant therapies. Br J Anaesth, 88(6), 848-863. PMID: 12173205