Dicumarol Pathway


Dicumarol 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.

Pathway legend Zoom in

Pathway Image

Pathway legend Zoom in

References

  1. 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
  2. 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