Drug-induced Reduction of Gamma Carboxylation in Osteocalcin: What is the Fallback?

Cureus. 2019 Aug 28;11(8):e5504. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5504.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which bone becomes fragile and weak. In this condition, the quality and density of the bone are reduced. Vitamin K is vital for bone mineralization as it plays a vital role in the gamma-carboxylation of osteocalcin. Therefore, if there is a deficiency of vitamin K, it can lead to osteoporosis due to undercarboxylated osteocalcin. Warfarin is the most widely used anticoagulant in the elderly. In this article, we reviewed how Warfarin, an inhibitor of vitamin K, affects bone remodeling and leads to osteoporosis.

Keywords: anticoagulants; fracture; osteoporosis; warfarin.

Publication types

  • Review