Long-term warfarin therapy and biomarkers for osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stroke prevention by warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, has been an integral part in the management of atrial fibrillation. Vitamin K-dependent matrix Gla protein (MGP) has been known as a potent inhibitor of arterial calcification and osteoporosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that warfarin therapy affects bone mineral metabolism, vascular calcification, and vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Methods

We studied 42 atrial fibrillation patients at high-risk for atherosclerosis having one or more coronary risk factors. Twenty-four patients had been treated with warfarin for at least 12 months (WF group), and 18 patients without warfarin (non-WF group). Bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and under carboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kapp

SUBMITTER: Namba S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4661704 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature