Dichotomal Effect of the Coumadin Derivative Warfarin on Inflammatory Signal Transduction

Warfarin, a widely prescribed drug for preventing thrombosis, is thought to act solely through inhibition of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Low concentrations of warfarin inhibit interleukin-6 production and phosphorylation of I-κB but not activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Thus, warfarin inhibits inflammatory signal transduction, and this may contribute to clinical effects of warfarin.