title: Rho-kinase inhibition in the therapy of cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Rho is a GTPase known to be a major mediator in the formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions, cell morphology, and smooth muscle contraction. Its role in smooth muscle contraction has led to exploration into the connection between Rho-mediated kinase activity and cardiovascular disease. The role of Rho-kinase in calcium sensitization for vascular smooth muscle contraction has recently been characterized. Inappropriate coronary artery vasoconstriction resulting from increased Rho-kinase in the vascular system is likely involved in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced myocardial ischemia, spontaneous coronary artery spasm, and hypertension. In clinical trials, Rho-kinase inhibitors such as fasudil and Y-27632 have demonstrated antiischemic, antivasospastic, and antihypertensive effects. These compounds have also exhibited the ability to blunt progression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac remodeling in heart failure. As such, Rho-kinase inhibition represents a potential novel therapeutic approach in cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente/Los Angeles Medical Center, Placentia, NY 10595, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: William H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Frishman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases
chemical_list: D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases