Targeting cerebrovascular Rho-kinase in stroke.
BACKGROUND
Rho and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) play pivotal roles in pathogenesis of vascular diseases including stroke. ROCK is expressed in all cell types relevant to stroke, and regulates a range of physiological processes.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of ROCK as an experimental therapeutic target in cerebral ischemia, and the translational opportunities and obstacles in the prophylaxis and treatment of stroke.


METHODS
Relevant literature was reviewed.


RESULTS
ROCK activity is upregulated in chronic vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension, and more acutely by cerebral ischemia. ROCK activation is predicted to increase the risk of cerebral ischemia, and worsen the ischemic tissue outcome and functional recovery. Evidence suggests that ROCK inhibition is protective in models of cerebral ischemia. The benefit is mediated through multiple mechanisms.


CONCLUSIONS
ROCK is a promising therapeutic target in all stages of stroke.
Shin
Hwa Kyoung
HK
Pusan National University, Medical Research Center for Ischemic Tissue Regeneration, 10 Ami-dong, 1-Ga, Seo-Gu, Busan 602-739, Korea.
Salomone
Salvatore
S
Ayata
Cenk
C
D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015854:Up-Regulation; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
D054460:rho-Associated Kinases