Rho-kinase inhibition: a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The Rho/rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway has an important role in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. The activation of ROCK is involved in the regulation of vascular tone, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and remodeling. The inhibition of ROCK has a beneficial effect in a variety of cardiovascular disorders. Evidence from animal models and from clinical use of ROCK inhibitors, such as Y-27632, fasudil and statins (i.e. pleiotropic effects), supports the hypothesis that ROCK is a potential therapeutic target. This review provides a current understanding of the role of ROCK pathway in the regulation of vascular function and the use of ROCK inhibitors in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Dong
Ming
M
Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Yan
Bryan P
BP
Liao
James K
JK
Lam
Yat-Yin
YY
Yip
Gabriel W K
GW
Yu
Cheuk-Man
CM
D000818:Animals; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases