Current Status of Rho-Associated Kinases (ROCKs) in Coronary Atherosclerosis and Vasospasm

Title: Current Status of Rho-Associated Kinases (ROCKs) in Coronary Atherosclerosis and Vasospasm

Volume: 7 Issue: 4

Author(s): Ming Dong, Bryan P. Yan and Chuek-Man Yu

Affiliation:

Keywords: Rho-kinase (ROCK), inhibitor, atheroscleorosis, kallikrein inhibitors, coronary spasm

Abstract: Rho-kinase (ROCK) is one of the effectors of the small GTP-binding protein Rho. Accumulating evidence suggests that the Rho/ROCK system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary vasospasm via its action in vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, endothelial function and the inflammatory process. Recent observations suggest that the beneficial cardiovascular effects of statins may, at least in part, derive from the inhibition of ROCKs. Fasudil is a ROCKs inhibitor which has potential benefits in coronary artery spasm and myocardial ischemia. In this review, we aim to describe the current understanding of ROCKs signaling and their roles in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and coronary spasm.

Cite this article as:

Dong Ming, Yan P. Bryan and Yu Chuek-Man, Current Status of Rho-Associated Kinases (ROCKs) in Coronary Atherosclerosis and Vasospasm, Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 7 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152509789541891