Key result
The RhoA/rho-kinase pathway plays a key role in regulating vasoconstrictor tone, suggesting rho-kinase inhibitors may be beneficial in treating cardiovascular disorders such as pulmonary hypertension.
This review highlights the potential role of the RhoA/rho-kinase pathway in regulating vasoconstrictor tone and the therapeutic potential of rho-kinase inhibitors in pulmonary hypertension.
Supports rho-kinase inhibitor trials in pulmonary hypertension; leaves open clinical efficacy confirmation.
The small GTP-binding protein, RhoA, and its downstream effector protein, rho-kinase, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular diseases. The activation of rho-kinase is involved in the development of increased vascular tone, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and restenosis; and that the inhibition of rho-kinase has been shown to have a beneficial effect in a variety of cardiovascular disorders. It is our hypothesis that rho-kinase inhibitors promote vasodilation independent of the mechanism that increases vasoconstrictor tone and moreover, the RhoA/rho-kinase pathway has a role in the regulation of smooth muscle tone under physiological conditions. The objective of this review is to improve our current understanding of the role of RhoA/rho-kinase pathway in the regulation of vasoconstrictor tone and the use of rho-kinase inhibitors in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders with an emphasis on pulmonary hypertension.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Nossaman et al. (2009) conducted a review in Pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Rho-kinase inhibitors was evaluated. The RhoA/rho-kinase pathway plays a key role in regulating vasoconstrictor tone, suggesting rho-kinase inhibitors may be beneficial in treating cardiovascular disorders such as pulmonary hypertension.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: