Emerging role of Rho-Kinase Inhibitors Review

Abstract

This review article targets to provide information regarding the role of ROCK and its inhibitors in glaucoma, corneal diseases, and retinal pathologies. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) is a well- characterized effector of Rho GTPase, a small GTP-binding protein. The Rho/ROCK signaling pathways contribute to a wide range of fundamental cellular events, such as cell adhesion, motility, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We found strong evidence demonstrating that inhibition of Rho kinase considerably decreases IOP, increases healing of the corneal endothelium, and decreases progression of diabetic retinopathy. The main side effect of ROCK inhibitors is conjunctival hyperemia that is often present in more than half of the patients in certain formulations. Other properties such as neuro protection (enhancing optic nerve blood flow and promoting axonal regeneration), anti-fibrotic activity and endothelial cell proliferation may enhance the visual prognosis and surgical results in glaucoma.