Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the development of vascular disease, and it precedes clinically obvious vascular pathology. Abnormal activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway has been found to elevate vascular tone through unbalancing the production of vasodilating and vasoconstricting substances. Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway can prevent endothelial dysfunction in a variety of pathological conditions. This review, based on recent molecular, cellular, and animal studies, focuses on the current understanding of the ROCK pathway and its roles in endothelial dysfunction.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 165-170 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- Endothelial dysfunction
- Rho kinase
- endothelium-dependent contractions
- nitric oxide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine