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Rho-kinase inhibitors offer a new approach in the treatment of glaucoma.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Challa, P; Arnold, JJ
Published in: Expert Opin Investig Drugs
January 2014

INTRODUCTION: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause for worldwide blindness and is characterized by progressive optic nerve damage. The etiology of POAG is unknown, but elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and advanced age have been identified as risk factors. IOP reduction is the only known treatment for glaucoma. Recently, drugs that inhibit rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) have been studied in animals and people for their ability to lower IOP and potentially treat POAG. ROCK inhibitors lower IOP through a trabecular mechanism and may represent a new therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of POAG. AREAS COVERED: Exploring the place that ROCK inhibitors may occupy in our treatment of POAG requires a thorough understanding of pathophysiology and treatment. This article summarizes current research on the incidence, proposed etiologies and mechanisms of action for this drug class. ROCK inhibitor research is presented and considered in light of the current standard of pharmacologic care. EXPERT OPINION: ROCK inhibitors alter the cell shape and extracellular matrix (ECM) of the trabecular meshwork. Preclinical studies demonstrate that these drugs have the potential to become a new therapy for glaucoma. However, ROCK inhibitors can affect multiple cell types, and their utility can be proven only after clinical studies in patients.

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Published In

Expert Opin Investig Drugs

DOI

EISSN

1744-7658

Publication Date

January 2014

Volume

23

Issue

1

Start / End Page

81 / 95

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • rho-Associated Kinases
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy
  • Humans
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle
  • Animals
  • 3214 Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
  • 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
  • 1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

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Challa, P., & Arnold, J. J. (2014). Rho-kinase inhibitors offer a new approach in the treatment of glaucoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 23(1), 81–95. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.2013.840288
Challa, Pratap, and John J. Arnold. “Rho-kinase inhibitors offer a new approach in the treatment of glaucoma.Expert Opin Investig Drugs 23, no. 1 (January 2014): 81–95. https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.2013.840288.
Challa P, Arnold JJ. Rho-kinase inhibitors offer a new approach in the treatment of glaucoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2014 Jan;23(1):81–95.
Challa, Pratap, and John J. Arnold. “Rho-kinase inhibitors offer a new approach in the treatment of glaucoma.Expert Opin Investig Drugs, vol. 23, no. 1, Jan. 2014, pp. 81–95. Pubmed, doi:10.1517/13543784.2013.840288.
Challa P, Arnold JJ. Rho-kinase inhibitors offer a new approach in the treatment of glaucoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2014 Jan;23(1):81–95.

Published In

Expert Opin Investig Drugs

DOI

EISSN

1744-7658

Publication Date

January 2014

Volume

23

Issue

1

Start / End Page

81 / 95

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • rho-Associated Kinases
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy
  • Humans
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle
  • Animals
  • 3214 Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
  • 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
  • 1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences