Advances in Rho-associated kinase inhibitors in the treatment of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2025.5.08
- VernacularTitle:Rho相关激酶抑制剂治疗Fuchs角膜内皮营养不良新进展
- Author:
Haoyuan SUN
1
;
Shudan WANG
1
;
Hong ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. Eye Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150007, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy;
Rho-associated kinase inhibitor;
treatment progress
- From:
International Eye Science
2025;25(5):739-742
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy(FECD)is a progressive dystrophic disease characterized by gradual damage to the corneal endothelium, ultimately leading to endothelial decompensation. The current standard treatment, corneal transplantation, has several limitations. Recent studies have shown that Rho-associated kinase(ROCK)inhibitors can promote cell proliferation by modulating the cyclin D and p27 signaling pathways. Additionally, ROCK inhibitors activate Rac1, which drives the actin-related protein complex(ARPC2)to enhance cell adhesion, and regulate processes such as membrane blebbing, nuclear disintegration, and apoptotic body formation, thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of corneal endothelial cells. These findings suggest that ROCK inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic approach for FECD. This review provides an overview of the pharmacological effects, basic research, clinical trials, and potential adverse reactions associated with ROCK inhibitors in the treatment of FECD, with the aim of developing compounds with stable efficacy and minimal side effects for the treatment of FECD in the near future.
