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Published on: July 10, 2019
Increased Rho kinase activity in congestive heart failure
Ming Dong1, James K Liao, Fang Fang
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
European Journal of Heart Failure
|May 17, 2012
Summary
Rho kinase (ROCK) activity is elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). This increased ROCK activity is linked to higher mortality and may serve as a valuable biomarker for CHF risk stratification.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rho kinases (ROCKs) are key effectors of RhoA, implicated in vasoconstriction.
- Previous studies suggest ROCKs play a role in animal models of congestive heart failure (CHF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Rho kinase (ROCK) activity is elevated in human congestive heart failure (CHF).
- To determine the association between ROCK activity and patient outcomes in CHF.
Main Methods:
- Assessed baseline ROCK activity via myosin-binding subunit phosphorylation in peripheral leukocytes.
- Compared ROCK activity in 178 CHF patients, 31 disease controls, and 30 normal subjects.
- Followed patients for mortality over a median of 14.4 months.
Main Results:
- CHF patients exhibited significantly higher ROCK activity compared to both disease and normal controls (P < 0.001).
- ROCK1, ROCK2 protein levels, and RhoA activity were also elevated in CHF patients.
- ROCK activity, dyspnea, low ejection fraction, and high creatinine independently predicted ROCK activity; combined ROCK activity and NT-proBNP improved mortality prediction.
Conclusions:
- ROCK activity is demonstrably increased in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
- Elevated ROCK activity is associated with increased mortality risk in CHF patients.
- ROCK activity shows potential as a complementary biomarker for CHF risk stratification.
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