Rho-Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Refractory Diabetic Macular Oedema

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy (DR).
• Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are standard but not universally effective for DMO.
• Refractory DMO requires novel therapeutic strategies due to complex pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) in DMO pathogenesis.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the Rho/ROCK pathway for DMO treatment.
• To identify new drug targets for DMO refractory to current therapies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search from 1991 to 2021.
• Keywords included: "rho-Associated Kinas-es", "Diabetic Retinopathy", "Macular Edema", "Ripasudil", "Fasudil", "Netarsudil".

Main Results:

• Rho-kinase (ROCK) is implicated in the pathogenesis of DMO.
• The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway presents a promising target for DMO therapeutics.
• Specific ROCK inhibitors like Ripasudil, Fasudil, and Netarsudil show potential.

Conclusions:

• Understanding ROCK's role is crucial for developing new DMO treatments.
• Targeting ROCK offers a potential strategy for managing anti-VEGF refractory DMO.
• Further research into ROCK inhibitors may lead to improved DMO prevention and treatment.