Contribution of the Rho-kinase to Systemic Sclerosis and Behçet's Disease

Background: The small GTPase Rho family and its effectors, Rho-kinases (ROCK) play essential roles in the actin cytoskeleton organization and coordinate a broad range of cellular functions, such as inflammatory responses, cell contractility, migration, adhesion, proliferation, and apoptosis. Methods: The goal of this work is to review existing literature about systemic sclerosis and Behçet's disease in relation to ROCK. Results: There are some evidence that ROCK expression is elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis and Behçet's disease. Rho/ROCK gene polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with these disorders. Endothelial function is also impaired in these autoimmune diseases. Rho/Rho-kinase pathway might have a crucial role in endothelial, vascular, and fibrotic pathologies. Conclusion: Dysregulation in the Rho/ROCK pathway may represent a common pathogenic mechanism in multiple autoimmune disorders. Current evidence indicate that Rho/ROCK genes might be risk factors, and can contribute to susceptibility and development of systemic sclerosis and Behçet's disease. These studies may also provide important insights into the future development or use of potential novel therapeutic approaches, such as selective Rho-kinase inhibitors, for the treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis and Behçet's disease.