Abstract
Objective
Although inhibition of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK)
has been shown to prevent coronary vasospastic angina (CVA), direct evidence linking
ROCK activity and CVA is lacking. Accordingly, we investigated whether ROCK activity
is an independent marker for CVA and is altered after treatment with antispastic medications.
Methods and results
We prospectively studied 31 Taiwanese patients who were diagnosed with CVA and 33
control subjects. Subject demographics were recorded, and blood samples were obtained
at baseline in all participants and in CVA patients after 3 months of antispastic
treatment. Compared with control subjects, leukocyte ROCK activity was greater in
CVA patients (136% versus 91%, P < 0.001). A cutoff value for leukocyte ROCK activity of 104% predicted the presence
of CVA with specificity and sensitivity rates of 88% and 84%, respectively. ROCK activity
increased with the severity of CVA (P for trend < 0.001). Following 3-month treatment of antispastic agents, leukocyte ROCK activity,
high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 levels were reduced by 43%,
42% and 27%, respectively (P < 0.05 for all).
Conclusions
Increased levels of leukocyte ROCK activity independently predicted the presence of
CVA and correlated with CVA severity. Treatment with antispastic agents substantially
reduced the level of leukocyte ROCK activity.
Highlights
- ROCK activity increased with the severity of CVA.
- Increased ROCK activity predicted the presence of CVA.
- Treatment with antispastic agents reduced the level of ROCK activity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 31, 2012
Accepted:
January 3,
2012
Received in revised form:
December 7,
2011
Received:
August 8,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
