The potential role of RhoA/ROCK-inhibition on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury: a systematic review of in-vivo studies

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #rats #disease-models-animal #locomotion #recovery-of-function

The potential role of RhoA/ROCK-inhibition on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury: a systematic review of in-vivo studies

Khavandegar et al., 2025 | Spinal Cord | Systematic Review

Citation

Khavandegar Armin, Ahmadi Negar Sadat, ... Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa. The potential role of RhoA/ROCK-inhibition on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury: a systematic review of in-vivo studies. Spinal Cord. 2025-Mar;63(3):95-126. doi:10.1038/s41393-025-01064-2

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review. OBJECTIVES: To thoroughly assess the existing literature regarding the impact of anti-RhoA/ROCK agents or procedures on functional recovery in animal models of SCI. SETTING: Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection utilizing a combination of keywords. All in-vivo animal studies of acute or chronic SCI that evaluated the pharmacological effects of Rho/ROCK inhibitors in English literature were included in this study. RESULTS: Totally, 2320 articles were identified, of which, 60 papers were included for further analysis. A total of 47 (78%) studies were conducted merely on rats, 9 (15%) on mice, 3 (5%) used both, and the remaining used other animals. Y-27632, Fasudil, C3 Transferase and its derivatives (C3-05/PEP-C3/CT04/C3bot154-182/C3bot26mer(156-181)), Ibuprofen, Electroacupuncture (EA), SiRhoA, miR-133b, miR-135-5p, miR-381, miR-30b, Statins, 17β-estradiol, β-elemene, Lentivirus-mediated PGC-1a, Repulsive guidance molecule (RGMa), Local profound hypothermia, Jisuikang (JSK), Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), Lv-shRhoA (Notch-1 inhibitor), Anti-Ryk antibody, LINGO-antagonist, BA-210, p21Cip1/WAF1, ORL-1 antagonist, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), Tamsulosin, AAV.ULK1.DN, and Indomethacin were the 28 reported agents/procedures with anti-RhoA/ROCK effects. The pooled SMD for BBB scores was 0.41 (p = 0.048) in the first week, 0.85 (p < 0.001) in the second week, 1.22 (p = 0.010) in the third week, and 1.53 (p = 0.001) in the fourth week. CONCLUSION: Of the 28 identified anti-RhoA/ROCK agents, all but two (C3bot and its derivatives and EGCG) demonstrated promising results. The results of the meta-analysis cautiously indicate a significant increase in BBB scores over time after SCI.

Key Findings

Totally, 2320 articles were identified, of which, 60 papers were included for further analysis. A total of 47 (78%) studies were conducted merely on rats, 9 (15%) on mice, 3 (5%) used both, and the remaining used other animals. Y-27632, Fasudil, C3 Transferase and its derivatives (C3-05/PEP-C3/CT04/C3bot154-182/C3bot26mer(156-181)), Ibuprofen, Electroacupuncture (EA), SiRhoA, miR-133b, miR-135-5p, miR-381, miR-30b, Statins, 17β-estradiol, β-elemene, Lentivirus-mediated PGC-1a, Repulsive guidance

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Rats
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Locomotion
  • Recovery of Function
  • rho-Associated Kinases
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
  • Spinal Cord Injuries

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: green-tea

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09