Treatment of intestinal fibrosis in experimental inflammatory bowel disease by the pleiotropic actions of a local Rho kinase inhibitor

Intestinal fibrosis resulting in (sub)obstruction is a common complication of Crohn’s disease (CD). Rho kinases (ROCKs) play multiple roles in TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast activation that could be therapeutic targets. Because systemic ROCK inhibition causes cardiovascular side-effects, we evaluated the effects of a locally acting ROCK inhibitor (AMA0825) on intestinal fibrosis.