INTRODUCTION: Rho-kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine kinase and is one of the 
major downstream effectors of the small guanosine triphosphatase Rho. In the 
past few years, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that the RhoA/ROCK 
system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of 
cardiovascular and urogenital disorders.
AIM: The aim of this study is to review the literature pertaining to the role of 
the RhoA/ROCK system in male urogenital function.
METHODS: Comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Inhibitors of ROCK may have potential therapeutic 
applications, as derived from preclinical and a few clinical studies.
RESULTS: Published reports suggest that elevated RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling plays 
a role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, 
kidney failure, ejaculation disorders, prostate and bladder cancer initiation, 
and eventual metastasis.
CONCLUSIONS: This review focuses on our current understanding of the role of the 
RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway in the regulation of the male urogenital system. 
Rho-kinase inhibitors may evolve into an important pharmacologic option in the 
future treatment of urogenital system disorders.