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Reduced number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CD133+/KDR+) in patients with plaque psoriasis
Aleksandra Batycka-Baran1, Maria Paprocka, Agnieszka Krawczenko
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland. ola.batycka@interia.pl
Insights
Psoriasis patients have fewer circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs), which are vital for blood vessel health. This reduction may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in psoriasis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Psoriasis is linked to heightened cardiovascular risk.
- Endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) are crucial for maintaining vascular homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare CEPC counts in psoriasis patients versus controls.
- To investigate correlations between CEPC numbers and VEGF, sVEGFR-1 levels, and psoriasis severity.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to quantify CEPCs (CD133+/KDR+ cells) in 63 psoriasis patients and 31 controls.
- Plasma levels of VEGF and sVEGFR-1 were measured via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Psoriasis patients exhibited significantly lower CEPC numbers compared to controls (p = 0.000026).
- CEPC counts were inversely correlated with psoriasis disease severity (R = -0.283; p = 0.0248).
Conclusions:
- Reduced CEPC numbers in psoriasis patients may play a role in endothelial dysfunction.
- This finding suggests a potential mechanism linking psoriasis to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Background:
Psoriasis is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) play a significant role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of CEPCs in patients with psoriasis compared to controls and assess possible correlations between the number of these cells and the plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and clinical features of psoriasis.
Methods:
The number of CEPCs, identified as CD133+/KDR+ cells, was determined with flow cytometry in peripheral blood of psoriatic patients (n = 63) and controls (n = 31). The plasma levels of VEGF and sVEGFR-1 were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
The number of CEPCs was significantly reduced in psoriatic patients compared with controls (p = 0.000026) and inversely correlated with disease severity (R = -0.283; p = 0.0248).
Conclusion:
A reduced number of CEPCs may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in patients with psoriasis.
