Increased circulating endothelial cells and microparticles in patients with psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Dermatology
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease linked to vascular endothelium alterations.
• Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in psoriasis pathogenesis.
• Quantifying circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and microparticles (MPs) may reveal disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure CECs and MPs in psoriasis patients.
• To investigate the relationship between CECs/MPs and endothelial/inflammation markers.
• To assess correlations with subclinical atherosclerosis and microcirculation.

Main Methods:

• Study included 20 psoriasis patients and 20 controls.
• Measured circulating markers: CECs, MPs, von Willebrand factor (vWF), E-selectin (E-sel), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP).
• Assessed subclinical atherosclerosis via carotid ultrasound (intima-media thickness) and microcirculation via nailfold capillaroscopy.

Main Results:

• CECs, MPs, vWF, CRP, and E-sel levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients versus controls.
• Elevated CECs and MPs (above 99th percentile of controls) were observed in 94% and 53% of patients, respectively.
• MPs correlated with inflammatory markers and intima-media thickness; CECs correlated with capillary density.

Conclusions:

• Psoriasis patients demonstrate increased CECs and MPs, signifying endothelial dysfunction.
• Elevated CECs and MPs are associated with inflammatory markers in psoriasis.
• These findings link endothelial dysfunction markers to subclinical atherosclerosis and microcirculation changes in psoriasis.