Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic pathology characterized by increased
inflammation that can be associated with changes in the vascular endothelium. We
quantified the levels of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and microparticles (MPs) in
patients with psoriasis in order to analyze their relationship with endothelial and
inflammation markers, subclinical atherosclerosis and microcirculation.
METHODS: We studied 20 patients and 20 controls. Circulating markers of
endothelial damage (CEC, MPs and von Willebrand factor, vWF) and inflammation (E-selectin,
E-sel; Interleukin-6, IL-6 and C-reactive protein, CRP) were determined. Subclinical
atherosclerosis was assessed by carotid ultrasound to obtain intima-media thickness.
Microcirculation was evaluated by nailfold capillaroscopy.
RESULTS: CECs, MPs, vWF, CRP and E-sel levels were significantly elevated in
patients when compared with controls (p < 0.05). Ninety-four and
fifty-three percentage of patients had CEC and MP levels higher than 99th percentile in
controls. Forty-seven percent of patients simultaneously showed increased CEC and MP
levels. MPs correlate with the inflammatory markers and with the intima-media thickness.
CECs correlate with the capillaries loops per mm (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Psoriasis patients show elevated CECs and MPs, as a sign of
endothelial dysfunction, which correlates with inflammatory markers as well as subclinical
atherosclerosis and some capillaroscopy findings.
