Abstract
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.
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