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Psoriasis-induced cell debris induce hardening of blood vessels (Atherosclerosis)

Endothelial cell-, platelet-, and monocyte/macrophage-derived microparticles are elevated in psoriasis beyond cardiometabolic risk factors. Takeshita J. et al. J Am Heart Assoc. 2014 Feb 28;3(1):e000507. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000507.

-Psoriasis is associated with metabolic syndrome (obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting plasma glucose, high serum triglycerides).
-Although these risk factors increase the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis), the follow study suggests that…
…psoriasis can INDEPENDENTLY induce atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the primary process leading to Cardiovascular Disease; Examples include Strokes and Heart Attacks (myocardial infarcts)

Microparticle levels, particularly from endothelial cells and platelets, are elevated in patients with
cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndrome, other inflammatory diseases, autoimmune
conditions, and have been shown to be predictive of cardiovascular outcomes.

In this prospective study blood was drawn from 53 patients with psoriasis and matched with 41 controls.
Then concentration of cell surface markers were measured (Annexin V, CD3, CD31, CD41a, CD64, CD105, and CD144)

Then the plasma was separated from the blood and the microparticles marked so as to be detectable (by fluorescing through flow cytometry.
Compared with controls, micro particles of psoriasis patients were higher in psoriasis patients: –
CD31 (31/μL versus 18/μL, P=0.002)
CD105 (5.5/μL versus 2.5/μL, P<0.001),   
CD41a (50/μL versus 22/μL, P<0.001), and
CD64 (5.0/μL versus 4.1/μL, P=0.02)

These micro particles were shown to be endothelial cell-, platelet-, and monocyte/macrophage-derived microparticles (Their activation was shown to be independent from adjusted cardiovascular factors (from existing data).

Conclusion: These particles are probably derived through psoriasis induced increased turnover of inflammatory (macrophages) and endothelial cells.

Comment: Psoriasis appears here to be an independent contributor to Cardiovascular diseases by inducing vessel hardening. It would to this by releasing into the blood stream microparticles derived from vessels, inflammatory cells and blood components (platelets)

Article selection: Prof Dr Jean-Hilaire Saurat – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland