Platelet and Endothelial Dysfunction in Psoriasis
Brief description of study
Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with an ~50% increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to matched controls. The influence of psoriasis-related systemic inflammation on vascular health and subsequent CV risk is not fully known. Vascular endothelial dysfunction, activated platelets, and the interaction between the two are instrumental to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. As a way to understand mechanisms of increased CV risk in psoriasis, this study will test the overarching hypothesis that the vascular endothelium in psoriasis is inflamed, dysfunctional, and contributes to CV risk as assessed by endovascular and platelet phenotyping. Methods: We will recruit 100 psoriasis and 75 healthy age-, sex-, race/ethnicity matched controls across the spectrum of psoriatic disease and various treatment modalities to explore: (1) Vascular health in vivo by flow-mediated brachial artery reactivity testing and pulse wave velocity studies and directly ex vivo via analysis of endothelial cells obtained from brachial veins; (2) Platelet biology through investigations into platelet reactivity and platelet aggregation. These investigations will be performed cross-sectionally and explored over time in psoriasis patients.
If you are registered as a volunteer, please log in to contact the study team/express interest in this study.
