CAFFEINE, best known as a morning pick-me-up, may have a surprising benefit for people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A new study revealed that caffeine intake is associated with improved blood vessel function in SLE by enhancing the survival of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), key players in vascular repair.
Researchers assessed caffeine consumption in 31 SLE patients who did not have traditional cardiovascular risk factors. They found a positive correlation between caffeine intake and the percentage of circulating EPCs, suggesting that caffeine may support endothelial health in this autoimmune condition, where vascular complications are common.
To explore the mechanism, healthy donor EPCs were exposed to lupus patient serum, which typically reduces cell viability. When caffeine was added, EPCs showed improved morphology, reduced apoptosis, and greater ability to form colonies, indicators of healthy and functional cells.
At the molecular level, caffeine was found to act through the A2AR/SIRT3/AMPK pathway, reducing the expression of A2A adenosine receptors while increasing levels of the protective proteins SIRT3 and phosphorylated AMPK. These changes restored autophagy and reduced cell death, improving EPC survival.
“Our results show that caffeine helps protect the blood vessel-lining cells in lupus by promoting their survival and regeneration,” the researchers concluded. “This may have important implications for reducing cardiovascular risk in SLE.”
While more research is needed, especially in larger cohorts, this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting potential therapeutic roles for dietary compounds like caffeine in managing chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Orefice V et al. Caffeine improves systemic lupus erythematosus endothelial dysfunction by promoting endothelial progenitor cells survival. Rheumatology. 2025;64(4):1886-93.
