# Endothelial Dysfunction: Insights into Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-associated Cardiovascular Disease and Neuropsychiatric Manifestations

## TL;DR

This review explores how endothelial dysfunction contributes to cardiovascular and brain-related issues in people with lupus, and how restoring endothelial health could improve outcomes.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the role of endothelial dysfunction in SLE-related cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric complications.

## Key findings

- Endothelial dysfunction is central to cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric manifestations in SLE.
- Animal models help clarify the interconnected contributions of endothelial health to organ damage in SLE.
- Emerging therapies aim to restore endothelial function to improve outcomes in SLE patients.

## Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neuropsychiatric manifestations are common in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), often sharing a vascular origin with endothelial dysfunction central to their development. The endothelium plays a critical role in regulating systemic and cerebral blood flow and influencing end-organ damage in SLE. In this review, we summarize foundational and recent studies linking vascular dysfunction to CVD and neuropsychiatric outcomes, emphasizing the roles of endothelial activation, endothelial progenitor cells, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, and vascular autoantibodies. We also highlight animal models that facilitate the study of vascular and cerebral manifestations, clarifying the interconnected contributions of endothelial health to SLE-related organ damage. Finally, we discuss emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring endothelial function to improve cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric outcomes in SLE.