Metabolic Modulators in Cardiovascular Complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial disorder with contributions from hormones, genetics, and the environment, predominantly affecting young women. Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in SLE, and hypertension is more prevalent among SLE patients. The dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immune cells in SLE, along with their infiltration into kidney and vascular tissues, is a pivotal factor contributing to the cardiovascular complications associated with SLE. The activation, proliferation, and differentiation of CD4+ T cells are intricately governed by cellular metabolism. Numerous metabolic inhibitors have been identified to target critical nodes in T cell metabolism. This review explores the existing evidence and knowledge gaps concerning whether the beneficial effects of metabolic modulators on autoimmunity, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and renal injury in lupus result from the restoration of a balanced immune system. The inhibition of glycolysis, mitochondrial metabolism, or mTORC1 has been found to improve endothelial dysfunction and prevent the development of hypertension in mouse models of SLE. Nevertheless, limited information is available regarding the potential vasculo-protective effects of drugs that act on immunometabolism in SLE patients.