A comprehensive study spearheaded by the Sapienza University of Rome has established a beneficial association between caffeine consumption and the quantity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells observed in individuals diagnosed with lupus.
Orefice et al. investigated the impact of caffeine intake on the endothelial function of lupus patients by examining its influence on circulating endothelial progenitor cells. Image courtesy of Sci.News.
Cardiovascular ailments, characterized by the deterioration of arteries and veins, and their severe sequelae, such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, represent a predominant cause of mortality within the general populace.
For individuals afflicted with systemic inflammatory rheumatic conditions, including but not limited to lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, the susceptibility to these vascular complications is markedly elevated.
This heightened risk is attributable to a confluence of factors, encompassing the inherent pathological processes of the diseases themselves and the therapeutic interventions employed, notably corticosteroids and their derivatives.
Up to this juncture, medical guidance aimed at mitigating these vascular hazards has primarily centered on the elimination of recognized risk determinants.
Such preventative measures have traditionally included the suppression of inflammation, the judicious reduction of corticosteroid dosages, alongside established lifestyle recommendations, such as abstaining from tobacco use, managing lipid profiles, and maintaining normative blood pressure levels.
However, investigators at Sapienza University of Rome posit that patients might achieve an enhancement in their vascular well-being through an activity that is inherently pleasurable.
The laboratory findings indicate that caffeine, a ubiquitous constituent of beverages like coffee, tea, and cocoa, actively supports endothelial progenitor cells, which are instrumental in the regeneration of the vascular endothelium and play a crucial role in angiogenesis.
It is widely acknowledged that a dietary regimen replete with vitamin D (abundant in fatty fish and eggs) and vitamin A (found in a variety of fruits), alongside beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids, and characterized by low sodium intake, appears to contribute to the reduction of systemic inflammatory load.
“Our attention has also been drawn to the role of caffeine,” remarked Dr. Fulvia Ceccarelli and her research collaborators.
“Beyond its well-recognized systemic stimulant properties, caffeine also exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics due to its capacity to bind with specific receptors present on the surface of immunocompetent cells.”
“The influence of caffeine ingestion on cardiovascular health has been the subject of extensive scientific inquiry, yielding divergent conclusions.”
The research team meticulously analyzed data from 31 lupus patients who did not present with conventional cardiovascular risk factors, utilizing a seven-day dietary questionnaire.
Following this period, biological samples were acquired from the participants to assess the status of their vascular health.
The analysis revealed that individuals reporting caffeine consumption demonstrated superior vascular health, as quantified by metrics related to endothelial cells, the fundamental cellular component of the inner lining of blood vessels.
“This investigation represents an endeavor to furnish patients with insights into the potential contribution of dietary habits to disease management,” stated Dr. Ceccarelli.
“It will be imperative to validate these initial findings through a prospective longitudinal study designed to ascertain the actual impact of coffee consumption on the progression of the disease.”
The outcomes of this research have been disseminated in the esteemed journal Rheumatology.
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