Several studies have shown that cardiovascular morbimortality is more frequent and early in SLE patients than in the general population and cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Disturbances in endothelial function are implicated in its pathogenesis. Endothelial function also depends on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) that enhance angiogenesis, promote vascular repair and have potential as a marker of cardiovascular disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients have endothelial dysfunction and fewer EPCs. There are studies showing improvement of endothelial function and EPCs after physical exercise program in individuals with heart failure, diabetes and coronary arterial disease, but there isn't studies evaluating endothelial function and EPCs after.
