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A study published in the July issue of the Journal of Autoimmunity, and reported
in the news media, suggests a possible link between lupus and
chemicals known as phthalates. In
the study, different types of phthalates used in the manufacture
of plastics, cosmetics, dyes, and adhesives were injected into
lupus-prone mice, causing the mice to develop the disease.
The mice received doses that were in excess of what
the average person normally would encounter in daily life. It has to be recognized that the strains
of mice used for this study were very susceptible to the development
of a lupus-like disease. Phthalates did not cause lupus in
normal mice. There is no demonstration that the compounds
alone are able to elicit autoimmunity.
It is always necessary to interpret
data from mice studies cautiously. It
is not known if the results from mice studies are applicable
to human disease.
Certain environmental factors are believed
to be involved in triggering lupus in people who are genetically
predisposed to the disease. The
results of this study demonstrate the need for additional research
to better understand the exact role certain environmental factors
play in triggering lupus disease activity.
Lupus Foundation of America
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