Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Chlordecone Impregnation in Martinique

Chlordecone, an organochlorine pesticide, was widely used on banana farms in the French West Indies. Studies by Inserm and health authorities have confirmed the contamination of the food chain and the majority of the population of the French West Indies by chlordecone. Epidemiological studies conducted in the French West Indies have shown that exposure to chlordecone at the levels observed is associated with an increased risk of developing several diseases, including premature birth and prostate cancer. Many of the adverse effects associated with chlordecone could be explained by its estrogenic hormonal properties, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease whose sensitivity to estrogen is well known and is reflected by 1) its clear predominance in women, 2) its predominance in women of childbearing age, 3) its risk of exacerbation in the event of pregnancy. Chlordecone has the potential to modify the activity of SLE through mechanisms other than its pro-estrogenic effects. In rats, chlordecone was observed to induce alterations such as a reduction in lymphocyte count, thymic atrophy, and a decrease in splenic germinal centers and NK cells. In a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), exposure to chlordecone results in increased production of immune complexes and anti-DNA antibodies, which are markers of disease activity and monitoring. Chlordecone also has a cellular effect that reduces the apoptosis of potentially auto-reactive lymphocyte…

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Benoît SUZON, PhD  ·  05 96 55 97 05  ·  benoit.suzon@chu-martinique.fr

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