Dr. Treadwell’s study concentrated on understanding how specific chemical compounds existing in pristane, which is found in mineral oil and used for many food preparations, may cause systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus). Lupus is an immune disorder which causes the body to make an abnormal amount of antibodies, which protect against viruses, cancer and other foreign agents which may enter and harm the body. If Dr. Treadwell’s study indicates that specific chemical compounds can induce arthritis conditions like lupus, we can then avoid or modify these compounds to potentially prevent diseases such as lupus.