PRL and systemic lupus erythematosus: Although the risk of developing SLE from exposure to other sex hormones such as PRL remains controversial, a pathogenic role of PRL in SLE can be inferred based on epidemiological and experimental animal studies (Costanza et al., 2015; Karimifar et al., 2013; Orbach et al., 2012; Saha et al., 2011; Shelly, Boaz & Orbach, 2012).