We observed that the trend in changing levels of sVCAM-1 is a stronger marker of clinical response as measured by reduction in ECLAM score, compared with conventional serum markers of SLE disease activity (anti-dsDNA antibody, complement C3 and C4 levels, ESR), as well as other soluble CAM (sICAM-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin). The gene discussed is C3; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.