TNF and lupus nephritis: Lupus nephritis group had significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-1β compared to healthy controls (5.967 ± 2.402 ng/ml vs. 5.098 ± 1.072 ng/ml, P = 0.023; 6.213 ± 2.807 ng/ml vs. 4.441 ± 1.381 ng/ml, P = 0.001, respectively).