We also analyzed the association between the different autoantibody combinations and CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), SJC and 28-joint-count disease activity score (DAS28) as measures of disease activity in our patients with RA or UA at baseline; no large differences were observed but patients positive for all three autoantibodies had the highest disease activity scores (Additional file 5: Figure S4). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.