In the SLE group, there was no association between baED-FMD and age, gender, BMI, serum C3, C4, blood pressure, atherogenic index, duration of SLE, anti-dsDNA and aFABP levels, SLEDAI, SLICC/DI, atherogenic index, daily prednisolone dose or cIMT (data not shown). This evidence concerns the gene C3 and systemic lupus erythematosus.