Moreover, it was found that in sera of SLE patients, the level of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is decreased; whereas certain proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23, and B-cell activating factor (BAFF), are all upregulated accordingly (6). This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.