Serum markers corresponding with JIA disease activity as identified by this study (predominantly CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL3 (MIP-1a), CCL11 (Eotaxin), MIF, CXCL9, CXCL10 and IL-18) strongly supported the biomarker panel design for our analyses. This evidence concerns the gene MIF and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.