Mean serum BAFF levels (pg/ml) in the HC group were 323.56 ± 65.85, the NSDE group were 355.21 ± 87.86 (p=0.11), the pSS group were 455.94 ± 155.16 (p<0.0001) and the RA group were 418.15 ± 175.99 (p=0.001). The gene discussed is TNFSF13B; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.