MTHFR and systemic lupus erythematosus: Recent studies have brought to light an independent correlation between BAFF levels and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients suffering from SLE and highlighted the contribution of MTHFR gene variants in lupus-related subclinical atherosclerosis.15,16 Although the link between RA and cardiovascular mortality development had first been appreciated a while ago, the underlying pathogenetic events mediating the process remain largely unresolved.