The initial study found that serum HMGB1 levels were increased in patients with AS but were not associated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), or ASQoL scores (123). The gene discussed is HMGB1; the disease is spondylitis.