Furthermore, there were significant differences by using multivariable analyses adjusted for age and sex for the comparison of SNHG16, TLR4 or TRAF6 levels between SLE and HC, while a significant positive correlation was found by using multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex and medications for the comparison of SNHG16, TLR4 or TRAF6 levels with activity scores (Additional file 2: Table S2). The gene discussed is TLR4; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.