There is also a lack of knowledge on the relationship between exposure to drugs used in the treatment of RA (glucocorticoids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs [DMARDs], non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], and cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] inhibitors) and NT-proBNP levels in patients with RA. The gene discussed is NPPB; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.