The linear regression analysis showed that only miR-146a expression was positively correlated with the levels of TNF-α in both peripheral blood and SF of RA patients, but not correlated with the levels of other cytokines (Figure 2a) and disease activity indexes such as rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28) scores (data not shown). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.