Contrary to other biomarkers measured in this study, the concentrations of LIF were significantly higher in the asymptomatic organ donor group (228.5 (131.6) pg/ml) than those detected in the OA group (107.5 (136.9) pg/ml; P < 0.05), though compared to the RA group, these concentrations were not significantly different (128.4 (222.7) pg/ml; P = 0.14). This evidence concerns the gene LIF and rheumatoid arthritis.