The aim of the present study was to examine the modulation of ADAM17 and also inflammatory cytokines/chemokines including TNFα and CX3CL1 in patients with RA in response to therapy of ABT, since ADAM17 is the predominant protease catalyzing the release of crucial cytokines that are involved in a cascade of events leading to RA. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and rheumatoid arthritis.