With respect to subgroup analyses, comparison between the MTX monotherapy and MTX + prednisone subgroups revealed significant decreases in IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, and VEGF in the latter subgroup post-therapy, but only IL-8 in the former, possibly supporting the role of low-dose corticosteroids in the management of early RA. Here, CXCL8 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.