GDF15 and transient ischemic attack: Previous studies have found that some GDF15(MIC1) polymorphisms are associated with different atherothrombotic manifestations such as stroke, transient ischemic attack, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. GDF15(MIC1) had also been associated with RA per se, proposing that it acts as a proinflammatory cytokine as well as a common etiologic factor for RA and CVD [11, 12].