No significant associations were found between ANGPTL4 concentrations and any of the variables tested, i.e. age, duration of RA, ESR, DAS28 (measurement of disease activity for patients with RA), IMT (a measurement of atherosclerosis development), blood pressure, body mass index, smoking, previous cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus, plasma TC, TG, LPL protein, HDL or CRP concentrations (Table 4). This evidence concerns the gene CRP and rheumatoid arthritis.