Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine if anti-rheumatic treatment in form of methotrexate (MTX) and/or anti-TNF (anti-TNF) reduced serum PTX3 (s-PTX3) levels in IRDs, and if s-PTX3 levels were related to other inflammatory markers, and to endothelial function (EF). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.