Here, PVAT-associated galectin-3 is identified as a good biomarker for detecting early vascular pathology in CIA and a promising candidate for translation to RA; an idea underpinned by the knowledge of its critical role in, macrophage chemotaxis, phagocytosis, neutrophil extravasation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis that in turn trigger cardiometabolic traits such as adiposity, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. This evidence concerns the gene LGALS3 and rheumatoid arthritis.