Adiponectin can also stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), leading to joint inflammation and destruction, respectively [27], and women with erosive OA of the hands have higher serum levels of adiponectin levels compared with those with nonerosive hand OA [28]. This evidence concerns the gene ADIPOQ and rheumatoid arthritis.