CD40LG and rheumatoid arthritis: Moreover, antibodies of RA such as anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and rheumatoid factor immunoglobulin M (RF IgM) as well as inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) have been positively associated with impaired endothelial function and progressive carotid plaque, respectively.