RASFs are considered to be the main catabolic factor in cartilage bone degradation, as they stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines typically associated with RA disease, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-8 and IL-6 (5). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.