MMP9 and rheumatoid arthritis: These changes were related to the beneficial effect of TNFαI on the levels of circulating biomarkers of vascular endothelial dysfunction (i.e., sVACAM-1, MCP-1, MMP-9 and ADMA), which may be clinically relevant and contribute to the reported protective effect of anti-TNF-α therapy against cardiovascular risk in RA patients.