This study was not controlled, however, as a historical control, previous studies indicated that impaired FMD and increased IMT and PWV have been associated with RA (17, 18, 31, 39, 47, 72) and biologics including TNF blockers and others may, at least transiently, improve endothelial function, atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness or at least slow down the progression of these parameters [reviewed in Szekanecz et al. (39)]. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and rheumatoid arthritis.