In RA, L5 may promote atherosclerosis by enhancing the formation of macrophage foam cells, up-regulating the expression of M1 macrophage-related markers in vascular plaque formation and atherosclerosis, and improving the expression level of atherosclerosis-related mediators (such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) (111). This evidence concerns the gene TNF and atherosclerosis.