TNF and rheumatoid arthritis: Among the analyzed cartilage degradation markers, serum levels of C2C and COMP were significantly higher in women with RA before anti-TNF-α therapy [145.26 (123.82–156.00) ng/mL, 863.45 (728.05–1071.20) ng/mL, respectively] compared to those of the controls [98.42 (74.90–119.71) ng/mL, 605.67 (423.66–906.72) ng/mL, respectively], (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively; Figure 3a,d).