Fig 5. Relationship between serum levels of cytokines (IL–6 or TNF–α) and Gal–9 in RA patients with or without advanced joint damage.

(A) There was a significant correlation between IL–6 and Gal–9 in RA patients without advanced joint damage (Stage I). (B) Conversely, there was a significant correlation between TNF–α and Gal–9 in RA patients with advanced rheumatoid joint damage (Stage II–IV). The correlations were determined using Spearman’s rank correlation test.