Fig 6. Relationship between serum levels of cytokines (IL–6 or TNF–α) and Gal–9 in RA patients with high ACPA titers (≥200 IU/mL).

(A) There was a significant correlation between IL–6 and Gal–9 in RA patients without advanced joint damage (Stage I). (B) In contrast, 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.