Adipocytokines including adiponectin and resistin are suggested to be associated with obesity-related complications.1 In general, higher systemic concentrations of resistin and adiponectin compared with paired synovial fluid counterparts were demonstrated in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.2^–4 In contrast, resistin and adiponectin levels were found to be increased at local sites of inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.3^–5 It is suggested that adiponectin in particular actively participates in the process of immune response, inflammation and matrix degradation in destructive arthritides.6 7

Erosive osteoarthritis represents a subtype of generalised osteoarthritis primarily affecting the small joints of the hands, with prominent local inflammation …