Study of TNF-Antagonism in Metabolic Syndrome

Exclusion Criteria

• •1. Positive PPD (³ 5mm induration) on screening
• •2. Current Infection
• •3. Therapy with glucocorticoid or immunosuppressant at time of recruitment or within past 3 months
• •4. Reception of live vaccine within 1 week of recruitment
• •5. History of blood dyscrasia including any kind of anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia. Women with a reversible cause of anemia that has resolved will be eligible.
• •6. History of malignancy (except patients with surgically cured basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers who will be eligible)
• •7. History of organ transplantation
• •8. History of CNS demyelinating disorder or any first degree relative with multiple sclerosis
• •9. History of CHF classes I-IV
• •10. Current use of insulin, any oral anti-hyperglycemic agents, pentoxyfylline, beta-agonists
• •11. Current use of fibrate or niacin
• •12. Initiation of statin therapy within prior 6 weeks or expecting a change in statin dose over the upcoming 3 months
• •13. Hemoglobin \< 11 g/dl
• •14. Positive pregnancy test
• •15. Women of child-bearing potential not currently using non-hormonal birth control methods including barrier methods (IUD, condoms, diaphragms) or abstinence
• •16. Patients with known autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (excluding patients with stable, treated hypothyroidism)