146 published articles · Updated continuously
48 trials tracked for Arthritis: 10 in phase 3 or 4 and 3 with published results. The most-cited published study has 148 citations.
Showing the 48 most-cited and recently-updated of 48 trials. Browse the full registry →
Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.
The current evidence on arthritis encompasses diverse mechanisms and clinical findings across various subtypes. For gout, a narrative review proposes a Two-Hit theoretical framework involving the gut-joint axis and m6A epigenetic modifications, where high uric acid causes bacterial stress and release of outer membrane vesicles that may drive synovial inflammation 1. In osteoarthritis, NF-κB signaling is identified as a central hub integrating mechanical stress, innate immunity, and metabolic cues to promote joint degeneration 2. Additionally, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is implicated in aging-related osteoarthritis and disc degeneration 19, and a systematic review of Dendrobium phenanthrenes notes that only 6.2% of compounds have in vivo evidence for osteoarthritis 22. For knee osteoarthritis, a cohort study found that the Cartilage Thickness Score (CTh-Score) was higher in future cases 5, and a meta-analysis of Wuqinxi exercise showed improvements in joint function 15. An umbrella review suggests curcumin may offer comparable efficacy and better tolerability than NSAIDs for osteoarthritis symptoms 16. In total knee arthroplasty, kinematic alignment was superior to mechanical alignment for function and pain outcomes 9.
For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a randomized trial found that short-term prednisolone bridging enabled 95% discontinuation after 24 months 4. A meta-analysis reported an increased risk of thyroid cancer in RA patients (HR 1.28) 7, while a narrative review found that most biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs have reassuring malignancy safety, though TNF inhibitors increase non-melanoma skin cancer risk 6. Sleep problems affect 61% of adults with RA in WHO EMRO countries 10. Microbiota-targeted interventions for elderly-onset RA require further investigation 11. A meta-analysis of upadacitinib found similar efficacy for 15 mg and 30 mg doses in RA 18. CD38+ NK cells may link disrupted immune tolerance in RA and colorectal cancer 13. Narrative reviews discuss m6A modification and metabolic reprogramming 23, CD40/CD40L signaling 20, and PAD4-mediated citrullination 21 in RA. For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, stress-induced IL-6 upregulation impairs skeletal growth 3, and a case series of ruxolitinib for systemic juvenile arthritis with macrophage activation syndrome showed improvement 14. In ankylosing spondylitis, a large meta-analysis identified 30 new genetic loci 8. For inflammatory arthritis, a living systematic review found low-certainty evidence that stopping csDMARDs before surgery may increase flare risk 17. Gut microbiome metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and bile acids regulate bone health via multiple pathways 12.
Overall, the evidence highlights the complexity of arthritis pathophysiology and treatment, with emerging roles for epigenetic modifications, microbiome interactions, and personalized surgical approaches. However, many findings are from narrative reviews or studies with limited sample sizes, and further high-quality research is needed to confirm these associations and translate them into clinical practice.
AI-generated synthesis of 22 cited studies, updated Jun 12, 2026. How we use AI.