The ART group had lower mRNA and protein expressions of AKT, P13K, Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, and mTOR of cartilage tissues than the RA group but higher expressions of LC3-II, Bax, LC3-I, and Becline-1 of cartilage tissues and chondrocytes. Here, AKT1 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.