The transcription factor early growth response-1 (EGR-1) is mainly involved in the regulation of tissue injury, immune response, and fibrosis (41), and its high expression has been linked to the progression of the RA inflammatory response (42) and can regulate RA-FLS proliferation and apoptosis through the extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway (43). This evidence concerns the gene EGR1 and rheumatoid arthritis.