Compared to control rats, mRNA expression of RA autophagy-related core genes IFNG, CXCR4, CASP1, TNFSF10, CTSB and FAS were significantly elevated, while EGFR, MYC, MAPK8, FOXO1 and FOXO3 expression was reduced in the synovial tissues. This evidence concerns the gene EGFR and rheumatoid arthritis.