NFKB1 and osteoarthritis, knee: Studies have shown that elevated levels of TNF-α are closely associated with the degree of inflammation and disease severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.[14,15] The TNF pathway facilitates the degradation of the cartilage matrix by inducing the release of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β and MMPs.[16,17] Additionally, it regulates chondrocyte apoptosis and bone metabolism imbalance, exacerbating the progression of knee osteoarthritis.[18] Research on genes like TNF, TNFR, and NF-κB has revealed their significant roles in knee osteoarthritis.