NGF and Arthritis: There is also evidence that nerve growth factor receptors are upregulated in osteoblasts during arthritis and play an important role in remodelling and repair of osteoarthritic joints, while inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α) and mechanical stress stimuli have been found to promote NGF expression in articular cartilage and synovial tissue, further exacerbating pain (Zhao L. et al., 2024).