A Structured Review of TNF-α–NF-κB Axis in Arthritis: Molecular Mechanisms, Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents, and Advanced Therapeutic and Predictive Strategies
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Abstract
Background: Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathways are responsible for initiating and driving inflammatory responses in arthritis progression. The pathophysiology of arthritis involves the regulation of cytokine secretion, immune cell activation, and joint tissue degradation. Extensive studies have resulted in a scattered understanding of natural product effectiveness in modulating molecular mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies corresponding to this signalling axis.
Objectives: This systematic review aimed to synthesise and evaluate current knowledge on TNF-α–NF-κB signalling in arthritis progression while identifying research gaps and highlighting potential directions for therapeutic targets.
Methodology: The PRISMA framework was utilised with advanced search strategies across Scopus and PubMed with the keywords “arthritis,” “TNF-α,” and “NF-κB.” Following screening and eligibility inclusion, 82 primary studies published between 2025 and 2026 were included for analysis from a large dataset. The findings were systematically categorised into three major themes.
Results: Theme 1 explores the role of natural products, traditional medicine, and bioactive compounds on TNF-α/NF-κB signalling. The second theme addresses molecular mechanisms, demonstrating complex regulatory networks that drive arthritis pathogenesis. While theme 3 focuses on emerging therapeutic strategies comprising targeted drug delivery systems, bioinformatics-driven target identification, and predictive screening approaches to enhance treatment precision.
Conclusion: Therefore, this review highlights the significance of TNF-α–NF-κB signalling as a key interplay between inflammation, tissue degeneration, and therapeutic intervention in arthritis. By integrating current mechanistic evidence, it provides an updated framework that enhances understanding of arthritis pathogenesis and supports the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
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