Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (706 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Disorders of connective tissue, especially the joints and related structures, characterized by inflammation, degeneration, or metabolic derangement.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Disease, Rheumatic; Diseases, Rheumatic; Rheumatic Disease; Rheumatism.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Musculoskeletal Diseases; Connective Tissue Diseases
- Narrower topics
- Arthritis, Juvenile; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Fibromyalgia; Gout; Hyperostosis, Sternocostoclavicular; Osteoarthritis; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Rheumatic Fever
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 291,134 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Rheumatic Diseases” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 64,893 of them (22.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 102,671 records.
Reviews account for 44,743 records (15.4%) and meta-analyses for 4,522. Randomized controlled trials number 12,263 (4.2%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 102,671 |
| 2000-2009 | 47,338 |
| 2010-2019 | 76,232 |
| 2020 onward | 64,893 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 44,743 | 15.4% |
| Meta-analyses | 4,522 | 1.6% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 12,263 | 4.2% |
Method: PubMed query "Rheumatic Diseases"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Post-NGP Mitsuokella jalaludinii as a Therapeutic Candidate for Gout | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42742486 · DOI · PMC13576961 |
| Knee Osteoarthritis Therapy Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome: Progress From Mechanism to Application | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42765444 · DOI · PMC13591545 |
| Research progress of mitophagy and its targeted therapeutic strategies in rheumatoid arthritis | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42959626 · DOI · PMC13717360 |
| Molecular hydrogen and osteoarthritis: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness | 2027 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42734458 · DOI · PMC13667352 |
A Post-NGP Mitsuokella jalaludinii as a Therapeutic Candidate for Gout [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Gout is a common inflammatory disease closely associated with hyperuricemia, and its global prevalence is increasing, highlighting the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies.
- Closing excerpt
- Therefore, PMC73 represents a promising microbiome-based candidate with relevance to gout-associated hyperuricemia, warranting further in vivo and clinical investigations.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (250 words)
Gout is a common inflammatory disease closely associated with hyperuricemia, and its global prevalence is increasing, highlighting the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Recently, microbiome-based therapeutics have emerged as promising alternatives, and the development of functionally validated NGP and their advanced forms, post-NGP strains, is gaining increasing attention. In this study, microbiome-derived bacterial strains were screened based on their in vitro uric acid (UA)-reducing capacity and hypoxanthine utilization. Among the tested strains, Mitsuokella jalaludinii exhibited the most pronounced uric acid reduction and growth enhancement in response to purine substrates compared to conventional lactic acid bacteria. This strain reduced uric acid levels by approximately 30% after 48 h (p < 0.001) and showed significantly increased growth in purine-enriched minimal medium (p < 0.01). WGS further confirmed its strain-level novelty, leading to its designation as PMC73, and revealed the presence of genetic features associated with purine metabolism and UA regulation. In a MSU-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage model, PMC73 significantly reduced UA levels (p < 0.001) and modulated immune responses by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines while decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. These effects were associated with suppression of the NLRP3-caspase-1, along with downregulation of URAT1 and XOD, indicating coordinated regulation of uric acid production, reabsorption, and inflammatory pathways. Based on safety evaluation, including d-lactate production, cytotoxicity assays and oral toxicity assessment in a mouse model, demonstrated that PMC73 exhibited no pathogenic or toxic properties. Therefore, PMC73 represents a promising microbiome-based candidate with relevance to gout-associated hyperuricemia, warranting further in vivo and clinical investigations.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42742486 · DOI · PMC13576961
Knee Osteoarthritis Therapy Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome: Progress From Mechanism to Application [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveThis paper briefly reviews the structure, function, and activation mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its molecular role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and explores the potential value of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating KOA by modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity.
- Closing excerpt
- Strategies derived from TCM that target this inflammasome may offer promising avenues for developing precise and effective treatments for KOA.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (205 words)
ObjectiveThis paper briefly reviews the structure, function, and activation mechanism of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its molecular role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and explores the potential value of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating KOA by modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity. The review covers evidence from mechanistic studies, in vitro experiments, in vivo models, and currently available clinical-related findings.MethodsTo investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in KOA, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and various Chinese biomedical repositories (CNKI, CBM, VIP, COJ). Emphasis was placed on studies published in the past 5 years concerning TCM-based interventions targeting NLRP3 in KOA models, facilitating comparative analysis and synthesis of recent evidence.ResultsNLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in multiple pathological processes of KOA, including cartilage degradation, inflammation of the synovium, programmed cell death (pyroptosis), and the activation of osteoclasts. Interventions using TCM-such as herbal monomers, multi-compound formulas, external preparations, and acupuncture-can mitigate these pathological events by modulating NLRP3 activity.ConclusionThe NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical mediator in KOA pathophysiology, influencing inflammation, cartilage deterioration, pyroptosis, and bone metabolism. Strategies derived from TCM that target this inflammasome may offer promising avenues for developing precise and effective treatments for KOA.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42765444 · DOI · PMC13591545
Research progress of mitophagy and its targeted therapeutic strategies in rheumatoid arthritis [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by persistent joint inflammation and progressive bone destruction.
- Closing excerpt
- This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy and its pivotal role in RA, along with recent advances in mitophagy-targeted therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide novel insights for RA treatment.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (109 words)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by persistent joint inflammation and progressive bone destruction. In recent years, mitophagy-a selective form of autophagy-has garnered increasing attention. As a critical cellular process, mitophagy specifically removes damaged mitochondria and maintains mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolic balance. Accumulating evidence suggests that mitophagy not only regulates cell survival and metabolic reprogramming but also plays a central role in preserving immune homeostasis, modulating immune cell polarization, and suppressing inflammatory signaling. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy and its pivotal role in RA, along with recent advances in mitophagy-targeted therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide novel insights for RA treatment.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42959626 · DOI · PMC13717360
Molecular hydrogen and osteoarthritis: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by a self-perpetuating cycle of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation.
- Closing excerpt
- Clinical translation remains at an early stage; progress will depend on integrating intelligent, localized delivery systems with rigorously designed clinical trials to validate molecular hydrogen as a safe and effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (142 words)
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by a self-perpetuating cycle of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation. Current therapies provide only symptomatic relief and do not alter disease progression, highlighting the urgent need for effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs. Molecular hydrogen has emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate due to its unique selective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. This review summarizes the multi-target mechanisms of molecular hydrogen and highlights innovative delivery technologies designed to overcome its key pharmacokinetic limitations, especially rapid diffusion and short residence time in the joint. We critically evaluate advanced strategies ranging from sustained-release injectable depots to stimulus-responsive nanocarriers and cell-based delivery systems. Clinical translation remains at an early stage; progress will depend on integrating intelligent, localized delivery systems with rigorously designed clinical trials to validate molecular hydrogen as a safe and effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42734458 · DOI · PMC13667352
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [5]
- Research article MicroRNAs in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies [6]
- Research article Risk factors for the development of knee osteoarthritis across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Relationship Between Fear of Movement and Physical Activity in Patients With Cardiac, Rheumatologic, Neurologic, Pulmonary, or Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [8]
- Research article Can quantitative sensory testing predict treatment outcomes in hip and knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data [9]
- Research article Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [10]
Full-text reviews on EvidenceLib
Open-access review articles about this topic, reproduced in full with authors, licence and references.
Serum Amyloid A in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: A Compendious Review of a Renowned Biomarker
Iva Sorić Hosman, Ivanka Kos, Lovro Lamot · Frontiers in Immunology 2021 · CC BY 4.0
Aromatase Inhibitors—Induced Musculoskeletal Disorders: Current Knowledge on Clinical and Molecular Aspects
Sara Tenti, Pierpaolo Correale, Sara Cheleschi et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020 · CC BY 4.0
References
- Hossain MS, Kim S, Aziz MT, Ahmed I, Shuvo MSH, Yang H, et al.. A Post-NGP Mitsuokella jalaludinii as a Therapeutic Candidate for Gout. . 2026. PMID 42742486 · DOI · PMC13576961
- Chen W, Yi B, Wang Z, Yu C, Li Z, Wu Z, et al.. Knee Osteoarthritis Therapy Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome: Progress From Mechanism to Application. . 2026. PMID 42765444 · DOI · PMC13591545
- Zhang Y, Ge F, Wang X. Research progress of mitophagy and its targeted therapeutic strategies in rheumatoid arthritis. . 2026. PMID 42959626 · DOI · PMC13717360
- Chen J, Pan D, Zhao Y, Lin J, Tong J. Molecular hydrogen and osteoarthritis: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness. . 2027. PMID 42734458 · DOI · PMC13667352
- Cao M, Ou Z, Sheng R, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhang C, et al.. Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025. PMID 40055739 · DOI · PMC11887158
- Yang X, Yin P, Yao X, Zhang J. MicroRNAs in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. J Orthop Surg Res. 2025. PMID 40665331 · DOI · PMC12261755
- Duong V, Abdel Shaheed C, Ferreira ML, Narayan SW, Venkatesha V, Hunter DJ, et al.. Risk factors for the development of knee osteoarthritis across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2025. PMID 40174718 · DOI
- Goubran M, Farajzadeh A, Lahart IM, Bilodeau M, Boisgontier MP. Relationship Between Fear of Movement and Physical Activity in Patients With Cardiac, Rheumatologic, Neurologic, Pulmonary, or Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2025. PMID 40188486 · DOI · PMC12207065
- Murphy MC, Mosler AB, Rio EK, Coventry M, Raj IS, Chivers PT, et al.. Can quantitative sensory testing predict treatment outcomes in hip and knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. Pain. 2025. PMID 40310871 · DOI
- Wang C, Yao B. Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Med Res. 2025. PMID 41107915 · DOI · PMC12535052
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.