| Summary: | Xiushuai Shang, Zhaofei Wang, Hairong Tao Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Implant, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of articular joint arthritis and a cause of significant morbidity. In this review, we present the role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in pain generation, relationship between NGF and OA pain, and pathogenic factors (interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β1, mechanical loading, and adipokines) involved in OA development. Since NGF blocking is an efficient way to inhibit OA-associated pain, we summarize four categories of drugs that target NGF/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling. In addition, we discuss the future of NGF/TrkA antagonists and underline their potential for use in OA pain relief. A better understanding of the causes and treatment of OA will facilitate the development of more effective methods of OA pain management. Keywords: osteoarthritis, pain, nerve growth factor, TRPV1, TrkA
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