Methotrexate inhibits BMP4 and abrogates the hypertrophic chondrocyte phenotype of synovial fibroblasts in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Methotrexate, the first-line therapy in the treatment of JIA, mimics BMP4 antagonists by effectively lowering BMP4 and ColX expression in FLS. Inhibiting FLS from undergoing hypertrophy could prevent these cells from contributing to joint growth disturbances via endochondral bone formation.