〔Abstract〕 Objective This study aimed to explore the role of SGK-1 in the occurrence of temporomandibular joint(TMJ) osteoarthritis(TMJ-OA). Methods Sixteen rats were randomly divided into Control group(Control group) and TMJ-OA group(TMJ-OA group), and TMJ-OA group was injected with sodium iodoacetate(MIA) intra articular cavity while Control group was injected with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Pain behavior was assessed by measuring the head withdrawal threshold(HWT) with a von-Frey apparatus. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Safranin O-fast green stains were used to observe the histological structure changes of the condyle of TMJ-OA rats. Real-time PCR was performed to exam the expression levels of mRNA of SGK-1, MMP-13, IL-1β, COX-2 in mandibular condylar cartilage(MCC). HE stain was used to observe the histological structure changes of the trigeminal ganglion(TG) of TMJ-OA rats. Real-time PCR was performed to exam the expression levels of mRNA of SGK-1, COX-2 in TG. Results MIA injection induced typical OA-like lesions in the TMJ within 28 days. Administration of MIA led to the significant decrease in HWT, disordered of the condyle cartilage and subchondral bone structure, demyelination aggravated of nerve fibers in TMJ rats. Compared with rats in Control groups, the expression levels of SGK-1 in MCC and TG of rats in TMJ-OA group were upregulated. Conclusion In the pathological process of TMJ-OA, SGK-1 may plays an important role not only in cartilage structural damage but also in pain transmission.