WANG Yuxin,WANG Lin,SHAO Zijing,et al.Clinical strategies for poor response to biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis based on theory of "endogenous phlegm⁃dampness"[J].Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,2025,59(10):45-49.
WANG Yuxin,WANG Lin,SHAO Zijing,et al.Clinical strategies for poor response to biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis based on theory of "endogenous phlegm⁃dampness"[J].Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,2025,59(10):45-49. DOI: 10.16305/j.1007-1334.2025.z20250511001.
Clinical strategies for poor response to biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis based on theory of "endogenous phlegm⁃dampness"
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the theory of "endogenous phlegm-dampness" is considered both an intrinsic pathogenic mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a key factor in poor response to biologic agents. Phlegm-dampness stagnates the meridians, obstructing the flow of qi and blood and hindering drug distribution, thereby lowering local drug concentrations. Additionally, phlegm-dampness-related metabolic abnormalities activate immune-suppressive pathways, weakening the targeted action of biologic agents. Modern studies have shown that phlegm-dampness can exacerbate the inflammatory microenvironment by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, inducing bypass signal activation or antibody resistance. Therefore, based on the theory of "endogenous phlegm-dampness", this paper explores the potential mechanisms for poor response to biologic agents in RA treatment and proposes a clinical strategy integrating TCM and Western medicine, offering new insights for optimizing the clinical efficacy of RA treatment.
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