If an individual with rheumatoid arthritis chronically takes high doses of NSAIDs, what distinguishes the inflammatory response in their affected joints compared to someone not on NSAIDs?

💡 Explanation

NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing prostaglandin synthesis. While this initially reduces inflammation, the underlying cause remains, and other inflammatory pathways (cytokines, NF-kB) persist, leading to chronic inflammation. Therefore, even with reduced prostaglandins, inflammation continues rather than resolving due to lipoxins, because COX inhibition is not complete.

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