Impaired Fracture Healing in the Absence of TNF-alpha Signaling: The Role of TNF-alpha in Endochondral Cartilage Resorption
It is quite common for drugs to be developed and marketed that affect certain biochemical pathways before we fully understand these pathways. This is evidenced by the withdrawal of many medications after they are approved by the FDA. Of particular concern for me is the new drugs that block TNF-alpha being used for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s and psoriasis.
While I understand that many patients with these conditions are suffering with their symptoms, I know that many of these patients have not exhausted (or, in many cases, even attempted) natural approaches. TNF-alpha is now known to be an integral component of bone healing and formation, fighting off cancer and fighting off infections. Blocking this messenger may yield more long term problems than it solves.
Impaired Fracture Healing in the Absence of TNF- Signaling: The Role of TNF- in Endochondral Cartilage Resorption.