To evaluate the association between an 8-week standardized Qingpao Chushi Jiedu Fang (QCF) regimen and changes in clinical severity, oral microbiota, and circulating cytokines in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).
Approach:
Study Design: Thirty PPP patients received an 8-week QCF regimen. Clinical severity, oral microbiota, and serum cytokines were assessed before and after treatment.
Assessment Methods: Clinical severity was measured using PPPASI, DLQI, and VAS. Oral microbiota was analyzed via 16S rDNA sequencing, and serum cytokines were quantified.
Key Findings:
PPPASI significantly decreased from week 2 onward (p 0.05).
DLQI declined significantly at weeks 4–8 (p < 0.05).
Pain scores improved at week 6 compared to week 2 (p < 0.05), and itch scores improved at week 8 (p < 0.05).
Oral microbial α- and β-diversity shifted significantly after treatment (p < 0.05), with smokers showing more pronounced changes.
Cytokine levels changed, with IL-1β, IL-4, and IFN-α decreasing and IFN-γ increasing after treatment (all p < 0.05).
Interpretation:
QCF treatment was associated with significant clinical improvement, oral microbiota remodeling, and modulation of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential microbiome-immune axis in PPP.
Limitations:
Small sample size of 30 patients.
Lack of a control group for comparison.
Conclusion:
The findings support further controlled studies to explore the microbiome-immune interactions in PPP.
