New Lay Summary - Using Genetic Data to Explore the Link Between Smoking and Palmoplantar Pustulosis

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a severe and rare pustular form of psoriasis that involves painful pustules on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The majority of people with PPP are current or previous smokers; researchers wanted to explore this association using genetic data from people with and without PPP.

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Using a statistical method called Mendelian Randomisation on large sets of genetic data, researchers found that smoking may increase blood levels of a protein called OX40, which may then have a role in the onset of PPP. This was an intriguing finding because OX40 is already associated with eczema, and several medicines that target OX40 are currently being developed as eczema treatments.

However, it is important to note that this is a statistical study, and a possible relationship between OX40 and PPP requires a lot more research. You can read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljaf280

Written by Alice Smail