Scientists find new genes linked to severe pregnancy toxicosis

It's about the largest genetic study ever conducted.

Details

The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Southern California.

They analysed data from:

• 10,974 women with hyperemesis gravidarum
• 461,461 participants without the condition
• from different ethnic groups

The method was a whole-genome analysis (GWAS).

The results showed:

• 10 genes associated with the condition were identified
• 6 of them were detected for the first time
• the GDF15 gene plays a key role

This gene is linked to a hormone whose levels rise sharply during pregnancy.

The analysis also showed

• the severity of symptoms depends on sensitivity to this hormone
• other genes are linked to appetite, metabolism and brain function

Why it matters

Hyperemesis gravis is a serious condition, not "ordinary nausea."

Researchers note

• the condition affects about 2 per cent of pregnant women
• can lead to dehydration and exhaustion
• sometimes requires hospitalisation

The new findings:

• confirm the biological nature of the condition
• open new avenues for treatment
• may help in the development of personalised therapies

Background

For a long time, severe toxicosis was considered a psychological problem.

However, recent research suggests that it is linked to hormonal and genetic factors.

Source

The study is based on the largest genetic analysis of hyperemesis gravidarum involving more than 470,000 women. The work is published in Nature Genetics (2026).