Scientists find new genes linked to severe pregnancy toxicosis
Scientists have identified new genes associated with a severe form of toxicosis of pregnancy - hyperemesis gravidarum. This is important because it confirms that the condition is biological, not psychological.
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).