What's Happening?
A research team from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) has identified nine new genes associated with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of pregnancy sickness. This discovery was made through a large-scale
genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving over 10,000 women with HG and more than 450,000 controls from diverse ancestries. Led by Marlena Fejzo, PhD, the study builds on previous research linking the GDF15 gene to HG, revealing that six of the newly identified genes had not been previously associated with the condition. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, suggest potential pathways for prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of HG, which affects about 2% of pregnancies and can lead to severe malnourishment and other health risks for both mother and child.
Why It's Important?
The identification of new genetic links to hyperemesis gravidarum is significant as it provides a deeper understanding of the biological and genetic basis of the condition, which has often been misunderstood and dismissed as psychological. This research could lead to more effective treatments and interventions, reducing the risk of severe health outcomes such as malnourishment, pregnancy termination, and postpartum depression. The study's diverse participant base suggests that the findings may be applicable across various populations, potentially improving maternal health outcomes on a broader scale. Additionally, the research opens new avenues for personalized medicine approaches, where treatments could be tailored based on an individual's genetic profile.
What's Next?
Following these findings, the research team plans to initiate a clinical trial to test the efficacy of metformin, a diabetes medication, in desensitizing women to the hormone GDF15 before pregnancy. This trial aims to reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting or prevent HG in women with a history of the condition. The study's success could lead to new preventive strategies and treatments for HG, improving quality of life for affected women. Further research will also explore the roles of the newly identified genes in normal and HG-affected pregnancies, potentially uncovering additional therapeutic targets.
