Experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, affects about 2% of pregnant individuals and poses significant health risks for both parent and fetus. A recent study published in Nature sheds light on the causes behind this severe condition, pointing to the influence of a fetal hormone called GDF15.
GDF15, associated with nausea and tested as a weight loss aid, sees a sharp rise in early pregnancy, continuing to increase throughout gestation. Higher GDF15 concentrations in pregnant individuals have been linked to an increased risk of vomiting and nausea. The study, led by University of Cambridge physician-scientist Stephen O’Rahilly, explored changes in GDF15 during pregnancy by studying individuals with a genetic variant producing a unique GDF15 protein from their fetuses.
The research revealed that almost all GDF15 in the parent's blood originated from the fetus. Participants reporting vomiting and nausea showed significantly higher GDF15 levels, confirming previous findings. However, the severity of sickness couldn't be explained by hormone levels alone. The study suggests that an individual's sensitivity to GDF15 may contribute to the intensity of pregnancy sickness.
In experiments with rare genetic variants associated with hyperemesis gravidarum risk, low GDF15 levels correlated with increased susceptibility to pregnancy sickness. Conversely, individuals with high GDF15 levels due to a blood disorder reported fewer symptoms. Animal experiments supported the concept of desensitization—preventing sickness by exposing individuals to slow-releasing GDF15 before the surge.
The study's findings offer insights into the complexities of pregnancy sickness and open avenues for potential preventive therapies. Desensitizing individuals to GDF15, perhaps through pre-pregnancy treatments, is proposed as a promising approach. While the study presents exciting possibilities, further research is essential before clinical implementation.
Lead researcher O'Rahilly, who has filed a related patent application, emphasizes the ongoing pursuit of pharmaceutical partnerships to advance the study beyond animal experiments, underscoring the potential clinical impact of these discoveries.
