Scientists say that a protein released by fetal cells in the placenta influences the risk of experiencing severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Their findings point to potential association of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), a fetal hormone, with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and its severe form, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
They also found that that women who had high levels of the hormone GDF15 before they got pregnant had minimal reactions to it while carrying their baby. GDF15, which is produced at low levels by organs including the prostate, bladder and kidneys, can trigger nausea by binding to specialized receptors in the brainstem.
This finding will open up methods for treatment and prevention. However the scientists are not sure whether it's only GDF15 which is responsible for morning sickness. There could be other reasons too.
Whatever the case is, this needs to be carefully assessed and trialed because it's not fully understood what exactly is the role of GDF15 in a normal pregnancy. Note the disastrous consequences when attempt was made in the 1960 - 1970 era when the drug "Thalidomide" was used to treat this condition.
One possibility is for people who have generally low levels of GDF15 could be given increasingly high doses of the hormone while trying to conceive, to desensitize them to it and reduce their chances of experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy.
Alternatively, they could be given antibodies that block GDF15 or GDF15 receptors, to reduce nausea and vomiting. At least two antibodies against GDF15 are being tested in clinical trials for another condition.
They also found that that women who had high levels of the hormone GDF15 before they got pregnant had minimal reactions to it while carrying their baby. GDF15, which is produced at low levels by organs including the prostate, bladder and kidneys, can trigger nausea by binding to specialized receptors in the brainstem.
This finding will open up methods for treatment and prevention. However the scientists are not sure whether it's only GDF15 which is responsible for morning sickness. There could be other reasons too.
Whatever the case is, this needs to be carefully assessed and trialed because it's not fully understood what exactly is the role of GDF15 in a normal pregnancy. Note the disastrous consequences when attempt was made in the 1960 - 1970 era when the drug "Thalidomide" was used to treat this condition.
One possibility is for people who have generally low levels of GDF15 could be given increasingly high doses of the hormone while trying to conceive, to desensitize them to it and reduce their chances of experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy.
Alternatively, they could be given antibodies that block GDF15 or GDF15 receptors, to reduce nausea and vomiting. At least two antibodies against GDF15 are being tested in clinical trials for another condition.
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