New genetic insights may improve treatment for pregnancy-related liver disease

An international study has identified ten previously unknown genetic regions linked to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The research, involving scientists from Finland, Iceland, Estonia, and Denmark, analyzed genetic data from over 4,700 women with ICP and more than 436,000 controls. The findings support the theory that ICP stems from a disruption in liver metabolism triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, according to Jaakko Tyrmi, the study’s lead author and a researcher at the universities of Tampere and Oulu.

The 26 genetic regions identified affect how the liver processes bile acids, fats, and cholesterol. ICP typically appears after the 30th week of pregnancy, with severe itching of the palms and soles as the most common symptom. Diagnosis relies on elevated liver enzymes and bile acid levels in the blood.

While the condition usually resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of complications such as preterm delivery and stillbirth. Women who have had ICP also face a higher risk of later developing liver and bile duct diseases, such as fatty liver disease, gallstones, and bile duct inflammation, as well as autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease, thyroid disorders, and type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in Nature Communications in late May, may help identify at-risk groups, improve diagnostics and treatments, and predict associated diseases.