Study identifies biological mechanism behind severe hepatitis E in pregnancy

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a biological mechanism explaining why hepatitis E tends to follow a more severe course during pregnancy, according to a new study. The work points to rising levels of placental lactogen hormone in later stages of pregnancy, which the researchers said trigger the production of certain lipids that create conditions favoring greater viral replication. In experiments on cell cultures and rabbits, the team found that elevated levels of oleic acid and phosphatidylethanolamine increased viral replication. Blocking the lipid production pathways responsible led to a marked reduction in replication, the researchers reported. Hepatitis E infection can cause serious complications, particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy, including liver failure, fetal problems and maternal death. The researchers said the findings could support the development of treatments targeting the lipid pathways the virus relies on, though they stressed that further studies, especially in humans, are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.