Journal Article

Single-cell atlas of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum

Yao, Xueqiang, Hu, Haixi, Wu, Ke, Wen, Jie

2025

Overview

In early pregnancy, approximately 70% of women experience nausea and vomiting, with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) can potentially lead to severe fluid and nutritional imbalances that require hospitalization. Although HG often resolves on its own in the early stages of pregnancy, its severity is linked to ketosis and elevated serum urea levels, as well as an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. To further investigate the immune status of HG patients, we plan to conduct single-cell transcriptomic sequencing and plasma proteomic analysis of peripheral blood samples. This approach aims to elucidate the interactions and mechanisms of PBMCs and provide new insights into potential therapeutic interventions. Our findings indicate an increased proportion of neutrophils in HG patients, along with the upregulation of interferon genes and associated pathways. Notably, the activity of interferon-related TFs, such as STAT1, IRF7, and IRF9, was significantly elevated. Additionally, we observed a decrease in T cell activity in HG patients, while the functionality of NK cells and CD14 monocytes was enhanced. The elevated plasma levels of NDEL1 may also have implications for fetal development. We have constructed a single-cell atlas of PBMCs from pregnant women with HG, which is expected to enhance our understanding of the immune response in HG and identify potential therapeutic targets for this condition.