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Gámez S, Cobo J, Fernández-Lafitte M, Coronas R, Parra I, Oliva JC, Àlvarez A, Esteba-Castillo S, Giménez-Palop O, Corripio R, Palao DJ, Caixàs A. An Exploratory Analysis on the 2D:4D Digit Ratio and Its Relationship with Social Responsiveness in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031155. [PMID: 36769803 PMCID: PMC9917981 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder produced by a lack of expression of paternally derived genes in the 15q11-13 region. Research has generally focused on its genetic and behavioral expression, but only a few studies have examined epigenetic influences. Prenatal testosterone or the maternal testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (MaTtEr) has been suggested to play an important role in the development of the 'social brain' during pregnancy. Some studies propose the 2D:4D digit ratio of the hand as an indirect MaTtEr measure. The relationship between social performance and MaTtEr has been studied in other neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but to our best knowledge, it has never been studied in PWS. Therefore, our study aims to clarify the possible existence of a relationship between social performance-as measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)-and MaTtEr levels using the 2D:4D ratio. We found that, as a group, PWS individuals have shorter index and ring fingers than the control group, but no significant difference in the 2D:4D ratios. The 2D:4D ratio showed a correlation only with Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior Subscale, where a positive correlation only for male individuals with PWS was found. Considering only PWS with previous GH treatment during childhood/adolescence (PWS-GH), index and ring fingers did not show differences in length with the control group, but the 2D:4D ratio was significantly higher in the right or dominant hand compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gámez
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona—CIBERSAM, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jesus Cobo
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona—CIBERSAM, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT)—CERCA, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Meritxell Fernández-Lafitte
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona—CIBERSAM, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Ramón Coronas
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona—CIBERSAM, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Isabel Parra
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona—CIBERSAM, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT)—CERCA, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Joan Carles Oliva
- Statistics Unit, Fundació Parc Taulí—(I3PT)—CERCA, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Aida Àlvarez
- Department of Mental Health, Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, 08221 Terrassa, Spain
| | - Susanna Esteba-Castillo
- Specialized Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Department, Institut d’Assistència Sanitària, Parc Hospitalari Martí i Julià, 17190 Girona, Spain
- Neurodevelopment Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute IDIBGI, Institut d’Assistència Sanitària, Parc Hospitalari Martí i Julià, 17190 Girona, Spain
| | - Olga Giménez-Palop
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Raquel Corripio
- Pediatric Endocrine Department, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institutd’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Diego J. Palao
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona—CIBERSAM, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT)—CERCA, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Assumpta Caixàs
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08202 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (A.C.)
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Ernsten L, Körner LM, Schaper ML, Lawrenz J, Richards G, Heil M, Schaal NK. The association of prenatal amniotic sex hormones and digit ratio (2D:4D) in children aged 5 to 70 months: A longitudinal study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282253. [PMID: 36952430 PMCID: PMC10035896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The sex difference of the 2D:4D digit ratio (female > male)-a proposed marker for prenatal testosterone exposure-is well established. Studies suggest it already exists in utero and is of moderate effect size in adulthood. However, evidence for the claim that 2D:4D reflects prenatal androgen action is limited, and the sex difference may exhibit lability during childhood. In the present study, 244 mothers were recruited in the course of an amniocentesis examination (performed between gestational weeks 14 and 18). Prenatal testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) levels were determined from amniotic fluid for boys and girls. The majority (97.4%, n = 114) of available female T levels (n = 117) were found below the level of quantification. Therefore, only male amniotic fluid data (n = 117) could be included for the analysis of associations between amniotic sex hormones (T levels and T to E ratio (T/E)) and 2D:4D. The families were then invited to each of the five consecutive follow-ups (ages: 5, 9, 20, 40, and 70 months) where children's 2D:4D was measured for both hands. The alternative marker D[r-l] reflects the directional asymmetry of 2D:4D (right subtracted by left 2D:4D) and was subsequently calculated as an additional measure for prenatal T exposure. No significant correlations between amniotic T or the T/E ratio (measured between week 14 and 18 of gestation) with 2D:4D respectively D[r-l] were observed for any time point. There was a significant sex difference (females > males) and a significant age effect with moderate correlations of 2D:4D between time points. 2D:4D increased between 20 and 40 months and between 40 and 70 months of age. The findings raise questions regarding the applicability of 2D:4D as a marker for prenatal androgen action and are discussed in terms of the reliability of obtained digit ratio data as well as in terms of the developmental timing of amniocentesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Ernsten
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lisa M Körner
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marie Luisa Schaper
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Judith Lawrenz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gareth Richards
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Heil
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nora K Schaal
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Maternal Age and Behavior during Pregnancy Affect the 2D:4D Digit Ratio in Polish Children Aged 6–13 Years. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091286. [PMID: 36138765 PMCID: PMC9527011 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The length of the second and fourth finger calculated as a ratio (2D:4D) is a marker of prenatal exposure to sex hormones. Higher exposure to testosterone is related to a lower 2D:4D digit ratio, and inversely, higher exposure to estrogen is related to a higher 2D:4D. The digit ratio in humans (prenatally determined by sex hormone levels and androgen receptor activity) is associated with multiple biological, cognitive, and behavioral traits, as well as health in later life. The aim of this study was to verify if maternal traits during pregnancy are associated with 2D:4D among their children. Methods: We investigated 537 boys, 646 girls, and their mothers. The investigation consisted of a questionnaire and a measurement part. In the questionnaire, we included questions about maternal traits during pregnancy such as: illnesses, active and passive smoking, work activity, psychological trauma (death or serious illness of a loved one, divorce, job loss), and age. We performed length measurements of the second and fourth fingers on both hands for both study groups. Results: The GLM analysis showed that children of smoking mothers were characterized by a higher 2D:4D R as compared to their peers whose mothers did not smoke (β = 0.10, p = 0.0008). In turn, the offspring of women who worked during pregnancy exhibited lower 2D:4D R values than the children of women who did not work (β = −0.07, p = 0.0233). It should be noted, however, that the effects of those maternal factors were small, as each of them explained less than 1% of 2D:4D R in the population, adjusted for child age and sex. Pearson’s linear correlation revealed that maternal age was negatively correlated with 2D:4D R in daughters (r = −0.11, p = 0.0137), but not in sons (r = 0.02, p = 0.6908). The negative correlation of 2D:4D R with maternal age indicates that the daughters of older mothers exhibited lower values of that ratio relative to the same-age daughters of younger mothers. Conclusions: For both study groups, the right-hand digit ratio was positively correlated with maternal smoking and negatively with maternal work during pregnancy. Maternal age during pregnancy was negatively related to right hand 2D:4D only among girls.
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Iljin A, Antoszewski B, Szewczyk T, Sitek A. The 2D:4D index is associated with the development of excess body weight in adults, but not with the rate of weight loss following bariatric surgery. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8078. [PMID: 35578001 PMCID: PMC9110364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12306-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
2D:4D finger length ratio is a proxy of prenatal sex hormone exposure. Prenatal testosterone decreases and prenatal estrogens increase this index. In the current study we investigated whether the 2D:4D index, as a marker of the prenatal hormonal environment, is associated with the development of overweight and obesity in adults, and whether is it correlated with the rate of weight loss in patients after bariatric surgery. We tested 125 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), 125 adults with overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and 153 persons with normal body weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) of both sexes. We have found that the development of excessive body weight in men and women, and fat accumulation in the upper arms, thighs and lower legs in women with obesity (but not men) are associated with increased prenatal estrogen exposure. This relationship indicates a new area of activity in the field of obesity prevention. Moreover, it seems that the 2D:4D index (especially of the right hand) may be a useful factor in early prediction of the risk of developing excessive body weight in humans. The rate of weight loss after bariatric surgery is independent of prenatal exposure to sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Iljin
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153, Łódź, Poland
| | - Bogusław Antoszewski
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153, Łódź, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szewczyk
- Clinical Department of Gastroenterology, Oncology and General Surgery, USK No. 1, ul. Kopcińskiego 22, 90-153, Łódź, Poland.,Department of General Surgery, Regional Health Center, ul. Gen. Józefa Bema 5-6, 59-300, Lubin, Poland
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, ul. Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
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Kuczyński W, Wibowo E, Hoshino T, Kudrycka A, Małolepsza A, Karwowska U, Pruszkowska M, Wasiak J, Kuczyńska A, Spałka J, Pruszkowska-Przybylska P, Mokros Ł, Białas A, Białasiewicz P, Sasanabe R, Blagrove M, Manning J. Understanding the Associations of Prenatal Androgen Exposure on Sleep Physiology, Circadian Proteins, Anthropometric Parameters, Hormonal Factors, Quality of Life, and Sex Among Healthy Young Adults: Protocol for an International, Multicenter Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e29199. [PMID: 34612837 PMCID: PMC8529469 DOI: 10.2196/29199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ratio of the second finger length to the fourth finger length (2D:4D ratio) is considered to be negatively correlated with prenatal androgen exposure (PAE) and positively correlated with prenatal estrogen. Coincidentally, various brain regions are sensitive to PAE, and their functions in adults may be influenced by the prenatal actions of sex hormones. Objective This study aims to assess the relationship between PAE (indicated by the 2D:4D ratio) and various physiological (sex hormone levels and sleep-wake parameters), psychological (mental health), and sexual parameters in healthy young adults. Methods This study consists of two phases. In phase 1, we will conduct a survey-based study and anthropometric assessments (including 2D:4D ratio and BMI) in healthy young adults. Using validated questionnaires, we will collect self-reported data on sleep quality, sexual function, sleep chronotype, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In phase 2, a subsample of phase 1 will undergo polysomnography and physiological and genetic assessments. Sleep architecture data will be obtained using portable polysomnography. The levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, melatonin, and circadian regulatory proteins (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput [CLOCK], timeless [TIM], and period [PER]) and the expression levels of some miRNAs will be measured using blood samples. The rest and activity cycle will be monitored using actigraphy for a 7-day period. Results In Poland, 720 participants were recruited for phase 1. Among these, 140 completed anthropometric measurements. In addition, 25 participants joined and completed phase 2 data collection. Recruitment from other sites will follow. Conclusions Findings from our study may help to better understand the plausible role of PAE in sleep physiology, mental health, and sexual quality of life in young adults. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/29199
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Kuczyński
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Erik Wibowo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tetsuro Hoshino
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Disorder Center, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Aleksandra Kudrycka
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Małolepsza
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Urszula Karwowska
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Milena Pruszkowska
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Wasiak
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kuczyńska
- Department of Microbiology and Laboratory Medical Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Spałka
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Łukasz Mokros
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Adam Białas
- Department of Pathobiology of Respiratory Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Białasiewicz
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ryujiro Sasanabe
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Disorder Center, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mark Blagrove
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - John Manning
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise, and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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Association of prenatal sex steroid exposure estimated by the digit ratio (2D:4D) with birth weight, BMI and muscle strength in 6- to 13-year-old Polish children. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258179. [PMID: 34606496 PMCID: PMC8489707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this paper was to provide evidence for the impact of prenatal sex steroid exposure on prenatal and postnatal body size parameters, and muscle strength in children. Methods The following anthropometric data were studied in a group of 1148 children (536 boys and 612 girls) aged 6–13 years: the 2D:4D digit ratio, birth weight and length, and birth head and chest circumference. Postnatal parameters (6–13 years) included body weight and height, BMI, waist and hip circumference, WHR, as well as grip strength in both hands. All parameters that required it were adjusted for sex and gestational or chronological age. A general linear model, Pearson’s correlation, t-statistics and Cohen’s Δ were used in statistical analysis. Results Among birth size parameters, only birth weight was significantly negatively correlated with the 2D:4D digit ratio in children. Higher (feminized) digit ratios were significantly correlated with postnatal parameters such as body weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumference (positively), as well as hand grip strength–a proxy for muscular strength (negatively). Conclusion Problems with maintaining adequate body size parameters and muscle strength may be programmed in fetal life and predicted on the basis of the 2D:4D digit ratio. Body weight at birth and in early ontogenesis are additive correlates of the 2D:4D ratio. The present findings suggest that the 2D:4D digit ratio is related to postnatal phenotypes such as birth weight, overweight, and obesity as well as muscle strength in 6–13-year-old children of both sexes.
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Thyroid diseases and second to fourth digit ratio in Polish adults. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18979. [PMID: 34556783 PMCID: PMC8460635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98436-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between second to fourth finger ratio and thyroid diseases is unexplained. There is a possible interaction between prenatal exposition to sex hormone and thyroid functions in the adulthood. The study included 175 adults investigated in Łódź in the central Poland. It consisted of two main parts: a survey including questions about occurrence of thyroid gland dysfunction and anthropometric measurements (body mass and height and length of the second and fourth finger, waist and hip circumferences). The women who had thyroid disease had higher 2D:4D digit ratio (left hand) (mean = 1.004; SD = 0.036) than healthy ones (mean = 0.989; SD = 0.030) (t = − 2105; p = 0.038; d = 0.707). The association between thyroid diseases occurrence and prenatal steroid hormone exposition is noticed. Only females who had thyroid diseases tend to have higher 2D:4D digit ratio, for left hand.
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Pruszkowska-Przybylska P, Sitek A, Rosset I, Sobalska-Kwapis M, Słomka M, Strapagiel D, Żądzińska E, Morling N. Cortisol concentration affects fat and muscle mass among Polish children aged 6-13 years. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:365. [PMID: 34452601 PMCID: PMC8394106 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cortisol is a steroid hormone acting as a stress hormone, which is crucial in regulating homeostasis. Previous studies have linked cortisol concentration to body mass and body composition. Methods The investigations were carried out in 2016–2017. A total of 176 children aged 6–13 years in primary schools in central Poland were investigated. Three types of measurements were performed: anthropometric (body weight and height, waist and hip circumferences), body composition (fat mass FM (%), muscle mass – MM (%), body cellular mass - BCM (%), total body water - TBW (%)), and cortisol concentration using saliva of the investigated individuals. Information about standard of living, type of feeding after birth, parental education and maternal trauma during pregnancy was obtained with questionnaires. Results The results of regression models after removing the environmental factors (parental education, standard of living, type of feeding after birth, and maternal trauma during pregnancy) indicate a statistically significant association between the cortisol concentration and fat mass and muscle mass. The cortisol concentration was negatively associated with FM (%) (Beta=-0.171; p = 0.026), explaining 2.32 % of the fat mass variability and positively associated with MM (%) (Beta = 0.192; p = 0.012) explaining 3.09 % of the muscle mass variability. Conclusions Cortisol concentration affects fat and muscle mass among Polish children. Trial registration The Ethical Commission at the University of Lodz (nr 19/KBBN-UŁ/II/2016). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02837-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Pruszkowska-Przybylska
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Iwona Rosset
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marta Sobalska-Kwapis
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Słomka
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dominik Strapagiel
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Żądzińska
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.,Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Niels Morling
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's Vej 11, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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AÇAR G, DİGİLLİ B, SAĞLAM A, ÇİÇEKCİBAŞI A. The relationship of the digit ratio (2D:4D) with body fat distribution and handgrip strength in medical students. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.855244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Pruszkowska-Przybylska P, Sitek A, Rosset I, Sobalska-Kwapis M, Słomka M, Strapagiel D, Żądzińska E, Morling N. Associations between second to fourth digit ratio, cortisol, vitamin D, and body composition among Polish children. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7029. [PMID: 33782473 PMCID: PMC8007693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86521-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Associations between body characteristics (body composition: fat mass, muscle mass, cell, and water mass as well as body proportion—BMI), the 2D:4D digit ratio, and the concentrations of cortisol and vitamin (25-OH)D among Polish children have not been studied before. A total of 133 (73 girls and 60 boys) healthy Polish children aged 7–11 years were examined. The investigation was divided into three parts: measuring (the length of the second and fourth fingers in both hands, body composition, and body height and mass), questionnaires (socioeconomic status), and laboratory investigations (25-OH vitamin D and cortisol concentrations in saliva measured with ELISA methods). Boys with digit ratios below 1 had lower vitamin D concentration than those with digit ratios equal to or higher than 1 (Z = − 2.33; p = 0.019). Only boys with the male-typical pattern of 2D:4D digit ratio tended to have a lower 25-OH vitamin D concentration in saliva. Thus, it might indicate an effect of prenatal programming on the concentrations of steroid hormones in later life. Neither vitamin D, 2D:4D digit ratio nor the cortisol level was associated with the body components or proportions. More studies are needed to evaluate the molecular and genetic background of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - Iwona Rosset
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Sobalska-Kwapis
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.Pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Słomka
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.Pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dominik Strapagiel
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.Pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Żądzińska
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237, Lodz, Poland.,Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Niels Morling
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's Vej 11, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Association patterns between 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche: the impact of methodology. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/anre-2020-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The ratio of index finger to ring finger length (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic feature and widely used as an indicator of prenatal androgen-estrogen exposure. Several studies have investigated the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and the onset of the first menstrual period (menarche) in women.
The present study tested the association patterns between 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche. Furthermore, the impact of methods of measuring finger lengths was considered.
Two samples were used to conduct the study. One sample consisted of 110 women who self-measured their finger lengths. The finger length measurements in the second sample (88 women) were taken from one trained observer using the caliper-based technique. Age at menarche was determined using a retrospective method.
Women from the first sample reported an average age for the onset of the first menstrual bleeding at 12.9 (SD = 1.4) years of age. There was no significant association between the left and right 2D:4D ratio and the age at menarche. The second sample showed a mean age at menarche at 12.8 (SD = 1.3) years of age. Here, the right hand 2D:4D ratio and age at menarche were significantly correlated (p<0.001).
A more feminine 2D:4D ratio was significantly associated with an earlier menarcheal age only in the sample with direct finger length measurements by a trained investigator. The sample using self-measurements yielded no significant associations between menarcheal age and 2D:4D. The use of a reliable and well-founded methodology is essential for obtaining meaningful results.
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Pruszkowska-Przybylska P, Sitek A, Rosset I, Sobalska-Kwapis M, Słomka M, Strapagiel D, Żądzińska E, Morling N. Association of saliva 25(OH)D concentration with body composition and proportion among pre-pubertal and pubertal Polish children. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 32:e23397. [PMID: 32022365 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Due to increasing problems with obesity and vitamin D deficiency among children, studies that tackle both problems together are needed. METHODS Data were collected from 182 randomly selected children aged 6-13 years in primary schools in central Poland. Measures included anthropometric dimensions, body composition, questionnaires completed by participants' parents, and saliva samples. The level of 25(OH)D was assessed from the saliva samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The children were divided into two groups: pre-pubertal (girls below 10 years and boys below 11 years) and pubertal individuals (girls above 10 years and boys above 11 years). RESULTS The 25(OH)D concentrations were higher in late spring (June) among pre-pubertal children than in the autumn (November-December) among pubertal children. The level of 25(OH)D was positively correlated with body cell mass (BCM,%) among all children (pubertal: R = 0.20, P = .044; pre-pubertal: R = 0.23, P = .041) and inversely associated with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) among pubertal children of both sexes (R = -0.25; P = .031). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that investigation in spring (June) and breastfeeding was associated with increased muscle mass (MM, %) (beta = 0.253, P = .003 and beta = 0.225, P = .005, respectively) and total body water (TBW, %) (beta = 0.276, P = .004 and beta = 0.246, P = .011, respectively) and was associated with decreased body mass index (BMI; beta = -0.222, P = .024 and beta = -0.269, P = .009, respectively) and fat mass (%) (beta = -0.288, P = .003 and beta = -0.266, P = .005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Season of salivary sampling and breastfeeding status were more strongly associated with body components, BMI and WHR, than 25(OH)D concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Iwona Rosset
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marta Sobalska-Kwapis
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Słomka
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dominik Strapagiel
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Żądzińska
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.,Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Niels Morling
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Agha-Alinejad H, Farzad B, Akbari M, Moffit DM, Dakhili A. Digit ratios and motor and health-related fitness in pre-adolescent females. Ann Hum Biol 2019; 46:225-230. [PMID: 31106581 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2019.1620332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Assessing different aspects of physical fitness in children whose abilities are undeveloped and their associations with second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) may better determine the potential athleticism of an individual.Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine relationships between the digit ratios and selected motor and health-related fitness parameters in a large sample of pre-adolescent females.Subjects and methods: Participants included 8-12 year old Iranian and Afghan girls. The length of the left and right second and fourth digits was measured by scanning and computer-assisted image analysis. Motor- and health-related fitness tests were evaluated.Results: No significant correlations were noted between right 2D:4D ratio and physical fitness components. Left 2D:4D and physical fitness components were not correlated, with the exception of handgrip strength (r = -0.193). However, right and left second digit lengths were negatively correlated with predicted VO2max (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, right-left 2D:4D was significantly negatively correlated with flexibility, and significantly positively correlated with height and body fat percentage.Conclusion: In contrast to previous investigations, it seems that left 2D:4D is a predictor of strength, but not aerobic exercise. It is suggested there may be a potential relationship between prenatal androgen exposure and high flexibility, low body fat percentage and the generation of muscular strength in pre-adolescent females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Agha-Alinejad
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Farzad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Physical Education & Sports Science, Azad University, Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Akbari
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education & Sports Science, Azad University, Tehran Central Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dani M Moffit
- Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA
| | - Amirbahador Dakhili
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Sex differences in relationship between body composition and digit length ratio (2D:4D) in students of military courses. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/anre-2018-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is believed that the second to fourth finger length ratio is an indirect indicator of fetal testosterone levels. It is pointed out that there is a relationship between the 2nd to 4th finger length ratio and the body structure in women and men. Studies on the relationship between body composition and 2D:4D finger length among military students have not been carried out so far. The work aims to determine the dependence of body composition and the quotient of the 2nd and 4th fingers length of military students. The research material has been gathered as a result of examinations of women and men studying military subjects. The study involved 55 women and 65 men. The tests included anthropometric measurements (body height, body weight, length of the second and the fourth fingers) and body composition measurements. As a result of the tests, no dimorphic differentiations in the digit length ratio (2D:4D) was indicated. The BMI, muscle mass, lean body mass and water in the body demonstrated higher values in men than in women. However, the fat content in men was low. It was found that the relationship exists between muscle mass, lean mass and total water content in the body and the 2D:4D finger length ratio in the left hand in women. A higher level of fetal testosterone, characterized by lower values of the 2nd to 4th finger length ratio, may be associated with a higher content of muscle mass, lean body mass and water in the body of adult women leading a similar lifestyle.
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