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Aydoğan Avşar P, Kara T, Kocaman O, Akkuş M. The relationship between digit ratio (2D:4D) and intelligence levels in specific learning disorders. Early Hum Dev 2024; 196:106085. [PMID: 39084185 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher prenatal testosterone exposure regulates brain development and affects learning and intelligence directly. The digit ratio (2D:4D) is regarded as an indicator of prenatal testosterone exposure. This study aims to investigate the 2D:4D ratios and intelligence levels in individuals with specific learning disorders (SLD) and compare the ratios with healthy subjects. METHODS The study included a total of 117 patients diagnosed with SLD and 67 healthy controls. We measured the 2D:4D ratios and administered the Wechsler-Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised to assess intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in the SLD group. Sociodemographic data was obtained for both patients and healthy subjects and compared in both groups, as well as 2D:4D ratios. RESULTS Compared to healthy controls, both-hand 2D:4D ratios were found to be lower in the SLD group. In addition, male and female participants with SLD showed lower 2D:4D ratios in both hands than controls. The total scores on the WISC-R were found to decrease as the right-hand 2D:4D ratios and the age increased in the SLD group. CONCLUSION Our findings add to the literature examining the influence of prenatal testosterone exposure on learning and intelligence in the SLD sample. Further research in this domain may yield valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical implications for the management of SLDs examining additional variables that could potentially impact alongside the impact of sex hormones on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Aydoğan Avşar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Alanya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya 07425, Turkey.
| | - Tayfun Kara
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya 07425, Turkey
| | - Orhan Kocaman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya 07425, Turkey
| | - Merve Akkuş
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kütahya Health Sciences University, Kütahya 43100, Turkey
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Kaynar TB, Karayağmurlu A, Uncu GS, Vural P, Soylu N. Comparing Serum AMH, InhB, Testosterone Levels and Finger Length Ratio (2D/4D) of Male Children with Specific Learning Disorder and Controls. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2024; 67:221-227. [PMID: 39258136 PMCID: PMC11382554 DOI: 10.29399/npa.28345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction It has been suggested that inhibin B (InhB), Anti-Müllerian hormone (Müllerian-inhibiting substance, AMH) levels, and 2D/4D finger length ratios are related to sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of InhB, AMH levels, and 2D/4D finger length ratios in male children with specific learning disorder (SLD). Methods The study included 38 male children diagnosed with SLD and 38 males of similar ages without SLD as the control group. Tests used in the evaluation were the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version, Specific learning disorder clinical observation battery, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), and Conners' Parent Rating Scale. Revised Short Form. Serum AMH, InhB, and Testosterone levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Male children diagnosed with SLD demonstrated significantly higher levels of serum InhB compared to controls (t= 2.59 p=0.009); both groups had similar levels of serum testosterone and AMH. The 2D/4D finger ratios in the SLD group were found to be lower than those in the control group (t= 2.92 p= 0.005). Serum InhB levels were positively correlated with WISC-R verbal scores (p= 0.003). Conclusion Our findings suggest that serum InhB levels and the 2D/4D ratio, which is an indicator of prenatal testosterone exposure, may play a role in the male predominance of SLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Bilbay Kaynar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mus State Hospital, Muş, Turkey
| | - Ali Karayağmurlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökçe Sultan Uncu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Van Training and Research Hospital, Van, Turkey
| | - Pervin Vural
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nusret Soylu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Zuloaga DG, Lafrican JJ, Zuloaga KL. Androgen regulation of behavioral stress responses and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105528. [PMID: 38503191 PMCID: PMC11144109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Testosterone is a powerful steroid hormone that can impact the brain and behavior in various ways, including regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis) stress responses. Early in life androgens can act to alter development of brain regions associated with stress regulation, which ultimately impacts the display of stress responses later in life. Adult circulating androgens can also influence the expression of distinct genes and proteins that regulate stress responses. These changes in the brain are hypothesized to underlie the potent effects of androgens in regulating behaviors related to stress and stress-induced activation of the HPA axis. Androgens can induce alterations in these functions through direct binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or following conversion to estrogens and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). In this review, we focus on the role of androgens in regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses at different stages of the lifespan and the sex hormone receptors involved in regulating these effects. We also review the specific brain regions and cell phenotypes upon which androgens are proposed to act to regulate stress responses with an emphasis on hypothalamic and extended amygdala subregions. This knowledge of androgen effects on these neural systems is critical for understanding how sex hormones regulate stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | | | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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Dutta S, Nie CW, Sarna A, Hari P, Sengupta P. Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) as the 'anatomical marker' and reproductive 'hormonal fingerprint' in the occurrence dental plaque accumulation. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2024; 45:41-47. [PMID: 38726654 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2023-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Digit ratio (2D:4D), as endocrine fingerprint, can indicate prenatal androgen exposure. It serves as an anatomical marker for various systemic diseases and a few studies relating it to oral health. The present study aims to evaluate the association between digit ratio and susceptibility to dental plaque formation. METHODS The study was conducted on young adults aged between 18 and 25 years. Digit ratio and reproductive hormones were measured; dental plaque score and gingival index (GI) were recorded. Data were analysed using the MedCalc. v.20. RESULTS Male and female participants were categorized into two groups based on their digit ratios being either above or below the calculated average (0.99 for females, 0.98 for males). Those with a digit ratio below the average had a significantly higher mean dental plaque score (p < 0.0001) than those with ratios at or above the average. However, there was no significant difference in the GI between the two groups. Reproductive hormone profiles varied significantly between the higher and lower digit ratio groups for both sexes. CONCLUSIONS Digit ratio may find potential to be used as an anatomical marker to identify the susceptibility to dental plaque build-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Chin Win Nie
- Faculty of Dentistry, 105956 MAHSA University , Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amrita Sarna
- Faculty of Dentistry, 105956 MAHSA University , Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Padmini Hari
- Faculty of Dentistry, 105956 MAHSA University , Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
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Göksoy ŞÇ, Tanır Y, Soylu N, Baki AM, Vural P, Karayağmurlu A. The Role of Sertoli Cell Hormones in Male Preponderance Observed in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2024; 61:141-147. [PMID: 38868849 PMCID: PMC11165613 DOI: 10.29399/npa.28378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is a significant, but poorly understood, male preponderance in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between male preponderance in ASD and Inhibin B (InhB) and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and the 2D/4D finger ratio associated with fetal androgen exposure. Methods 42 patients with ASD and 42 neurotypical controls between the ages of 5 and 10 were included. ASD diagnosis and severity were determined using K-SADS PL (Kiddie-SADS - Present and Life Time) Version 2016 and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Serum InhB and AMH were measured. The 2D/4D finger length ratio was also calculated for hand anthropometric measurements. Results Serum InhB levels were higher in children diagnosed with ASD compared to the neurotypical controls (p=0.003). Serum AMH levels were similar in both groups. Positive correlation was determined between AMH and CARS scores (r=0.315, p=0.05). 2D/4D finger ratios in the ASD group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion The study findings suggest that InhB, AMH, and fetal testosterone may be associated with male preponderance in ASD. More research is now required for a better understanding of this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyda Çelik Göksoy
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yaşar Tanır
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nusret Soylu
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adile Merve Baki
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pervin Vural
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Karayağmurlu
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Istanbul, Turkey
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Aguilar R. Finger-Length Ratios and Sexual Orientation in Southern Spain: A Large Sample Study on Sex-Linked Personality and Cognitive Traits. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:3301-3312. [PMID: 37537427 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Some similarities between sex differences and sexual orientation differences, with gay men shifted in female-typical directions and lesbians shifted in male-typical directions, have been hypothesized to reflect the effects of prenatal androgen exposure. This report assessed sex-linked personality and cognitive traits in a Spanish sample of 1117 straight (i.e., heterosexual) and non-straight (i.e., non-heterosexual) men and women, using finger-length ratio (2D:4D) as an index of prenatal androgen exposure. Observed sex differences were in the expected direction: Measures of right-hand 2D:4D, left-hand 2D:4D, and anxiety were higher in straight women than men, whereas impulsivity, dominance, cognitive reflection, and mathematical proficiency were higher in straight men than women. Gay men proved to be shifted in a female-typical direction compared to straight men for right-hand 2D:4D, left-hand 2D:4D, anxiety, and cognitive reflection; they were intermediate for dominance and mathematics, and were shifted in a male-typical direction for impulsivity. Lesbians were shifted in a male-typical direction compared to straight women for left-hand 2D:4D, anxiety, cognitive reflection, and mathematics; and they were shifted in a highly female-typical direction for impulsivity and dominance (scoring lower than straight women). Observed sex-linked shifts in gay men and lesbians were larger for psychological traits that displayed larger sex differences, and smallest for impulsivity (which displayed the smallest sex difference). Evidence also suggested that sex-related measures were linked to 2D:4D in theoretically meaningful ways. In conclusion, this report suggests a plausible role of androgens as prenatal determinants of sex-linked personality and cognitive traits in straight and non-straight men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Aguilar
- Departamento de Psicología Básica, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, C/ Doctor Ortiz Ramos, 12, Ampliación de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
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Massimino S, Rinella S, Guerrera CS, Di Corrado D, Astuto R, Sorbello A, Reina F, Perciavalle V, Buscemi A, Coco M. Self-Efficacy and the Digit Ratio in a Group of Sports University Students. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:97. [PMID: 37489310 PMCID: PMC10366832 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8030097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-efficacy is one's awareness of being able to cope optimally with different situations. Perceived self-efficacy is a belief that closely involves emotional and personological functioning. In fact, when one perceives oneself as capable, the likelihood of success increases significantly. The aim of this research was to verify a possible correlation between self-efficacy and the Digit Ratio (2D:4D), referred to as prenatal androgen levels, and whether these correlate with some psychological variables, considering possible gender differences. This study involved 56 sports university students, whose 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Moreover, self-assessment questionnaires: the Self-efficacy Scale (SES), the Big Five Questionnaire-2 (BFQ-2), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y) and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were administered. The data show that the perceived levels of self-efficacy seem to be influenced by an innate predisposition linked to prenatal androgen values to which the subjects were exposed during uterine life (2D:4D). This negative correlation indicates that the higher the value of the digit ratio, the more likely it is that the level of perceived self-efficacy will be lower. Finally, the degree of perceived self-efficacy also seems to depend on the levels of subjective anxiety, understood both as a personological disposition and a contingent condition, and the latter also seems to be influenced by prenatal androgen levels, particularly in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Massimino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Sergio Rinella
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Romina Astuto
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Sorbello
- Department of Sport Sciences, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Francesca Reina
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Buscemi
- Study Center of Italian Osteopathy and Horus Social Cooperative, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Marinella Coco
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
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Rinella S, Massimino S, Sorbello A, Perciavalle V, Coco M. Cognitive Performances: The Role of Digit Ratio (D2:D4) With a Protective Factor for Anxiety. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:870362. [PMID: 38235465 PMCID: PMC10790902 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.870362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify a possible correlation between the D2:D4 ratio and state and/or trait anxiety in adult healthy subjects and, if so, whether it exists any difference between men and women. In addition, we also wanted to observe whether there is a relationship between participants' age and state and/or trait anxiety. The research involved 125 subjects of both sexes, who were calculated the D2:D4 ratio and were administered the self-assessment questionnaire State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y). Results show that there are positive significant correlations between the D2:D4 ratio and score at state anxiety and trait anxiety, in the total sample. However, if men are examined separately from women, it can be observed that only men have a statistically significant relationship between D2:D4 ratios and state anxiety and trait anxiety. Moreover, about possible relations between the age of participants and state and trait anxiety, a significant negative relationship was observed, without differences between men and women. However, only subjects with a D2:D4 ratio ≥ 1, without differences between men and women, showed a statistically significant negative linear correlation between their age and their state and trait anxiety. The present data allow us to conclude that a low D2:D4 ratio (<1) represents a protective factor against anxiety in both men and women and that this protection seems likely to act throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Rinella
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Massimino
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Sorbello
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Marinella Coco
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Andrade EF, Pereira LJ, Oliveira APLD, Orlando DR, Alves DAG, Guilarducci JDS, Castelo PM. Perceived fear of COVID-19 infection according to sex, age and occupational risk using the Brazilian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 46:533-542. [PMID: 32845795 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1809786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the fear of COVID-19 infection after proper translation and cultural adaptation of the "Fear of COVID-19 Scale" to the Brazilian Portuguese language. A sample of 1,743 Brazilian participants were included. The scale showed excellent psychometric characteristics. Women showed higher anxiety levels. Fear of COVID-19 scores were lower in males with occupational risk of contamination. On the other hand, women and younger individuals showed higher fear of COVID-19 infection scores. The Brazilian Fear of COVID-19 Scale proved to be a reliable tool with excellent psychometric properties for identifying fear of COVID-19 infection in the Brazilian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Francelino Andrade
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Physiology Area, Agrarian Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, Brazil
| | - Luciano José Pereira
- Health Sciences Department, Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Luiz de Oliveira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, Universidade Estatual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Débora Ribeiro Orlando
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Physiology Area, Agrarian Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paula Midori Castelo
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, Brazil
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Pillerová M, Borbélyová V, Pastorek M, Riljak V, Hodosy J, Frick KM, Tóthová L. Molecular actions of sex hormones in the brain and their potential treatment use in anxiety disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:972158. [PMID: 36159923 PMCID: PMC9492942 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.972158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mood disorders that can lead to impaired quality of life. Current treatment of anxiety disorders has various adverse effects, safety concerns, or restricted efficacy; therefore, novel therapeutic targets need to be studied. Sex steroid hormones (SSHs) play a crucial role in the formation of brain structures, including regions of the limbic system and prefrontal cortex during perinatal development. In the brain, SSHs have activational and organizational effects mediated by either intracellular or transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors. During perinatal developmental periods, the physiological concentrations of SSHs lead to the normal development of the brain; however, the early hormonal dysregulation could result in various anxiety diorders later in life. Sex differences in the prevalence of anxiety disorders suggest that SSHs might be implicated in their development. In this review, we discuss preclinical and clinical studies regarding the role of dysregulated SSHs signaling during early brain development that modifies the risk for anxiety disorders in a sex-specific manner in adulthood. Moreover, our aim is to summarize potential molecular mechanisms by which the SSHs may affect anxiety disorders in preclinical research. Finally, the potential effects of SSHs in the treatment of anxiety disorders are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pillerová
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Borbélyová
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Pastorek
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Riljak
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Július Hodosy
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - L'ubomíra Tóthová
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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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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Rodríguez-Ramos Á, Moriana JA, García-Torres F, Ruiz-Rubio M. Emotional stability is related to 2D:4D and social desirability in women: Possible implications on subjective well-being and psychopathology. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248368. [PMID: 33690629 PMCID: PMC7942991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotional stability-Neuroticism is a complex construct influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Women tend to exhibit higher neuroticism scores than men, which may be associated with an increased risk of suffering from some common mental conditions. Some authors have pointed out the influence of sex hormones, since they induce sexual differentiation of the brain that can lead to sex-specific behaviors. 2D:4D digit ratio is commonly used as a marker of prenatal sex hormones. In this study we analyzed whether there was an association between 2D:4D and personality measured through the BFQ in a homogeneous sample of 101 young women college students. We found a positive association between 2D:4D and emotional stability, as well as with its subdimensions emotion control and impulse control. This association could be quadratic and nonlinear. However, no association was found with the other four dimensions. We also measured anxiety, depression and global life satisfaction, variables related to neuroticism. We observed that emotional stability is positively associated to social desirability and global life satisfaction, and negatively related to anxiety and depression. On the other hand, we did not find any association between 2D:4D and anxiety, depression, and global life satisfaction. These results can be linked to other aspects such as subjective well-being and psychopathological symptoms. This study may help to better understand how these constructs are related and could lead to future projects to elucidated how these variables influence personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Rodríguez-Ramos
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Moriana
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Torres
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Rubio
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- University Hospital Reina Sofía of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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13
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Nepomuceno MV, Stenstrom E. Consumption on steroids: The effect of testosterone on preferences for conspicuous consumption and the moderating role of intrasexual competition. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Stenstrom
- Marketing Department, Farmer School of Business Miami University Oxford OH USA
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14
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Kɪlɪç F, Işɪk Ü, Demirdaş A, İnci HE. Investigation of second to fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) in patients with bipolar disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 42:617-620. [PMID: 32555980 PMCID: PMC7678901 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The etiology of bipolar disorder has yet to be fully elucidated, but differences in sex hormones have been suggested to play a role in its pathogenesis. An easily assessed marker of prenatal androgen exposure is the second-to-fourth-digit ratio (2D:4D) of the hand. In this study, we aimed to compare the 2D:4D ratio of patients with bipolar disorder to that of healthy controls. Methods: Seventy patients with bipolar disorder and 70 healthy controls, matched for age and sex, were included in the study. Finger lengths were measured from the palmar digital crease to the tip using a digital vernier caliper. Results: Patients with bipolar disorder had considerably higher right-hand 2D:4D ratios compared to controls. Both the right and left 2D:4D ratios of male patients were significantly greater than those of males in the control group. Female patients showed no differences in right or left 2D:4D ratio compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a high 2D:4D digit ratio of right hand is associated with the presence of bipolar disorder in males. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to explain the validity of this marker and its relationship with bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Kɪlɪç
- Department of Psychiatry, Süleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Ümit Işɪk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Süleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Arif Demirdaş
- Department of Psychiatry, Süleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin E İnci
- Department of Psychiatry, Süleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Isparta, Turkey
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15
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Baxter A, Wood EK, Witczak LR, Bales KL, Higley JD. Sexual Dimorphism in Titi Monkeys' Digit (2D:4D) Ratio is Associated with Maternal Urinary Sex Hormones During Pregnancy. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 62:979-991. [PMID: 31372988 PMCID: PMC7871332 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio is a sexually-dimorphic biomarker for prenatal sex hormone exposure. We investigated whether titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) exhibit sexually-dimorphic 2D:4D ratio, and whether variation in 2D:4D ratio correlates with maternal testosterone and estrogen levels during early pregnancy. Subjects were 61 adult titi monkeys (32 males, 29 females). For 26 subjects, maternal urine samples were collected approximately 15-20 weeks before birth and assayed for testosterone and estrone conjugate (E1 C). Titi monkeys exhibited a human-like pattern of sexual dimorphism in right-hand 2D:4D ratio, with females exhibiting higher 2D:4D ratio than males (β = -0.29, p = 0.023). For left-hand 2D:4D ratio, high levels of maternal E1 C predicted low offspring 2D:4D ratio (β = -0.48, p = 0.009). For right-hand 2D:4D ratio, high levels of testosterone (β = -0.53, p = 0.005) and testosterone-to-E1 C ratio (β = -0.41, p = 0.028) predicted low offspring 2D:4D ratio. For 2D:4D ratio asymmetry (right-hand - left-hand), high levels of testosterone (β = -0.43, p = 0.03) and testosterone-to-E1 C ratio (β = -0.53, p = 0.003) predicted low (right-biased) asymmetry. This is the first report of sexually-dimorphic 2D:4D ratio in New World monkeys, and the results support a growing literature suggesting prenatal sex hormones may modulate offspring 2D:4D ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | | | - Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | - J Dee Higley
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
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16
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Relationship Between Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio (as a Biomarker) and Tramadol Dependence. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1097/adt.0000000000000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Wood EK, Jarman P, Cash E, Baxter A, Capitanio JP, Higley JD. Masculinized Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratio (2D:4D Ratio) Is Associated With Lower Cortisol Response in Infant Female Rhesus Monkeys ( Macaca mulatta). Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:94. [PMID: 33088262 PMCID: PMC7497207 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) is considered a postnatal proxy measure for the degree of prenatal androgen exposure (PAE), which is the primary factor responsible for masculinizing the brain of a developing fetus. Some studies suggest that the organizational effects of PAE may extend to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stress. This study investigates the relationship between 2D:4D ratio and HPA axis functioning using a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) model. Subjects were N = 268 (180 females, 88 males) rhesus monkey infants (3–4 months of age). Plasma cortisol concentrations were assayed from two blood samples obtained during a 25-h experimental social separation stressor at 2- and 7-h post-separation. Subjects’ 2D:4D ratio was measured later in life (Mage = 6.70 years). It was hypothesized that infant rhesus monkeys that exhibited a more masculine-like 2D:4D ratio would show lower levels of circulating cortisol after a social separation and relocation stressor. The results showed that there was a sex difference in the left-hand 2D:4D ratio. The results also showed that there was an overall sex difference in cortisol concentrations and that female, but not male, monkeys that exhibited a more masculine-like right- and left-hand 2D:4D ratio exhibited lower mean stress-induced cortisol concentrations early in life. These findings suggest that higher levels of prenatal androgens in females, as measured by 2D:4D ratio, may be related to an attenuated HPA axis stress-response, as measured by plasma cortisol levels. To the extent that these findings generalize to humans, they suggest that the organizational effects of PAE extend to the infant HPA axis, modulating the HPA axis response, particularly in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Wood
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Parker Jarman
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Elysha Cash
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC), Davis, CA, United States
| | - John P Capitanio
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC), Davis, CA, United States
| | - J Dee Higley
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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18
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Buchholz VN, Mühle C, Kornhuber J, Lenz B. Lower Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Indicative of Excess Prenatal Androgen Is Associated With Increased Sociability and Greater Social Capital. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:246. [PMID: 31866841 PMCID: PMC6906175 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive social interactions are crucial for human well-being. Elevated prenatal exposure to testosterone as indicated by a low second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) relates to more aggressive/hostile behavior in men of low 2D:4D, especially in challenging situations. How much people enjoy interacting with others is determined by the personality trait sociability. Given its role in approach and avoidance behavior, sociability might also be influenced by prenatal sex hormones, but studies are inconclusive so far. Here, we investigated the association between 2D:4D and the personality trait sociability complemented by personal social capital and personal social network size, in a population-based cohort of 4998 men. Lower 2D:4D correlated significantly with higher trait sociability, bigger personal social capital, and larger personal social network size. These effects were consistent across both hands separately and their mean value. Furthermore, both factors of sociability (1) liking party and company of friends and (2) isolation intolerance, correlated significantly with the prenatal testosterone marker. The exploratory analysis revealed no link between 2D:4D and responses to the personality trait aggression items or items of anti-social-personality disorder. Our data suggest that prenatal androgen exposure organizes the brain with lasting effects on social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena N Buchholz
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom . La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland . Institut für Epidemiologie, Biostatistik und Prävention, Hirschengraben, Zurich, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland . Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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19
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Paukner A. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and its behavioral correlates in infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Dev Psychobiol 2019; 62:992-998. [PMID: 31512755 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
2D:4D ratios are typically lower in adult human males than females and are linked to numerous sex-differentiated behaviors. 2D:4D ratios are considered an indicator of prenatal androgen exposure; if so, children's 2D:4D ratios would arguably be even better indicators of prenatal androgen exposure since children have experienced fewer postnatal influences than adults. However, sex differences in 2D:4D ratios as well as associations between 2D:4D ratios and sex-typed behaviors in children have been inconsistent. Several studies also report sex differences and behavioral correlates of 2D:4D ratios in adult non-human primates, but little is known about 2D:4D ratios in infant non-human primates. This study examined sex differences in 2D:4D ratios over the first month of life, and associations with behavioral outcomes at 12-24 weeks of age, in N = 304 infant rhesus macaques. An increase in 2D:4D ratios over the first month of life was found, as well as associations with aggression and play behaviors, but no sex differences in 2D:4D ratios were observed. These results highlight the need for future developmental studies of 2D:4D ratios in order to determine not only their stability and predictive value, but also to discern the mechanism connecting prenatal androgen exposure, 2D:4D ratios, and behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Paukner
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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20
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Yuksel T, Sizer E, Durak H. 2D:4D ratios as an indicator of intrauterine androgen exposure in children who stutter. Early Hum Dev 2019; 135:27-31. [PMID: 31228858 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to explore whether there is a relationship between stuttering and digit ratio (2D:4D), which is thought to be a marker of prenatal testosterone exposure. METHODS We evaluated a total of 90 children who stutter (CWS; n = 40 mild-to-moderate and n = 50 severe stutters) and 40 healthy peers (CWNS) as controls. We used the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGIS) scale to measure the severity of stuttering. We measured the lengths of index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) of both hands directly and divided to calculate 2D:4D ratio. The difference between the right and the left hand 2D:4D ratio (DR-L) was also calculated. RESULT Significant difference was found in right 2D:4D and the mean DR-L between the CWS and CWNS groups. Right 2D:4D was significantly lower in stuttering boys than in control boys, and in stuttering girls than control girls. Also, DR-L was significantly lower in stuttering boys than control boys. In ANOVA, there were significant differences between the mild-to-moderate, severe stuttering and control groups in terms of right 2D:4D and DR-L. Right hand 2D:4D and DR-L decreased from controls to severe stutterers. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that lower right 2D:4D and DR-L were related to the presence and severity of stuttering in children, i.e. CWS had lower 2D:4D and DR-L than CWNS. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to clarify the reliability of 2D:4D ratio as an indicator of fetal sex hormone exposure level and its relation with the presence and severity of stuttering in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Yuksel
- Dicle University School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
| | - Esra Sizer
- Dicle University School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Hasan Durak
- Dicle University School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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21
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Yuan L, Kong F, Luo Y, Zeng S, Lan J, You X. Gender Differences in Large-Scale and Small-Scale Spatial Ability: A Systematic Review Based on Behavioral and Neuroimaging Research. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:128. [PMID: 31275121 PMCID: PMC6591491 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As we human beings are living in a multidimensional space all the time. Therefore, spatial ability is vital for the survival and development of individuals. However, males and females show gender differences in this ability. So, are these gender differences influenced by the scale type of spatial ability? It's not well specified. Therefore, to tackle this issue, we conducted the current research from the behavioral and neural level. Methods: Study 1 used the general meta-analysis method to explore whether individuals display the same gender differences in large- and small-scale spatial ability. Study 2 used the method of Activation Likelihood Estimation to identify the commonalities and distinctions of the brain activity between males and females on large- and small-scale spatial ability. Results: Study 1 showed that in behavior performance, males outperformed females in both large-scale and small-scale spatial ability, but the effect size of the gender difference in large-scale spatial ability is significantly greater than that in small-scale spatial ability. In addition, Study 2 showed that in terms of neural activity, males and females exhibited both similarities and differences no matter in large-scale or small-scale spatial ability. Especially, the contrast analysis between females and males demonstrated a stronger activation in the brain regions of bilateral lentiform nucleus and bilateral parahippocampal gyrus in large-scale spatial ability, and correspondence in right sub-gyral, right precuneus, and left middle frontal gyrus in small-scale spatial ability. Conclusions: The results indicated that the reason why females performed not so well in large-scale spatial ability was that they were more susceptible to emotions and their parahippocampal gyrus worked less efficiently than males; females performed not so well in small-scale spatial ability because they mostly adopted the egocentric strategy and their sub-gyral also worked less efficiently than males. The two different reasons have made for gender differences in favor of males in terms of spatial ability and such gender differences have different manifestations in large-scale and small-scale spatial ability. Possible implications of the results for understanding the issue of gender differences in spatial ability are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yuan
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Kong
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yangmei Luo
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyao Zeng
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jijun Lan
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuqun You
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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22
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Li W, Luo LY, Yang X, He Y, Lian B, Qu CH, Wu QY, Zhang JG, Xie P. Depressed female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) display a higher second-to-fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio. Zool Res 2019; 40:219-225. [PMID: 31011132 PMCID: PMC6591159 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2019.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to provide evidence of a relationship between digit ratio and depression status in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). In stable cynomolgus monkey social groups, we selected 15 depressed monkeys based on depressive-like behavioral criteria and 16 normal control monkeys. All animals were video recorded for two weeks, with the duration and frequency of the core depressive behaviors and 58 other behaviors in 12 behavioral categories then evaluated via behavioral analysis. Finger lengths from the right and left forelimb hands of both groups were measured by X-ray imaging. Finger length and digit ratio comparisons between the two groups were conducted using Student’s t-test. In terms of the duration of each behavior, significant differences emerged in “Huddling” and five other behavioral categories, including Ingestive, Amicable, Parental, Locomotive, and Resting. In addition to the above five behavioral categories, we found that depressed monkeys spent less time in parental and rubbing back and forth behaviors than the control group. Furthermore, the 4th fingers were significantly longer in the left and right hands in the control group relative to the depressed monkeys. The second-to-fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio in the left and right forelimb hands was significantly lower in the control group than that in the depressed group. Our findings revealed significant differences in finger lengths and digit ratios between depressed monkeys and healthy controls, which concords with our view that relatively high fetal testosterone exposure may be a protective factor against developing depressive symptoms (or that low fetal testosterone exposure is a risk factor).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing 400042, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ling-Yun Luo
- Department of Neurology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen Universlty Yuedong Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong 514700, China
| | - Xun Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yong He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bin Lian
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chao-Hua Qu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Borráz-León JI, Rantala MJ, Cerda-Molina AL. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and facial fluctuating asymmetry as predictors of the dark triad of personality. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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Baxter A, Wood EK, Jarman P, Cameron AN, Capitanio JP, Higley JD. Sex Differences in Rhesus Monkeys' Digit Ratio (2D:4D Ratio) and Its Association With Maternal Social Dominance Rank. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:213. [PMID: 30297989 PMCID: PMC6160532 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal androgen exposure (PAE) plays a pivotal role in masculinizing the developing body and brain, and extreme exposure may contribute to autism, anxiety disorder and schizophrenia. One commonly used biomarker for PAE is the pointer-to-ring-finger digit length (2D:4D) ratio. Although this biomarker is widely used in human studies, relatively few studies have investigated 2D:4D ratio in nonhuman primates, particularly rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), one of the most commonly used animals in biomedical research. Thus far, data suggest that sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D ratio may be in the opposite direction in some monkey species, when compared to the pattern exhibited by humans and great apes. Using a large sample size, we investigated whether rhesus monkeys' 2D:4D ratio shows the same sex-differentiated pattern present in other Old World monkey species. We also investigated whether individual differences in 2D:4D ratio are associated with the social dominance rank of subjects' mothers during pregnancy, and the social dominance rank the subjects attained as adults. Subjects were 335 rhesus monkeys between 3 years and 24 years of age (M = 6.6). Maternal dominance rank during pregnancy and subjects' adult dominance rank were categorized into tertiles (high, middle and low). Results showed that, across both hands, male rhesus monkeys exhibited higher 2D:4D ratio than females, a pattern consistent with other monkey species and a reversal from the pattern typically observed in humans and apes. This sex difference was modulated by maternal dominance rank, with female offspring of high-ranking and middle-ranking mothers exhibiting masculinized 2D:4D ratio, indicating that maternal dominance rank during pregnancy may influence levels of PAE. There was no association between subjects' 2D:4D ratio and the social dominance rank they attained as adults. These findings show a consistent sex difference in Old World monkeys' 2D:4D ratio that diverges from the pattern observed in apes and humans, and suggest maternal social dominance rank modulates PAE in rhesus monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Elizabeth K. Wood
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Parker Jarman
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Ashley N. Cameron
- California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC), Davis, CA, United States
| | - John P. Capitanio
- California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC), Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - J. Dee Higley
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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Paipa N, Stephan-Otto C, Cuevas-Esteban J, Núñez-Navarro A, Usall J, Brébion G. Second-to-fourth digit length ratio is associated with negative and affective symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Schizophr Res 2018; 199:297-303. [PMID: 29503231 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher levels of circulating oestrogens in women and testosterone in men have been shown to have a protective effect against the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia, mostly with respect to negative symptomatology. Certain studies suggest that they also have a protective effect against the neuropsychological impairment observed in the disease. We investigated whether greater prenatal exposure to estrogens in women and to testosterone in men, reflected by the 2D:4D ratio, was similarly associated with decreased negative symptomatology and improved neuropsychological functioning in patients. METHOD 51 schizophrenia patients and 50 healthy participants were administered a neuropsychological battery. The 2D:4D ratio was measured in all participants. Positive, negative, and affective symptoms were assessed in patients. Regression analyses were conducted separately in male and female subgroups. RESULTS No associations with positive symptoms were revealed. In male patients, the 2D:4D ratio was positively associated with avolition and inversely associated with anxiety. In female patients, it was inversely associated with alogia, and tended to be positively associated with depression. No association between higher prenatal concentration of the relevant sex hormone and improved neuropsychological performance emerged in patients. CONCLUSIONS Higher concentrations of prenatal testosterone in male patients, and prenatal oestrogens in female patients, are associated with a decrement in certain aspects of negative symptomatology. In addition, prenatal sex hormone concentration seems to be associated with predisposition to anxiety in male patients, and to depression in female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Paipa
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Christian Stephan-Otto
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Cuevas-Esteban
- Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Araceli Núñez-Navarro
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Judith Usall
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gildas Brébion
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.
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Antenatal ultrasound value in risk calculation for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review to support future research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:83-92. [PMID: 29778739 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing research interest on the antenatal features of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, it has been proved that the neurodevelopment is, at least partly, affected by processes occurring in fetal life and that the early neurodevelopmental disorders identification is essential to optimize long-term outcomes. This systematic review aims to summarize findings on antenatal ultrasound data, which are or might be considered early risk indexes of postnatal social impairments. We conducted systematic searches in Pubmed and PsychINFO databases to identify studies including fetal ultrasound measurements and postnatal neurodevelopmental outcome assessment. The bibliographic search included 3203 articles but after the assessment of the eligibility conducted by two independent researchers, only 26 studies were selected. Some alterations in ultrasound antenatal measurements (such as biophysical data, nuchal thickness and enlargement of cerebral ventricles) have been associated to autism spectrum disorder. However, data are still limited, controversial and not specific. Reported data are here discussed to strongly support studies on fetuses at high risk for autism spectrum disorder.
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Gooding DC, Chambers BH. Age of pubertal onset and 2nd to 4th digit ratios: Preliminary findings. Early Hum Dev 2018; 116:28-32. [PMID: 29112888 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is used as a marker of prenatal sex hormone exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relation between digit ratio and age of pubertal onset. METHODS Participants were 321 men and 202 women aged between 18 and 28 at the time of assessment who self-reported their onset of puberty (i.e., age at first conscious ejaculation or menarche). Participants' right and left digit lengths were measured from hand scans. RESULTS All groups of males, i.e., early, average, and late pubertal onset, had lower mean 2D:4D than the comparable female groups, regardless of the relative timing of their pubertal onset. Among the males, there was a significant difference in digit ratios between individuals who experienced early, average, and late onset of puberty. In the males, we observed a positive relationship between 2D:4D and age of pubertal onset for both right and left hands. There were no significant differences in 2D:4D among the three groups of female maturers. We observed no significant association between digit ratios and age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS These data lend further support for using 2D:4D as a measure of prenatal androgen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane C Gooding
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI, USA.
| | - Blake H Chambers
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI, USA
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Rapoza KA. Does life stress moderate/mediate the relationship between finger length ratio (2D4D), depression and physical health? PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Visual-spatial working memory measures are widely used in clinical and experimental settings. Furthermore, it has been argued that the male advantage in spatial abilities can be explained by a sex difference in visual-spatial working memory. Therefore, sex differences in visual-spatial working memory have important implication for research, theory, and practice, but they have yet to be quantified. The present meta-analysis quantified the magnitude of sex differences in visual-spatial working memory and examined variables that might moderate them. The analysis used a set of 180 effect sizes from healthy males and females drawn from 98 samples ranging in mean age from 3 to 86 years. Multilevel meta-analysis was used on the overall data set to account for non-independent effect sizes. The data also were analyzed in separate task subgroups by means of multilevel and mixed-effects models. Results showed a small but significant male advantage (mean d = 0.155, 95 % confidence interval = 0.087-0.223). All the tasks produced a male advantage, except for memory for location, where a female advantage emerged. Age of the participants was a significant moderator, indicating that sex differences in visual-spatial working memory appeared first in the 13-17 years age group. Removing memory for location tasks from the sample affected the pattern of significant moderators. The present results indicate a male advantage in visual-spatial working memory, although age and specific task modulate the magnitude and direction of the effects. Implications for clinical applications, cognitive model building, and experimental research are discussed.
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Jeevanandam S, Muthu PK. 2D:4D Ratio and its Implications in Medicine. J Clin Diagn Res 2016; 10:CM01-CM03. [PMID: 28208851 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2016/21952.9000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Digit ratios, especially 2D:4D ratio, a potential proxy marker for prenatal androgen exposure shows sexual dimorphism. Existing literature and recent research show accumulating evidence on 2D:4D ratio showing correlations with various phenotypic traits in humans. Ratio of 2D:4D is found to correlate negatively to testosterone and positively to oestrogen in the foetus. Interestingly, it is constant since birth and not influenced by the adult hormone levels. Usually, males have lower ratios when compared to females. Prenatal androgen exposure and therefore, digit ratios have been reported to be associated with numerical competencies, spatial skills, handedness, cognitive abilities, academic performance, sperm counts, personalities and prevalence of obesity, migraine, eating disorders, depression, myopia, autism etc. The authors have attempted to write a brief account on the digit ratios and the dimorphism observed in various physiological, psychological and behavioural traits. Also, the authors have discussed the relevant molecular basics and the methods of measurement of digit ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prathibha K Muthu
- Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital , Thandalam, Chennai, India
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Wacker J, Mueller EM, Stemmler G. Prenatal testosterone and personality: Increasing the specificity of trait assessment to detect consistent associations with digit ratio (2D:4D). JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Robinson M, Whitehouse AJO, Jacoby P, Mattes E, Sawyer MG, Keelan JA, Hickey M. Umbilical cord blood testosterone and childhood internalizing and externalizing behavior: a prospective study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59991. [PMID: 23573225 PMCID: PMC3613417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal testosterone exposure influences fetal neurodevelopment and gender-role behavior in postnatal life and may contribute to differences in developmental psychopathology during childhood. We prospectively measured the associations between umbilical cord blood testosterone levels at birth and childhood behavioral development in both males and females from a large population based sample. The study comprised 430 females and 429 males from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study where umbilical cord blood had been collected. Total testosterone concentrations were determined by mass spectrometry and bioavailable testosterone (BioT) levels were calculated. At two, five, eight and ten years of age, the participants completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Linear regression models were used to analyse the relationship between BioT concentrations (in quartiles) and CBCL scores (total, internalizing, externalizing and selected syndrome). Boys had higher mean CBCL T-scores than girls across all ages of follow-up. There was no significant relationship between cord blood BioT quartiles and CBCL total, internalizing and externalizing T-scores at age two or five to ten combined. In the syndrome score analyses, higher BioT quartiles were associated with significantly lower scores for attention problems for boys at age five, eight and ten, and greater withdrawal symptoms in pre-school girls (age five). We did not identify a consistent relationship between antenatal testosterone exposure and total, internalizing or externalizing behavioral difficulties in childhood. Higher umbilical cord BioT levels were associated with lower scores for attention problems in boys up to 10 years and more withdrawn behavior in 5-year-old girls; however, these findings were not consistent across ages and require further investigation in a larger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Robinson
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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Halil M, Gurel EI, Kuyumcu ME, Karaismailoglu S, Yesil Y, Ozturk ZA, Yavuz BB, Cankurtaran M, Arıogul S. Digit (2D:4D) ratio is associated with muscle mass (MM) and strength (MS) in older adults: Possible effect of in utero androgen exposure. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2013; 56:358-63. [PMID: 23219021 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Gamliel M, Ebstein R, Yirmiya N, Mankuta D. Minor Fetal Sonographic Findings in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2012; 67:176-86. [DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0b013e31824bb5d6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Brosnan M, Gallop V, Iftikhar N, Keogh E. Digit ratio (2D:4D), academic performance in computer science and computer-related anxiety. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Voracek M, Pietschnig J, Nader IW, Stieger S. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and sex-role orientation: Further evidence and meta-analysis. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2010.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Hönekopp J, Watson S. Meta-analysis of digit ratio 2D:4D shows greater sex difference in the right hand. Am J Hum Biol 2011; 22:619-30. [PMID: 20737609 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.21054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aims are, first, to describe the sex difference in the length ratio of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D), which likely reflects prenatal testosterone levels in humans. Second, to infer the loss of reliability observed in 2D:4D based on self-measured finger lengths. METHODS We used random-effects meta-analysis of 2D:4D based on expert-measured finger lengths (116 samples with 13,260 females and 11,789 males). RESULTS We find a moderate sex difference (with lower 2D:4D for males), which shows substantial heterogeneity (which is unrelated to age). The sex difference is moderated by the type of finger length measurement and by hand. Measurement involving the distortion of soft tissue leads to a significantly larger sex difference than finger length measurement avoiding this. The sex difference in 2D:4D is larger in the right hand than in the left. The reliability of self-measured 2D:4D in the BBC internet study, by far the largest study on 2D:4D, is estimated to be 46% of that of expert-measured 2D:4D. CONCLUSIONS Right-hand 2D:4D might be a better indicator of prenatal androgenisation than left-hand 2D:4D. The view that 2D:4D has allometric properties (Kratochvil L, Flegr J. 2009. Differences in 2nd to 4th digit length ratio in humans reflect shifts along the common allometric line. Biol Lett 5:643-646.) is not supported. Bone lengths contribute to the sex difference in 2D:4D. In addition, there might be a sex difference in fingers' soft tissue, which should be investigated. Because of measurement unreliability, correlations between 2D:4D and variables of interest are about one-third smaller in the BBC internet study than in studies in which 2D:4D is based on expert-measured finger lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hönekopp
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom.
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Lemiere J, Boets B, Danckaerts M. No association between the 2D:4D fetal testosterone marker and multidimensional attentional abilities in children with ADHD. Dev Med Child Neurol 2010; 52:e202-8. [PMID: 20491856 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2010.03684.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM It has been suggested that high levels of prenatal testosterone exposure are implied in the aetiology of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined the association between the ratio of the length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D ratio), a marker of fetal testosterone exposure, and the presence of ADHD-related cognitive and behavioural problems in children with ADHD and in typically developing comparison individuals. METHOD A clinically referred group of 64 children who fulfilled DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD (47 males, 17 females; mean age 8 y 8 mo, SD 1 y 8 mo, range 7-12 y) and 46 comparison children (25 males, 21 females; mean age 9 y 2 mo; SD 1 y 10 mo, range 7-12 y) were included in the study. The length of the second and fourth digits was measured by two independent raters. The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch) were used to assess behavioural problems and different aspects of attention. RESULTS No group differences in 2D:4D ratio were observed between children with (combined, inattentive, or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of) ADHD and comparison children. The ratio did not show the postulated relation with cognitive and behavioural aspects of ADHD. INTERPRETATION These findings challenge the hypothesis that fetal testosterone exposure plays a prominent role in the aetiology of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurgen Lemiere
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UPC-KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Examining the sex difference in lateralisation for processing facial emotion: Does biological sex or psychological gender identity matter? Neuropsychologia 2010; 48:1289-94. [PMID: 20036677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2009.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Voracek M, Loibl LM. Scientometric analysis and bibliography of digit ratio (2D:4D) research, 1998-2008. Psychol Rep 2009; 104:922-56. [PMID: 19708418 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.104.3.922-956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A scientometric analysis of modern research on the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a widely studied putative marker for prenatal androgen action, is presented. In early 2009, this literature totalled more than 300 publications and, since its initiation in 1998, has grown at a rate slightly faster than linear. Key findings included evidence of publication bias and citation bias, incomplete coverage and outdatedness of existing reviews, and a dearth of meta-analyses in this field. 2D:4D research clusters noticeably in terms of researchers, institutions, countries, and journals involved. Although 2D:4D is an anthropometric trait, most of the research has been conducted at psychology departments, not anthropology departments. However, 2D:4D research has not been predominantly published in core and specialized journals of psychology, but rather in more broadly scoped journals of the behavioral sciences, biomedical social sciences, and neurosciences. Total citation numbers of 2D:4D papers for the most part were not larger than their citation counts within 2D:4D research, indicating that until now, only a few 2D:4D studies have attained broader interest outside this specific field. Comparative citation analyses show that 2D:4D research presently is commensurate in size and importance to evolutionary psychological jealousy research, but has grown faster than the latter field. In contrast, it is much smaller and has spread more slowly than research about the Implicit Association Test Fifteen conjectures about anticipated trends in 2D:4D research are outlined, appendixed by a first-time bibliography of the entirety of the published 2D:4D literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Voracek
- Department of Basic Psychological Research, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, Rm 03-46, A-1010 Vienna, Austria.
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