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Arazi H, Birak Olia RB, Eghbali E. Are the digit ratio (2D:4D) and hand grip strength related to Parkinson disease in elderly males? BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:34. [PMID: 36941653 PMCID: PMC10026433 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00642-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex hormones affect the pathogenesis of Parkinson patients and it has been suggested that gender is the most important factor in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that the second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is affected by the prenatal testosterone and estrogen levels and can predict predisposition to disease. In addition, decreased muscle strength in people with Parkinson's has been repeatedly reported. Hand grip strength (HGS) is a suitable measure to evaluate the musculoskeletal system among the elderly and it is considered as an indicator of the overall strength of the body. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between Parkinson's disease and HGS and 2D:4D ratio. METHODS In this study 117 elderly men with Parkinson disease (mean age of 61.66 ± 11.28 years) and 156 healthy control subjects (mean age of 61.86 ± 6.29 years) participated. After determining the level of disability of Parkinson patients by a neurologist (level of disability in the range of 1-4), anthropometric indices (height, weight, length of the second and fourth fingers) and maximum HGS were measured. RESULTS Although 2D:4D ratios (right and left hand) of male patients with Parkinson's disease were higher than those of healthy males, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12, P = 0.40; respectively). Conversely, HGS for the right and left hands of Parkinson patients were significantly lower than those of healthy males (P = 0.02, P = 0.03; respectively). The results showed a significant negative relationship between Parkinson disease and the right and left HGS (R = -0.16, P = 0.005; R = -0.17, P = 0.003; respectively). Parkinson disease had no significant relationship with 2D:4D of the right hand, left hand, mean finger ratio and DR-L 2D:4D (P > 0.05). The regression results showed that the right and left HGS were not able to predict Parkinson disease (P = 0.25, P = 0.16; respectively). CONCLUSION We concluded that HGS was negatively associated with the Parkinson disease, but conversely, 2D:4D may not be a valuable biomarker of elevated risk of Parkinson in elderly males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Arazi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, P.O. Box: 41635-1438, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Roghayeh Bavafa Birak Olia
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, P.O. Box: 41635-1438, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ehsan Eghbali
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, P.O. Box: 41635-1438, Rasht, Iran
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Fonseca CDAD, Martelli DRB, Maia CMF, Dias VO, Carvalho AA, Júnior HM. Digital biomarker 2D:4D as a predictor of cancer: A systematic review. Early Hum Dev 2022; 164:105521. [PMID: 34922146 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The digital ratio between the second and fourth digits of the hands, known as 2D:4D, is sexually dimorphic. It has been suggested that a low 2D:4D indicates high exposure to prenatal testosterone and low estrogen exposure while a high 2D:4D indicates the inverse. The 2D:4D may be predictive of cancer susceptibility, and this may be particularly true in cancers that show differences between sexes in their occurrence. AIM To conduct a systematic review of published epidemiological literature examining the association between 2D:4D and cancer. METHOD This review was carried out according to criteria recommended for the systematic review of Statement PRISMA. We enrolled 25 papers involving eleven cancer topographies with 4,569 cases and 19,416 controls from Europe, America, Asia and Australia. RESULTS We noticed variations and discrepancies in the results of the association between 2D:4D and cancer among the studies, either in those that had evaluated the same or different types of cancer, or in the same or distinct lateralities. However, a high 2D:4D was considered a likely predictor of cancer risk in 11 of 25 studies, a low 2D:4D was suggested as a predictor of risk in eight papers, and five of the twenty-five studies did not demonstrate any association. CONCLUSIONS Although this biomarker has the advantage of being easy to measure, it is noted that its relationship with sex hormone levels at specific stages of life has not yet been well quantified, and it has still been questioned. Hence, it is suggested that those findings from studies involving 2D:4D as a proxy for foetal hormone exposure should be interpreted with caution, as well as those studies which claim its association with cancer. Thus, this review shows the need for a greater number of epidemiological studies using more homogeneous methodology and techniques to better investigate the strength of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia de A D Fonseca
- Health Science Program, State University of Montes Claros, Unimontes, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Medicine School, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Daniella R B Martelli
- Dental School, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Célia M F Maia
- Health Science Program, State University of Montes Claros, Unimontes, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Verônica O Dias
- Dental School, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriana A Carvalho
- Health Science Program, State University of Montes Claros, Unimontes, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Medicine School, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hercílio Martelli Júnior
- Health Science Program, State University of Montes Claros, Unimontes, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Dental School, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Center for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of José Rosario Vellano, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Richards G, Medland SE, Beaton AA. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and handedness: A meta-analysis of the available literature. Laterality 2021; 26:421-484. [PMID: 33517845 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2020.1862141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The Geschwind-Behan-Galaburda and sexual differentiation models predict an association between elevated foetal androgen exposure and left-handedness whereas the callosal hypothesis predicts the opposite. We present a meta-analysis of correlations between handedness and digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker of prenatal testosterone. Left-handedness predicted low (male-typical) right-hand digit ratio (R2D:4D), high (female-typical) left-hand digit ratio (L2D:4D), and low R2D:4D-L2D:4D directional asymmetry (D[R-L]). Effect sizes were extremely small and not moderated by sex or method of measuring handedness or 2D:4D. The same general pattern was observed after excluding the very large study (110,329 males, 90,412 females) of Manning and Peters ([2009]. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and hand preference for writing in the BBC Internet Study. Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain and Cognition, 14(5), 528-540. doi:10.1080/13576500802637872); however, no significant effects for R2D:4D were observed once these samples were removed. The results do not confirm any theory linking prenatal androgens with handedness, so we speculate they instead reflect the mechanical action of writing causing subtle changes in the musculature and/or fat pads of the fingers. Gripping a pen/pencil might cause an increase in 2D relative to 4D (and/or decrease in 4D relative to 2D) resulting in higher ratios on the writing-hand; furthermore, this could differ between left- and right-handers due to writing in the left-to-right direction (as in English) having asymmetrical effects depending on which hand is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Richards
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development & Learning, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah E Medland
- Psychiatric Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.,School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alan A Beaton
- Department of Psychology, School of Human & Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
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James WH, Grech V. Can sex ratios at birth be used in the assessment of public health, and in the identification of causes of selected pathologies? Early Hum Dev 2018; 118:15-21. [PMID: 29428574 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper will consist of two parts. In the first, further support is given to the proposal that offspring sex ratios (proportions male) may usefully be regarded as indicators of public health. In the second, it is shown that sex ratios may help in the identification of the causes and effects of several pathologies that seriously impinge on public health viz. autism, testicular cancer, hepatitis B and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H James
- Galton Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6HH, UK
| | - Victor Grech
- Victor Grech, Academic Department of Paediatrics, University of Malta Medical School, Msida, Malta.
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The Association of Digit Ratio (2D : 4D) with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. DISEASE MARKERS 2018; 2018:7698193. [PMID: 29581795 PMCID: PMC5822871 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7698193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective Intrauterine sex hormone environment as indicated by the second to the fourth digit ratio (2D : 4D) can be associated with cancer risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of 2D : 4D with cancer diagnosis, malignancy, and age at presentation. Methods Studies that evaluated the association of 2D : 4D with cancer risk were collected from Pubmed/MEDLINE and Clarivate Analytics databases. Nineteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Results The 2D : 4D ratio was studied in prostate cancer, breast cancer, testicular cancer, gastric cancer, oral cancer, brain tumors, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Low 2D : 4D was associated with prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and brain tumors, while high 2D : 4D, with breast cancer risk and cervical dysplasia. The 2D : 4D ratio was not associated with prostate, breast, and gastric cancer stage. Greater 2D : 4D ratio was associated with younger presentation of breast cancer and brain tumors. The meta-analyses demonstrated that testicular cancer was not associated with right-hand 2D : 4D ratio (p = 0.74) and gastric cancer was not associated with right-hand (p = 0.15) and left-hand (p = 0.95) 2D : 4D ratio. Conclusions Sex hormone environment during early development is associated with cancer risk later in life. Further studies exploring the link between intrauterine hormone environment and cancer risk are encouraged.
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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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Schooling CM, Houghton LC, Terry MB. Potential Intervention Targets in Utero and Early Life for Prevention of Hormone Related Cancers. Pediatrics 2016; 138:S22-S33. [PMID: 27940974 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4268e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormone-related cancers have long been thought to be sensitive to exposures during key periods of sexual development, as shown by the vulnerability to such cancers of women exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero. In addition to evidence from human studies, animal studies using new techniques, such as gene knockout models, suggest that an increasing number of cancers may be hormonally related, including liver, lung, and bladder cancer. Greater understanding of sexual development has also revealed the "mini-puberty" of early infancy as a key period when some sex hormones reach levels similar to those at puberty. Factors driving sex hormones in utero and early infancy have not been systematically identified as potential targets of intervention for cancer prevention. On the basis of sex hormone pathways, we identify common potentially modifiable drivers of sex hormones, including but not limited to factors such as obesity, alcohol, and possibly nitric oxide. We review the evidence for effects of modifiable drivers of sex hormones during the prenatal period and early infancy, including measured hormones as well as proxies, such as the second-to-fourth digit length ratio. We summarize the gaps in the evidence needed to identify new potential targets of early life intervention for lifelong cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mary Schooling
- CUNY School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, New York; .,School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Lauren C Houghton
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Lu H, Ma Z, Zhao J, Huo Z. Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and coronary heart disease. Early Hum Dev 2015; 91:417-20. [PMID: 25984655 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sex steroid exposure during human development may influence disease susceptibility. Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is thought to be a putative biomarker for prenatal hormone level during foetal life. Recently there has been a great deal of interest in 2D:4D and risk of disease in adulthood. METHODS We explored the relationship between 2D:4D ratio and coronary heart disease. Photocopies of the two hands of 310 males (controls: 155; patients: 155) were collected at Yin chuan city, in the Ningxia province of China. Left hand, right hand, mean hand and right minus left 2D:4D (Dr-l) were analysed. RESULTS The mean values of 2D:4D ratio in patients were higher than those of CSIN controls. The patients showed significantly higher 2D:4D (left hand: P < 0.01; right hand, mean hand: P < 0.05) than controls. In patients, 2D:4D (especially left hand 2D:4D) were inversely associated with age at diagnosis (left hand: P < 0.001; right hand, mean hand: P < 0.05). No association between Dr-l and age or age at presentation of disease was observed in the groups. CONCLUSION 2D:4D may correlate particularly with risk of coronary heart disease in Chinese men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lu
- Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Medical Genetic and Cell Biology, Yinchuan 750004, PR China
| | - Zhanbing Ma
- Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Medical Genetic and Cell Biology, Yinchuan 750004, PR China
| | - Junli Zhao
- Medical Reproductive Center, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, PR China
| | - Zhenghao Huo
- Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Medical Genetic and Cell Biology, Yinchuan 750004, PR China.
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